There are many ways of raising funds towards the Festival, both for individuals and Lodges/Chapters, either at the Festive Board or via Outside Activities.
INDIVIDUAL
As an individual, the most effective ways of giving are by using GiftAid, either a regular donation via Direct Debit or using GiftAid envelopes.
Also as an individual, you should have a "collecting box" that was sent to you in the initial Festival mail shot. This is ideal for accumulating small change which can quickly build into a worthwhile donation. The boxes can also be used for "spare change" collections at Lodge/Chapter meetings. Further boxes may be obtained via your Charity Steward should you need them. To celebrate the Olympics in 2012 and to mark the halfway point in the Festival the charity team are going to ask you to turn the money collected into pound coins, which will be laid end-to-end in an attempt to form a Golden Mile. This event will be held at a local, secure sporting facility as we could be talking of up to £80,000.
LODGE/CHAPTER
As a Lodge/Chapter, apart from the familiar fundraising methods such as Alms Collections and Raffles, there are many ways you can introduce variety and have some fun whilst raising funds, including:
Timing of the Tyler's/Janitor's Toast
A sweepstake on the time the Tyler/Janitor is called upon to make his toast never ceases to cause enjoyment. £1 per guess, with half the money going to the winner and half to charity won't necessarily raise a large amount, but "every little helps", and adds another element of fun to the Festive Board.
Two words of caution: decide in advance whose watch is going to be used for timing, and keep an eye on the predictions of those making or responding to a toast!
Guess Their Ages
Guess the combined age of the three oldest people attending the Festive Board. Again, at £1 a go, with the proceeds shared between prize and charity, it will not raise a large amount, but it may cause some surprises and help get everyone into the habit of regular donations.
"Tiddler" Box
As mentioned above, the Festival collecting boxes can be circulated during the Festive Board for Member's loose change. It is only small change, but it all adds up.
"Master at Arms"
A "Master at Arms" can be appointed before the meeting commences, to note minor "indiscretions", such as forgetting to wear jewels, humorous mistakes in procedure or ritual, etc. The Master at Arms [himself protected against counter-fines] will then impose nominal fines at the Festive Board.
OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
The only limit to ways of raising funds outside Lodge/Chapter meetings is your imagination!
The following ideas have been used successfully over a number of years by many Lodges and Chapters:
Sponsored Events
There are many types of event which can be sponsored [using a Relief Chest GiftAid sponsorship form], including runs, walks, bike rides, and various "endurance" events involving playing games.
Curry Nights
Most restaurants will give you a fixed price, perhaps slightly cheaper than their normal rate, for a block booking, especially if you choose a fixed meal. A small premium on the ticket price and a raffle will ensure that a fun evening will raise some money for the Festival.
Quiz Nights
Apart from supporting the Annual Provincial Quiz, why not have a Quiz Night at your Centre? They are always good fun, with a raffle ensuring money for the Festival, and your Centre's bar will welcome the extra takings.
Auction of Pledges
Auctions can be a great fundraiser. With pledges ranging from objects [unwanted presents, nearly-new items, etc.] to services [rounds of golf, "taxi" to airport, etc.], and all donated, and a willing audience of buyers, profits can easily run into four figures.
Lodge/Chapter BBQ
Every Lodge/Chapter is bound to have someone who considers himself to be the "king" of BBQs, and someone [not necessarily the same person] who is willing to have his garden used as the venue. Add a margin to the cost, and have a raffle or fun quiz to ensure extra funds for the Festival.
LOI Supper/Lunch
Run along similar lines to Curry Nights; either in a restaurant or your Centre [again a welcome boost to bar takings].
Boot Sales
Unless quite a few Lodges/Chapters got together to organise their own event, a Masonic Boot Sale might not be feasible. However, if all the members of a Lodge/Chapter searched their lofts and garages for suitable unwanted items, they should be able to stock one or more stalls at a commercially-run Boot Sale. An early start may be necessary, but it's likely to be great fun.
West End Shows
Most people like to see a West End Show. If you book for a party of 12 or more via TicketMaster you can get a reduction on your ticket price, usually about 30%. Add, say, £5 to the price for charity and your members will still get the tickets cheaper than if they bought them as individuals. Add a pre- or post-theatre meal [again with the possibility of a discount for a block booking] and a great night out is assured.
Other activities could include Race Nights, Coffee Mornings, Burns Nights, Fish & Chip Suppers, Golf Tournaments, Garden Parties, Discos, Firework Displays, Cockney Nights, White Tables, Coach Outings and Donations to Charity in lieu of giving Christmas Cards.
The other benefit of these activities is that you can invite your partners and other Non Masonic guests.
Your Charity Steward Coordinator (CSC) is there to help and if he has not organised one of these events in the past, he will know someone who has.
Finally, if you have a great fundraising idea, don't keep it to yourself! Let your CSC know about it. We won't give you a reward, but we will give you credit for the idea if we put it on the website.
