Top Tips To Set and Meet Your Fundraising Goals
Winter has ended and we can see the start of brighter days, warmer temperatures and better yet, fundraising and charity events! We’re loving seeing charities, schools and organisations getting their events in the calendar and we’re ready to start helping everyone get organised with their fundraising accessories and colour powder.
Following the recent launch of our Fundraising Zone, we’re also excited to be able to further support fundraising events with our handy guides, tips and tricks. But before jumping into all of the creative planning, one important thing must be established first - your fundraising goals.
Whether this is your first fundraiser or your 100th fundraiser, ensuring you’ve set clear, actionable fundraising goals is essential to running a successful event. Let’s take a deeper look at why fundraising goals are important, how to set them and our tips for smashing them.
What Are Fundraising Goals?
Fundraising goals can differ from one organisation to another, but usually there is one clear end-target that participants work towards. Usually this end goal is raising a certain amount of money, however fundraising goals for schools will be different to fundraising goals for a charity. For example, PTAs may organise a fundraiser for a school to raise money for new equipment or technology while a charity may raise funds for research or to help those who need it. Charities also run fundraisers to raise awareness for their cause and increase their base with new volunteers and donors.
Some organisations or individuals may choose to also set goals and milestones along the way to reach their end target. If you’re hosting a large event such as a colour fun run, this might include signing up a certain number of participants or securing sponsorships from local businesses to support the costs. Some charities or organisations may choose to set goals for growing their online presence, tracking the number of social media followers they have or people signed up to their mailing list.
Why Is It Important To Set Fundraising Goals?
Organising and running a fundraiser is a big task, but ensuring it’s successful is an even bigger one. Having a big end goal and smaller ones along the way gives everyone involved something to work towards and is a great way to maintain motivation. Hitting milestones as you get closer to the final goal creates a sense of achievement and pride amongst everyone involved. As people see donations tick closer to the overall number, it encourages more participation as everyone is determined to hit the final goal!
Setting goals also helps define a bigger strategy, allowing you to outline the steps needed to hit your goals and stay organised while doing so. Part of this strategy should include defining a budget and developing marketing materials to encourage participation.
Setting Your Fundraising Goals
When setting your fundraising goals, it’s important to be realistic and set clear and measurable targets. Take a look at previous fundraisers your school, club or charity has held in the past to see what they’ve raised and how many people got involved to give you an understanding of what’s achievable.
Your goal should also support or contribute to your organisation or an individual involved in some way. This may involve raising money to purchase new equipment for a school or sports club, funding a surgery or gathering donations for a cause close to you. Giving your goal that personal element is going to help you gain support from friends, families or stakeholders and make your fundraising efforts that bit more meaningful.
Meeting Your Fundraising Goals
You’ve set your goals and planning is underway for your event which means it’s time to get stuck into the main task - fundraising! Our top tips are sure to help you smash your goals and get everyone digging deep to help your chosen cause.
Create A Donation Page
The easiest and most effective for people to donate to your fundraiser is to set up an online donation page. This can be done on platforms like Justgiving, allowing users to simply click a link and instantly donate. Here you can share more about your fundraiser, your personal story and users can leave messages of encouragement. Additionally you can track the progress of your fundraising goal with ease, seeing how close you are to smashing the 100% mark. To reach as many people as possible, share the link to your donation page amongst friends and family and across social media.
Host A Fundraising Event
Organising an event can be a fantastic way to encourage donations while getting more people involved in your cause. It could be a charity auction, a bake sale or a quiz night, or perhaps you might opt to organise something a bit more challenging, like a colour run or even a skydive! Either way, having a physical event gives people something to look forward to and attracts a wider audience. To maximise your fundraising efforts, you could charge people an entry or participation fee or host a raffle on the day, offering prizes that have been donated by local businesses.
Offer Incentives
There are two ways that you can offer incentives when fundraising. The first is to offer incentives to the individual doing the fundraising so that when they reach certain milestones, they receive a gift. For example, if they raise £50 for your cause they might receive a branded t-shirt and if they raise £100, they could get a small gift voucher. Not only does the individual feel rewarded for their efforts but they’re also encouraged to keep fundraising and aim for the highest goal.
The second way is to offer incentives to the donors directly. You see this often with crowdfunding projects when artists raise funds to finance a film or a project. This involves setting up a tiered system where donors who contribute a certain amount receive a gift. For example, a £20 donation could earn them a mention on your website or a thank you in your project, a £50 donation could mean a personalised thank you letter or video message while a £100 donation might provide exclusive access to updates and events.
Reach Your Fundraising Goals With Ministry of Colours
If you’re looking for the right event to host for your fundraiser, look no further than a colour fun run. We’re the UK’s number one provider of authentic and high quality colour powder and have all of the products you need to ensure that your event is a success. From individual packets of colour powder to large 10kg bags to our impressive colour powder fountains, we’ve got everything covered to make your event bright and colourful. We also offer a variety of colour accessories, such as colour run medals and wristbands if you’re looking for that perfect memento to reward participants with.
Our Fundraising Zone is also packed full of helpful resources and guides to help you put your event together, including downloadable promotional posters, sponsorship forms and checklists. If you’re a PTA member or teacher looking to host a school colour run, we have a separate schools and PTA zone dedicated to resources just for educational institutions. Additionally we offer fundraising resources for charity organisations and sports clubs looking to make a colourful impact with their events.
If you can’t find the information you need or require a helping hand finding the right products for your event, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team. We’re always on hand to help you put the fun into fundraising and ensure your event is as bright and successful as possible!
Holi Festival Celebration Ideas – How to Get the Most Out of Holi
Holi, the vibrant and joyous Festival of Colours, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and around the world. This festival signifies the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the beauty of unity in diversity. While the traditional celebration of Holi involves throwing colour powder, singing, dancing, and sharing sweets with loved ones, there are plenty of fun and meaningful ways to enhance the experience. Here are some Holi celebration ideas to help you get the most out of this colourful festival!
1. Create a Colourful Holi Powder Bar
One of the signature elements of Holi is colour powder, also known as Gulal. To make the celebration even more fun, set up a DIY Holi powder bar with a variety of vibrant colours. Provide friends and family with small containers or sachets, allowing them to pick their favourite colours or even mix them to create custom hues. This colourful station will encourage creativity and make the celebration more personalised.
Pro Tip: To ensure everyone’s safety, use skin-friendly, non-toxic powders. If possible, choose organic and sustainable powders for environmental benefits.
2. Holi-Themed Food and Drinks
Make your Holi celebration even more special by preparing some vibrant and delicious Holi-themed food and drinks. You can serve up bright, colourful treats like gujiya (a traditional sweet), samosas, and thandai (a spiced milk-based drink). Why not get creative and infuse your favourite snacks with a burst of colour? You could also try making rainbow cupcakes, fruit salads, or vibrant smoothies. For drinks, you can go the extra mile by making rainbow cocktails or mocktails, using colourful juices and garnishes. Offering a Holi-inspired punch bowl or a mix of refreshing beverages will add a festive touch to your party.
3. Holi Dance Party
Holi is all about music, dance, and celebration. To truly experience the full joy of Holi, host a dance party featuring lively Bollywood tunes and Holi-themed songs. Think "Rang Barse," "Balam Pichkari," and "Holi Ke Din." Organise a fun flash mob or create a mini dance competition with friends and family to let the rhythm take over. Consider hiring a professional dancer or a DJ to get the party moving. For extra fun, hand out coloured accessories like leis or sunglasses for guests to wear during the dance. You can even incorporate dance games to break the ice and get everyone involved in the groove.
4. Host a Holi DIY Craft Session
If you’re looking for a calmer, more creative way to celebrate, why not host a Holi-themed craft party? Gather your friends or family to create colourful decorations for the occasion. You could make tie-dye t-shirts using white tops, colour powder and apple cider vinegar. Or how about painted Holi mugs, paper lanterns or vibrant flower garlands! Crafting is a fantastic way to bond with loved ones and create beautiful, lasting mementos of the celebration. For children, set up a DIY Rangoli station where they can use Rangoli, coloured powders or flower petals to make beautiful designs.
5. Holi Colour Run
Another fun idea is organising a colour run or a mini colour race. Set up a course in your garden, local park or venue where participants can run or walk while getting splashed with coloured powders. This will be an exciting way to engage everyone in the festivities, and the final photos will be bursting with colour!
6. Enjoy Holi with Family Games
Organise games like tug-of-war or relay races to add some healthy competition to the colourful day. Playing games together helps foster strong relationships and creates lasting memories.
7. Incorporate Holi Acts of Kindness
Holi is not only a time for celebration but also a chance to spread happiness and kindness. As you enjoy the festivities, consider organising a Holi charity event where you and your friends can fundraise or donate money, food, clothing, or toys to those in need. Sharing your joy and blessings with others is one of the best ways to celebrate the spirit of Holi.
8. Eco-Friendly Holi
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of Holi celebrations. You can choose to make your celebration eco-friendly by using organic colour powder, reducing plastic waste, and being mindful of water usage. You can also opt for biodegradable paper plates and cups, ensuring your party leaves no harmful trace behind.
9. Virtual Holi Party
If you're not able to be physically together with your loved ones, consider hosting a virtual Holi celebration. With a little creativity, you can share the festival spirit even from a distance. Send out colourful invitations via email, hold an online dance-off, or live steam the event. You can even organise a virtual colour splash event where participants wear colourful outfits and play with colours in front of the camera.
Conclusion
Holi is all about fun, togetherness, and celebrating life’s vibrant moments. Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or a wider community, the possibilities for making this festival memorable are endless. By adding your own creative touches, hosting themed parties, playing fun games, or spreading kindness, you’ll create a celebration that everyone will remember. If you want to host the ultimate Holi event, everything you need can be found right here at Ministry Of Colours. So, get ready to embrace the spirit of Holi and make the most of this colourful festival!
46,000 Reasons To Host A Colour Run
A Colour Run Case Study With Forget Me Not Children's Hospice
Please watch the video above: In this video case study, we dive into the exciting and heartwarming world of colour runs, highlighting their incredible benefits for both participants and the community. We are joined by Vicky Lough, the events fundraiser at Forget Me No Children's Hospice, who explores how these vibrant, fun events help raise vital funds for the hospice and support families in need.
Background: Forget Me Not Children's Hospice
Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, located in Huddersfield, UK, provides specialised care to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. They offer invaluable support not only for the children but also for their families, providing respite care, end-of-life care, and bereavement support. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising, and events to fund its essential services. The colour run was introduced as a fun and engaging event that could draw in people of all ages and backgrounds to raise vital funds for this cause.
The Concept Of The Colour Run
The Forget Me Not Colour Run is a 3-5K event held at Greenhead Park that emphasises inclusivity and enjoyment. Participants walk, jog, or run the course while being showered with vibrant coloured powders at various checkpoints sponsored by businesses. In 2024 sponsors included Charlesworth Family Group, Shepley Spring, FMG, Advanced Supply Chain, Purple Pebble People, Mercedes and Aflex Hose. Colour powder represents hope, joy, and celebration of life, themes that resonate strongly with the ethos of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. The event is designed to be an experience that is about more than just physical activity — it’s about raising awareness, coming together as a community, and showing solidarity with those who are facing difficult challenges.
Collaboration Between Forget Me Not Children's Hospice and Ministry Of Colours
The collaboration between Ministry Of Colours and Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice began with a shared goal: to raise funds while spreading positivity. Organising a large-scale event like this requires significant planning, coordination, and promotion. The team at Forget Me Not Children's Hospice utilised their strong network of supporters, volunteers, and families to plan and promote the event while the team at Ministry Of Colours supplied them with all the colour powder and event accessories they would need. Through social media campaigns, local media coverage, and email newsletters, the event gained significant visibility. Many of the families who benefited from the hospice’s services became active participants, sharing their stories and encouraging others to join in.
Event Execution
On the day of the 2024 colour run, the atmosphere was electric. Over 1,000 participants of all ages gathered to take part in the event, many wearing white clothing that would soon be transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour as they ran, walked, or jogged along the route. Aside from the 3-5K run, the event featured entertainment, food stalls, and opportunities for families to participate in additional activities like face painting, live music, and family-friendly games. These activities ensured that even those who chose not to run could still enjoy the day and contribute to the fun. The event catered to people of all fitness levels, from seasoned runners to families with young children. Participants could choose their pace, and there was no pressure to complete the course quickly. The primary goal was to raise money while fostering a sense of community and connection.
Fundraising Impact
In 2024 the Forget Me Not Colour Run was a major success in terms of fundraising. They raised over £46,000! Participants paid a registration fee to take part, and additional funds were raised through sponsorships, donations, and fundraising pages set up by individuals and teams. The funds raised went directly to Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, ensuring that the charity could continue to provide care and support to families who rely on their services. Through this event, the hospice sees an increase in engagement from the local community, both in terms of participation and donations. The awareness raised through the event also results in new corporate sponsorships and partnerships that provide ongoing financial support. Moreover, the colour run helps to strengthen the emotional connection between the community and the hospice. Many participants express a deep sense of pride in supporting a cause that directly impacts the lives of children and families in their area.
Conclusion
Having catered to over 1,000 participants and raising £46,000 in 2024, Forget Me Not Children's Hospice certainly know a thing or two about hosting a successful colour run event! Vicky Lough explains exactly how they did it in this fantastic interview, providing a wonderful insight for any organisation looking to follow suit. From promoting fitness and wellness to fostering a sense of unity and joy, colour runs offer something special for everyone.
Please don't hesitate to contact Ministry Of Colours to learn more about how you can get involved and make a positive impact while having a blast! And if you have ever worked with us to host a colour powder event and would like us to produce a video case study, like the one feature here, to help promote your event/organisation then please get in touch!
Everything You Need To Know About Holi Festival 2025
It’s almost that time of year again, Holi Festival is not far away! We’re gearing up for one of our busiest times at Ministry of Colours, ready to get you all prepared for a vibrant and colourful Holi Festival with our authentic throwing powders.
If you don’t know what Holi Festival is, let us give you a quick overview. Also known as the Festival of Colours, Holi is a traditional Hindu festival that is celebrated each year to welcome the season of spring and the victory of good over evil. During this time communities come together to celebrate unity, with people from all cultures and backgrounds joining in the festivities.
We’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know about Holi Festival in 2025, including key dates, how to celebrate and where to find celebrations.
When Is Holi 2025?
In 2025, Holi falls on Friday 14th March. Holi is celebrated across two days however; Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi. Holika Dahan falls on the night before Holi and in 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday 13th March. On this day, people celebrate with dancing, singing and bonfires, marking the celebration of good over evil.
The day after Holika Dahan is Rangwali Holi, the main day of Holi. On this day people come together at festivals, events and even on the open streets to smear and throw colour powder, also known as gulal, on each other. It’s a vibrant and joyful day full of music, traditional Indian sweet treats and dancing.
Is Holi On The Same Day Every Year?
The date of Holi changes every year and is based on the Hindu calendar’s lunar cycle. Holi is observed on the full moon day of Phagun, the 12th month in the Hindu calendar. This usually falls somewhere between the end of February and the end of March to mark the end of winter and the start of spring.
How To Celebrate Holi 2025
Holi Festival can be celebrated by anyone and everyone, no matter their cultural background There are plenty of ways to get involved in the festivities;
Throw colour powder
Look out for local Holi events where you can experience traditional music and dancing while getting involved in plenty of colourful activities! The main celebrations of Holi include throwing traditional Holi powder over one another, showering friends and families in hues of vibrant colours. Make sure to wear white so you can see how much colour you’ve collected after the event!
Build a bonfire
Following the traditional celebrations of Holika Dahan, build a bonfire the night before Holi begins to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Gather your friends and family to join in the celebration, singing and dancing the night away.
Try traditional Holi food
No Holi celebration would be complete without delicious food and sweets! Traditional snacks served during Holi include gujhia, crispy dumplings stuffed with khoya (a traditional Indian dairy product), coconut or dried fruits and dhuska, a deep-fried treat made from daal, rice, chillies and garlic. Or perhaps try thandai, a popular milk based drink made with almonds, sugar and various spices.
Where To Celebrate Holi In The UK In 2025
While the most famous place to celebrate Holi is of course in India, there are plenty of fun and exciting Holi events taking place across the UK in 2025. Leeds Holi Festival is one of our favourite events and we’ve been a proud sponsor for a number of years now. They’ll be back in Leeds City Centre for another fantastic event on Saturday 15th March.
You can find events at plenty of other major cities across the UK including Nottingham, London and Sheffield. Keep your eyes peeled for our full list of UK Holi events coming soon!
Traditional Holi Powder From The Experts
Our goal at Ministry of Colours is making sure your Holi celebration is as vibrant, authentic and memorable as possible. We source all of our Holi throwing powder from India, ensuring its authenticity and that it’s made from natural ingredients that are safe for the skin and environment. Our collection of colour powder comes in a variety of bright colours and various sizes, from huge 10kg bags to smaller, individual bags that can be handed to each attendee.
Our colour fountains are a bestseller, especially for Holi Festival as they’re ideal for kicking celebrations off, warming up the crowd and getting everyone covered in a rainbow of colours! We even offer a whole array of festival accessories to make sure you look the part, including colourful leis, bright sunglasses and white t-shirts, just waiting to be covered in vibrant colours.
Make Holi 2025 your best celebration yet with authentic Holi powder and accessories from Ministry of Colours. If you’re unsure how much colour powder you need for your event, check out our handy colour powder calculator to help you work out the best amount depending on the amount of guests. Our team is also on hand to assist with any questions or requests you may have, so don’t hesitate to get in touch for help planning your ultimate Holi 2025 celebration!
A Colourful Path to Success for Your Sports Club
The vibrant and exciting atmosphere of a colour run can breathe new life into your sports club while raising essential funds. By hosting this enjoyable colour powder event, you not only encourage participation by bringing together your local community, but it also attracts new club members and future fans. Here’s how to do it effectively...
The Untapped Potential of Colour Runs
Colour runs are more than just a run; they're a celebration of health, community and fun. These events attract people of all ages, making them perfect for fundraising and promoting your sports club. Whether your sports team needs new members and sponsors, or funds for new kits and clubhouse improvements, a fun run can create a memorable experience encouraging friends and families to get involved.
Combining Fun and Fundraising for Sports Clubs
Planning a colour run allows you to combine fitness with entertainment. Participants pay a fee, and in return, they enjoy a unique experience. This can significantly boost your sports club's funds while promoting awareness of your activities. Everyone loves having fun while supporting a good cause! One great example of this was the The Blue Run hosted by Manchester City Football Club. The event helped to raise funds for Manchester City's charity programmes, which create healthy people, healthy futures and healthy communities for people across Greater Manchester.
Planning Your Colour Run: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Set Realistic Goals and Expectations: It's essential to set achievable goals for your colour run. Consider how much money you want to raise and what you hope to achieve, like attracting a certain number of new fans, or raising money for a tournament trip. Setting clear expectations will help you stay focused and measure success.
- Choose the Right Location and Date: Pick a location that’s easily accessible, like a local park. Use your own club's sports field if possible, to raise awareness of your club's premises. Ensure your chosen date doesn't clash with other community events for maximum participation.
- Budget for Your Colour Run Event: Create a detailed budget covering entries, supplies, permits, and marketing. A well-planned budget prevents any surprises and helps maximise your fundraising efforts. Get in touch with Ministry Of Colours to secure budget-friendly colour powder and accessories.
- Maximise Your Fundraising Efforts Through Sponsorships: Local businesses can help by sponsoring your event. Offer them visibility through banners and promotional materials. It’s mutually beneficial; they get exposure, and you receive financial support.
- Utilise Online Platforms for Promotion and Donations: Use social media and crowdfunding sites to tell the world about your event and raise money online. Regular updates and exciting visuals will help to generate a buzz. Use local community groups to spread the word even further.
- Post-Event Analysis and Future Planning: After the event, assess its success. Did you meet your fundraising goals? How many new members did you attract? Collect feedback from participants and volunteers. Insights can help to improve your future colour runs and ensure they are even more successful. Use the momentum from your event to plan future fundraising activities. Building a calendar of events can create ongoing engagement and support for your club.
Leveraging the Colour Run for Member Recruitment
Thought about transforming your open day into a colour run? Invite potential members to join in the fun and learn about your sports club's offerings. This creates a lively atmosphere and encourages sign-ups. Ensure everyone feels included and welcome. During the event, set up booths showcasing your club's activities. Demonstrating your facilities and programs can entice participants to join after enjoying the day.
Power Up Your Sports Club with Colour Powder
A colour run can be an effective fundraiser and recruitment tool. Proper planning, effective promotion, and a welcoming community will help maximise your success. Regularly hosting colour runs invites ongoing community involvement and can lead to increased membership and support for your sports club. So, what are you waiting for? Start organising your colour run now and watch your sports club flourish. Get in touch with Ministry Of Colours if you need a hand getting started.
7 Fun Obstacle Ideas for a Colour Run
We love a colour run event here at Ministry of Colours as they’re the perfect way to bring people together for a fun and memorable event, while raising money for a good cause. If you don’t know what a colour fun run is, it’s an exciting fundraising event that attracts people of all fitness levels to come together and run a course to raise money for charities, schools or a local club.
Typically colour runs are held in large outdoor spaces such as parks and playing fields, and as runners make their way around, they’re showered in bright, vibrant colour powder - hence the name colour run! Colour fun runs have grown in popularity and have become popular amongst schools and charities to help raise money for various causes.
If you’re looking to host a colour run but want to take it to the next level, consider adding an obstacle course to the mix. This can increase the fun and make your event stand out from the crowd, attracting more participants and increasing donations. We’ve put together some colour powder themed obstacle course ideas to introduce to your next fun run event.
How To Set Up An Obstacle Course
First things first, you need to think about what obstacles to include, how many to have and where they’ll be on the course. You want to consider adding obstacles that are suitable for all ages and abilities so everyone has a chance to join in. Offer participants a chance to skip certain obstacles if they want to, perhaps letting them join in on throwing the colour powder at these stations so they’re still part of the fun.
Make sure to space out the obstacles evenly throughout the course so it's not overwhelming for participants, striking the perfect balance between fun, but not too exhausting. Use signage throughout the course to keep runners on track and ensure they’re completing each obstacle in order. To ensure the rest of your event is a success, follow our handy guide about how to organise a colour run event.
Tunnel Crawl
Place a long tunnel (preferably a rainbow one if possible!) on the ground, encouraging participants to crawl through it. When they reach the other end, have volunteers waiting to shower them in bright clouds of colour powder as they emerge before setting off on the rest of their run.
Balloon Maze
Fill up a bunch of balloons with a variety of different coloured powders. You can choose to fill up the balloons with helium and tie them to the ground, or put up some form of structure and hang them from the ceiling. Either way, create a winding maze, with the balloons placed closely together, that participants will have to navigate through. As they run through the maze, they’ll have to squeeze and brush past the balloons and if they pop one, they’ll be covered in a burst of vibrant powder!
Balancing Beam
A balancing beam is a classic obstacle that will test participants balance and coordination, all while adding a fun challenge to your run! Place an elevated balancing beam (or a long, narrow bit of wood) at a point in your course. As participants make their way across the beam, have the volunteers throw handfuls of powder at them from the side while they try to keep their balance.
Hula Hoops
Using hula hoops or old tyres, place these on the ground in a zig-zag pattern or at varying distances, requiring participants to jump between them. As runners make their way across the obstacle, have volunteers on hand to shower them with powder to add an element of fun to the challenge.
Colour Wall
Build a large wall or climbing frame that participants must climb over while volunteers throw powder at them. On the other side of the wall, participants could slide down or jump into a small pit of soft, cushiony material (such as foam) that’s been generously covered in coloured powder. Then, as they crawl their way out of the pit they’ll get covered in powder and emerge in a variety of bright colours.
Powder Crawl
For this next obstacle idea, grab a large piece of tarpaulin, or a similar sheet, and lay on the ground. Cover it in various coloured powders to create a bright path. As participants reach this obstacle, they’ll need to get down on their hands and knees or belly-crawl across this colourful challenge. The powder will make the crawl slightly slippy and provide some laughs as participants make their way across, while also ensuring they’ll be covered head to toe in a rainbow of colours!
Colour Clouds
A colour cloud is the perfect way to finish off your colour run with a big burst of vibrancy and excitement! As participants cross the finish line, have volunteers shower them in clouds of colour using powder fountains or colour cannons. This will create a picture perfect moment and provide a memory that the runners will remember. Don’t forget to have a colour run medal or wristband waiting for each person as a token of their achievement and something to remember the event by!
At Ministry of Colours, we’ve been proudly supplying charities, schools and community groups with our high-quality colour powder for colour runs and events for many years. Our non-toxic powder is ideal for providing bright bursts of colour and making events memorable. All our products are safe for the skin and the environment, washing away easily with water and without staining.
If you’re planning your next colour run event, then order your colour powder and accessories directly from the experts. If you need a helping hand working out how much powder you need for your event, use our handy calculator or speak to a member of our team.
How To Organise A Santa Fun Run
The Christmas season is almost upon us! We’re very excited for the festive fun to well and truly kick in here at Ministry of Colours and we’ve been enjoying seeing all of your Christmas fundraising orders coming in. This is the perfect time of year to bring people together to raise funds for charities and local causes and what better way to do so than with a Santa Fun Run!
A Santa Run is a great way to get everyone of all ages involved in a fun, festive and rewarding experience while raising money for amazing causes. They’re perfect to host in schools, local community groups or even workplaces. Wondering how to go about organising a Santa Run? Our handy guide has you covered!
What Is A Santa Run?
Before we jump into anything, let’s first cover what a Santa Run actually is. Held during the Christmas period, a Santa Run involves participants dressing up in Santa suits or other holiday-themed characters (think elves and reindeers!) and taking part in a fun run. Some Santa Runs are organised just for fun, but most are organised as charity events, with participants encouraged to fundraise money for important causes.
Even if it's a 5K, 10K or a half marathon, the focus is more on having fun and getting dressed up, rather than the fitness element. People of all fitness levels are encouraged to take part in Santa Runs, making them the perfect family-friendly event. The joy is all in seeing hundreds of Santa Clauses running together!
Choose A Date And Location
When it comes to organising a Santa Run, it’s not much different to organising a colour run. You’ll want to start with choosing a date for your fun run. A weekend in December is usually best for this in order to include as many people as possible and capture the peak festive excitement.
Next, decide on a location. It needs to be a space big enough to accommodate for large groups of runners and spectators, such as a park or a local town centre (with council permission). If you’re organising a Santa Fun Run for a school, the school grounds or a local playing field will work just as well.
Decide A Route
Once you’ve decided on a location, you need to decide on the length of the run and the route it will follow. Most Santa Fun Runs are no longer than a standard 5K, usually a short loop round a park or town centre that caters to most fitness levels. Consider adding some festive signage around your course to direct runners on their way or inform them of their progress around the course.
Spread The Word
Next is one of the most important steps, spreading the word and encouraging people to sign up! You want to ensure that your event has a good turnout to make it as fun as possible and raise as much money as you can. Promote your event across social media, targeting local community groups to get the word out. Create posters to display in local businesses and make sure to reach out to your local newspaper to see if they can help promote your event.
Decide On A Fundraising Strategy
How are you going to use your event to raise money for your chosen charity? There are different ways to fundraise when it comes to fun runs. For example, you could charge runners an entry fee to sign up to the event which also includes their Santa suit and other festive accessories. The most efficient way to raise funds however is by providing participants with a sponsor form to collect donations or encouraging them to set up their own fundraising page that’s linked to your event.
On the day of your event, you can place volunteers around the course with donation buckets, organise a raffle and sell food and drink to raise extra funds.
Recruit Volunteers
To make sure your event runs smoothly, you’re going to need volunteers to help out on the day. Gather up a team of volunteers to help set up the event during the morning, then assign them to stations throughout the course. You’ll need a team to take care of checking runners in when they arrive and volunteers placed at checkpoints to hand out water and monitor the event.
For a fun take on Santa’s little helpers, have all of your volunteers dress as elves, getting them involved in the festive cheer and helping them stand out to participants!
Secure Your Outfits
It wouldn’t be a Santa Run without one crucial thing - Santa costumes! You can either provide participants with Santa hats, full Santa suits or encourage them to buy their own festive outfit. Of course, not everyone has to come as Santa and some participants may choose to wear a pair of reindeer antlers or a festive head bopper instead!
Have Fun!
And last but not least, have fun! That’s what these events are all about and the key to a successful Santa Run is ensuring that everyone enjoys themselves. Keep spirits high as participants run around the course with some festive music and as they cross the finish line, treat them to a hot chocolate (or a mulled wine for the adults!).
If you want to add an extra element of fun to your Santa Run, then consider introducing colour powder for a Festive Colour Run. Throw a combination of green and red colour powder at participants as they travel around the course, covering them in a vibrant cloud of Christmassy colours! Not only will this add to the excitement of the event but make for some fantastic photo opportunities too.
At Ministry of Colours, we’ve got all of the items you could possibly need to organise a successful and cheerful Christmas fundraising event. From festive accessories to holiday themed pin badges to cute Christmas character flumpets, there’s plenty of fundraising fun to be had. And of course, we can help out with all of your colour powder needs for any Christmas events or if you’re looking to plan ahead, any 2025 events! Contact a member of our team to discuss your fundraising requirements and explore the products we offer.
How Colour Powder Events Brighten Up Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Efforts
Fundraising events are more than just a group of people getting together; they’re exciting opportunities to make a difference to things that matter to you, and have lots of fun, both at the same time.
One of the most vibrant ways to fundraise is by having colour powder themed events. These events bring people together to enjoy colourful fun whilst raising money for good causes. So, what exactly are colour powder events, and how do they fit with a business’s CSR programme? Let’s have a look:
What is CSR and why is it important?
CSR is an abbreviation for Corporate Social Responsibility, a business model that aims to provide positive social impact on issues such as climate change, poverty, equality, diversity and inclusion. Through CSR programmes and charitable efforts, a business's brand and reputation are often elevated to new heights. One of the best examples of CSR is from Ben & Jerry's, who donate 7.5% of their pretax profits to charity. The UN Global Compact and the Global Reporting Initiative are the main international standards for CSR.
What Are Colour Powder Events?
These are events where participants run, walk, or just simply enjoy being active but at the same time lots of colourful powders are thrown at everyone, often by everyone! Think of it like a joyful rainbow explosion, that turns a simple activity into a thrilling experience. Participants often wear white T-shirts, which act as a canvas for the colours so that each splash of powder represents not just fun but also the spirit of giving.
Why Are These Events Popular?
Well firstly, they are visually exciting. You can't help but smile when you see a group of people covered in bright colours. It's a feast for the eyes and creates unforgettable memories. Secondly, these events encourage community involvement. Families, friends, sponsors, and colleagues uniting for a common purpose – to support a cause. raising funds for local charities, schools, or health awareness, everyone can play a part.
The Link Between Colour Events and CSR
CSR embodies the idea that companies can act ethically and contribute positively to society by including social and environmental concerns in their business operations. That’s where colour powder events come into play.
Businesses can sponsor or organise these events to promote their brand and at the same time, give back to their community. By investing in colourful fun, companies are able to engage their staff and customers alike. It can boost morale and team spirit, demonstrating that a business cares about more than just profits.
This involvement shines a light on a company’s values and commitment to social responsibility. Colour events also provide fantastic marketing content for a business to use in their social media advertising and online promotions – a massive help to any marketing team as it helps to boost the appeal of the business, the supported charity as well as their colour powder events.
What Can Businesses Do?
Companies looking to enhance their CSR initiatives can easily get involved in colour powder events. Here are a few ways they can make an impact:
- Sponsorship and Financial Support: Businesses can provide funding to charities to help organise an event. This not only spreads the word about a good cause but also draws attention to the company’s role in giving back.
- Employee Engagement: Encouraging staff to participate fosters a sense of community and teamwork. It breaks up the monotony of the work environment and gets everyone excited about contributing to a cause.
- Promotional Activities: Companies can use these events to promote their products or services by setting up booths or offering freebies, all whilst staying aligned with the event's goals. They can also continue to profit from the event far beyond its conclusion as the promotional content gathered from such an event can act as a fantastic marketing resource.
The Benefits of Participating
So, why should you get involved in a charity's colour powder event? First and foremost, it's a fantastic way to give back to the community. You'll also meet new people, learn about different causes, and enjoy a day filled with laughter and energy.
The experience can create lasting memories with stories worth sharing. Who wouldn’t want to tell their friends about the time they ran through a cloud of colour, and all for a great cause? Both businesses and individuals gain so much from these events. So, whether you're running alongside friends or supporting a cause at work, remember: every colourful splash counts in making the world a brighter place. Join the movement, and let’s paint a better tomorrow together!
If you want to support a colour run event local to you but are unsure where to start, get in touch with Ministry of Colours so we can point you in the right direction.
Diwali Ideas For Schools and Students
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is just around the corner! During Diwali celebrations, millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world mark new beginnings and come together with friends and family.
Here are some fun and educational Diwali activities and ideas for lessons plans to help students celebrate the festival, while understanding its history and traditions.
Teach The History of Diwali
Before any crafts or activities begin, the best way to introduce students to Diwali is to teach them the history behind the festival and its cultural significance. There are many stories regarding the origins of Diwali, however the most common is the story of Lord Rama. Following his return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, people lit diyas to celebrate his homecoming. This marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, one of the central themes of the festival.
Lesson plans can include encouraging students to research how Diwali celebrations differ across different regions and cultures around the world. For instance, in North India people light diyas around their home, similar to the story of Lord Rama. In West India however people seek the blessings of Lakshimi, the goddess of wealth by creating intricate rangoli designs on their doorsteps and leaving offerings.
Create Your Own Rangoli Patterns
For students to further learn about the festival's traditions and partake in a fun Diwali activity, they can try their hand at designing their own rangoli patterns. Rangoli is a traditional Indian art form where bright, bold and stunning patterns are created on the ground using coloured sand, rice or flowers.
Creating rangoli art in schools is a great way to foster creativity and get students creating fun and bright art that can be used in the classroom. To make this activity traditional, use rangoli art kits that include coloured sand or marble dust. Using easy-squeeze bottles, students can draw mandala patterns directly on tables, the floor or paper to better understand this Diwali activity and the significance behind it.
For those who don’t want to risk using coloured sand or marble dust indoors, rangoli art can also be created using tissue paper, stickers or simply colouring in downloadable rangoli patterns!
Make Diwali Paper Lanterns
As we mentioned before, Diwali is also known as the festival of lights and therefore lights, lamps and lanterns are heavily associated with the celebrations. Another great traditional Diwali activity for students to explore and further their learning is making paper lanterns. During Diwali, lanterns, also known as kandeels, are often hung outside of homes and throughout the streets as part of the festival.
In the classroom, provide students with a sheet of plain or coloured paper. Ask them to cut off one end of the paper and set aside to be used later as a handle. Then using coloured pens or paint let them decorate their sheet however they want before folding and cutting patterns into the paper. Once finished, students can stick their sheet together to form a cylinder and attach the handle to have their very own Diwali lantern!
Bake Diwali Recipes
Food plays a big role in Diwali traditions, with families and friends coming together to share feasts and treats during the festival. If your school has a kitchen, students can have fun learning how to make traditional Diwali snacks and sweets such as ladoos, burfi and samosas!
Here at Ministry of Colours, we’ve been getting in the Diwali spirit with our own rangoli collection! We’ve been getting creative in the office designing our own Diwali patterns and enjoying the mindful experience rangoli brings. Our rangoli art colour kit is perfect for easily creating fun and vibrant patterns, making it ideal Diwali activity for students. Each kit comes with 7 vibrant colours made from authentic marble dust in easy-squeeze bottles so unique designs can be made with ease.
If you’re looking to for ideal Diwali activities for children and are in need of craft ideas, then look no further than our rangoli art kits. We also offer refill kits so you don’t have to worry about your class running out! To find out more about our rangoli kits and use them in your classroom, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team.
How Is Colour Powder Used In Special Effects?
You may have noticed, but here at Ministry of Colours we’re pretty enthusiastic about colour powder and one of the things we love most about it is how versatile it can be. From fundraising events to festivals to gender reveals, the possibilities are endless. But the versatility of colour powder doesn’t end there!
Beyond events, colour powder is perfect for photography and videography shoots, adding a fun and visual element to shots. As all of our colour powder products are non-toxic and made using natural ingredients, they’re perfectly safe to use in special effects make-up and set design too.
Whether you’re aiming to capture vibrant photographs or create stunning visuals in your scenes, colour powder is a safe and ideal way to transform projects into striking masterpieces. Let’s dive into the world of coloured FX powder and discover exactly how it can be used to enhance creative projects.
Using Colour Powder For Backgrounds & Visual Effects
If you’re looking to take a photography shoot to the next level, then using colour throwing powder to create visual backgrounds is the way to go. Whether you’re capturing portraits, group shots or doing some pet photography, incorporating vibrant bursts of colour can add a dynamic element to your images.
Or better yet, colour powder is great to use for videography projects due to the visual nature of the product. You can see the colour powder being thrown or exploding in real time to create striking bursts of colour across the screen. Using colour powder for video projects has become quite popular amongst music artists and has featured in a number of music videos in recent years.
A great example of this is Madeon’s music video for The City, which shows a group of people throwing colour bombs at each other across a city in slow-mo, creating amazing visuals and a rainbow of colours. Paramore’s Now music video is another great example of how colour powder can be used to create visual effects on video, with the different coloured powders being used to simulate blood in a battle.
On film shoots, colour powder can be used in pyrotechnics to create vibrant and dynamic visual effects across explosions in action scenes or celebration sequences to create striking moments on screen. Most colour powders are easy to clean by simply vacuuming everything up, wiping everything down or washing it all away with water, so there’s no need to worry about damaging a set.
Using Colour Powder In Set Design
By using colour powder in set design, filmmakers can add a bold and creative element to their scenes. For example, white colour powder can be used to replicate a snowy landscape, creating a textured and wintry scene with ease. Bright, colourful powders can also be used to create explosions or magical effects to make scenes more visually appealing.
Using Colour Powder For Make-Up & Clothing
Colour powder can also be used in photography and videography to create special effects make-up, or enhance clothing pieces to add dramatic effects to them. Red colour powder can be used to replicate blood for example whilst bright blues, greens and purples can be used to create fantasy style looks for sci-fi films.
It’s important to ensure that the type of colour powder being used is safe for skin and fabrics to avoid causing irritation or damage. Always check the ingredients to make sure the powder is non-toxic and made using natural materials.
The good news is that here at Ministry of Colours, all of our colour powder products are indeed non-toxic and made from natural ingredients! Our colour powder range comes in a variety of different colours to suit whatever creative project you may need them for. We have 10 different high-quality colours available, from bright yellows, pinks and blues to neutral shades of white and black. And for creating colour explosions, make sure to check out our colour powder fire-extinguisher fountains. They’re perfect for creating big and bright clouds of colour!
If you have a videography project coming up and are looking to create special effects using colour powder, then look no further than Ministry of Colours. Get in touch with a member of our team to find out more about our products and how we can help bring your project to life.