Fundraising support
Promote Your Fundraising
Ready to make a real impact? Whether you’re running a marathon, hosting a coffee morning, or taking on a personal challenge, your support helps us end homelessness in Northern Ireland.
Set Up Your Enthuse Page
The first step is making it official! Create your Enthuse fundraising page—the simplest way for your supporters to donate securely. Once it’s live, you can easily share the link via social media, WhatsApp, or email.
Pro Tip: Enthuse offers built-in tools and prompts to help you optimise your page and reach more donors.
Top Tips for Fundraising Success
Data shows that a few small tweaks can lead to a huge boost in donations. People don’t just donate to causes; they donate to people. Share your story and explain why supporting Simon Community matters to you. Follow these steps to maximise your reach.
Set a Bold Target
Did you know fundraisers with a clear goal raise up to 75% more? Give your supporters a milestone to aim for.
Raise the Bar
If you hit your target early, don’t stop there! Increase the goal to keep the momentum going.
Start Strong
Ask a close friend or family member to make the first donation. A generous initial contribution sets a positive tone for others to follow.
Keep it Visual
A picture is worth a thousand words. Post regular updates with photos or videos of your progress to keep your audience engaged.
Harness the Power of Social Media
Social media is your loudest megaphone. Use it to announce your challenge, share milestones, and say thank you.
Pin Your Post: Keep your fundraising link at the top of your profile so it’s the first thing people see.
Use Visuals: Share “behind-the-scenes” content—training photos, event prep, or a simple video message.
Tag Us: We want to celebrate your hard work! Tag Simon Community NI on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter).
Spread the Word Far and Wide
Don’t stop at social media! Use every channel available to get your message out.
Go Direct: Share your link via email, office newsletters, or personal blogs.
Contact Local Media: Do you have a unique or moving story? Local newspapers and radio stations love to feature community heroes.
Word of Mouth: Never underestimate a good old-fashioned conversation. Tell your colleagues, neighbours, and friends what you’re doing and why.
Ways to pay in Your Fundraising Money
Thank you for your incredible efforts! Every penny you raise helps us provide shelter, support, and a voice for people experiencing homelessness across Northern Ireland. Once your event or activity is wrapped up, here is how you can get the funds to us safely and securely:
Tips for Sponsorship & Collecting Money
Time to gather those pledges. Here are our top tips for a smooth collection process:
The Payday Boost: Send a reminder to colleagues or friends around the end of the month. People are often at their most generous right after payday!
Use Your Donation Form: Always include your completed sponsorship form with any cheques you send. This ensures we can track your hard work and thank you properly.
The Power of Gift Aid: This is vital, Gift Aid adds 25% to every donation at no extra cost to the donor. Ensure your sponsors tick the Gift Aid box and provide their full home address and postcode.
Share the Finish Line: Send an email or post a photo of yourself at the end of your challenge. Seeing your achievement often prompts “last minute” donations from those who missed the first round.
Fundraising Safely and Legally
We want your fundraising to be as safe as it is successful. To protect yourself and the charity, please follow these essential legal guidelines.
Food, Drink and Entertainment
If your event involves food, even just once, you must follow food safety laws. Contact your local council’s Environmental Health department for advice. Anyone preparing or serving food should understand basic hygiene. Selling alcohol? You’ll need a licence from your local Magistrates Court.
Planning live music or performances? You may need a Public Entertainment Licence from your local council if the venue doesn’t already have one.
We’re Here to Help
Got a question or want to tell us about your upcoming event? We’d love to hear from you and offer our support.
Email us at fundraise@simoncommunity.org or or call us on 028 9023 2882.