Fundraise for us

Community Fundraising

There are so many rewarding ways in which you can get involved in supporting your local charity.

Try to come up with new and exciting ways of fundraising, the more creative the better!
Give yourselves plenty of time to plan your event and/or get sponsors.
Brainstorm to come up with an event that will be both fun and rewarding.
Set a date for your event.
Set a budget - How much will you need to spend? How much do you expect to raise? What will you need to charge people in order to make a profit?
You may find it helpful to do a breakdown of actions and costs.
Remember, people don’t like to spend too much money so make ticket costs reasonable. If you are holding a raffle, ask local businesses if they will support your event by donating prizes.
Don't forget to ask permission to fundraise - especially if you are planning to do a collection in a public place. A licence will be required.
Please email us to let us know if you are fundraising for us - we are always delighted to hear from our supporters!
We can provide you with as many sponsorship forms as you wish. Depending on how much you hope to raise we can produce posters, tickets, and collecting boxes. We have unique St John’s Hospice T shirts which we can provide free of charge.
If you are a UK taxpayer St. John's can make an extra 25p for every £1 you raise with Gift Aid. Download your Gift Aid form from the 'Gift Aid' section to the left.

Use our straightforward tips on writing press releases to help you get the most from your publicity.

Press releases should be short (one side of paper only), clear and attention-grabbing

Type the press release with double line spacing

The first paragraph of the press release should say WHAT is happening, WHEN and WHERE, and WHO is organising it.

You should then explain WHY it is happening The first sentence should be exciting and attention-grabbing.

If you have got a celebrity involved, mention that early on.

Any good photo opportunities? Mention these, as local papers are always looking for good pictures to include with stories.

Include a telephone number or email address for reporters to get back to you.

Try to send your press release to the Editorial dept and the ‘What's On' dept of your local weekly newspaper two weeks before the publication date.

Send it to the Forward Planning dept and the ‘What's On' dept of your local radio or TV station one week before the desired announcement date.

Ring up the media before the event to see if a photographer or reporter is coming. Choose a volunteer to look after them on the day.

Please be sure to thank the newspaper or radio/TV station following the event.

Please let us know of any media coverage that you have achieved - we will be thrilled to hear from you!

Please talk to the fundraising team about your ideas on 01524 382538 or email us.