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Fundraising Guidelines

Fundraising events vary so much. These notes are intended as a brief guide and the points raised may or may not apply to your particular circumstances, and are intended as a guideline only. If you have any specific issues or questions or would like further clarification on any of the points raised here, please do contact the office.

Fundraising activity is important for Ovacome and we really appreciate the support received from our fundraisers as Ovacome is solely funded by these fundraising activities. It important to note that all proceeds from an event held in aid of Ovacome must benefit the charity directly. If you wish to collect money for other charities alongside Ovacome we ask that you clearly state which charities the donations will be going to and how they will be divided. It is very important that donors know exactly where there money is going.

Health and safety
Make sure that fundraisers know to ensure that everyone is safe and acting within the law at their events. Fundraisers should follow the advice of any staff or equipment operators supervising the venue or its equipment. If fundraisers are unsure and need further information please get in touch with us.

Branding
Please use Ovacome branded materials at your event. Banners, tee shirts hats and other materials are all available. When using the logo please ensure it is stated that the event is 'in aid' of and not 'on behalf' of Ovacome.

Information and Fundraising Stalls
Where to have the stand? We suggest a shopping mall, out-of-town supermarket complex or other major retail centre. Think about safety and comfort, e.g. space for a table and a few people to stand, bathrooms, as well as opportunities to take a break and get refreshments.
You will need to obtain permission from the manager of the centre or supermarket where you would like to have a stand.
Points to mention:

• Ovacome is a registered charity (charity number 1058026).
• If you are happy to do so, that you are contacting local press with the story. (They always like good publicity.)
• That your stand is officially recognised by the charity, and that you have public liability insurance.
• Things to ask:
• Will you be able to have a table on which you can put literature?
• Would it be possible to have a display stand?
• Would the shop staff like some ribbons to join in with the day?
• Is parking available for volunteers. If so, is a permit needed to prevent being ticketed?

Collection Tins
If your fundraising idea involves collecting money in the street or in a public place you will need a licence from your local authority and closed collection tins/buckets must be used, not open ones. These regulations also apply to house to house collections. Getting a licence will involve a certain amount of bureaucracy and you may need to apply at least a month (if not more) in advance, so be prepared and plan ahead. These regulations do not apply to collections made during a public meeting, during a private function, in a church/churchyard or to static collection boxes placed in pubs or shops, etc. More detailed information on collecting tins can be found in our fundraising pack.

Raffles and Lotteries
If you want to run any kind of lottery where you sell tickets in advance, you must register with your local authority who will send you further guidelines on holding this kind of event.

If you want to have a raffle during a specific event such as a summer fete or a tea party and will announce the results during the event you do not need a license. You are only permitted to sell tickets during the event and within the premises. If you want to run any other kind of raffle or lottery you may need a license. The Gambling Commission website has information on this.
The money made from raffles cannot be used for "private gain" but can cover the expense of the event being held.

Insurance
Ovacome cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage or injury at a fundraising event. The charity's insurance policies do not cover property or personal liability for any injury suffered by yourself or anyone else as a result of your fundraising. Please insure that you are suitably covered for any loss damage or injury.

Entertainment
If you plan to hold an event that includes live music, dancing or a disco you will need a temporary event notice that is available from the licensing department of the local authority. However, you should double check with the venue provider as they may already have suitable insurance for you event.

Alcohol
If you are planning to sell alcohol at the event you need to contact the local authority's licensing department for a temporary event notice as soon as possible. If your event is taking place in a licensed premise where the bar is being run by the licensee you do not need a license.

Volunteers
It may be helpful to have some extra pairs of hands on the event day especially if you have lots going on, for example an auction, stall or raffle. Also if your event will be centered on raising awareness you may want to ask some people from your local hospital to answer questions from the public during your event. Members who have done this before found the support of their local gynae nurses invaluable when dealing with queries from the public. We would strongly recommend contacting your local nurses, and asking for their help.

There may be other Ovacome members in your area who would like to come along and help. If you would like us to contact them for you then please let us know.

Media
Contact your local newspaper and radio station to let them know about the event. By getting in touch with local press you can let others know what you are doing and why you are fundraising for Ovacome. This can not only help with the success of your event but also help to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and Ovacome. It's a good idea to make contact early maybe a couple of weeks before and follow up with a phone call a few days before the event. Please refer to our media section which provides contact details of our media team who are happy to help with any media quires.
Getting others involved and interested can really help boost your fundraising potential!

Please contact us at s.vig@ovacome.org.uk or on 020 7299 6654 if you have any questions about your event.