Want to raise money for Mencap? You're in the right place!
Whether it's your first time as a fundraiser or your hundredth, we've got the ideas to keep it fresh and make it a success.
Ok, so you’re passionate about supporting people with a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. and would like to fundraise and improve lives? You’re in the right place!
There are so many things you can do to support Mencap’s work. From bake-offs to taking on your own physical challenge anywhere in the world. You decide what suits you and when.
Here are some of the things our dedicated supporters have done to raise funds for Mencap:
- Jade cut her hair off, raising £371.
- Bonnie did an open water sponsored swim raising £715.
- Simon and Helen decided to ask their wedding guests to donate to Mencap.
- Theresa put on a show in aid of Mencap raising over £1,200.
- Dylan celebrated his 2nd birthday by raising £500 for Mencap.
Feeling inspired?
You too can donate your celebration day to Mencap or organise a bake off at work, a quiz night or sports tournament.
It’s your choice and we’ll support you in any way we can, so if you’re fundraising for the first time, don’t worry, we’ll be right behind you.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Still have questions? Lets talk!
You can contact the Community A community is the people and places in an area. Fundraising Team on community.fundraising@mencap.org.uk and 020 7696 6949 and your local fundraising manager A manager is a boss at work. They tell you what you need to do and give you support if you need it. will get in touch as soon as they can.
You can also find Mencap on Facebook and Twitter.
Can I fundraise online?
Most certainly! You can find Mencap on Virgin Money Giving. Have a look, it is really easy to set up your own fundraising page.
Virgin Money Giving collects Gift Aid on your behalf and manages all the administration, so it’s less hassle for you, and less cost to Mencap. The funds reach Mencap approximately 2 weeks after the donation is made and go straight to your account with Mencap.
How do I send you the funds I have raised?
There are 3 ways to pay in the funds you raised at an event. Chose the one which works best for you:
- pay in your fundraising online using our paying in form
- take the funds you raised to the bank (if you need a pay-in slip, please contact us and we’ll send you one)
- send a cheque for the total amount, payable to Mencap and send to 6 Cyrus Way, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8HP (don’t forget to include your name and address).
What support do you provide?
We have materials such as collection tins and buckets, balloons and T-shirts. We’re always happy to chat about your plans. The more we know about your event, the more we can help!
Please get in touch by completing our online form or via email community.fundraising@mencap.org.uk or contact 020 7696 6949.
How does the charity spend its money?
From every £1 raised, 97% is spent on charitable activity. That includes providing services, such as the Mencap Direct helpline and advocacy Advocacy is when you get support to have your say. services, and campaigning.
Everything we do is about supporting and giving a voice to people with a learning disability, their families and carers across the UK.
How can I make sure our fundraising activity is legal and safe?
Download our PDF fundraising guide.
The Institute of Fundraising also provides guidance Guidance means being given clear instructions to be able to do something well. .
How can I cover the costs of my event?
Our PDF fundraising guide has tips on how to keep your costs low.
For example, you can ask local businesses to sponsor your events, donate materials and prizes, or offer their services free of charge.
How your fundraising helps
Find out where your fundraising money goes, and how it allows us to create sustainable change for people with a learning disability.
Our resources
Use the resources below to help you when you raise funds for Mencap.
A to Z of fundraising ideas
See all the ways you can fundraise for Mencap and help us in our work supporting people with learning disabilities, their families and carers.
Sponsorship form
Use our sponsorship form to help you collect support for you fundraising event
Fundraising poster
Use this poster to let people know that you're fundraising for Mencap