How to Organise a Fundraiser for Your Local Food Bank

In a time when food insecurity affects so many families, organising a fundraiser for your local food bank is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. If you’re wondering ‘How to organise a fundraiser for your local food bank?’, this guide will take you through every step to ensure your efforts are effective, engaging, and well-received.

1. Understand the Cause and Your Goals

Before you begin, research your local food bank to understand its specific needs. Many food banks experience shortages of essential items such as tinned goods, baby products, or fresh produce. Some also need financial contributions to maintain storage facilities or delivery services.

Set clear goals for your fundraiser:

• Financial Goal: Decide how much money you aim to raise.
• Awareness Goal: Consider how you will educate people about the importance of supporting the food bank.
• Collection Goal: Specify the types of items you hope to collect (e.g., non-perishable food, toiletries).

2. Choose the Right Type of Fundraiser

Pick a fundraiser type that aligns with your resources, audience, and the food bank’s needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Food Drives: Encourage people to donate non-perishable items at a central location.
• Community Events: Host bake sales, fun runs, or quiz nights.
• Online Crowdfunding: Use platforms like JustGiving or GoFundMe to collect monetary donations.
• Corporate Partnerships: Work with local businesses to collect donations or match funds raised.
• Challenges: Sponsor a “give up something” challenge where participants donate the money they save.

3. Plan Your Fundraiser

Detailed planning is critical to success. Follow these steps to ensure everything runs smoothly:

a. Set a Date and Venue

Choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare and avoid clashes with other local events. If your fundraiser requires a venue, book early and ensure it meets your requirements (space, facilities, and accessibility).

b. Create a Budget

Even simple fundraisers can incur costs, such as printing posters or hiring equipment. Outline a budget and look for ways to minimise expenses by asking for donations or discounts from local suppliers.

c. Gather Volunteers

Engage friends, family, or community members to help. Assign specific roles, such as setting up, collecting donations, or promoting the event.

d. Comply with Regulations

Ensure you follow any legal requirements for fundraising. This may include obtaining permits for public events or licenses for raffles and collections. Check with your local council or the Charity Commission for guidance.

4. Promote Your Fundraiser

Promotion is key to attracting participants and supporters. Use a mix of online and offline methods to reach a wide audience:

• Social Media: Share posts, stories, and event invites on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Local Media: Contact newspapers, radio stations, or community blogs to cover your event.
• Posters and Flyers: Display these in community centres, schools, churches, and local businesses.
• Word of Mouth: Encourage volunteers and supporters to spread the word among their networks.

5. Make It Easy to Donate

Provide multiple ways for people to contribute, ensuring accessibility for everyone:

• Cash or Cheque: Set up donation boxes or envelopes.
• Card Payments: Use mobile payment systems like SumUp or iZettle at events.
• Online Donations: Share links to your crowdfunding page or the food bank’s donation portal.
• In-Kind Donations: Clearly list the items needed and where they can be dropped off.

6. Engage Participants During the Fundraiser

On the day of your fundraiser, make it as engaging and rewarding as possible:

• Inform and Educate: Share stories and statistics about food insecurity to connect participants with the cause.
• Showcase Progress: Use a fundraising thermometer or update board to show how close you are to your goals.
• Offer Incentives: Provide small thank-you gifts, certificates, or public recognition for donors and volunteers.

7. Follow Up and Say Thank You

Once your fundraiser concludes, take the time to:

• Count and Deliver Donations: Ensure all monetary and in-kind donations reach the food bank promptly.
• Share Results: Post updates on your success, including the total amount raised and items collected. Use photos and testimonials to highlight the event’s impact.
• Thank Everyone Involved: Send personal thank-you messages to participants, donors, and volunteers. Acknowledge their contributions publicly if appropriate.

8. Evaluate and Reflect

After the fundraiser, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Keep detailed notes to make future fundraisers even more successful:

• Were your goals achieved?
• What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
• What feedback did you receive from participants and volunteers?

9. Stay Connected to Your Food Bank

Finally, maintain a relationship with your local food bank. Regular communication can help you stay informed about their ongoing needs and plan future collaborations.

How to organise a fundraiser for your local food bank?

It starts with understanding their needs and engaging your community. By following the steps outlined above, you can make a meaningful contribution to the fight against food insecurity while inspiring others to do the same.

Did you have another question about food banks? See all our FAQs.