Planning your event
Planning
Thanks to brilliant people like you, Arthritis UK is able to fund arthritis research to discover treatments that will improve the lives of millions of people.
We're delighted that you've chosen to hold a fundraising event for Arthritis UK – now it’s time to start planning the fun! We have fundraising ideas, stories from fabulous fundraisers, and an event planning checklist and timeline for you to download.
The earlier you start planning your fundraising event, the better. Think about how much you’d like to raise then write down lots of ideas and choose one that you’ll enjoy organising. We've got lots of ideas to inspire you and resources to help make your event a success.
What do I need to think about before my event?
Location
Choose a venue that's suitable for your event. You'll need to think about whether a venue:
- is big enough for what you need
- is well known
- is easy to get to
- is accessible for people with mobiltiy issues
- has any hire cost.
Date and time
Choose a date that works well for you and for your supporters. Think about the time of year that will suit your type of event and if it'll have any implications on the planning.
Make sure you try to avoid any big events in your local area, for example other fundraisers, or large national events that might be distracting.
Budget
Work out a simple budget at the start of your planning – include all the costs you expect to incur and think about how you'll raise funds on the day to cover the costs as well as meet your fundraising goal.
Think about whether you can reduce the costs through donations or sponsorship.
Setting up a fundraising page
Create your fundraising page using a platform like Just Giving or Kindlink. From there, you'll be able to post updates and collect donations, and your supporters will see how much has been raised.
Advertising
Think about who you want to get involved and how you'll make them aware of your event. Do you need to make posters or flyers or can you use email? Can your local newspaper or radio station help?
Make sure you tell us about your event at events@arthritis-uk.org so we can support you!
Plan the details
Do you need some help with organising the event and running it on the day? Do you need to do any shopping for the event or hire any equipment, entertainment or supplies?
Perhaps you could build a team of helpers from friends or family. Make sure that everyone knows what you would like them to do in the build-up and on the day of the event and recognise their contributions.
At the event
Safety
Find out all the factors you need to consider to make your event safe.
Enjoy!
Make sure you have plenty of time and helpers to set up for the event and don’t forget to enjoy it!
After the event
Thank all the people who've helped you to organise and publicise your event and let them know how much you’ve raised.
Pay in your fundraising money
Don’t forget to send in the money you've raised so we can use it to help fund arthritis research. You can donate securely online, or by phone or post.
Share your story
We always love to hear how your fundraising events go! If you'd like to share your story and send in any photos, we'd be delighted to see them. Just contact our community fundraising team on 0300 790 0405 or fundraising@arthritis-uk.org.
Congratulate yourself
You've done an incredible thing, dedicating yourself to raising money that will support not only cutting-edge research, but people living with arthritis who need support and services. Make sure you celebrate your achievement!