Fundraising tips and resources

Need more bunting for your bake sale, or questions for your quiz? Ready to tick off the to-do list and spread the word on socials? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to plan, promote and perfect your fundraiser.

210922BRIDGE43 — Event essentials

Elevate your event with Cats Protection branded bunting, collection boxes and editable posters.

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231512NCAC069 — Social media staples

Spread the word with our social media promo and inspire your community of cat- lovers.

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Axville Ox7saccsnra Unsplash — Quizzing

Let us take the trivia out of hosting. Puzzle your players with our cat-themed quiz, send invites where yes is the only right answer, and recruit teams on social media.

Get quiz-ready

Sara Cervera Bbyrewgpmna Unsplash — Baking

Put the cherry on top of the cake with our bake-sale invites, certificates and welcome posters. Sprinkle your event all over socials with our baking-themed templates.

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Plan, perfect and promote your fundraiser

Choosing to fundraise your way, also known as do-it-yourself (DIY) fundraising, means you organise the event yourself, deciding exactly how you want to champion the cause and raise money for cats in need. Fundraising your way is flexible and creative, and means you can use your passions, hobbies and interests for good.

While coming up with your fundraising idea and planning for the big day is exciting, it can feel a little daunting too. There’s a to-do list to tick off, people to invite and legal admin to take care of. We’re here to help and will cheerlead you every step of the way. Whatever you need, just ask.

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Your fundraising timeline - at least four weeks before your event

Think about your passions and choose a theme and event type. From books, blooms and bingo to baking, making and dancefloor-shaking, there are plenty of fun and unique ways you can make life better for cats. Need some inspiration?
Decide when and where your event will take place. You could plan your event around seasonal themes, or host it on a day that is special to you
Tell us about your fundraiser! We can’t wait to hear about it. We’ll support you with all the advice and resources you need to make your event a success
Set clear goals and a timeline. How much would you like to raise? How best can you spread the word? Think about how much time you’ll need to plan, promote and execute your event successfully
Consider any risks associated with running your event. It’s best to be on the safe side. We recommend all fundraisers complete a risk assessment to help things run smoothly
Engage a community of cat lovers. Pop up posters, send out invites and spread the word on social media. You could even contact the local newspaper to see if they’ll feature your fundraising. Tell people about your personal connection to the cause. Did you adopt a special cat from Cats Protection? Have we been there for you in a way you’ll never forget? Let everyone know all about the difference your event will make

The week before

Prepare your resources and materials. Are you going to decorate with branded bunting? Need to sort collection boxes for on-the-day donations?
Offer incentives. You could provide special perks or recognition for top fundraisers or donors to encourage people to get involved. If you’re hosting a competitive event, why not up the excitement and reward your winners? Local businesses are often happy to show their support and donate prizes
The final push! Remind your community that the big day is approaching. The countdown offers the perfect opportunity to ask for last donations or sign-ups, and to share touching reminders about the amazing difference your fundraising will make to cats and kittens in need
Write yourself a checklist for the day. It’s great to be organised. Note down all the things you need to do on the day to help your event run as smoothly as possible

On the day

Refer to your checklist. Do you have everything you need? Are you on schedule? Tick those last-minute jobs off and get yourself excited for the day ahead
We love that you’re looking after cats and those who love them, but make sure you look after yourself too! Fuel your fundraising with healthy snacks and lots of water
Enjoy it. You’re amazing and should be so proud of yourself.

After the event

Say thank you! After the event, thank guests and donors and share the impact of their contributions. Not only will it make everyone feel great, but it might inspire some last-minute donation top-ups, or help you stay connected with like-minded people if you choose to fundraise for Cats Protection again
Pay in your fundraising total. There are several ways you can get your money to us. You can pay your donation in directly here, call 0800 917 2287 and pay with a credit or debit card over the phone or pay via bank transfer.

Bank/BACS transfer - Cats Protection
Sort code: 20-42-66
Account number: 80240168

Please use a reference with your first initial and surname, followed by COMFR. We'd appreciate it if you could let us know when you’ve transferred your money too so we can check it’s been safely received

The legal bit

Fundraising events provide a way of giving while having fun, keeping fit or making a difference in your community. Event organisers should always have appropriate insurance, licences and permissions in place. This includes permission to use the venue, sell alcohol, and prepare food. Follow the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice for more information.