RHS In Memoriam campaign exceeds target within five months
Howard Lake | 30 September 2003 | News
A commemorative fund established by gardening charity the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and promoted to funeral directors has proved to be highly popular with donors, reaching its annual target in the first five months.
The In Memoriam appeal entitled ‘A lasting memory for all seasons’ was launched in April 2003 and it was hoped to generate £20,000 in 12 months. In the first five months alone, income from the appeal had already exceeded its target. The RHS is now considering expanding its In Memoriam
fundraising activities.
The appeal allows supporters to remember a friend, colleague or relative through a lasting tribute in one of the RHS Gardens: Wisley in Surrey, Rosemoor in Devon, Hyde Hall in Essex and Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire. Supporters can make a straight donation or select a memorial project to
contribute towards within the deceased’s preferred garden.
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The name of the donor and loved one is recorded in a book of remembrance at the site and the RHS also pledges to erect an engraved commemorative name plaque on, or near to, the donor’s chosen project, if money raised exceeds £2,000 in one year.
Natasha Lees, Donor Development Manager at the RHS, said: “This is the first time that we’ve focused specifically on In Memoriam giving, so we’re delighted with the results so far.”
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.