20 Fundraising Ideas to Help you Raise Money
Raising money for charity is one of the most worthwhile things a person can do. But everyone needs a little bit of inspiration sometimes for fundraising ideas that work. So, we have collected some creative suggestions to help your charity fundraising. If you’re looking for ideas ranging from the wacky to the spectacular, read on.
Sports fundraising ideas
Ready to burn off some energy in the name of a good cause? Whether it’s running, riding, or something completely different we have collected the best fundraising ideas for sports below. If you’re not naturally sporty, worry not – there are plenty of activities to get involved with. Remember, the only thing better than getting fit is getting fit in the name of charity.
Run a race for charity
Running is one of the most popular ways to raise money for a good cause, but if you’re just getting started don’t be disheartened. You don’t have to be ready to run a marathon to get involved. Smaller, 5k races for life have raised hundreds of millions for charity, and they hurt a lot less the next day. But if you’re looking for something to test you, why not consider a 4x4x48 challenge, where you run four miles every four hours for 48 hours.
Play in a charity football match
The beautiful game goes hand in hand with charity fundraising, and it’s easy to get involved. You can organise five-a-side games if you can’t find 22 people willing to play. One way to organise is through a club, or with workmates or school friends. Don’t be afraid to get creative: some football fundraising ideas involve playing Harry Potter themed matches and 24 hour games.
Swim in a swimathon
Looking for a swim challenge? Whether you decide to raise money by jumping in the sea, or swimming laps in your local pool, it’s a great way to raise funds. Fundraisers can organise an event at any time – all you need to do is decide to take the plunge.
Take on a charity bike ride
No one forgets how to ride a bike, so there’s no excuse for ignoring a cycling challenge. These are wonderful because of their versatility. You can opt for a virtual challenge, and ask for sponsorship to ride a long distance on your Peloton or Wattbike, or go for one of the big biking events such as Tour De Lough Corrib.
Tee off on a golf day
Contact your local golf clubs to see if they offer any discounts for charity rounds and make your next tee time for a good cause.
Raise money on a sponsored walk
If you’re looking for a great way to exercise that’s lower impact think about a sponsored walk. There are many formal charity walks to get involved with, such as for Amma Ireland. If you prefer to march to the beat of your own drum, you can plot your own route like fundraiser Dylan who walked 600km for Pieta House.
Climb the four peaks of Ireland
Looking to really test your limits – and see some beautiful views on the way? Look no further with the four peaks of Ireland, where you climb the highest peaks in four provinces. Whatever you choose, make sure you train well and take friends with you. Good luck!
Community fundraising ideas
Put the fun back in fundraising by getting involved in the community. We have put together some examples ranging from easy fundraising ideas to things that take a little more finesse. Either way, they are some of the best ways to raise money for charity, and make some friends along the way.
Host a coffee morning
The official coffee morning is run by Macmillan and raises millions every year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put on a DIY coffee morning for a good cause. Simply pick a time and place, get your friends and family together, get the teas on, and share the link! Make sure you think about the best games to maximise donations, and make it a morning to remember.
Organise a skills auction
Everyone’s got something to offer, and they can offer it while raising money for charity with a skills auction. Get a group of talented friends together, set up a time and place and make sure your community knows they can come and bid. You don’t have to be a virtuoso to take part: skills auctioned off in the past include marketing help, flat pack building, and cleaning.
Host a cocktail party
Got a friend who loves to show off their skills behind the bar? Put them to work and host a cocktail party to fundraise for your charity. Make sure you share the link with guests before, after, and during the event. If you’re feeling particularly extra, you can print off some QR codes and hand them out with the drinks. As always, drink responsibly. Make sure there are non-alcoholic options available for those who don’t drink or in case younger guests attend.
Run a charity quiz
If you want to test your community’s knowledge of trivia to the limit, think about running a charity quiz and asking those taking part for a small donation in return for an evening of entertainment. Host your quiz IRL or, if you’re OK with flashbacks to lockdown, internet quizzes can be a great way to get as many people as possible involved without having to book a venue. May the best quizzer win!
Set up a movie marathon
Everyone loves a big night in – so go all out with a themed movie marathon. You could try watching every single Harry Potter film in 24 hours, go for a sci-fi theme, or plan a day where you watch every single film made by one actor. Whatever you decide, fire up the popcorn machine and make sure you take a donation for entry fee. You’ll be at your fundraising target before you can say ‘hasta la vista, baby’.
Organise a bake sale
Bake sales are a classic for a reason. Whether you put one on at work, school, or as an event in the local community, they’re a fantastic way to fundraise for the best causes. You can even add a bake off element to get a bit of competition going.
Sleep out for the night
Spending the night on the streets can be a great way to fundraise for your favourite cause. While it’s a tried and tested method, it is important to keep safe. The British homelessness charity Centrepoint have a great resource explaining how to do this legally, and safely. Their top tips: think about the weather, Covid-19 restrictions, and finding a site to sleep out.
Hold a summer barbecue
The only thing better than a delicious summer barbecue is a delicious summer barbecue that is raising money for charity. Whack on the barbie and invite people round to yours, with a quick donation. With an Irish summer, it’s best to plan for all eventualities with the weather. Make sure there’s a back up area for people to go to if it rains, and some meat free products for vegetarians.
Looking to test your limits and raise money along the way? Look no further. We’ve collected a list of ideas where you can challenge yourself and raise money along the way. Not sure where to start? These ideas for fundraising have it all, from shaving your head to jumping out of a plane. With only one person involved, these are also fast fundraising ideas – perfect for those in a hurry.
Grow for Movember
Moustaches go hand in hand with a focus on men’s health thanks to Movember, where thousands of people get sponsored to proudly grow facial hair all in aid of charity. You can set up a fundraiser in under five minutes on GoFundMe, giving you more time to focus on the important stuff – like styling your moustache.
Jump out of a plane
Feeling adventurous? One way you can raise cash is by skydiving – for charity! Provide some brief advice on where fundraisers should start if they want to set up a charity skydive. Simply book a place, set up a fundraising page, and get ready for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime.
Run a gaming marathon
Ready, set, game! Twitch has led to a flood of gamers putting their time and skills to the test with marathons all in the name of a good cause. Gaming marathons can be a great way to raise money, and you can use livestreaming to get the word out. That’s what Cameron did with a 12 hour gaming marathon in memory of his friend Anthony who died when he was only 19.
Give something up
Looking to test your willpower? Get your friends (or enemies) to sponsor you to give something up. One was you’ve probably already seen people fundraising for this is through Dry January or Sober October where you can be sponsored not to drink. But it doesn’t have to be about alcohol. Many chocoholics have vowed to go a month without a fix for a good cause, and others have given up eating meat or swearing.
Shave your head
Often known as ‘brave the shave’, this is one of the simplest but most effective fundraisers for individuals. The concept was popularised by Macmillan Cancer Support but works so well people use it to raise money for all sorts of things. People have raised hundreds of millions for charities simply by grabbing their clippers andshving off all their hair. The best part is you can also donate the hair you shave off to charity the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for kids with cancer.
So there you have it, 20 fundraising ideas to help you raise money just how you want to. From events within the community to going it alone, there’s an idea to suit you – just be sure to let us know what you decide to do!
Don’t forget that GoFundMe sends all funds raised directly to charities. So, what’s stopping you?