Charity fundraising ideas that work: 40 ways to raise money together
The best fundraisers are the ones that suit the people doing them. Here are forty ideas, sorted by setting, and the practical rules worth knowing before you start.
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The short answer
Good charity fundraising ideas match the people involved: bake sales, quiz nights and dress-down days at work; sponsored reading or talent shows at school; community dinners and concerts at a place of worship; and sponsored challenges such as walks, runs or giving something up. Set a clear target, tell people what the money will do, and check rules on raffles, street collections and food.
Key points
- Pick an idea that suits your people and your time, not the most ambitious one.
- A clear target and a clear purpose raise more than a vague appeal.
- Online fundraising pages make it easy for friends and family to give.
- Raffles, street collections and food all have rules worth checking.
- Always thank people and tell them what their money achieved.
Fundraising does not have to mean running a marathon. Some of the most successful fundraisers are small, sociable and a bit silly. What they have in common is a clear purpose, a simple way to give, and people who enjoy taking part.
Fundraising ideas at work
- Dress-down or dress-up day with a small donation to take part
- Office bake sale, with a rota so the same people are not baking every time
- Lunchtime quiz, with a pound a head and a prize donated by a local business
- Step challenge across teams over a month
- Sweepstake on a big sporting event
- Swap shop for books, clothes or plants
- Ask your employer about matched giving, which can double what your team raises
- Payroll Giving for colleagues who want to give regularly
Fundraising ideas at school
- Sponsored read or spelling challenge
- Talent show or teachers versus pupils match
- Non-uniform day with a theme
- Cake sale run by a different class each week
- Guess the number of sweets in the jar
- Sponsored silence, a perennial favourite of teachers
- Art exhibition and sale of pupils' work
- Toy and book sale run by pupils
At a church, mosque, temple or community centre
- Community dinner, where each family brings a dish
- Concert or evening of music from local performers
- Coffee morning after a service or gathering
- Seasonal fair with stalls and games
- Sponsored fast or giving something up for a season
- Collection for a specific, clearly explained project
- Film night with a suggested donation
- Skills auction, where people pledge babysitting, gardening or cooking
At home or with friends
- Birthday fundraiser instead of presents
- Dinner party where guests donate what they would have spent eating out
- Garage or garden sale
- Games night or pub quiz at home
- Sell things you no longer need online and donate the proceeds
- Host a charity supper club for neighbours
- Sponsored declutter, one bag a day for a month
- Knit, bake or make something to sell
Sponsored challenges
- Sponsored walk, run, cycle or swim
- A distance challenge over a month, at your own pace
- Giving up something you love, from coffee to social media
- Learning a new skill in public, from a language to an instrument
- Head shave or a bold new haircut
- Climbing the height of a mountain on your local stairs
- A day of silence or a day without your phone
- A cold-water swim, safely and with a group
How to make your fundraiser work
Set a clear target
People give more when they can see progress toward a goal. Choose a number that stretches you but feels achievable.
Say what the money will do
Be specific and honest. "Towards clean water through an experienced partner" is better than "to help people".
Make it easy to give
An online fundraising page, a card reader or a QR code removes friction. Share the link more than once.
Tell the story
Post updates before, during and after. A photo of you mid-challenge does more than any appeal.
Say thank you
Thank everyone, and later tell them what their money achieved. It is the reason they will give again.
The rules worth knowing
- Raffles and lotteries are regulated. Small raffles held as part of an event are usually simple, but larger ones may need registration. The Gambling Commission (opens in a new tab) explains which type you are running.
- Street and house-to-house collections usually need a permit or licence. In London, ask your borough council which body issues it before you start.
- Food sold at bake sales and dinners should be prepared safely and labelled for allergens. The Food Standards Agency (opens in a new tab) has guidance for community and charity events.
- Fundraising for a charity means following the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice (opens in a new tab), including being honest about where money goes.
If you would like to fundraise for The Light Of God, we would love to help you plan it. Our first target is £5,000 for clean water, and we are also raising for our London outreach work. See fundraising and events or get in touch.
Questions people ask
What are some easy fundraising ideas?
Bake sales, dress-down days, quiz nights, birthday fundraisers and sponsored walks are all easy to organise and work well in most settings.
Do I need a licence to hold a raffle in the UK?
Small raffles held at an event, with tickets sold only on the day, are usually simple and do not need a licence. Larger raffles may need registration. Check the Gambling Commission's guidance for your situation.
Do I need permission for a street collection in London?
Usually, yes. Street and house-to-house collections need a permit or licence. Ask your borough council which body issues permits in your area.
How can I raise money for charity at work?
Try a dress-down day, a bake sale, a lunchtime quiz or a team step challenge, and ask whether your employer offers matched giving.
Sources
- Fundraising, raffles and lotteries, Gambling Commission
- Code of Fundraising Practice, Fundraising Regulator
- Food Standards Agency, FSA
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