Firstly, a great BIG thank you for choosing to support The Primrose Foundation and raise some much-needed funds for your local breast care charity. We appreciate your support and whatever you raise, it really will make a huge difference. This guide aims to help you maximise your efforts fundraising and hopefully reach your fundraising target.

So, let’s take it back to the beginning by asking yourself why you want to raise funds for The Primrose Foundation We have found that a majority of those that fundraise for us have either been through breast cancer or have a loved one has. Your reason for choosing us is your motivation, whether it a relative, a colleague or yourself  that received treatment or is currently receiving treatment for breast cancer, this is why you are going to make this amazing opportunity to raise funds and awareness a huge success. 

How to raise funds:

Fundraising platforms are a great starting point, they are easy to set up and share, whether that’s via email or social media, they are simple and convenient for people to donate to. These donation platforms will also help you visually see your fundraising pot increasing. Talking of which, set your fundraising goal high – it’s better to go large and not reach your target than set a low target and smash it in days and lose potential donations/ support.

Those around you will want to see you succeed, your networks, friends, family, and work colleagues are always the first groups you approach to support you, but once you have exceeded the generosity of those around you it’s time to think about what other potential support you could receive, which is where local media could help you spread the word.

Helpful ways to publicise your fundraising event or activity:

Social media is also a great tool for sharing your story and should be utilised as often as possible if you think it is appropriate. However, the real deal breaker for your fundraising efforts will be getting interest from local media Whether that is online and local newspapers, local radio and even a possible interview on the TV.

Local media are keen to hear about things happening in their area’s especially stories that celebrate community spirit, and what better way to lift everyone than to talk about a local fundraising hero, because that’s what you are, a truly wonderful person about to achieve something brilliant!

Fundraising events are well positioned to attract publicity, if you can attract interest in your event or activity this in turn will mean that people will start talking about your fundraiser and of course, that means they are more likely to want to take part or donate funds.

Helpful hints for generating PR for your fundraising:

We know that perhaps contacting your local media may be a little out of your comfort zone, but with this guide, you’ll have all you need for it to be quick and easy and get you some great results.

Below you’ll find some top tips on how to contact your local media.

Tip 1: Make a list of some local publications to contact by phone or email, for instance, Plymouth Live/Herald, Western Morning News, Tavistock Times, Devon Life, ITV, Westcountry, BBC news and radio, and Plymouth Chronicles, the list of possibilities is endless.

If you have time, it is a good idea to ring the paper or radio to get the name of the person you should be talking/writing to. Just head to google or whichever search engine you use and type in -local media near me, once you have those details perhaps make a quick call to query the name/s of their local reporter. You can often send details to the news desk of each publication in the first instance too.

NOTE: Be prepared in case you’re put through to someone to talk about your fundraiser. Plan ahead and note down a brief overview of your event/ fundraiser and the key facts, keep it short and sweet, but remember to share the human-interest part of your story.

Tip 2: If you are writing a short press release (more on this in a moment) about your fundraising, build your full story from your brief overview and remember to include a good subject line in your email which will be more likely to catch the reporter’s eye.

Tip 3: Once you have your story and stand-out subject header it’s time to whizz it off via email to all those whom you have obtained details for. Once sent, wait for a few days, and then ring the named person to find out if they are interested in the story or if they need any further information from you.

Tip 4: If the media would like to cover your story, they may want to send a photographer take a photo of you or at the event – or they may ask you to take a high-resolution photograph.

And finally, if your story is going to go out, please ask the journalist when it might appear. They may even offer to send you a copy, but please do try and look out for it and be sure to let us know about any coverage too, we would love to see it!

Notes on writing your press release:

Start off with an introduction, how old you are and where you are from. Next talk about your fundraiser/ event (ie location, date etc) and the fact that it’s in aid of The Primrose Foundation.

Next, it’s time to talk about why you chose us, for instance, your or your loved one’s diagnosis and treatment at The Primrose Breast Care Centre and how you want to give something back to the service.

If you would like a quote from us to include in your press release please get in touch via info@primrosefoundation.org,  we are always happy to talk to our fundraisers and learn about how you are planning on raising funds for us.

Finally at the bottom of your press release please add the following details about us, this is so that the media can contact us if they wish.

About The Primrose Foundation:                         

The Primrose Foundation is a registered breast care charity working in partnership with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. If you would like more information about donating or fundraising for The Primrose Foundation, please contact the fundraising Co-ordinator on info@primrosefoundation.org

And that’s it

We hope you find this information useful, and should you require any additional support from us we are only ever a phone call away (01752 975217/ 07894700866).

On behalf of everyone here at The Primrose Foundation, thank you again for your support.