Community Fundraising
We have an incredible community here at Glasgow and the things they can achieve when they come together for a great cause is phenomenal. You can be part of that too, whether you are a staff, student, alumni, donor or friend of Glasgow we appreciate anyone willing to give up some of their time to help support the University. There are so many fun ways you can help from throwing fundraising events, sponsored runs, climbs or cycles, maybe you want to use your crafty side and make things or bake things – whatever it is we have a way to support it.
You can set up your own JustGiving page which allows you to tailor your page and share with friends, family and colleagues for them to support you by donating securely online. For more information on how to set up your page please see the instructions provided on the JustGiving website.
Please note, all donations to the University of Glasgow are directed via the 'University of Glasgow Trust'. This can be found on the JustGiving site at: www.justgiving.com/ugt
On your JustGiving page please highlight the University campaign you wish your sponsorship to be directed towards. JustGiving will transfer your donations to the 'University of Glasgow Trust'. All you need to do is ask your family and friends to sponsor you. If you want to speak to a member of our team on how to start fundraising, please feel free to contact us on Givingtoglasgow@glasgow.ac.uk.
Areas you can support
You can fundraise for the following areas and more at the University -
- Ensure financial restrictions are not a barrier to students by supporting the Scholarships Fund.
- Support The Chancellor’s Fund which awards funding to innovative projects that have an impact across the University and wider community.
- Ensure Glasgow remains a global leader in learning and research by supporting Campus Development.
- You can help research in Cancer and other illnesses by supporting the Medical Fund.
- Support students and research at the University by raising money for the Covid-19 Response Fund.
- There are many other areas you can support including the Small Animal Hospital and the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre.
To find out more about projects you can support please visit - https://www.gla.ac.uk/connect/supportus/supportinspires/
Fundraising ideas
There are many different things you can do – but here are some ideas to inspire you!
- Sponsored walk/cycle event
- Take on a marathon
- Giving something up
- Holding a swap shop
- Bake sales
- Coffee mornings
- Raffle
- Quiz
- Selling items online
Fundraising top tips
- Explain your cause your supporters – most fundraisers will have a personal connection as why they are fundraising for a particular cause.
- Create a fundraising page on JustGiving, and highlight the University campaign you wish your sponsorship to be directed towards. JustGiving will transfer your donations to the 'University of Glasgow Trust'.
- Keep your idea simple – it will be easier to organise and to get supporters involved.
- Encourage others to support you and to join in - whether this is by sponsoring you, or by taking part in your event as well.
- Plan every aspect of the event to ensure it is a success.
- Set a target for what you want to achieve – be realistic. It will be much easier for people to get involved if the target is reachable.
- Utilise social media to spread awareness of your fundraising.
- Have the correct materials you need to hold your event – ie. T-shirts, donation tins, posters/banners etc.
- Remember to thank your supporters, and to keep them regularly updated if your fundraising takes places over a period.
Planning your event
- Good planning is key to ensuring your event is a success.
- Decide on how you are going to fundraise – choose something that people will be keen to get behind. Keep it simple and achievable.
- Think about when you are going to hold your event – will other people be there to support you. If you are taking part in a marathon for example, make sure you are fit and healthy to take part. Do not take on something you will be unable to complete.
- Think about where you will hold your event, and when – remember health and safety, and whether you need any permissions/licences.
- If you intend to fundraise as part of a group, give people distinct roles to make sure all aspects are covered – social media, keeping track of money raised, and an individual to oversee all areas.
- Think about how you will budget for any materials – can anything be supplied to you from the University, or will local businesses be able to support you?
- One of the most important aspects is making people aware of your event – using social media is the best way of doing this – this includes Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok etc. Make sure you keep people continually updated on your progress along the way.
Fundraising online
- Make the most of digital platforms out there to boost your fundraising.
- Using a fundraising page such as JustGiving is an effective way to keep everyone up to date on your progress, and for people to make donations. You can share a story on why you are fundraising, and share photos and videos along the way.
- Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as a way of spreading awareness of your cause, and keeping people up to date with your fundraising progress.
- Make sure to thank supporters along the way, it will keep people involved, and will bring more potential supporters.
Green fundraising
Think about the environment, try to be as green as possible in your fundraising efforts!
- Hold a bring and buy sale to encourage people to help find items you no longer use a new home.
- Ensure any catering/bake sales are green by using bio-degradable items, minimise packaging, and offer refills on drinks etc., rather than using multiple cups.
- If you are going to hold multiple events in your fundraising – reuse signs/banners; and be thoughtful of giving out items that may just be thrown away afterwards.
- Think about where you are going to hold your events, and how you and others will get there. Try to keep your carbon footprint low.