How to organise a coffee morning or tea party

Before your coffee morning or tea party

• First thing's first – find a venue, this could be your own home or a village hall. If using a public venue, make sure to check on any licences you might need.
• Timing: depending on who you plan to invite to your fundraiser, think carefully about an event date so not to clash with any major sports or cultural events.
• Ideas: give lots of thought to how you can make the most of your fundraiser and raise as much as possible.
• Promotion: if you’re having a community tea party or coffee morning, contact your local newspaper and radio to advertise your event and share posters and leaflets around the area.
• Community support: as it’s for charity, maybe your local supermarket or bakery would donate some delicious treats or other goodies? It’s worth asking!

You can also download a PDF version of our guidance.

During your fundraiser

• Inspire: plan a moment to say a few words about heart and circulatory conditions and BHF’s work so people understand the difference their support makes. Alternatively, if you have the technology, you could play one of our videos. Make sure to have one of our collection boxes on display to encourage donations.

• Fundraising: include fun activities and competitions like ‘guess the weight of the cake’ or host a bake off and have guests vote for their favourite. Why not see if local businesses will donate some prizes? It is a charity event!
  
  

Top tips

• Food and drink: as you’re likely to be selling treats it is essential to label things for allergens. Head over to the Food Standards Agency for further advice.

• Social media: spread the word by setting up a Facebook event page and let us know how your fundraising activity is going with regular updates. Remember to tag us so we can see what you’re up to and say thank you!
• Double your money: ask your team of helpers if they work for a company that offers Matched Giving for charity and encourage them to apply if they do.
• Licences: check what licences will be required. For example, selling alcohol and playing music both require a licence.
• More support: if you have any queries please call our supporter service centre on 0300 330 3322 or email us.
  
  

Keeping it safe and legal

It’s important that you are safe and legal while fundraising in aid of BHF. Please follow our ‘keeping it safe and legal’ guidance.

After your tea party or coffee morning

• Banking: count, record and send us the money you raise as soon as you can. It’s a good idea to share responsibility for this among more than 1 person. You might also want to get some money bags from the bank well in advance.

• Thanking: remember to follow up with guests, sponsors and volunteers, to thank them and let them know how much was raised to help fund our lifesaving research.
  
  

Get your free fundraising guide

Our free downloadable fundraising guide is full of tips and ideas to help you organise a successful event. To get it, use our simple form to register your activity.

Get your free guide

We're here to help you with your fundraising. If you have a question, call our support team on 0300 330 3322 between Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.