Fundraising Event Ideas and Tips for Our Patchway Community

Planning a fundraising event can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a parish volunteer, a youth group leader, or just someone who wants to help, the basics are simple: pick an idea that matches your community, set a clear goal, and keep the day fun and easy to run.

Pick a Simple, Engaging Idea

The best events are those people can join without a lot of prep. Think bake sales, car washes, or a local talent show. A bake sale lets families bring homemade treats, and a car wash only needs water, soap, and a few volunteers. If you have a school hall or church hall, a talent show gives kids and adults a chance to showcase skills while collecting donations from the audience.

Another crowd‑pleaser is a “community walk‑a‑thon.” Set a route around the village, ask participants to raise sponsorship money per mile, and finish with a picnic in the church garden. It mixes exercise, socialising, and fundraising in one easy package.

Set Clear Goals and Track Progress

Before you start, write down how much money you hope to raise and what it will fund – a new piano, a mission trip, or support for a local shelter. When people see a concrete target, they’re more motivated to donate. Use a whiteboard or a simple spreadsheet to update the total after each sale or donation. Publicly showing the progress builds excitement and encourages friendly competition.

Don’t forget to thank donors right away. A quick “thank you” text, a handwritten note, or a shout‑out on the parish bulletin makes contributors feel valued and more likely to give again.

Here are three quick steps to get your event off the ground:

Choose a date and venue. Pick a weekend when the church hall or community centre is free.
Recruit volunteers. Ask the youth group, seniors’ club, and families to sign up for specific tasks – set‑up, sales, clean‑up.
Promote locally. Post flyers at the church, share on the parish Facebook page, and ask local shops to display a small poster.

Once the basics are in place, focus on the fun parts: music, games, and personal stories about why the fundraiser matters. A short video of the charity you’re supporting can make a big impact.

If you need more ideas, check out our recent posts tagged “fundraising event.” We’ve covered creative fundraisers, step‑by‑step guides, and real stories from other churches that tried similar projects. Each article gives a fresh angle you can adapt for Patchway.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to raise money – it’s to bring people together, strengthen the community, and show the spirit of giving that defines Holy Family Catholic Church. With a clear plan, a few volunteers, and a dash of creativity, your next fundraising event will be a success.

Gareth Sheffield

How to Start a Fundraising Event: Easy Steps to Get Moving

Getting a fundraising event off the ground sounds harder than it really is. This guide breaks down the early steps, from figuring out a goal to spreading the word. We’ll dig into what makes people want to show up—and how to keep things running smooth. Look for practical tips that actually work, based on real experience. If you want your event to raise real money (and maybe even be fun), keep reading.