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Fundraising Tips

IDEAS

• Sponsored Events are often a good way of raising money. There are many different types of sponsored events you can do:

• Admission Events enable you to charge a small entry fee to contribute to your fundraising efforts. For example:

• Charity Sales or Auctions:

• Writing Letters/ Emailing Friends:
Writing a postcard or email to a friend who you think may be supportive is a great way of introducing new people and contacts to UNHCR. Information leaflets and magazines, and postcards are available from UNHCR’s London office (link). You could also refer them to our international website: www.unhcr.org where they are able to donate on-line.

KEY MESSAGES

Fundraising is an opportunity to give the public some positive messages about refugees and asylum seekers. Here are the key messages which we suggest you try to put across:

• Refugees and asylum seekers make positive contributions to our
society.
• Refugees have fled for their lives and have been subjected to serious
human rights abuses.
• Protection of refugees is an international responsibility, and the UK
must play a role in offering sanctuary.
• Contrary to popular belief, the UK takes only a small proportion of the
world’s refugees.

TIPS FOR THE EVENT

However big or small, organising a fundraising activity needs thought, planning and effort in order to be a success. You might not need to cover all of the following points if you are planning a small activity, or perhaps you will need to think of other things if your activity is on a larger scale.

Coming up with an idea
The following may help to try to firm up your ideas:
• Who is your target audience? What will the target audience enjoy/ respond to? Where will you hold the activity? Who will help you organise it? When are you going to it?
Before deciding when it is going to be you need to check:
• What other activities are going on which might draw people away from your activity? What date is convenient for you and the other organisers? When are the other participants available? When is the venue available?

Your budget
If you are organising a fundraising activity, you don’t just want to make money - you want to make a profit! Make a list of all your likely expenses - you may be surprised at how many “hidden” ones there. Then make a second list, of all the ways you’re hoping to bring money in. Now deduct the expenditure from the expected income – are you happy with the result? If not, then see how you can reduce costs - what can you borrow or get donated? Will a local company sponsor the event in return for a mention in the publicity?

Use your contacts
Identify other groups (e.g. local community groups, faith groups, refugee community groups, youth clubs, local branches of international charities) in your area that might be interested in supporting your activity – either in helping to organise it, using their contacts to get support or just by coming along.

Media interest
Local media may well be interested in covering the event. Make sure the date is in their diaries well in advance as local publications can often have long term lead-in times. UNHCR would be happy to advise if you have any questions on the best way to approach the media.

On the day
As well as providing an enjoyable activity, this is a great opportunity to highlight refugee issues and possibly pick up some long-term support. Could a UNHCR poster be put up and information leaflets made available for people to take away? Some people might like to make a donation on the day so ensure you have collection boxes available. It is also a good idea to get names and addresses of supporters - have a signing in book available so people can leave their details and be kept informed of any future events in your area. Make sure you have enough volunteers to help the day run smoothly and that everyone is clear about their role.

Follow up
Can there be a review in the local newspaper about the activity? You could let the local media how the event went and how many people attended and (if appropriate) how much money was raised. Make sure you thank everyone involved. And don’t forget to tell us how you got on.

Fundraising Material available from UNHCR London
Posters, information leaflets, Refugees magazine, postcards, videos, mock refugee camps, sheeting (for sleep-outs), various exhibitions and refugee childrens’ paintings.
For more detailed information on any of these please refer to our resources section.

Please make cheques payable to “UNHCR” and send to UNHCR, Public Information Section, Strand Bridge House, 138-142 Strand, London, WC1R 2HH.

UNHCR Branch Office London regrets that it can only process cheques in pounds. All All other currencies should be sent to UNHCR’s international Headquarters in Geneva at UNHCR, Public Information Section, CP 2500, 1211 Genève 2 Dépôt, Switzerland.

YOUR SUPPORT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.