How to Host a Hospice Fundraiser

Giving back to your community can be incredibly rewarding. The dedication shown to providing compassionate care for terminally ill patients and their loved ones is truly inspiring. One of the most impactful ways you can contribute is by hosting a fundraiser using some of the great hospice fundraising ideas below. 

Don’t worry if you’ve never organised an event before – we have a dedicated hospice fundraising team who have shared their experience and understanding below. This guide on how to host a fundraiser will equip you with the knowledge and ideas to plan a successful and memorable fundraiser.

Start By Creating a Solid Foundation

Once you’ve settled on your fundraising concept, it’s time to create a comprehensive plan on how to host your fundraiser. This includes establishing a realistic timeframe for the event, outlining your budget, and determining the necessary materials and supplies. Food and drinks are important considerations as well. Don’t underestimate the importance of enlisting help from others. Delegate tasks such as serving food or managing registrations to ensure a smooth operation on the day of the event.

Spreading the Word

The success of your fundraiser hinges on effective promotion. Start by leveraging your existing network – friends, family, and colleagues who are likely to be personally interested. The best form of spreading the word is still word of mouth, between acquaintances or even strangers. 

Social media offers a powerful platform to reach a wider audience. Set up an online giving page that you can easily share across your social media platforms. Beyond creating your own on social media or posting on relevant Facebook fundraising groups, popular platforms that make this easier are Enthuse, JustGiving, GoFundMe, and Much Loved. You can also search the government’s charity commission for supporting organisations.

For those who aren’t active on social media, sending a mass email blast can be an effective strategy. Public spaces like community notice boards are also great locations to post flyers.

Hospice Fundraising Tips

1. Appeal to Emotions: People donate more freely when they feel a connection to the cause. Share stories of how Hospice in the Weald has impacted lives, and highlight the positive difference your fundraiser will make.
2. Offer Matching Gifts: Encourage companies to match employee donations. This incentivises individual giving and significantly boosts your fundraising efforts.
3. Multiple Giving Options: Cater to different preferences by providing various donation methods. Offer online giving through a secure platform, accept cheques and cash donations, and explore mobile payment options.
4. Leverage Social Proof: Showcase the generosity of others. Publicly thank donors and sponsors, and share progress updates highlighting how close you are to reaching your fundraising goal.
5. Go the Extra Mile: Express gratitude to attendees and donors with personalised thank-you notes or emails. Consider small thank-you gifts for larger contributions to create a lasting impression.

The Big Day Arrives!

It’s finally here – the day of your fundraiser! While ensuring everything runs smoothly is important, remember to prioritise fun and create a positive atmosphere. If you’re overwhelmed with managing the activity itself, delegate tasks to trusted friends or reach out to our team for assistance. Adding a personal touch can significantly enhance the experience for attendees. Consider inviting one of our Hospice in the Weald ambassadors to share their experience with the hospice. This personal connection can leave a lasting impression and highlight the crucial role hospice plays in the community.

Once the festivities conclude, you can easily settle the final amount with your chosen hospice via credit/debit card or bank transfer. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a successful fundraiser that makes a real difference in the lives of our hospice patients.

• Quiz Night: Challenge your guests’ trivia knowledge with a fun-filled quiz night. You can create your own questions or partner with a local pub or quiz organisation.
• Band night: Reach out to local bands and tell them about your cause – many are happy to help out by offering some free entertainment! Bands often have great social media platforms too, and can appeal to their fans to come through to the event and participate in a good cause.
• Bake Sale: Indulge your baking talents and organise a bake sale. Alternatively, you can turn it into a communal event by encouraging others to contribute their culinary creations.
• Karaoke Night: Unleash your inner rockstar (or at least have a good laugh trying) with a lively karaoke night. Charge an entry fee and offer additional revenue streams through a cash bar or snack stand.
• Themed Movie Night: Transform your backyard into an open-air cinema. Choose a popular (or cult classic) movie, charge an entry fee, and provide popcorn, snacks, and drinks for purchase.
• Games Night: Dust off your favourite board games or organise a classic casino night for a touch of friendly competition. Charge an entry fee and offer prizes for the winners of various games. You can also set up a concession stand selling snacks and drinks.
• A Treasure Hunt: Organise a community-wide treasure hunt. Sell tickets to participants who must decipher clues and navigate around town (or a designated area) to find hidden treasures. Treasures can be small trinkets or sponsor-donated prizes. This is a great outdoor activity that promotes teamwork and exploration.
• Spa Day for Charity: Partner with local massage therapists, hairstylists, and beauty professionals to offer a relaxing spa day fundraiser. Sell tickets that grant access to mini spa treatments, manicures, pedicures, or mini makeovers. Create a zen atmosphere with calming music, comfortable seating, and light refreshments.
• Doggy Dash or Sponsored Walk: Capitalise on our love for our furry companions by hosting a Doggy Dash or sponsored walk. Dog owners can register their pups for a fun walk or obstacle course competition. Ask for sponsorships from local pet stores or veterinary clinics. This is a great way to get people active outdoors while raising money for a good cause.
• Volunteer Talent Show: Showcase the hidden talents of the community with a volunteer talent show. Encourage people to sign up and perform anything from singing and dancing to stand-up comedy or magic tricks. Charge an entry fee and sell concessions to raise additional funds. This is a light-hearted event that celebrates the community’s creativity.
• Community Car Wash Extravaganza: Partner with a local car wash business or organise a DIY car wash event in a parking lot. Charge a fee per car wash and encourage volunteers to participate in the washing fun. This is a social and interactive activity that benefits both HITW and participating car owners.

By carefully planning your event and promoting it effectively, you can host a fundraiser that’s rewarding and fun for everyone. Remember, your local fundraising team is there to support you every step of the way. With their guidance on how to host a fundraiser and your enthusiasm, you can help change lives for the better! From everyone at Hospice in the Weald, a local charity hospice in Kent, we wish you the very best of luck.