Sponsorship

Sponsorship can be a little confusing when it comes to how to raise it and then how to pay it in. So, we have assembled some top tips as well as handy FAQs to answer all your questions!

And if your question isn’t answered, then it’s time to give us a call!

Did you know there are two types of sponsorship?

Online and Offline…Okay, let’s break this down real quick. In this digital age you can raise money face to face with good old-fashioned money or in the world of the internet you can do it online, hence why it’s called online fundraising.

Online fundraising often uses a third-party platform that you can set up an account with, set up a page or profile and then your supporters can pay directly to this page. The third-party will then transfer the money directly to us. It’s a nice easy way to collect sponsorship without having to collect the money, it’s also easier to share using social media and increase your chances of more sponsorship.

Offline fundraising is the traditional route, with a sponsorship form you collect your sponsor's details and money either before or after your fundraising and then you would need to send the sponsorship form and the money back to us. If you’re comfortable with money or are only looking for small amounts this route is normally easier. You can pass your form around your work or school and easily get a pound from each sponsor.

Which do you prefer?
Personally, we have no preference! We’re just happy that you are supporting us. So however you want to raise your sponsorship, go right on ahead.

Got some Cash?
Offline fundraising can be the easiest way of getting in your sponsorship, passing a collection around gets the money in. Make sure each sponsor is adding their donation on your sponsorship sheet, this allows you to keep track of who has sponsored you and whether they have gift-aided their donation. They can sponsor you with either a cheque (made payable to The Friends of the Wisdom Hospice/ FOWH ) or cash.

If your sponsorship is in cash, you have a few options for getting it to us.

• You can bring it in as cash and give it to us in person, we are always happy to receive sponsorship this way.
• If you would like, you can post your sponsorship as a cheque with your sponsorship form, make sure your cheque is made payable to 'The Friends of the Wisdom Hospice'.
• You can call us up and pay your sponsorship by card over the phone.

Don’t forget…
Make sure each sponsor is adding their donation to your sponsorship sheet, this allows you to keep track of who has sponsored you and whether they have gift-aided their donation.

You must make sure you return the sponsorship form to us and ensure you have included all your own information on it, otherwise we won't know it's from you and send you a certificate!

Done it online?
If you have set up an online fundraising page and you have received donations digitally through this, this money will be paid directly to us and you don't have to do a thing. If you are using one of these pages, and you are given money in person as sponsorship you can add this as an offline donation. This can help you can keep track of your total but you will still have to send the money to us directly, with a sponsorship form.

Did you know that 75% of sponsorship can come after...
Most people can make the majority of their sponsorship after the event. Partly because they have then upheld the part of the bargain of completing the challenge, task or promise, so anyone who said they would pledge money now needs to cough up. So even if you didn't start fundraising before you can still have time to whip around your friends and family and have them support your success!

Sponsorship FAQ'S

How long have I got to get my sponsorship in?
We hope you will send your sponsorship to us as soon as you have finished fundraising, this helps us add up the final total for the event as quickly as possible, so a little speed helps.

What happens after I give my sponsorship in?
When we have received your sponsorship, we will write to you acknowledging your donation and send you a certificate with the total we have received from you. Because of this, it is most helpful if you send all of your sponsorship in one go, so we can thank you for the total amount.

Do I have to raise sponsorship?
You don't have to raise sponsorship, but even just £5 raised will make a difference to a patient. Big or small we are happy for any contributions, and we encourage you to ask friends and family to support you by sponsoring you.

What even is Gift Aid?
Gift aid is a form of tax relief when you make a donation to charity. We can claim 25p for every £1 that is donated with gift aid and it doesn't cost you or your sponsors a penny. In order to gift aid a donation, simply make sure the person sponsoring you fills out your sponsorship form themselves and ticks the gift aid box and we do the rest. It really is that easy.

Still not sure?
Well, I guess we can't always answer them all, if you have any further questions you're not sure about, just pick up the phone and give us a call. We are always happy to help!