Host your own fundraising event

 

Thank you for considering hosting a fundraising event for Down Syndrome Ireland. There are so many ways for you to support us and you don’t have to be a seasoned fundraiser. Every fundraising event makes a difference, no matter how big or small, so thank you for your support.

Before you get started, we encourage you to read our Fundraising Guidelines and understand the Terms and Conditions associated with fundraising for DSI. These guidelines and terms & conditions are designed to help you make your event and/or fundraising as successful and enjoyable as possible, as well as being safe and legal.

 

Before organising and conducting a fundraising event in support of Down Syndrome Ireland, you must:

  • be 18 years or over (if under 18 years of age, you will need permission from a parent/guardian).
  • complete the Fundraising Event Proposal Form. This PDF form can be downloaded, completed and scanned to laurenmccarthy@downsyndrome.ie. Alternatively, you can post the form to Down Syndrome Ireland Unit 3, Park Way House, Western Parkway Business Park, Ballymount Drive, Dublin 12, D12HP70.

 

How to get started

Step 1 – Start the ball rolling

Your first challenge is to decide on your event. Try to make it as fun as possible, maybe something novel, but an event you’d like to take part in yourself. If you’re considering a larger event, draft some help with the planning.    

Not sure what to do? Here are just a few fundraising ideas to get you started.

Get active!

From casual strollers to enthusiastic runners, lots of people have been using their daily walk or run to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts. Make your steps count by setting yourself a distance target and collecting sponsorship to reach it.

Go virtual!

Whether it’s your regular girl’s soirée, a catch-up with friends over coffee or Friday evening drinks with colleagues you’re missing, you can turn these get-togethers into something virtual by using online platforms like Zoom, GoogleMeet or Facetime. Arrange your virtual event and encourage everyone to donate what they would typically spend if you were meeting in person.

Share your skills!

  • Online Bake Sale – turn a traditional bake sale into something digital. Take pre-orders and deliver cakes and cookies to your friends and neighbours
  • Virtual Cookery Class – do you have a recipe that all your family and friends ask for when you enjoy it together? Teach them how to make it themselves for a donation. Select your date, set up a video call or use Facebook Live, and get cooking. Or how about a Cocktail Making class?
  • Online Dance or Yoga Classes – some of our wonderful supporters have been creative in hosting a fun dance or relaxing yoga class using Zoom, with donations made online. Host this as a one-off or a series of classes.

 

Here are some more creative fundraising ideas which you can arrange from home:

  • Grow, dye or shave your hair
  • Beard shave or leg wax
  • Neighbourhood bingo
  • Video call costume contest
  • Virtual Pyjama Party
  • Reach that mountain summit…climbing your stairs
  • Virtual Netflix Party Night
  • It’s your birthday! Ask your friends to donate the cost of a birthday drink
  • Nominate Down Syndrome Ireland for the Tesco Community Fund
  • Virtual trivia quiz or charades
  • Games night – board games, online games

 

Step 2 – Register your event with us

Once you have your fundraising idea in mind, tell us your plans by completing our Fundraising Guidelines/Event Proposal Form. You can return this form to our Fundraising Team by email to laurenmccarthy@downsyndrome.ie or by post to Down Syndrome Ireland Unit 3, Park Way House, Western Parkway Business Park, Ballymount Drive, Dublin 12, D12HP70.

NOTE: This is an important step so that we can provide you with the best support possible.

Once we receive the proposal form from you, we will get in touch. We can also provide you with materials for your upcoming event, such as a Letter of Authorisation and DSI-branded posters and balloons.

 

Step 3 – Get organising

Now you can start working on the details, recruiting help and planning a great event. Don’t forget to advertise your fundraiser in plenty of time and ask all your friends, family, and colleagues to help you spread the word.

We recommend that you set up an online fundraising page with iDonate to allow your supporters to donate quickly and securely online. Or set up a Facebook Fundraiser on your own Facebook page.

 

Step 4 – Tell everyone about your event

Don’t forget to advertise your fundraiser in plenty of time and ask all your friends, family, and colleagues to help you spread the word. Here are some hints and tips on How To Promote Your Fundraiser.

You can download our fundraising event posters below or contact us if you are hosting something a little different. 

Fundraising Poster Templates:

 

We want you to be informed about what Down Syndrome Ireland do, so you can inform your supporters. Here’s some information About Down Syndrome Ireland.

 

Step 5 – Lodging the money raised

Once your event is complete, funds can be transferred to Down Syndrome Ireland online or they can be lodged directly to our account or paid to us over the phone on 01-5632450.

If you have set up an iDonate page or Facebook fundraiser with DSI as the beneficiary, the money raised will be automatically transferred to us.  If you have any questions about how to transfer funds, please contact us today.

 

If you’d like to discuss fundraising event ideas with us, get in touch with our Fundraising Manager, Lauren McCarthy on 086 197 5424 or laurenmccarthy@downsyndrome.ie