Plan your event

Work out what type of fundraising activity you’d like to organise. Try to think of something fun that suits your lifestyle and will appeal to your networks. The sky’s the limit when it comes to fundraising activities, but if you need some inspiration, go to our ideas for fundraising for some of our favourite suggestions. 

Consider where you are going to hold your event. If you need to make a booking, don’t leave it until the last minute and don’t be afraid to ask for prizes, services and venues to be donated. You‘ll be surprised at how generous people can be when it’s for a good cause!

Put a team together

Running an event is so much easier as part of a team. Recruit some helpers to share the responsibility – and the fun. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve together.

Set a date and gather a crowd

Give your guests plenty of notice by sending a ‘save the date’ as soon as possible, and then follow up with the full event details closer to the time. Create a Facebook event page to create a buzz around your event and help manage RSVPs. Put up posters and send a few reminder emails in the run up to the big day – go to our ‘Posters to promote your fundraising’ and ‘Social media profile image’ for some great resources. You can also talk to your local paper or radio station and see if they’d be interested in promoting your event.

Focus on fundraising

While fun is of course high on the agenda, it’s important to remember the ultimate goal is to raise vital funds for Red Cross. So think about how you’ll raise money. Will you charge an entry fee on the day? Will you sell tickets in advance? Perhaps a local business would donate a prize that you could raffle or auction? Or will you simply ask for a donation? Ask your guests to bring a friend or two. It’s a great way to meet new people and an easy way to boost your fundraising total. Remember – double the guests, double your donations.

Don’t forget to say ‘thank you’

It’s always a nice touch to say or send a big thank you to everyone who helped make your event possible; your team of happy helpers, the venue managers, anyone who donated goods or prizes, and of course your generous guests who attended and made your event a success by donating.

The money raised from your event will contribute to the vital everyday work of Red Cross, supporting people in need across Australia and overseas. Don’t forget to share the final total raised so your guests can feel proud of what you achieved together. Send an email and use our downloadable thank you certificate to share the great news!

Charity donations of $2 or more to Australian Red Cross may be tax deductible in Australia. Site protected by Google Invisible reCAPTCHA. © Australian Red Cross 2024. ABN 50 169 561 394