Fundraising in Ireland often begins with a local story and a strong community response, with the most common causes including medical needs, memorial appeals, education, emergency support, Irish charities, GAA clubs and animals. There are also many Irish fundraisers centred around school projects, sport, housing, mental health and other community-led causes. Regardless of what you need fundraising for, GoFundMe can help get you to your goal.
Fundraising ideas that spark creativity
Medical
Raise funds to cover out-of-pocket expenses for private healthcare needs like operations, medicine and even loss of earnings due to time off from work. Raise funds for family or friends facing illness or medical debt.
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Fundraising examples
- Host a community coffee morning for a medical appeal.
- Run a sponsored walk or 5K for treatment and travel costs.
- Provide home-baked goods at a club or parish event.
Funeral and memorial
Reduce the financial burden of a loved one’s funeral by fundraising for a memorial service or raise money to honour their memory with a scholarship fund.
Fundraising examples
- Hold a memorial quiz night in a local hall or GAA club.
- Set up a tribute table where friends donate in memory of a loved one.
- Run a candlelight remembrance walk with a donation collection.
Pets and animals
Raise funds for your pet’s veterinary care, treatments or operations. Animal lovers can also fundraise for animal shelters or support the preservation of endangered species.
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Fundraising examples
- Organise a dog walk and pet photo competition in the local park.
- Run a pet wash day for a rescue shelter fundraiser.
Children and family
Raise funds to help children and families through some of the most difficult moments in life, whether it’s the cost of specialist care or equipment, helping a family through financial hardships, or while grieving the loss of a loved one. The Irish community regularly comes together on GoFundMe to support families in need.
Fundraising examples
- Hold a family fun day with games, face painting and a small entry fee.
- Run a sponsored challenge for a child’s medical or support needs.
- Organise a toy swap for a family appeal.
Education and schools
Raise funds to help students attend a school they can’t afford, or to help get a local school the kind of supplies they need. Regardless of what you need to raise money for, leveraging local education and schools is a good start to getting there.
Fundraising examples
- Run a dress-down day with voluntary donations.
- Host a school quiz night or table quiz for equipment or trips.
- Organise a book swap or uniform sale to support the school community.
Non-profit organisations and charities
Whether you’re fundraising for a non-profit organisation or you want to support the work of your favourite charity, create a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the causes you’re passionate about. Raise funds to help ill or disadvantaged people or provide bursaries and training to those in need. Create positive change on a local and a global scale.
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Fundraising examples
- Put on a charity auction with donated local prizes.
- Run a team challenge where each department or group raises funds together.
- Host a themed community night in aid of a chosen Irish charity.
Churches and faith
Raise funds for education, training, missionary trips and other projects and community activities.
Fundraising examples
- Host an iftar meal during Ramadan with donations from local families and businesses.
- Run a parish breakfast, cake sale or sponsored walk after Sunday service.
- Organise a community dinner or cultural evening tied to a synagogue fundraiser or holiday appeal.
Sports
Support amateur athletes by raising funds for equipment, facilities, team-related expenses, activities, tournaments, travel and more. Run a fundraising tournament to support your team, GAA club or another good cause.
Fundraising examples
- Hold a skills challenge day at the GAA club with entry donations.
- Run a mixed-age charity match with refreshments.
- Organise a jersey day or club legends night for team equipment.
More fundraising ideas
There’s no shortage of creative fundraising ideas to help you raise meaningful donations. An original and well-executed idea can be the key to fundraising success.
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Fundraising examples
- Host a local talent night with acts from the town or parish.
- Run a car boot sale or community clear-out day.
- Organise a seasonal market with crafts, baking and second-hand goods.
Fundraising essentials
Set up your fundraiser
Add your fundraising goal, photos, videos and a detailed fundraiser story.
Increase awareness and build your community
Share your fundraiser via our integrated links to your Facebook, X and email accounts.
Keep it current with fundraiser updates
Write several updates, add new photos and send thank you notes to your donors.
First time crowdfunding?
Learn how to be successful with our best practices.
Fundraising strategy ideas
Set up your fundraiser
This is your chance to tell a unique story. Make it stand out by choosing a memorable and descriptive name, add high-quality photos and offer a heartfelt description of your financial needs.
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Connect with images and video
A visual resource is a powerful thing. Fundraisers with compelling visuals raise more money than those without. Add high-quality photos and videos to your fundraiser page to help potential donors connect with – and share – your cause with the world.
Raise awareness and build community
Build a strong fundraising community to draw people to your fundraiser. Have a look at our tried-and-tested ideas for building support for your cause.
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Contact media
Getting your fundraiser featured in the news is a surefire way to get your story out into the world. And it isn’t as hard as you might think… Check out these great ideas for shining a spotlight on your fundraiser.
Use social media
Social media is one of your most important fundraising tools. Use your social networks to spread awareness among family, friends and even strangers to reach as many potential donors as you can.
Fundraising tips
Easy ways to maximise donations to your fundraiser.
Ready to start fundraising in Ireland?
From medical emergencies and school projects to GAA clubs, local charities and personal causes, GoFundMe supports the full range of fundraising needs in Ireland. There are no platform fees and the GoFundMe Guarantee means people can focus on the generosity and community spirit that makes crowdfunding work.