We couldn't provide our vital services without the people who support us and we are always looking for volunteers to help us with fundraising efforts. Get involved in your local area, sign up for an event or organise your own. No matter how great or small, every cent counts! The money raised by people like you enables Arthritis Ireland to work in communities across Ireland to control and cure arthritis. 

In these times your support is needed more than ever. Giving up a little bit of your time to raise funds for people with arthritis can be really rewarding.You'll feel a real sense of pride, you'll meet new people and you'll have plenty of opportunities to have some fun! We have a full list of events you can take part in or if you would like to organise your own event, just contact us and we'll give you all the support you need. 

Remember, it doesn't matter how much you raise. Lots of people raising small amounts creates a BIG impact!

Why should I support Arthritis Ireland?

I want to organize my own fundraiser but I don't know what to do!

Fundraising guidelines

Fundraising Ideas

Guiding Principles for Fundraising


Why should I support Arthritis Ireland?

Little things can make a big difference to a person with arthritis. Difficulty with the little things like making a cup of tea, getting dressed or opening the front door can all add up to have a big impact on a person's quality of life. At Arthritis Ireland we understand this. That is why we are Ireland's only organisation working single-mindedly to transform the experience of people living with arthritis and those who care for them.

Every day, we work in communities across the country providing community based education programmes to help people effectively manage and control this devastating disease. We actively drive grassroots advocacy so that the voice of people with arthritis is heard and understood and we work with the medical community to control and cure arthritis.

We believe we can all help. We can share experiences - online, in the media, with each other. We can raise money - through marathons, selling JAsper pins, church gate collections, sponsored events. We couldn't provide our vital services without the people who support us. People like you make this possible!

How can I raise money for Arthritis Ireland

The first step is making that call or sending that email! Once you have decided in your mind that you would like to fundraise for Arthritis Ireland contact us! We have a dedicated fundraising team to help you along the way with any idea you may have. We also have a number of Arthritis Ireland events that you can get involved in or you can organise your own event. 

Can people sponsor me online?

Yes people can sponsor you through our Fundraising Online facility. Once registered, we send you out full details on how to fundraise online. 

I want to organize my own fundraiser but I don't know what to do!

Organising your own event can seem daunting. However, we take the fear factor out of fundraising as we are there at every step of the way to offer advice and suggestions on how to get the most out of your fundraising event. The first part is contacting Arthritis Ireland on 01 6470209 or emailing fundraising@arthritisireland.ie, then there are a number of factors to decide on. These are listed below. 

When: Choose a date that is best for you and your supporters and remember that you will need time to organise it. Try to avoid competition by finding out when other events may be happening.

Budgeting: Work out a simple budget at the start of your planning - include all the costs you expect to incur (promotion, equipment etc) and estimate how much money will come in (tickets, sponsorship). Can you reduce your costs through donated goods or company sponsorship? Set a review date before the event and don't forget to think about when things need to be paid.

Publicity: Do people know about your event? Shout about your event as much as you can , promote it through facebook and twitter and anywhere that you can think of, but obviously within budget! Word of mouth is a powerful form of advertising for fundraising events and the best thing is that it's completely free. Think about whether you need sponsorship forms, posters, collection buckets, etc? Would you like t-shirts for participants to wear, balloons to decorate your venue, banners, etc.

Equipment: What do you need? Write a list so you don't forget anything.

Helpers: How many do you need? Remember to ask them in plenty of time.

Contingency plans: What if it rains? Do you have a plan B? Are there extra resources or emergency cash available on the day? Don't be afraid of cancelling or postponing an event if necessary.

It will be alright on the night: Write a checklist of all the things you need to do so you don't forget anything. Double check your equipment, brief your volunteers and arrange some refreshments. Decorate the event venue with posters and balloons.If possible, announce the anticipated amount raised from the event, reminding everyone why the money is being raised.

After the event: Rember to say a big thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered or got involved in the fundraiser in any shape or form. A phone call is nice, a personal note or email is even better.

Get that money working by sending the funds raised together with your sponsorship forms to Arthritis Ireland (cheques made payable to Arthritis Ireland). The quicker you send your money in, the quicker we can put it to use.

Fundraising guidelines

Whilst raising funds for your event it is obviously essential that you stay within the law and there are some tips to make sure that you do so.

If you are organizing a raffle please remember that:

• Tickets may NOT be sold by under 16's
• You need to apply to your local Garda station for a licence for any public lottery or raffle. (These permits can take a number of weeks so best to apply early in order to ensure you have permission in time for the event.)

Flyers, posters, leaflets etc: It is very important that the Charity Registration Number appears on all printed documents - however, please contact Arthritis Ireland for approval before going to print.

Rules for collecting money: In order to make a collection in a private area, like your local shopping centre or supermarket, then you will need the permission of the owner.In order to make a street collection you will need to contact your local Garda station for a licence.

Your safety is paramount: Please do not do anything unsafe or illegal - everything you do will reflect on the charity and our reputation is important to us. If in doubt about anything, simply ask us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. When holding events in public areas please make sure you are covered by the local authority public liability insurance and that you have the appropriate licences

Fundraising Ideas

There are hundreds of ways to raise money. You can be as creative as you like, you can make it whacky or go with something traditional like a tea or coffee morning. It doesn't have to be a huge cost. If you have an idea that you would like to discuss with us or ask us for suggestions, contact our fundraising team on 01 6470209 orfundraising@arthritisireland.ie.
 

Guiding Principles for Fundraising

Arthritis Ireland is pleased to confirm that it is fully compliant with the Statement for Guiding Principles for Fundraising developed by the ICTR. This is an important step in ensuring good governance for the organisation and also instilling confidence in the general public of our adherence to good fundraising practice.