Tips on Hosting a Fundraising Event

• If your fundraising involves collecting money or selling goods in a public place then you need to obtain permission and a licence from the local authority.
• Where events take place on private property you must obtain permission from the owner or manager.
• Please do not collect money door-to-door, as this is illegal without a licence.
• Small raffles are fine as long as they don't contain cash prizes and are part of a larger event. Other raffles may be unlawful so you must check with the Institute of Fundraising before holding these. You will find Codes of Fundraising Practice at www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk
• If you are planning to raise £5,000 or more, you must tell us in advance about how you plan to raise it.

• For example, children must have suitable supervision and must only be allowed to use equipment that has been tested and maintained to the required safety standard.
• Remember that the Health & Safety Act applies to volunteers as well as employees.
• With adventure activities – for example, abseiling, parachuting, white water rafting or any other hazardous event, particular care should be taken.
• If sub-contractors or facilities are used, make sure that they have the requisite experience and insurance facilities.

Publicity

• We recommend that fundraisers contact their local radio/TV stations and newspapers directly.
• The Essex Air Ambulance Appeals Office send out information to the media on a regular basis, usually regarding operational issues, and we find the media far more receptive to individual groups with regard to their attendance or promotion of events.
• We can however promote your activity or event by listing it on our web site. Simply complete the What's Happening Form.
• You can also promote your event with Essex FM at www.essexfm.co.uk, BBC Essex at essex.events@bbc.co.uk and with Dream 107 by calling 0845 3651078

If you are hosting an event or are thinking of hosting an event and would like some help simply complete our Fundraising Event Request Form and we will be in touch shortly.