Make 2026 the year you give something back; the year you do something totally amazing - like organising a charity coffee morning - for your local cancer and bereavement charity.

Each month, we’re giving you a fun, easy and impactful fundraising idea that you could take on in aid of CancerCare. There’s something for everyone!

The concept of fundraising can be daunting if you’re new to it, but CancerCare’s friendly and experienced team of fundraisers are here to help you every step of the way.

_______________________________________________________________________

June: Organise a Charity Coffee Morning for CancerCare

A charity coffee morning is a simple, fun and potentially high-impact way to raise funds for a local charity. With the right planning, you can turn a few cups of coffee, slices of cake and willing volunteers into meaningful support for people affected by cancer and bereavement. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to hosting a successful charity coffee morning for CancerCare.

How do I host a charity coffee morning?

Start by choosing a suitable location. Ideal spots include your house, the local library, a local coffee shop or village hall. Set a clear date and time, preferably a weekend or bank holiday when people are more likely to participate.

Next, invite your friends and family. Create a poster, or use our easy template to get started, this will mean you can advertise your coffee morning with the community and on social media.

Now for the most important part, you will need to decide on what cakes to serve! Everyone loves cake but having options is good, consider who will be attending your coffee morning and any potential dietary requirements they may have.

Finally, set your pricing. You can charge a fixed fee (e.g. £3 for a hot drink and a slice of cake) or operate on donations. Make it clear that all proceeds support CancerCare.

What equipment do I need?

You don’t need professional gear, but having the basics well organised will keep things efficient:

• Plenty of cups and spoons, if you are hosting at a venue it is good to check what they have beforehand
• Plates and cake stands. Make your cakes look more inviting by placing them on a tiered stand
• Balloons help brighten up spaces, and are an easy way to add a pop of colour
• CancerCare leaflets and donation buckets, contact us before the event and we can have these ready for you to collect
• Access to a safe water source
• Washing up space and products (e.g washing up liquid, tea towels)
• Gloves and aprons for volunteers
• Signage (prices, charity information, ingredient lists)
• Cash box and/or contactless donation option

How do I fundraise?

A charity coffee morning for CancerCare works best when you combine multiple fundraising streams:

• Entry fee : Set a suggested donation and give people the choice to give more if they are able to
• Refreshments: Sell additional drinks, cakes or snacks
• Online fundraising page: Create a digital donation page so supporters can contribute even if they can’t attend
• Add additional stalls for people to browse, such as a raffle or plant stall

Make sure to highlight the impact of donations, explain how CancerCare supports individuals and families affected by cancer and bereavement. People are more likely to give when they understand the cause.

Get in touch with our team if you’d like some leaflets or signage displaying CancerCare’s service offering.

What do I need to make my charity coffee morning a success?

Focus on visibility, efficiency and atmosphere:

• Promote early: Use social media, local noticeboards, schools and community groups
• Clear signage: Make it obvious where to queue, what it costs and who you’re supporting
• Team coordination: Keep volunteers organised with clear roles and breaks
• Customer experience: Be friendly, and have a chat, happy guests are more likely to donate again or spread the word

I’ve held my charity coffee morning! Now what?

Amazing work – thank you for supporting CancerCare!

Once your coffee morning is complete:

• Count up your total raised
• Pay your money in online or at your nearest CancerCare centre
• Get in touch with the fundraising team to share your success

If you’re happy to, send in photos and stories from your day – they may be shared on social media to inspire others.

You’ll receive an official thank you, and we encourage you to pass that thanks on to everyone who supported your event. Most importantly, recognise that your effort has contributed to vital support services.