Fundraise
There are hundreds of ways you can raise money for War Child. We've listed a few ideas here but there are plenty more. If you aren't sure if your idea will work or want to discuss anything at all about raising money for our work you can drop a line to our fundraising manager Sara.
Please remember to read all our legal advice before you start fundraising. Once you've finished your fundraiser you can get all the details for sending us your donation here.
Sponsored Events
Walking from Lands End to John O'Groats or maybe just cycling round the park, a sponsored event is an oldie, but a goodie and thanks to the internet it's never been easier.
Those of you who see your friends, family and colleagues often you can download some traditional sponsorship forms here. Just fill in the blanks and pop the form in front of everyone you meet.
However, if you and people you know are computer-savvy why not sign up to justgiving? Go to http://www.justgiving.com/warchild and follow the simple instructions to create your own fundraising page. It'll take less than 5 minutes.
Once you're done simply email the link to your very own fundraising page to everyone you know. Everyone who clicks on the link will be able to sponsor you there and then so you don't have to worry about collecting the money. Simple. You can even get a widget for your MySpace or Facebook profile.
If you have some forgetful friends, why not put the justgiving link on your email signature so they'll have loads of opportunities to click through and sponsor you.
Remember to get every UK tax payer to gift aid their donation - it will add 28% to the amount they give without them having to give a penny more!
Put on a gig
War Child works with some of the biggest names in the business but they all had to start somewhere. Give some up and coming bands a shot at success by organising a gig. Lots of community centres, pubs, schools and venues will give you space for free but make sure you take into account the cost of hiring any sound equipment.
You might want to choose a theme (music from a particular country or genre) or make it a battle of the bands competition. Either way you can run a great night while raising money for War Child.
No uniform day
An old school favourite but one that work just as well if you have to wear a suit or uniform to work. Everyone pays a fee for the privilege of not wearing the usual uniform and all the money collected comes to War Child. You could pick a theme or just let everyone wear what they like. Couldn't be easier.
Have a Party
A great way to have good night out and raise money for War Child at the same time. Most churches, mosques, community centres, schools and student unions will have a space you can use for free. Once you've secured the venue simply invite your friends/family/colleagues and their friends etc to come to your party and ask them to make, say, a £10 donation on the door.
You can make it a themed night (fancy dress, salsa night etc) to entice people along or offer food and entertainment.
Once there you could hold a raffle with a prize of a bottle of champagne or similar (Tesco, Somerfield and Waitrose branches all have vouchers that they can donate to community projects and fundraisers - contact your local branch manager). You can usually pick up raffle tickets at your local post office or stationary shop.
Talk to the Boss
Have a chat with your boss or the HR department in your company. Many companies have an established match-funding scheme, where the will match the amount you raise independently. Never has it been so easy to double your money!
Out with the Old
Have a car boot or front garden sale. It's a great opportunity to have that clear out you've been promising yourself and great way to get people you've never even met before involved!
Be a Butler for the Day
This can work just as well at home or at work. Charge your family or colleagues a fee to do all the jobs no one wants to do. Pick up your boss' dry cleaning, cook a week's worth of dinner, wash your PA's car or just make everyone in the office a cup of tea.
You'll be surprised by how much people will be willing to pay to see you go that extra mile.
Curb your enthusiasm...
Not for fundraising obviously, more for that four letter word you use far too often - you know the one. Or get your colleagues involved; identify some overused jargon and ban it for a week. Every time you or a colleague uses a forbidden word pop 50p in the swearbox and watch the money pile up!
