You are here: Home > Ways To Give > Other Ways to Give > Fundraising Tips

Fundraising Tips

You can help Operation Smile Ireland transform the life of a child. How? As a community volunteer you can help heal children's smiles around the world by planning, organising and promoting a benefit event or fundraising appeal for Operation Smile Ireland.

There are lots of ways to get involved, reach out to your community and make a difference for children suffering from cleft lips and cleft palates who are waiting for surgery. We rely on the imaginative fundraising of creative individuals and groups of all ages to raise money for Operation Smile Ireland.

Through your contributions and efforts, you can give children a chance at a new life while having the opportunity to give back.

We have all the information you need to raise funds on behalf of Operation Smile Ireland. Ready to start?

Here are the important steps for a successful fundraiser:

1. Set your fundraising goal
2. Gather your team
3. Determine how you are going to raise funds
4. Create a plan
5. We can help!
6. Get started
7. Track contributions
8. Double your donations!
9. Send your contributions to Operation Smile
10. Share your success

For details on these steps, useful forms and more – utilise our Fundraising Tool Kit.

Hints and Tips for Successful Fundraising

• Activities and events where 100% of the proceeds are donated to Operation Smile Ireland are usually easier to organise and manage.
• If planning an event that will incur costs – set a realistic budget. At minimum, 75% of donations should go to Operation Smile Ireland, with costs at 25% or lower.
• All costs - like rental space and catering – must be covered by the organisers.
• Keep accurate records – utilise our fundraising revenue submission form to track and submit donations.
• Don’t forget to thank everyone who helped make your event a success – the donors, the volunteers and the sponsors.

Need Ideas?

Check out our Fundraising Ideas page!

Need help?

Contact Teri Cosgrove at or call 01 667 6659 for fundraising ideas and suggestions.