Fundraising for Quetzal
Whether you’re organising a coffee morning with friends, taking on a personal challenge or bringing your local community together for a fundraising event, you’re helping to make specialist support available to survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
As a small charity, every fundraiser really does make a difference. There isn’t a minimum amount you need to raise, and there isn’t a “right” way to fundraise. The most successful events are usually the ones that reflect your personality and bring people together for a good cause.
This guide is here to give you ideas, answer common questions and help you plan a safe, enjoyable fundraiser. Most importantly, we hope it gives you the confidence to have fun and make a real difference.
Start with an Idea
The best fundraising ideas are often the simplest ones. Think about what you already enjoy doing or what brings people together. If you love baking, invite friends round for coffee and cake. If you’re competitive, organise a quiz or sports tournament. If you’re looking for a challenge, sign up for a sponsored walk, run or cycle ride.
Don’t worry about making your event bigger than it needs to be. A small gathering of friends can raise just as much as a large public event because people are supporting you as much as they’re supporting Quetzal.
If you’re struggling for inspiration, get in touch with us. We’d love to help you develop your idea.
Top Tip: The best fundraising events aren’t always the biggest—they’re the ones people remember and enjoy.
Planning Without the Stress
Once you’ve settled on an idea, spend a little time thinking through the practical details. Choose a date that gives you enough time to spread the word, decide where your event will take place and think about who you’d like to invite.
Setting yourself a fundraising target can be surprisingly motivating. It gives supporters something to get behind and helps you celebrate milestones along the way. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t reach your original target—you’ll still be making a valuable contribution.
Remember that fundraising should be enjoyable. If your plans start feeling complicated, simplify them. People come because they want to support you and Quetzal, not because you’ve organised the perfect event.
Sharing Your Story
You don’t need to share anything personal unless you want to. Just saying that you believe everyone deserves access to specialist support can inspire others to give.
As your event approaches, share regular updates with friends, family and colleagues. A photo of your baking, training run or event preparations often attracts more attention than repeated requests for donations.
People sometimes worry about asking for support, but remember that you’re just giving others an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful.
Keeping Everyone Safe
Most fundraising events are straightforward, but it’s worth taking a few moments to think about everyone’s safety. If you’re serving food, make sure it’s prepared hygienically. If your event is outdoors, have a plan in case the weather changes. If children are attending, make sure they’re appropriately supervised.
Some events may need permission from a venue or local authority, particularly if you’re holding a public event or collecting donations in public spaces. If you’re unsure, ask us—we’re always happy to point you towards the right guidance.
Fundraising should leave everyone with happy memories, so taking a little time to plan ahead is always worthwhile.
Every Pound Makes a Difference
As a small charity, every donation helps us continue supporting survivors through specialist counselling, advocacy and other vital services.
When your fundraiser is finished, take a moment to celebrate what you’ve achieved. Thank everyone who donated, volunteered or came along to support you. We’d also love to hear how your event went and see any photographs you’re happy to share.
Most of all, remember that you’ve become part of a community of people who believe survivors deserve to be heard, supported and empowered.
Thank you for being part of Team Quetzal.
