Decide on where you are going to hold your charity event and fix a time and place. Also ask the venue if they are willing to donate the hire fee to you - this is best if your event is held at the venues low periods. Of course they may say yes, they may say no but at least you asked! Also think about those companies/individuals who may be interested in your event and giving their time or resources.

Think about your guests very carefully - a charity event that is in a large venue whose aim is to raise large amounts of money needs to be inviting people who have access to large sums of money either personally or through the company charitable sector.

Prepare a program that your guests are going to enjoy. You want to make your event an enjoyable and memorable experience. Also the more relaxed and the more fun your guests are having, the more likely they are to give generously.

Think about doing something different! Research other charities and see what they are doing - you may come up with something completely new and novel! After all someone was the first to come up with the idea of sitting in a bath of beans or shaving all their hair off - that could be you!

Approach local companies in your community and ask if they would be willing to donate prizes for your fundraiser.

Organise the other stuff like decorations, invitations or catering.

• Think about your chosen charity carefully. Whilst larger and more well known charities are often considered also think about more local and smaller charities - they need money to keep going too! No matter how much you raise for them they will be happy as every bit helps regardless of the size of charity!

• Never be afraid to think about having an event which is different! All you need is a creative mind!

• Some websites offering online fundraising drives or pages are actually businesses that take a percentage of the donations. Be sure to check the fees, as well as the features.