Fundraising
Our three-step process to help you raise those vital funds
Fundraising is an essential part of any international adventure. There are no magic answers to fundraising – it’s just down to hard work, imagination and dedication, so the sooner you start planning, the easier it will be.
You can fundraise individually, as a group or a mix of both to make the most of different opportunities and events. It’s always good to think outside the box, trying something different and exciting that’s not been done before. Remember, there are plenty of other very deserving causes out there who are also trying to raise funds for their work, so be bold but be nice!
Where do I start?
Try following our three-step process below to get your ideas off the ground.
Step 1: Idea generation
The first step is to come up with ideas for what you want to do. Get creative – you can use well-worn and tested routes, but why not think about something unique to you?
Your own events
- Coffee morning – Bake some cakes and treats and invite everyone round for a cuppa!
- Quiz night – Write the quiz yourself or download rounds online.
- Race night – A lot to organise but a brilliant night of fun. Ask local businesses to sponsor races and horses in addition to the income on the night.
- Curry night – Strike a deal with your local curry house to provide the food and charge a ticket fee.
- Bingo! - Ask local businesses, shops and supermarkets to donate prizes and help sell tickets.
- Family scavenger hunt - Write cryptic clues and challenge teams to work out the route and the landmarks.
- Bag packing – Join together to cover as many tills as you can and share your story with customers.
Joining other events
- Marshal or provide a refreshment stop for events like charity bike rides and fun runs.
- Car boot sales or local fairs – Time for a clear out? Buy a table and sell those old DVDs.
- Abseiling - How good are you with heights? Lots of companies across the UK host abseiling sessions, often off the top of incredible, eye-catching buildings!
Longer projects
- Leaflet drops – Try and get a few businesses to sign up in one go.
- Rent-a-Tent – Got loads of camping gear sitting around? Hire it out to friends and family.
- Name the… - Buy a teddy or toy and ask people to donate to name it. Think about your audience’s interests before buying the item.
- Badge sales - get your own/patrol badge made for Roverway 2024 and sell them locally and online.
Step 2: Plan and agree
Once you've decided on an idea, it's time to come up with a plan, and get it agreed.
Some things to think about are numbers, location, timing and publicity. Give people enough time to make it happen, but not too far in advance that they'll forget. Make sure you think about safety in everything that you plan.
You might also need to get your plan agreed by someone in Scouts - such as a local Lead Volunteer to wear a badge on uniform.
Step 3: Action it!
It's now time to get out and do it! Put your plan into action and enjoy the event!
Make some waves while you're doing it by sharing on social media to encourage more support.
Sponsorship and grants
Giving a presentation to a local group is a great way to make waves about your story, and raise funds at the same time. Think about visiting groups such as the Masons, Rotary Clubs, Women's Institutes, University of the Third Age, and library groups.
You may also be able to secure grants or match funding (when an organisation pledges to give you as much as you raise) from your employer, local Scouting organisations, and local councils.
Here's an example letter as a starting point, but remember to add that personal touch:
Guidance from Scouts
Check out these pages for guidance, tips and information on fundraising with Scouts.
Scouts fundraising supportTop tips
- Spread your fundraising out from now until Roverway 2024. Don’t try and do everything at once - leave a few months in between events.
- Don't target the same people all the time. Think of different audiences who might want to support you.
- Think outside the box! The wackier and more different the better. Think about your target audience and what they might like.
- Share your fundraising adventures on social media for others to see!
Some examples on social media
We've already got some great fundraising initiatives within our UK Contingent. Take a look at a few of them below: