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.
3. Publicise your event
To get maximum attendance and donations, make sure to publicise your fundraiser as much as possible.
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 here. 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. |