At ADSS we don't just support people with dementia, we also support the professionals who care for them.
Join a team that cares for you!
The best community fundraisers often begin with something simple: an activity people already enjoy, a place where they naturally come together or an idea that feels right for the people involved.
It could be a quiz at your local club, a school non-uniform day, a football tournament or a coffee morning with neighbours. Whatever you choose, your event can bring people together while helping ADSS support individuals and families affected by dementia across Kent and Medway.
You do not need a large budget or fundraising experience. You just need an idea, a few willing helpers and a reason to get started.
Put your own twist on a community favourite!
Some fundraising ideas remain popular because they are straightforward, enjoyable and easy for people to support.
You could organise:
· A quiz night
· A coffee morning or afternoon tea
· A community breakfast
· A raffle or tombola
· A bake sale
· A village or summer fair
· A cheese and wine evening
Make the event work for your community. A quiz could include a round about your local area, while a coffee morning could invite people to bring a bake that holds a special memory for them.
Turn sport into support
Whether your community loves football, golf, darts, rugby or walking, sport offers plenty of ways to raise money.
Ideas could include:
· A charity match or tournament
· A sponsored walk
· A golf day
· A dance-a-thon
· A team fitness challenge
· A darts competition
· A sports-themed family fun day
Ask participants to pay an entry fee, collect sponsorship or invite local businesses to sponsor teams and prizes. You could also add a raffle, refreshments or a collection on the day.
Put on a show
Creative communities can use their talents to entertain people while supporting a local cause.
You could host:
· A concert or choir performance
· An open-mic night
· A school talent show
· A community theatre production
· An exhibition or craft market
Raise money through ticket sales, programmes, refreshments or a collection at the end of the performance.
Get schools and young people involved
Fundraising gives children and young people an opportunity to see what their school, club or youth group can achieve together.
Ideas include:
· A non-uniform or themed dress day
· A sponsored read, walk or silence
· A cake sale
· A talent show
· A mini sports tournament
· A “guess how many” competition
Keep the activity simple and make it enjoyable. If appropriate, you could also use the opportunity to help young people understand that dementia is not only about memory and that people living with dementia remain individuals with their own interests, relationships and stories.
Turn shared interests into fundraising
Your group may already meet to garden, craft, sing, read or simply spend time together. With a little creativity, those shared interests can become a fundraiser.
You could organise:
· A handmade craft market
· A plant or produce sale
· A book sale
· A community exhibition
· A sponsored knit or crochet challenge
· A photography competition
· A workshop where people donate to take part
Start with what your members already enjoy and think about how other people could join in, attend or support it. The most successful idea is often one that feels natural to your group.
Celebrate with a purpose
Fundraising can become part of an occasion your community is already planning.
A street party, anniversary celebration, seasonal event or village festival could include:
· A fundraising stall
· A raffle
· A collection
· Games and competitions
· Donated refreshments
· A charity auction
Adding one fundraising activity to an existing event can be much easier than organising something completely new.
Five simple steps to get started
1. Choose something your community will enjoy. Start with the people, skills and facilities you already have.
2. Pick a date and location. Check that it does not clash with another major local event.
3. Decide how you will raise money. This might be through tickets, sponsorship, donations, entry fees or a raffle.
4. Invite people to get involved. Share tasks between a small group so everything does not fall to one person.
5. Tell people why it matters. Let your supporters know that their donations will help ADSS be there for people affected by dementia across Kent and Medway.
Ready to bring your community together? Reach out to our Fundraising team on 01474 533990 or email fundraising@adss.org.uk