Organise an event

Arranging a fundraising event in aid of the charity can be an enjoyable and effective way of helping us raise funds. From a school disco to a formal dinner dance - you can have fun and raise money.

Events run by volunteers

Money raised by fundraising events make a vital contribution to support the charity's work. Every event helps - whether it raises tens or thousands of pounds.

These events are all organised by volunteers - usually parents across the country and overseas - and they provide an extremely valuable source of income at no direct cost to the charity.

Although some of the charity's staff provide support for these fundraising events, we have no full-time paid fundraisers involved in event-organising. Instead, we rely on the kind assistance of volunteers to organise these fundraising events.

Ideas for events

We are constantly amazed and impressed by the wide range of ideas and activities our supporters use to raise funds.

Over the past few years, supporters have organised events including:

  • dinner dances
  • fish and chip suppers
  • formal balls
  • pop, classical, and jazz concerts
  • dance shows, plays, pantomimes and other performances
  • school discos
  • fashion shows
  • themed parties, including a James Bond evening and a spooky Hallowe'en event

We've just provided a few ideas on this page to get you started. You can get further inspiration from other supporters' fundraising events by reading Trust News.

Fundraising events

If you are planning a fundraising event, you should make it clear that you are raising money 'in aid of' Down Syndrome Education International, and that you do not officially represent the charity.

You should also provide our registered charity number 1062823 so that anyone can check with the Charity Commission that we are a properly registered charity.

Online fundraising

You can even set up an online fundraising page at Just Giving External link icon to mark the event and collect money from far-flung friends who can't make it. Go to the Just Giving web site... External link icon

More information and advice

Contact us...

If you have any ideas for fundraising events or activities that you would like to discuss, please contact the charity. We can help with tickets, leaflets, advertising, posters and other materials.

Fundraising pack

We are currently preparing a new pack to provide information and advice for volunteer fundraisers setting up an event. Please e-mail us if you'd like to receive a copy.

Trust news

For more inspiration and ideas about possible events, read our Trust newsletter...

Please note

Whatever fundraising event you are considering, please ensure that it is organised efficiently and safely. The charity cannot accept any responsibility for your event nor for anyone who participates in it, and our insurance policy does not cover volunteer's fundraising activities. We recommend that you undertake a risk assessment where necessary (see http://www.hse.gov.uk External link icon for more details).

Thank you for supporting our work

Your support makes a positive difference for individuals with Down syndrome - find out more...

If you have any questions about how you can support us, please contact giving@downsed.org