Community Fundraising

There are so many rewarding ways in which you can get involved and fundraising is one of the most crucial.

  • Try to set up a fundraising team with regular meetings.
  • Give yourselves plenty of time.
  • 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.
  • 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 for. Depending on how much you hope to raise we can produce posters, tickets, collecting boxes, banners. We have unique St John’s Hospice T shirts which can be bought for a nominal amount.
  • 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 this page.

Advertising and publicity

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 me about your ideas: Julie Miller on 01524 382538 or email the fundraising department