How to set up your fundraiser

Fundraising is a brilliant, fun and an effective way to help your favourite Scout Groups get donations and awareness for a much-needed cause. Take a look at our top tips so you can sit back, relax and enjoy raising vital donations.

If you’re thinking of hosting a fundraiser to support UK Scouts, please get in touch today – we’d love to say thanks and offer any support you might need.

Tip 1: Your cause

Find a cause that moves you!

Every fundraiser has a purpose, what’s yours? You could have a specific reason for raising money, like repairing the roof of your Scout hut. Or, a broader reason to fundraise, for example to support another charity.

Whatever the reason, think about why your cause is important: What will happen if you can’t reach your target? What becomes possible when you do reach your target?

In other words: how will someone’s donation have a real and tangible impact on an individual, Scout group, community or future generations?

Top tip: If you’re ever tired or stuck circle back to this section and remind you and your team why your fundraising efforts are so important.

Tip 2: Choose your fundraiser

Start a mind map or jot some ideas down!

Enjoy a brainstorm with your team. There are hundreds of fundraising events and activities for you to choose from so let’s make it easier to find one that suits you. Break it down:

• Do you have a date or deadline?
• What’s your audience’s age group, interests, financial capabilities (i.e. to set ticket prices)?
• What’s your budget?
• Would you like your audience to attend an event or sponsor someone’s challenge?
• Do you have connections to get venue discounts, raffle prizes or special guests?

Remember, simple is best. Don’t over-complicate your fundraiser. Keep asking yourself “Will this help me reach my fundraising target?”

Need more help? Read our A-Z Fundraising Ideas to get some inspiration on a range of classic, fun and wacky fundraising events.

Tip 3: Campaign planning

Everyone’s got a role to play!

Scouts are known for their can-do attitude, willingness to help others and having fun. Make the most of the helpful team around you. Find out everyone’s strengths and the tasks they’d like to do.

Does someone in your fundraising team have connections to local businesses that could sponsor your cause? Try to get a face-to-face meeting so one way to help you get a foot in the door is to pick up the phone and arrange a meeting or coffee with them. Try to avoid sending an email – they’ll receive so many emails each day and we don’t want yours getting missed!

Top tip: Make a list of all the tasks you need to do, who’s doing each task and when it needs to be completed by. If everything’s written down you don’t have to worry about remembering it all.

Tip 4: Online fundraising and promotion

Welcome to the digital age!

Make the most of the Scouts Brand Centre to create posters, flyers, email templates and so much more. We’ve got all the colours and logos ready for you so you can create some amazing promotion materials for your fundraiser in minutes.

Promote your fundraiser on your fundraising page, social media, emails, newsletter, to local press (if possible) and to local businesses. Keep sharing it every time you have more news.

Don’t be afraid to play around with online fundraising – try different buzz words or sharing news at different times of the day. It’s important not to rush or skip this part of your fundraiser – you’d be surprised how easily you can raise donations or sell tickets online.

Online fundraising top tips >

Tip 5: Gift Aid

An extra pocket of funding!

Gift Aid is a fantastic tool for Scouts to raise vital funds. It’s a tax relief allowing UK charities to claim 25% for every eligible donation made by a UK taxpayer.

Read our Gift Aid FAQ guide to find out everything you need to know.