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Host an event
Organising a social event, big or small, is a great way to raise funds whilst giving your friends, family and wider community an opportunity to get together. It’s also a chance to turn that planned calendar event into something extra special.
Join Team AutismWe’d love to support you if you are planning an event. The tips below are written mainly with larger events in mind, but smaller social events can benefit from some of the same advice.
A step by step guide
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Think about your hobbies, your network, your community contacts and how best to create a successful fundraiser. Decide how much work is involved to help you determine how much dedication you can give to it.
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Set the date well in advance. Consider access to the venue, space and costs, if any. Have a contingency plan for outdoor events in case of bad weather. Ask if the venue have relevant licences in place for what you want to do such as sell alcohol or play live music.
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You can include a ticketed entry fee, use donation envelopes on tables, have smaller fundraising activities such as a raffle, auction, sweepstake, games or hold an accompanying sale at the event.
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Tell all your networks and consider if there is a local celebrity or person of interest that could attend. Share on social media, look for free event listing opportunities, use our downloadable poster and email us at community.fundraising@nas.org.uk for a press release template. Share your online giving page with those who cannot attend for extra donations.
Other top tips
- Stick to a budget – track your spending, look for cost-saving opportunities or try to get things for free.
- Organise money handling. Have an online giving page and cash option where possible.
- Set up a committee or team – delegate tasks to people’s strengths, draw up a schedule and make sure everyone is briefed before you start.
- Ask any local businesses to support your event with sponsorship or to donate prizes or services.
- Get creative. Will your event have a theme or fun entertainment?
- Be sure to thank everyone who helped you or donated. If you can do this through a channel with a link to a donation page, it could spark extra funds.
Tell us what you're doing
We’d love to hear how you're raising money to support us. Please tell us by using our fundraising form and we can provide you with extra support along the way.
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Fundraise your way
However you plan to fundraise, we’ve created resources, essential information about fundraising and us as well as frequently asked questions to help you get started.
Read more