Organise a virtual event

1. Find your fundraising idea

   First things first, you’ll need to decide what kind of virtual fundraising event you’d like to do. A great way to fundraise is to get others involved, so make sure that you consider all the different ways to communicate with others. You could use an online platform like Facebook or Houseparty, or use your mobile phone to Facetime or call friends and family.

   If you’re unsure of what to do, take a look at our virtual fundraising ideas. You can also get in touch with us for more help and advice at communityfundraising@sja.org.uk.

2. Get planning

   After deciding on your fundraising activity, date and time, you’ll need to work out the best way for people to donate money, usually this is online.

   Planning a virtual fundraising event will take just as much planning as an actual live event, so make sure that you think about every stage and plan well. It's important to launch your fundraising page with enough time to promote the virtual event. Also, you will need lots of pictures and videos to rally up support so make sure your phone is at the ready!

3. Promote your event

   Spread the word about your amazing virtual fundraising event on social media. Share a link to your fundraising page on as many communication tools as possible where you have an audience such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

   Livestreaming your activity is a great way to boost donations. If you let people know when they can tune in, you can talk to your audience and encourage donations in real time. It also gives your friends and family something to look forward to watching. Take a look at our guide to setting up a live stream.

   Let people know why you’ve chosen to support St John Ambulance. Provide regular updates, and make sure you tweet @stjohnambulance and like us on Facebook.

   You can even get in touch with your local press! They really like to hear of good news stories with fun pictures and videos.

   Our press release template is an easy to use tool to get in touch with your local media. Take look at our guidance document for more advice and information.

4. Paying in

   It’s important to make sure that the funds you raise are safely paid in. If you’re raising the money via an online fundraising page, such as JustGiving, the money will come directly to us.

   Alternatively, you can find out other ways to pay in on our donation page.

5. Saying thank you and well done!

   Don't forget to thank all your wonderful supporters for their donations and thank anyone who helped organise and promote your activity.

   The final step - congratulate yourself on all your hard work! The money you raise will help us continue our work during this very critical time.