Plan Your Own Event

Plan Your Own Event ​

Please see below for our list of tips for fundraising events. By supporting our work, you’ll be part of an amazing community of fundraisers all helping to transform the state of student mental health. If you have any questions at all, please contact fundraising@studentminds.org.uk. 

1. Decide on your fundraiser

Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

• Organise a quiz, with ticketed entry.
• Put on a dinner party instead of going out for a meal with your friends, and ask them to give what they would have paid at a restaurant as a donation. 
• If you’re part of a student society, theme your event around what bonds you already - e.g. a football match, a dance-a-thon, a 24 hour radio broadcast, a chess tournament.
• Take on a personal challenge. This could be giving something up, such as chocolate or  alcohol. Alternatively, it could be doing something that scares you, such as bungee-jumping or shaving your head.
• Organise a clothes swap on your campus and charge people to take part. This is also a great way of acquiring a new wardrobe sustainably! ​

2. Plan and register your event

If this is your first time running an event and you’re struggling with what to do, our planning checklist below may help: 

• Decide on a date. 
• Register your event with us. We’ll send you a digital fundraising pack and will be on hand to support you. 
• Read our advice for keeping your event safe and legal. 
• Research and book a venue. You might have access to a free venue at your work or university.  If you are booking a venue, let them know that you are running a charity event as you may get a free or reduced price.  Other things to consider are the capacity, accessibility and if you are you allowed to sell food and drink.
• Complete a risk assessment for the venue.
• If it’s a big event, recruit volunteers to help with planning and organisation. Put together a clear timeline for when tasks need to be done and by who. 
• Think about other resources you will need - e.g printing, speakers, catering, entertainment. ​
• Set up a fundraising page  on JustGiving- online fundraising is a great way to fundraise, or supplement offline activities. 
  
  

Please bear in mind people's different levels of comfort with big gatherings. You may want to consider measures like asking people to wear face coverings and take a lateral flow test, as well as social distancing and ventilation.

3. Publicise your event

To get maximum attendance and donations, make sure to publicise your fundraiser as much as possible. 

• Social media: 
  • The easiest way to get the word out there is by posting regular updates on social media. 
  • We’re set up on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, so make sure to tag us in your posts, and use the hashtag #TeamStudentMinds! 
  • If you register your event, you’ll find template social media posts and images in your free fundraising pack. 

 

• Personal messages: 
  • Let people know individually by WhatsApp, email or direct message. Make sure you include the key details (when/where/what the event is) and how they can take part.
  • If you’ve got an online fundraising page, make sure to link to it. 
  • You could also include a link to your online fundraising page in your email signature.

 

• Posters: 
  • You may also want to make a poster to advertise your event using our template.
  • Make sure to put this up in as many places as possible well in advance. 
  • You can also download posters and leaflets about Student Minds to have on display on the day from our website.

 

• Press and media: 
  • Student newspapers always want to hear about what’s going on on campus, and similarly regional newspapers are always looking for stories about the amazing things people are doing in the area - so let them know what you’re up to! 
  • If you are interested in getting press involved, we have guidelines which may be helpful - please email info@studentminds.org.uk and we’ll send these to you.  

 

• The Student Minds Blog: 
  • We’d love for you to write a post for the Student Minds Blog about your preparation for the event or your reason for supporting Student Minds. 
    • Read our other fundraiser’s stories for inspiration.

4. After the event

Make sure to post photos from the event online and tag @StudentMindsOrg. This may also help you to get a few last minute donations! Don’t forget to share how much you raised, and thank those who attended and played a part in making your activity a success. You can also use the hashtag #TeamStudentMinds to connect with other fundraisers in our network.

5. Paying in the money

If you’ve set up an online fundraising page, there’s nothing more you need to do – the money will automatically be sent to us. If you haven't set up a page you can see other ways to donate h​ere.  Please note that if you are fundraising on behalf of a university society, the money must be donated through your Students’ Union’s bank account. This is required to make sure that they are complying with charity law.