Getting started

Set up a fundraising team
Nominate an organised team co-ordinator and involve people other than those taking part in the challenge. Careful planning and regular progress meetings will help keep your fundraising on track. Hold a brainstorming session with the team, feel free to contact us to discuss your ideas and ask for support. To help you get started make sure you read through all the fundraising ideas section on the website.
Business plan
Put together a plan incorporating potential income sources and action points for team members. Break down the target of £5,000 into smaller amounts and set yourselves income deadlines. Fifty per cent of the money must come to the NDCS one month before the event so remember to allow for this in your fundraising timeline.
Enlist company support
The support of a chief or senior executive will help promote the event throughout the company and may be a significant factor in enabling you to apply for matched-giving or your organisation’s Charity Trust scheme. Approach a senior staff member who is interested in sport and outdoor activities and be sure to highlight the fantastic PR opportunities.
PR
Let your press department know you are doing the challenge so you can publicise it in your written and online publications, intranet and newsletters. Get a picture taken of your team, and use the template press release to make sure you get in your local press.
Big money
Think about organising an event. Events can take a lot of planning but are certainly worth the effort as they are potentially very lucrative. If you incorporate a raffle or an auction, you can raise an extra few hundred pounds on the night. Alternatively, hold a series of smaller events such as sporting contests or pub quizzes. Add a competitive element and ensure the first event is successful so that people are desperate to come back to the next one. For guidelines about what needs doing and when, take a look at our sample event plan.
Small change
We can provide you with collection boxes for strategic places such as your reception area or your canteen at work.
Maximise your fundraising
- Always remember that fundraising should be FUN!
- Get creative to attract as many people to take part as possible.
- If time is a problem, give your fundraising a regular focus, such as making 4pm or lunchtime every Friday your time for fundraising and planning, or add a fundraising spot to all internal meetings for a week to increase awareness and encourage fundraising.

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