Fundraising guide, tools and tips

If you are planning on fundraising for us here are some helpful things to consider and some tools to boost your fundraising goal.

Whether you are taking part in one of our events, organising a bake sale, party, or costumed walk there are lot’s of different ways you can support our invaluable services and make a real difference to people in our community living with serious or terminal illness.

Getting started

Conceptualising

Organising your own event or fundraising campaign

Many of our supporters decide to organise their own event or fundraising campaign.

If you already know which direction this will take, wonderful. The Tools and Tips below can help turn your idea into a meaningful and memorable success.

If you would like us to provide ideas for your campaign or fundraising event, call 020 8106 9222 or email fundraising@harlingtonhospice.org.

Joining existing events and fundraising campaigns

You are welcome to join one of our events or join a challenge event.

Planning

You now have a fundraising idea. It might be a campaign, an event or a series of events. This is an amazing and exciting time.

The Tools and Tips below will help you to optimise your fundraising campaign, its awareness and it’s impact

Things to consider

Before you add your campaign to a third party platform there are a few things to consider. These are shown in the steps below

Your own, personal story

Always add your own personal story explaining why you are fundraising for Michael Sobell House and/or Harlington Hospice

Information to include:

How the donations will make a difference.
Why you have chosen to fundraise for Harlington Hospice and Michael Sobell House.

Keeping your community up to date

Keep your friends, family and supporters up-to-date by adding photos and messages in the run up to your fundraising. This could be training photos if you are taking on a physical challenge, sharing potential raffle prizes, or showing your event planning progress.
Update your supporters after the campaign or event has ended. Sharing pictures and videos helps to document your impact and success. Supporters often donate after a campaign or event has taken place.

Adding all of your details

Add as much relevant information as you can on third party donation and campaign platforms. This often includes a profile photograph. Photos and relevant information can give your visitors confidence that they are donating to the right page and for a great cause.

Listing your fundrasing goals and objectives

Make sure you set a reasonable and achievable goal.

Some of our events will have set targets but many do not. The sky is the limit and our supporters often still receive donations after they have reached their target!

Self donating (to get the ball rolling)

Be the first to donate on your page. This act of generosity shows your commitment to your cause. It also sets a guide as to the amount you hope your supporters will be donating. Research shows that when the fundraiser is the first person to make a donation, they receive on average 47% more donations.

Sharing your fundraising

Through a link

You can also copy the URL link from your fundraising page and send it to your colleagues, family, and friends via email, text message or WhatsApp.

On social media

On your fundraising page you will see social media buttons to share on the platforms you use. The buttons might for example let you share on Facebook and X.

Feel free to add Hashtags, like #HarlingtonHospice, #MichaelSobellHouse or #Fundraising to reach more people.

Remember to tag us when you post your fundraising journey and we can share your story as well!

Recommended fundraising platforms

The platforms listed below can be used to optimise your campaign or event’s impact. There are lots of other credible platforms used by our supporters however these are the main ones that our communities often decide to use

When taking part in a mass event (like a marathon) or when running your own event we recommend using JustGiving.

To get started click on either the Harlington Hospice or Michael Sobell House button. You will then be able to list your campaign or event.

Click on one of the buttons below to get started.

Harlington Hospice

Michael Sobell House

Creating a fundraising event or campaign on Facebook is a simple process and a great way to galvanise support from your Facebook friends and contacts.

Once you have created an event you can personalise the page by changing the banner to a photo of yourself or the person who you raising money in honour of.

Getting started

Login to to your Facebook account
Go to the Fundraisers section
Where is says “Choose a charity” type in our name ‘Michael Sobell Hospice‘ and select us.
A new fundraising page will automatically be created for you. This can be updated and altered to make it personal to you, your story and your fundraiser.
Once updated, make the page live and invite others within your Facebook friendship group to support you.

Much loved is available for the bereaved when they would like to create a tribute for their loved one. Once created people can share stories and photos about the person who is sadly no longer with them. Donations can also be made in memory to help support Harlington Hospice or Michael Sobell House.

Ask us for support

We can review your campaign and support you with it throughout your fundraising journey.

Feel free to reach out by emailing fundraising@harlingtonhospice.org or calling 020 8106 9222.

Why we need your support

As a charity only part funded by the NHS, every year we need to raise £2.4 million in voluntary income. It is only with the kindness of our supporters that we can be alongside our vibrant Hillingdon community at their time of need.

We know how important it is that people living alongside serious or terminal illness can access support that’s shaped around them, when and where they need it. Your donations allow us to keep our Hospice running every day, as well as go above and beyond for people experiencing the most vulnerable moments in their lives.