Mountain Rescue England and Wales

Pick your event

The first thing to do is to decide what you are going to do. Don't just go for the first thing that comes into your head, spend a little time thinking it through. If you're short of ideas try looking at our list of ideas. Choose an event everyone will enjoy. Think about your target audience – Who? How many?

Start small – you can always develop later. Can you run this event on your own, or will you need a committee or a team of volunteers? How much will you make, will it be more than the event costs to run (a general guide is to make at least three times as much as the event costs)? Will you be able to get extra revenue through Gift Aid or Employee Matching?

Pick your date carefully

Does the date clash with any major or national event in your area? Does the weekend make it easier for everyone to attend, or does it need to be held during work or school hours? Will you be able to organise everything in time?

Get the fundraising registration pack

We have produced a fundraising pack which contains all the information you will need to register your event and ensure the money reaches us. Download it here.

Have you remembered everything?

Take a moment to check that you've thought of everything. It's important to ensure you are complying with any legislation and that everyone who takes part will be safe.

• Check out our Keep it Safe and Legal Page.
• Raffles have special conditions.
• Check our Top Tips.

Find a venue

Is the venue suitable (big enough, seats and tables, toilet facilities, disabled access, cloakroom)? Book it well in advance as some venues book up quickly. Is a deposit required? Make sure the venue staff know exactly what your event is. Have you asked what they can help you with – equipment, publicity etc. Do they provide catering facilities? How much, what choice, and is there a vegetarian option? Confirm your reservation, not only in writing but again, nearer the time to avoid double bookings.

Equipment

You will need to work out what equipment is needed and where you can get it from. Do you need a TV, video, CD player, microphone? How much will it cost to hire equipment? Do you need to put down a deposit? Can you get it for free?

Sort out the finances

In the end, this is all about raising money so make sure the sums add up! Have you set yourself a fundraising target which is around three times as much as you spend? Otherwise it may not be worthwhile. Your income might include ticket/entry fees, sponsorship, donations, raffles, auctions, advertising, sale of goods and refreshments. The costs soon add up – for example postage, photocopying, equipment and hire changes. Have you asked local businesses if they'd donate prizes, loan of equipment or premises and cover any costs? Choose carefully with ethical matters in mind – if in doubt, contact the National Fundraising Fund Line 08702 404024. Don't forget to arrange to have somewhere safe to keep any money you collect, and you will need someone to witness you count it.

Publicise the event

To ensure your event is a success you need to promote it, otherwise no one will know about it. Local papers, local radio and TV, flyers, posters and – increasingly popular – viral marketing through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. In short, wherever you think your message might be seen and heard.

Enjoy your event

After all the hard work done before the event, make sure you enjoy the event yourself! Don't forget to keep it safe and legal.

Afterwards

Have you thanked everyone? Keep details of everyone who has supported you as this helps you keep track of who you need to thank. Ensure that all hired or borrowed equipment is returned. Make sure the venue staff are happy and there are no outstanding 'issues'. Send the money you have raised to us as detailed in the registration pack and do not forget to include your name and address so we can say thank you as well! Send us any funny or unusual stories about the event and any photographs. You can do this via the contact page.