• Fundraising ideas
• Tips for success
• Handy hints and legal bits

So you've decided you'd like to raise funds for Nottingham University Hospitals Charity, and you've got an event in mind. Before you go any further, make sure you read through the advice below. It contains all the information you need to make sure your event goes smoothly, and raises as much money as possible.

Before the big day

1. Do your research

Once you've chosen an event, make a list of everything you need to do to make it happen.

2. Get your friends on board

Talk to friends, family, neighbours and colleagues about your idea. You never know who might be able to help, even if it's just sticking up some posters.

3. Timing is everything

If you're organising your own event, make sure it doesn't clash with anything else that's happening locally, or big national events.

4. Keep costs low

To ensure you raise as much money as you can, try to keep costs down and see how much you can get for free. Companies and individuals are often willing to donate time and prizes to good causes.

5. Spread the word

Let your local newspapers, radio and TV news stations know by writing a short press release and following it up with a phone call. And publicise your event online by creating a page for it on social networking sites like Facebook. We can also provide posters for you to put up in your local community. Just give us a call on 0115 927 905 and let us know how many you need.

6. Chat to the boss

Mention your event to your employer and see if they're able to match the amount you raise. Lots of companies do this, so it's worth asking. Also make sure you publicise your event on your company intranet if you have one, and stick up some posters to let your colleagues know what you're doing.

7. Don't forget Gift Aid!

Use the form enclosed in this pack to collect sponsorship in the run-up to your event, or set up an online fundraising page using justgiving.com or mycharitypage.com. Don't forget to tell people about Gift Aid – it means you'll get an extra 25p for every £1 donated by tax payers. If you're using justgiving or mycharitypage, Gift Aid will be added automatically.

Afterwards

1. Keep your list of contacts

Make sure you keep the details of everyone who's helped you along the way – you never know when you'll need them in the future.

2. Collect all your cash together

Collect in any outstanding cash or cheques from people on your sponsorship form. If you've done your fundraising online, you won't need to do this as people pay directly through the website.

3. Pay in your cash

If you have collected cash, please pay this into your bank account and write a cheque payable to NUH Charity. Alternatively you can bring cash to our Hospital's cashiers, at either the City Hospital campus or QMC. Please call us to arrange.

If you don't have one of our freepost envelopes, you can still use the following address: Nottingham University Hospitals Charity, Freepost MID24665, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1BR.

4. Let us know how it went

Fill in the questionnaire included in our fundraising pack and let us know how you've got on. We'd also love to see any photographs you've taken of the day, so send them in too.

5. Don't forget to say thanks!

Make sure you thank everyone who was involved in your event and let them know how much you've raised.