Getting Started
What are RNLI Garden Parties?
We need RNLI supporters to host fun events in their own garden – all to help power our lifesavers. From glorious gatherings to relaxed barbecues and picnics in the park: it’s up to you. Whatever you do to raise funds – and perhaps a toast – for our lifesavers, you’ll be their hero!
Who can sign up to host a RNLI Garden Party?
Anyone! If you’re proud of your horticultural handiwork or just want to celebrate outdoors with those closest to you, hosting an RNLI Garden Party will raise vital funds to power our lifesavers.
I don’t have a garden, can I still get involved?
Absolutely. Why not arrange a picnic in your local park with your family and friends? Or you could have a garden-themed party indoors!
How will the money raised be spent?
RNLI Garden Parties is an unrestricted fundraising campaign, which means that all of the money raised will go into the charity’s general funds. The RNLI will decide how best to use this money to achieve its purpose of saving lives at sea. This could include helping to provide equipment, training or support to the charity’s lifesavers.
Can I donate to my local lifeboat station through this campaign?
The funds raised through the RNLI Garden Parties campaign are unrestricted, which means they will go into general funds for the RNLI to channel the money into the areas where it is most needed. If you wish to donate specifically to your local station, please contact our Supporter Experience Team on 0300 300 9990.
I don’t want to host a party – is there another way I can support the RNLI?
We’d love for you to support the RNLI lifesavers and appreciate any support you can give.
If hosting a party isn’t quite for you, but you know someone who would love to, why not encourage them to create their own RNLI Garden Party? You could attend as a guest or volunteer to help them on the day.
You can also make a donation to our RNLI Garden Parties campaign. Any amount you’re able to give will power RNLI lifesavers as they answer the call to save every one they can.
Your garden party
What support will I receive if I sign up to host a RNLI Gardens event?
Once you’ve signed up to host an RNLI Garden Party, you’ll have access to lots of downloadable resources to help plan and host your party. We’ll also send you emails with helpful tips, and you can set up your very own personalised fundraising page to share with your guests.
How can I raise vital lifesaving funds at my party?
You’ll receive an email with a link to your very own fundraising page which you can personalise and share with your guests.
To maximise the amount you raise, think about all the opportunities you have to collect donations at your event – could you serve refreshments or hold a tombola? Or perhaps host a game of Where’s Welly (see our resources page) and ask for a donation to play?
No matter how much you raise, every amount counts in our mission to save lives.
Is there anything I can buy from the RNLI Shop to spruce up my garden?
We have a huge range of garden-related items available from our online RNLI Shop that can help make your garden party a success. From yellow welly planters to picnic sets and even a barbecue – you’ll find all sorts of wonderful things to make your party RNLI themed.
After your event
How do I pay in donations collected during my party?
Guests can donate directly to your fundraising page and you won’t need to do a thing, the money will come straight through to the RNLI.
If you’ve collected cash at your party, you can pay this in over the phone or online:
- To pay donations in over the phone by card, call our Supporter Experience Team on 0300 300 9990 (from the UK) or 01 511 9834 (from Ireland).
- Or you can pay in your money online.
Celebrate with us
