This handy note served as a friendly reference point, so people weren’t left guessing or completely in the dark. People hovered more, talked more, and often added an extra coin or two! A few children proudly handed over tiny amounts, and that felt lovely too. It kept the table open to everyone, and every little really does help!

Table 2: Suggested donation tiers

At the next table, mainly layer cakes and stuffed cookies, I tried something a bit different. For this one, I offered clear amounts on the price tags (fundraising downloads from Macmillan!): £2/£5/£10. Next to it, I added a little card saying:

“You can also sponsor a slice for someone who can’t attend.”

If I do say so myself, that line turned out to be a stroke of genius: I had multiple people come over to tell me they liked having (another) small act of kindness built into the day. It gave the tiers more meaning.

Table 3: The bundle table

For the last table, I went with the bundle approach we’ve all seen in supermarkets.

Coffee + cake + raffle strip = £6

This one was great because it kept the flow of people wandering around the room moving, and took the decision-making out of it.

People love a raffle anyway, so adding the strip into the bundle made sense. I placed the prize basket (of chocolates, mugs and some cosy socks) nearby, which definitely encouraged interest.

Easy ways to encourage donations (without making it awkward!)

I learned a few things this time around that have really helped me fundraise more effectively. I was also able to catch up with a fundraising specialist online beforehand, who told me that small touches usually matter more than overcomplicating things.

A clear starting point, a simple default option, and easy payment choices go much further than clever slogans or gimmicks. I kept that in mind while designing the tables, so every choice stayed simple.

Little prompts that help people join in

I’ve never liked anything too pushy, so I kept nudges small and honest.

• A cute donation jar, with coins already inside, helped people feel part of a shared effort.
• A simple progress line on a sheet of card worked better than I expected. I quietly updated it throughout the morning to show how much we’d raised.
• For one short burst, I tried a “match minute” where I said any £1 added in the next sixty seconds would be matched by me. It stayed light and playful, and really encouraged people to dig deep!

Offer different donation methods

This was the first year I used a card reader, and it changed the pace of things. People could tap their phones to pay without rummaging for coins. A few people said they wouldn’t have been able to give as much in cash, so it was a great idea.

When the device asked about Gift Aid, it helped people complete the form on the spot, which made the total go further. I kept a small cash float too, mostly because children love handing over coins and pressing buttons on the charity tin!

Get organised ahead of time

To keep track of everything without making it look too much like a science project, I designed a small log sheet for myself.

Just a few columns: money taken, rough number of guests, notes on what I saw. I also drafted tiny table cards and a short announcement script to avoid rambling. Nothing fancy, just tools to keep me organised.

The main thing I learned this time? People like choice! Keep it simple, let them pick the path that feels right, and they respond generously every time.

Coffee Mornings are one of the most fun, easy ways to donate to Macmillan, and I think everyone should have a go at hosting!



BIO

I'm Holly, a business owner and lifelong lemon-drizzle enthusiast who loves nothing more than a good natter over a cup of coffee. When I'm not writing, chatting, or working, you'll probably find me helping out at my local church or cuddling my two dogs. Hosting my first Macmillan coffee morning reminded me how powerful small community moments can be and I can't wait to plan the next one.