Family and friends
You probably already have a group of fundraisers around you: your family and friends! Perhaps you could offer a skill or do a favour for a friend and ask that they give a donation to us in return. One supporter asked her friends and family to a bring-a-dish lunch at her house, with all guests making a small donation. It was a successful intimate gathering, and not too much cooking! This idea could be adapted to dinner or maybe a barbeque in nice weather.

Showing your talents
Those who have an interest in performing find that putting on a show is an enjoyable way to raise money. Whatever the genre, an audience will always appreciate the effort and dedication that contributes to a live performance. These events can provide budding entertainers with a platform to display their talents whilst raising money for charity. One university society recently staged a pantomime. They told us that it was great fun for the audience and cast and succeeded in raising over £4,000!

Involving the community
School events are always a good way to raise money for us. You could ask for a stall at the summer fête or organise a Christmas carol concert. Own-clothes days at schools make children feel they are having a treat while raising money, and most schools have a 'mufti' day once a year. The children could wear green to show their support for us. Cake sales are always welcome; the combination of delicious treats and raising money for charity is irresistible! One of our supporters has an annual summer tea party with cakes and bric-a-brac stall, while others prefer coffee mornings. Car boot sales are another way to raise some money, simply by taking your car to the local event and sending a donation to us, or perhaps the organisers could ask all car owners to give a little extra to charity. Local places of worship are often happy to support requests to take a collection or use facilities for charitable events.

Sponsored events
Sponsored events are always popular. In the past people have fasted for us, kept silent for hours and even had their heads shaved! Many of our supporters feel that sponsored exercise is a way to get large numbers of people to participate. One family involved the local primary school, other parents and local pool to host a sponsored swimathon. Participants had to swim as many lengths or widths as they could in 15 minutes. By allowing nervous or inexperienced swimmers to walk in the water or doggy paddle, it was a successful event that was catered to all abilities.

Another group of fundraisers have an annual sponsored walk. Friends and family all get involved and the numbers are growing every year. They walk the route in varying circuits to cater for all abilities, meaning that all ages and fitness levels can take part. Sponsored cycle rides are also another option and would be very appealing in some picturesque scenery.

Friendly matches
Friendly sporting matches are an excellent fundraising opportunity, although friends can sometimes become fierce competitors! How about reuniting old players and have them play against members of the current team? Teachers versus pupils is another possible theme, and seems to be very popular with pupils!

Something for the weekend
Discos allow people to let their hair down and raise some money for a worthy cause. Why not try to organise an evening of entertainment in your local pub? One fundraiser had a Greek theme night; perhaps you could try fancy dress, school disco, cops and robbers? These could be already existing events, where an extra donation is added to the entry fee.

5 top tips

Start small. It can be intimidating to try to organise a large event so start with something easily manageable. Remember that ALL donations are important and very much appreciated.

Use your resources. If you have a talent, entertain people. If you know someone with a venue, see if they will let you use it to organise an event.

Tell people about the event as long before the event as you can. This will mean that people can look forward to it and not have anything else planned.

Use US!! The fundraising team at Epilepsy Research UK are here to help you. If you want any information, sponsor forms, posters or publicity, we can provide this. We also provide balloons and various branded products to use at events.

Have FUN! Fundraising events offer the unique experience to have a good time whilst raising money for a truly worthy cause, so make sure that you choose to do something that you will enjoy.

Epilepsy Research UK, PO Box 3004, London W4 4XT Tel: (+44) (0) 20 8995 4781 • Fax: (+44) (0) 870 838 1069 Registered Charity No. 1100394