A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for May Mental Health Awareness Month (& Beyond)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to bring people together for a meaningful cause. Hosting your own fundraiser event for The Big Silence helps fund therapy access, mental health resources, and conversations that break stigma and create healing.

You do not need a huge budget or big event experience. Just heart, intention, and community.

Step 1: Choose Your Fundraiser Style

Pick something that feels natural and fun for you.

Easy ideas:

• Wellness class (yoga, Pilates, meditation, walk club)
• Dinner party or brunch
• Coffee morning
• Workout challenge
• Birthday fundraiser
• Office fundraiser / casual Friday
• Girls night with purpose
• Pickleball or Golf tournament
• Community panel or speaker night
• Online fundraiser through social media

Keep it simple. The goal is connection and impact.

Step 2: Set a Goal

Choose a fundraising goal that feels exciting and achievable.

Examples:

• $250 funds support resources
• $500 helps expand awareness programs
• $1,000 can help provide therapy scholarships

Every dollar matters.

Step 3: Pick a Date 

Choose a date that works for your community. Weekends or weekday evenings usually work best. We'll use May, Mental Health Awareness Month, as an example because it brings mental health forefront to mind, but you could choose anytime of the year. Other great dates are during September, for Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, or October, for World Mental Health Day. 

Mental Health Awareness Month Bonus Moments:

• First week of May kickoff
• Mother’s Day wellness brunch
• Mid-month workplace fundraiser
• Memorial Day weekend movement event

Step 4: Invite Your People

Text friends, email coworkers, post on Instagram, share in your group chat.

Sample Invite Copy:

I’m hosting a fundraiser this May for The Big Silence in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. We’ll be gathering for connection and raising money to support therapy access and mental health resources. Would love to have you there.

Step 5: Make It Meaningful

Take a few moments during the event to share why mental health matters. One of the best parts of The Big Silence is opening up the conversation! It's when people come together and talk about their lived experience, and navigating the good times and the bad, that makes a lasting impact. 

You can say:

• Everyone deserves support
• Healing should be accessible
• Conversations save lives
• No one should struggle alone
• You are not alone

Authenticity matters more than perfection.

Step 6: Collect Donations

Ways to raise funds:

• Ticket entry donation
• Suggested contribution at the door
• Raffle prizes
• Silent auction
• Percent of sales from a business
• Direct donation link shared online

Step 7: Share the Impact

During or after the event, thank everyone and remind them what their support means.

Sample Thank You:

Thank you for showing up for mental health. Together we helped support The Big Silence and the mission to make healing more accessible.

Step 8: Post & Spread Awareness

Share photos and stories after the event. Use your voice to inspire others.

Ideas:

• Why you hosted
• What the night meant to you
• Why mental health matters
• Encourage others to host their own fundraiser

Need Help Planning?

Reach out to The Big Silence to discuss your fundraiser idea, resources, or partnership support.

Together, we can break the silence and create real change.