Organising a fundraising event for AIDS work is a fantastic way to encourage people to contribute to the services of HIV/AIDS charity AVERT. Fundraising events can range from a sports match to a school-wide talent competition. It's easier than you might think to create your own activity, either by yourself or with your family and friends. Whatever you choose, AVERT has all the tools and tips to support you.
back to top Creating a fundraising event
Fundraising activities bring people together in support of a good
cause. Whether you plan an event or activity with your family members,
work
colleagues, church, friends, teachers, or school
the more people that can be involved, the more donations you're likely
to receive.
When it comes to fundraising for AIDS work, getting more people on
board is also an excellent way to raise awareness of the issues
surrounding AIDS and also
encourages people find out more about the AIDS work that you want to
support.
We've seen a whole range of fundraisers do a whole range of things in aid of AVERT. The variety of activities prove that planning a fundraising event or activity isn't as daunting as you might think; if you have a skill, talent or hobby that enjoy doing, you can collect donations in return for sharing your talents and interests with others! The sky's the limit and your imagination gets the ball rolling. For example, our fundraisers have done things like:
- Go on a pub crawl
- Bake and sell food
- Hold a 'red clothes' party
- Arrange a sponsored silence
- Hold a charity auction
- Climb a mountain
- Set up a music event
If you're feeling inspired, take a look at our Community Fundraising Pack for even more ideas and suggestions. The pack also contains advice and information on all aspects of creating a fundraising event, like what to do on the day, and how to collect and send in money.
You can also read our community group pages for more fundraising event suggestions which might apply to you.
Case Study
"The big shave was amazing...by the time the moment came to sit in the chairs, we were nervous but super excited. Surrounded by good friends, we both felt like we'd achieved something quite momentous - £1700 raised (and it's still trickling in) but more than that, we spread the word. So many people have approached us to talk about the cause, the bravery it took and the powerful result. We did this because we feel that people are still afraid/ashamed of talking about HIV/AIDS - and it felt right to shout about it, push at people's prejudices and provoke a debate. We wanted it to be fun, inspiring and empowering for people - we're grateful to everyone who donated and shared the day with us!" - Sarah Owusu and Toks Bakare discuss fundraising for AVERT
back to top Challenge Events
Got something more ambitious in mind? Always wanted to climb that mountain, take to the skies or embark on a running challenge?
Fundraising for charity could be the reason you're looking for to take on the personal challenge of a lifetime.
Challenge events often require a significant amount of initial funding in order to make sure they can be done safely and efficiently. You might need money for insurance cover or transport. Make sure that if you're raising money, you can more than cover your costs. If you'd like to talk to someone about undertaking a challenge events, please get in touch with our team and we'd be happy to discuss your ideas with you.
You might even like to take part in an AVERT event or challenge. Keep an eye on our AVERT events page where we'll be posting our updates on events that you can participate in.
Case Study
“Since establishing the business - Village Drinks, the UK's largest social networking group for gay professionals- I wanted to give something back to my communty which is so often directly impacted by the reality of HIV and AIDS. I have chosen AVERT, a charity whose Community Programme supports and builds partnerships with local organisations and who are working to directly avert the spread of HIV and AIDS.” - Everest Climber Greg Healey talks about why he chose to fundraise for AVERT.
back to top Information on how to collect donations for an event
We have lots of information on ways and means to make donations on our donate page. However, there are some methods which are just perfect for fundraising events.
Promote your fundraising event using the internet
The two main providers of online donation websites are JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving. They work like online sponsorship forms. Create a page that describes your event, and then set a target for how much you'd like to raise. People who look at your page can see your target and they can use your page to make a donation. When they donate on that page, the money is sent directly to AVERT. That means it's a quick, easy and secure way to let people know what you're doing and collect donations.
Setting up a page is easy; simply follow the step by step guides provided on the websites.
Virgin Money Giving can also accept donations made in U.S dollars, which is great news for our supporters in the U.S.A.
Remember to post links to your page on any social networking sites you use, such as Facebook or Twitter. That also includes posting on the AVERT Facebook page, which is visited by over 3,500 people! Just pop a link on our wall.
Create
a code that people can use to send a text donation from their
mobiles
Create a code that people can use to send a text donation from their mobiles (UK only)
Using the service 'Just Text Giving', you can create your own 'text code' which people can use to send a text donation. People send a text message from their mobile phone that contains the code you created, plus the amount they wish to donate in whole pounds, to the generic number 70070. The amount they entered is sent directly to AVERT but it will also show up on your own JustGiving fundraising page so you can monitor your total.
You could even create your own posters and flyers that advertise your text code.
Create a text giving code for AVERT
Shake a collection tin:
If you'd like to accept donations in collection tins, please visit our resources and downloads section and select 'Collection Tins.' We will then send you an e-mail with all the information you need about how to order tins from us, including advice on how to use collection tins safely and legally.
Remember, any tin should display AVERT's name and registration number and in most areas, a permit is required to collect money in a public place.
Use a printed sponsorship form
Our sponsorship forms are perfect if you're planning a door to door rally or if you would like people to sponsor you for a sports or challenge event.
Send in a cheque:
We can accept cheques in the post and are happy to provide a receipt of donation. Please make all cheques payable to AVERT.
More details on the many ways that you or your supporters can make a donation to AVERT can be found on our donate page.
back to top AVERT can help to promote your event
Here at AVERT we really enjoy highlighting the efforts of our fundraisers and there is plenty that we can do to help you! Check out our resources and downloads section if you would like to order free materials for your event, such as t-shirts, AVERT stickers and red ribbons.
We'd also like to make people aware of your event on our social networks and we'd encourage you to do the same! 'Like' us on Facebook and tell our thousands of fans about your fundraising story or give us some information and we'll write about your event on our wall. If you have any pictures or stories related to your fundraiser, we'd be pleased to feature them on our fundraising pages with your permission. You can send them to info@avert.org.
back to top Scheduling an event
You can fundraise as often as you wish - there really are no limits. You can also join hundreds of others who choose to fundraise every year on December the 1st- or World AIDS Day. Before planning a fundraising event or activity, it's always a good idea to check if there are any other major events or holidays that may make it difficult to book facilities or arrange transport.
back to top Keeping it safe and legal
There are various important rules and regulations surrounding fundraising events for charity, especially when it comes to asking for donations. These vary from country to country, but generally, the best practice guidelines are the same. You might need to consider:
- Health and safety
- Licensing laws
- Insurance
- Raffle and lottery legislation
- Publicity of our charity number
For more information, take a look at our Community Fundraising Pack, which we can also send you a copy of in the post if you notify us on the resources and downloads form. It should answer all of your questions, but if you have any more, please feel free to contact our fundraising team at any time.
back to top Contact our fundraising team
If you're interested in fundraising for us, we'd love to hear from you. For more information, please contact the AVERT fundraising team by e-mail, telephone or post. We'll be happy to help.
Post: 4 Brighton Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5BA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)1403 210202 (Hours are 9-5pm GMT Mon-Fri)
E-mail: Anisa.Ahmed@avert.org
