Donate Volunteer Articles FAQ Donate Now
🎉

Organise a Fundraising Event

Your complete guide to planning and running a successful fundraising event for Help4Homeless

Why Organise a Fundraising Event?

Fundraising events are a fantastic way to bring people together, raise awareness about homelessness in Peterborough, and generate vital funds for our wellbeing packs. Events create memorable experiences while making a tangible difference in our community.

Whether you're planning a small gathering or a large community event, your efforts will directly help people experiencing homelessness. Every £10 raised provides one complete wellbeing pack with essential items.

Community

Bring people together for a common cause

Awareness

Educate others about homelessness

Impact

Raise funds for immediate help

Event Planning Timeline

📅

3-6 Months Before: Planning Phase

  • • Choose your event type and theme
  • • Set fundraising goals and budget
  • • Select date, time, and venue
  • • Contact Help4Homeless for support
  • • Start recruiting volunteers
📋

2-3 Months Before: Organization

  • • Book venue and suppliers
  • • Create marketing materials
  • • Set up online fundraising page
  • • Plan logistics and activities
  • • Apply for any necessary permits
📢

1-2 Months Before: Promotion

  • • Launch promotional campaign
  • • Send invitations and sell tickets
  • • Contact local media
  • • Share on social media
  • • Confirm sponsors and donors
🎉

Final Weeks: Execution

  • • Finalize all arrangements
  • • Brief volunteers and staff
  • • Prepare materials and setup
  • • Run your successful event
  • • Thank everyone and share results

Popular Event Ideas

🏃‍♀️ Sports & Fitness Events

  • Fun runs, walks, or cycling events
  • Sports tournaments (football, cricket, netball)
  • Fitness classes or yoga marathons
  • Sponsored challenges (silence, weight loss, etc.)

🎨 Creative & Cultural Events

  • Art exhibitions or craft fairs
  • Music concerts or talent shows
  • Theatre performances or comedy nights
  • Film screenings or documentary nights

🍰 Food & Social Events

  • Bake sales or cake competitions
  • Dinner parties or BBQ events
  • Coffee mornings or afternoon teas
  • Food festivals or tasting events

🎪 Community & Family Events

  • Fetes, fairs, or carnivals
  • Car boot sales or jumble sales
  • Quiz nights or bingo evenings
  • Treasure hunts or scavenger hunts

Budget Planning

💰 Income Sources

  • Ticket sales
  • Sponsorship and donations
  • Raffle or auction items
  • Food and drink sales
  • Activity or game fees

💸 Expenses to Consider

  • Venue hire or rental fees
  • Marketing and promotion costs
  • Equipment and supplies
  • Insurance and permits
  • Catering or refreshments

💡 Budget Tip

Aim for at least 70% of income to go directly to Help4Homeless. Keep expenses low by seeking in-kind donations and volunteer support.

Marketing and Promotion

📱 Digital Marketing

  • • Create a Facebook event page
  • • Share on Instagram and Twitter
  • • Use event hashtags (#Help4HomelessPboro)
  • • Email your contacts and networks
  • • Set up online ticketing/donation page

📢 Traditional Marketing

  • • Posters and flyers in local shops
  • • Community notice boards
  • • Local newspaper and radio
  • • Word of mouth and personal invites
  • • School or workplace newsletters

🤝 Community Engagement

  • • Contact local community groups
  • • Partner with other organizations
  • • Reach out to local businesses
  • • Engage local influencers or leaders
  • • Cross-promote with other events

📊 Promotional Materials

  • • Ask Help4Homeless for branded materials
  • • Create eye-catching posters
  • • Design social media graphics
  • • Print tickets or wristbands
  • • Prepare donation collection materials

Legal and Safety Considerations

⚖️ Legal Requirements

Check if you need permits for public events, food handling certificates, or entertainment licenses. Contact Peterborough City Council for guidance.

🛡️ Safety Planning

Conduct risk assessments, have first aid available, ensure proper supervision, and plan for emergencies.

💰 Money Handling

Keep accurate records, use secure donation methods, and have clear procedures for handling cash and online payments.

📋 Insurance

Consider event insurance, especially for larger events. Check if venue insurance covers your activities.

Day of Event Checklist

✅ Before Event

  • Set up venue and decorations
  • Test sound systems and equipment
  • Brief volunteers on roles
  • Prepare donation collection points

🎉 During Event

  • Welcome guests and explain the cause
  • Regularly announce fundraising progress
  • Take photos and videos for sharing
  • Thank everyone throughout the event

After Your Event

💰 Handle Donations

Count all money, complete donation forms, and submit funds to Help4Homeless within 7 days. Keep accurate records of all income and expenses.

📊 Share Your Success

Announce your total amount raised, share photos on social media, and thank everyone who participated. Tag Help4Homeless so we can share your success too!

📝 Feedback and Learning

Gather feedback from volunteers and attendees. Note what worked well and what could be improved for next time.

🏆 Celebrate Your Impact

Remember how many wellbeing packs your event funded. Every £10 helps one person in Peterborough experiencing homelessness.

Ready to Plan Your Event?

We're here to support you every step of the way