Fundraising FAQs

How much does the fundraising team need to raise each year?

The fundraising team income target for 2011/12 is £690,000.

Why can’t fundraisers ask every Harris HospisCare supporter to give £100 every year and then some of the target will be raised?

This is a ‘catch-all’ fundraising approach and one that will not raise the £690,000 needed every year – it would be extremely hard to monitor, it is clumsy and tends to lower the sums we know we can raise. In addition we will not be able to formulate the relationships and strong bonds we need with our supporters. We know we already have donors who can afford to give much more than £100 whilst others may not.

Why don’t you write letters to everyone asking them to give?

Face-to-face asking is at least ten times more successful than writing or telephoning. We telephone to make appointments but actually ask for a gift face-to-face.

Do you have corporate support?

We would not be able to provide such high quality care without the financial support we receive from companies. Companies are increasingly aware of their community and social responsibilities and involvement in charity is becoming a vital part of corporate key aims.

The ‘Charity of the Year’ initiative can affect a positive impact on your business and strategic partnerships can help long term investment with your staff and customers to achieve key targets and performance.

Sponsorship of events can raise the profile of a new product or service. Companies which donate money to charity will obtain a deduction for this gift from taxable profits.

Do you receive funds from Trusts, Foundations and Livery Companies?

We do receive some grants from Trust, Foundations and Livery Companies for various projects throughout the hospice. We are always looking for new links to these types of foundations so if you know anyone on a Trust Board or involved in the decision making process please do provide an introduction for Harris HospisCare.

I would like to organise a fundraising event, can you offer help and support?

Yes we can offer lots of advice, promotional materials and items to sell. Here is a full guide on how to organise your fundraising event. You could also check out www.how2fundraise.org for further information.

Will you help publicise my event to the public?

We can certainly help prepare any press releases, remember the more unusual your event the more attention you will receive! Photographs are also useful to attract more publicity.

Do I need public liability insurance for my event?

Check with the venue it could be that their insurance will cover the activity you plan to hold. If not we have insurance that may cover you. You may have to do a risk assessment. Please call one of the team for a chat if you need any help.

Do I need a licence to sell alcohol at my event?

This depends on your venue so check with them first. If not, contact the local council to apply for a licence.

I would like to approach businesses for prizes or sponsorship – do I need to tell you?

Yes please! We need to know of any companies that you approach as this ensures that should the company contact us we can confirm that the approach is genuinely for us. We can provide you with a letter acknowledging that you are holding an event in aid of us.

Can I use cloakroom tickets for a raffle at my event?

Yes, but only if they are sold on the same day as the draw. If you plan to sell tickets before the event you need to produce printed raffle tickets via the hospice showing our charity number and promoter’s name – please call one of the team for advice.

Do you have any information about Harris HospisCare that I can pass on to those supporting my event?

Yes, we can provide information leaflets and other promotional material for you to have at your event.

How do I ensure I’m acting legally?

You need to be aware of all laws and regulations affecting your fundraising activities. Here are some examples of the sorts of thing you need to bear in mind:

• Please do not collect money door-to-door – without a licence, this is illegal.
• If your fundraising involves collecting money or selling goods in a public place, you need to obtain permission and a licence from your local authority.
• Where events take place on private property, you must obtain permission from the owner or manager.
• Small raffles are fine as long as they don’t contain cash prizes and are part of a larger event. Other raffles may be unlawful, so you must check with us before holding these.
• If you are supplying food and drink, you are responsible for seeing that it is deemed fit and safe, even if the public aren’t paying for it. The Food Safety Act (1990) covers all food prepared for public consumption – including raffle prizes, free ice creams and buffets.

Please contact Christine Davies, Fundraising Manager to discuss your event.

I would like to complete a sponsored challenge in aid of Harris HospisCare – where do I get a sponsorship form?

Please contact a member of the fundraising team to let us know about your event and we will email a form or send one in the post.

Can I create a sponsorship form online?

Yes, we work with Virgin Money Giving. It is really easy to set up your page and then you can tell all your friends by email and facebook. Your friends can give their donation online whilst leaving a message on your page. The money is sent directly to our bank account saving you the hassle of chasing your friends for the cash!

More information can be found here

When should I take the money that I have raised at my event or by sponsorship to the hospice?

Please bring your money to the hospice as soon as possible after your event.

What happens if I need to drop out of an event?

Please contact the fundraising team as soon as possible.

Can I collect money in public?

Yes, provided you have obtained a licence from the local authority. Alternatively you may wish to get involved in one of our collection please contact Christine Davies.

I want to help but I don’t get out much – what can I do?

We could send you a homebox to collect your small change, every penny really does make a difference. Contact the fundraising team to have a homebox sent in the post.

Who should I make cheques payable to?

Harris HospisCare

What is your Registered Charity Number?

1003903

I would like to make a complaint about Harris HospisCare fundraising, what should I do?

In the first instance please contact Christine Davies, Fundraising Manager. If she is not able to help or you feel your complaint has not been dealt with satisfactorily please put it in writing and we will respond as soon as possible.

Our aim is always to provide the very best fundraising experience to all our supporters.