There are numerous types of fundraising activities and events. The type that you decide depends to some extent on your imagination, the resources you’ve got to work with, and what will work for your group. You could run fun days, sponsored walks, street collections, car boot sales, galas and fetes. Larger charities organise overseas treks or cycle rides, where the participants pay their own costs and raise money from friends and family. Some organise dinners and entertainment or a garden fete, where individuals buy tickets to attend, supplemented by other fundraising activities such as a raffle or fundraising auction.

What you decide to organise will be based on:

• the time, skills and experience your fundraising committee and other volunteers can offer
• any other resources or contacts you have
• the financial target you hope to reach from the event, and whether it’s a realistic one
• whether you think it is worth the time and effort
• whether it is the kind of activity that fits the image of your group
• whether or not it will be fun for your members

Forward planning is crucial, as it can take months to successfully set up even quite simple events. Put together an action plan outlining who’s doing what and when, draw up a simple budget for any costs, plan how you will publicise your event, check out legal issues like permits and licences, and think about health and safety, handling cash and insurance. For some events, your group may need to take out insurance against public liability, theft or damage and even against the possibility of bad weather for an outdoor event. Licences may also be required for raffles or bingo.

It is a good idea to form a fundraising sub-committee to organise your event. Don’t leave all the work to one or two people – involve as many people as possible, and give everyone clear roles.