Individual events
Whether you’re hosting an event in your home, school, local community or workplace, there are so many ways for you to support us. And you don’t have to be a seasoned fundraiser. Organising a charity event is a great way to bring your friends, family, colleagues and your community together to have fun and be a part of something meaningful. Every fundraising event makes a difference, no matter how big or small, so thank you for your support.
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 you’d like to do? Here are just a few fundraising ideas to get you started!
Use the holiday calendar as inspiration – Special days and holidays will give you plenty of opportunities to host a great fundraiser. Have you considered these ideas?
- Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance or a Love to Read book swap party
- Patrick’s Day green hair day, Leprechaun race or host an Irish dancing Ceili
- Easter egg hunt, bunny hop, Easter egg toss or an Easter bonnet parade
- Halloween Fright Night, costume party, pumpkin carving competition, zombie race or horror movie night
- Christmas jumper day, festive cookie bake-off, gift-wrapping, children’s party with Santa’s Grotto or carol singing
Host a coffee morning or afternoon tea party – from builders’ tea and butties to fancy teas and finger sandwiches, it’s up to you.
Take to the stage – fashion show, talent competition, variety show or karaoke competition – it’s all great fun.
Organise a trivia quiz – everyone loves a good quiz to put their knowledge to the test!
Ready, steady, bake – A traditional bake sale is a fantastic way to raise money for charity.
Organise a sports tournament – Hosting a tournament or Olympics-style sporting event is a fun way to get lots of people involved. Golf, soccer, bowling, cycling – the choice is yours.
Here are some other ideas for you to consider:
- Car Boot Sale
- Cheese and wine night or dinner party
- Garden Party
- Summer Fête
- Head shave/Beard shave
- Non-uniform Day
- Pyjama Day
- Art exhibition or Auction
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 info@downsyndrome.ie or by post to:
Down Syndrome Ireland,
c/o Community Fundraiser,
Unit 3, Parkway House,
Western Parkway Business Park,
Ballymount Drive,
Dublin 12
D12HP70
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, securing your venue, 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.
Step 4 – Lodging the money raised
Once your event is complete, funds can be transferred to Down Syndrome Ireland in a number of ways.
- Online: This is the quickest and easiest way to transfer your funds to us. You can donate here www.downsyndrome.ie/donate/ and select ‘Community Fundraiser’ in the drop-down menu.
- Bank Lodgement: You can complete an online bank transfer directly to our account IBAN: IE75 AIBK 9310 1217 8500 76
- Please include the name of your fundraiser in the narrative so that we can identify your lodgement. By phone: Simply call us on 01-426 6500 to pay by credit/debit card.
If you have any questions or you’d like to discuss your ideas with us, get in touch with our Fundraising Team on 01- 4266500 or email info@downsyndrome.ie.
