Planning a Fundraising Event

Whatever you’re thinking of doing to raise money for our dogs and cats, here are 10 top tips to get you started.

A small group of people chatting at a market stall

Ready to get started?

Kick off your fundraising journey by creating your JustGiving page

Set up your page

1. REGISTER AND GET YOUR FUNDRAISING MATERIALS 

Start by choosing a fundraising idea – something you enjoy and can turn into a fun way to support every dog and cat.

Once you’ve chosen your idea, register your fundraising (link to SLF registration form) to get your free fundraising pack. It’s full of materials, tips and resources to help make your event a success. 

2. SET A TARGET

Whatever you raise, every penny will help us continue our vital work. Set a target to focus your fundraising (aim high!) and plan your costs to make sure you’ll be making a profit.

Here are some goals you could use: 

  • £100 could help us bring dogs and cats from partner rescues to Battersea so we can help them find a new home
  • £300 could help provide specialist bedding to keep dogs and cats comfortable and warm after surgery
  • £500 could help us treat dogs and cats with complex medical conditions. 

3. DECIDE HOW TO RAISE THE MONEY

Once you have your target, break it down into manageable pieces so you can decide how you’ll raise the money. Will you charge for tickets, or an entry fee? Are you going to sell food or drinks? Will you need a collection tin? 

Remember to be clear with people about where their donations will go. For example, if you're selling tickets, tell them how much of the ticket price will go to Battersea. 

4. SET A DATE 

Check that the event date doesn't clash with any other local events or any national, school or religious holidays which might affect how many people can join in. 

£25

could pay for a cat essentials bundle which includes an igloo, bowls and a litter tray.

£45

could pay for a dog essentials bundle which includes a cosy bed and food bowl for a small dog.

£85

could pay for an enrichment bundle for a small dog including items such as toys, treats, blankets and a relaxing plugin diffuser.

£300

could pay for a bundle to care for a mum and her puppy’s including items such as puppy pads, a puppy Kong, scales and puppy teether toys.

5. FIND A VENUE

If you need to book a venue,  get in touch as soon as you can to make sure the date is available. Check that it has the right facilities for your event, and that you know how to work any equipment you’ll need. Also, check if your venue needs a licence for collecting cash. We can give you a letter of authorisation if you need it. 

6. ASK LOVED ONES FOR HELP 

Don't feel you have to do everything on your own. Ask for help and support from friends and family so you can share the workload. 

7.  SPREAD THE WORD

Make sure people know what you’re doing, and why.

  • Word of mouth. Tell your family, tell your friends, tell the postie... tell everyone that you’re raising money for Battersea!
  • Get social. Use your social media accounts and make sure to tag Battersea
  • Write a blog to share your fundraising experience. 

8.  MAXIMISE YOUR MONEY

  • Set up an online fundraising webpage. Online giving is easy to set up through JustGiving, and you can personalise your page with a story and images. It also means friends and family can sponsor you, day or night, wherever they are in the world. JustGiving pages are also a great way to collect donations from people attending your event, such as making a donation to attend, or if they want to donate to receive a cake. All the money pledged will come straight to Battersea
  • Gift Aid it. If your sponsors are UK taxpayers, they can make their donations worth 25% more at no cost to them. Simply make sure they tick the Gift Aid box on the sponsorship form. We can send you paper sponsorship forms once you have registered.
  • Get your money matched. Some companies take part in matched giving schemes where they’ll double the money you raise. Why not ask your employer? 

9.  BE LEGAL AND SAFE 

We’re so grateful to everyone who fundraises for us. There are some important things you have to think about to make sure your fundraising is safe and legal. 

Insurance

Our insurance does not cover your fundraising event. We advise that you arrange your own cover as necessary. 
 If you organise an event that involves the public in any way, you will need to make sure that the venue has got the appropriate public liability insurance. 
 

Risk assessment

Whatever your event, it’s always advisable to carry out a risk assessment to make sure that you can keep everyone safe. 

A risk assessment is a careful examination of what could put others in danger during your event, so that you can think about the precautions or actions you need to take to prevent harm.

Visit the Health and Safety Executive website for more guidance and template risk assessment forms.

 

Food regulations

Food safety laws apply when food is available at an event, whether it’s for sale or not. So you must make sure you follow the relevant food hygiene procedures. For information on food hygiene and safety legislation, contact your local council’s environmental health department.

 

 Drink regulations

If you want to sell alcoholic drinks at your event, you’ll need a licence. If you use a venue such as a pub or restaurant, they should already have a license to cover you. 

You can apply to your local council for a short-term licence, known as a temporary event notice (TEN). Make sure you know all the rules of a Temporary Event Notice.

You can serve alcohol without a licence if you are not asking people to pay for it. So you could think about increasing your ticket price and including drinks for free, or asking for a voluntary donation rather than minimum payment per drink. 

10. GET IN TOUCH 

We're here to help you. So, make sure you register your fundraising plans to let us know what you're doing, or you can email us on doyourownthing@battersea.org.uk and ask us any questions you have.  

NEED HELP?

We are here to support your fundraising, your way. If you have any questions or would simply like to chat about your idea, you can call our Supporter Services team on 0300 323 1216 or email doyourownthing@battersea.org.uk.