20 fundraising ideas for charity

Fundraising is essential for the operating of charities and has remained fundamental to raising those all-important funds. Social impact organisation, BetterWorld, shares how fundraising has continued to provide nonprofits with the financial resources needed to carry out their chosen missions, as well as expanding their charitable reach and building much-needed community support.

To further your charitable efforts, our article below shares engaging, enjoyable and effective ideas to help in achieving your fundraising goals and creating memorable experiences for your donors.

1. Coffee mornings

Whatever the cause, coffee mornings are a welcomed way to raise money. You can open up your charity for the morning, with minimal costs and an easy set-up, and be able to take the time to discuss details of your charity’s current efforts. This is an informal and laid-back way to bring supporters together, with a relaxed atmosphere which helps to appeal to all ages.

2. Charity run/walk

Host a charity running or walking event where participants can secure sponsorships from their friends and family. This is great way to involve charity supporters of all ages and abilities, by offering a range of distances to ensure accessibility, helping to raise funds as well as building community spirit.

3. Cake sale

Ask members and volunteers of your charity to donate homemade goods to sell at a fundraising cake sale event. This can be held at schools, churches, or community centres, and allows supporters to come and purchase bakes to help raise funds.

4. Raffles

Running a raffle or a giveaway at any event can be a hassle-free way to generate charity funds. Sell tickets to attendants for a chance to win prizes donated by supporters and local businesses. If you are able to, encouraging people to donate high-value items will help promote more ticket sales.

5. Zumba & dance classes

Zumba and dance classes are popular with supporters of all ages. Consider approaching a local Zumba or dance teacher and see if they are willing to hold a one-off class at a reduced (or even free) rate, and charge participants an entry fee to raise valuable funds for your charity.

6. Arts & crafts event

Arts and crafts fairs are an opportunity to benefit both your charity and the local economy. You can invite small businesses and home-based craft makers to hire a table at the event, where you can also sell refreshments and snacks to boost donations.

7. Greetings cards

Whether it's for birthdays, weddings or just to say 'thank you', making a range of cards available to supporters is a great way to raise funds. Ask your local printer if they would be willing to offer a special rate to print your charity's cards, and consider approaching local card and gift shops to see if they would be interested in buying and selling.

8. Gift wrapping

Gift wrapping is an ideal way to raise money for your charity with low set-up costs. Often seen as a chore, many people are more than happy to let you wrap their chosen item in exchange a for a donation. It makes for a great seasonal idea throughout December, ideally in busy shopping centres, so you can make the most of the festive rush.

9. Car boot sale

Collect items from community members and hold a large car boot sale, with all proceeds going to your charity. This is an easy idea to attract supporters as most people usually have some unwanted items laying around. You can sell refreshments and carry around collection buckets on the day to increase donations.

10. Barbecue

Barbecues are the perfect opportunity to meet supporters in an informal setting. Enquire at local small businesses or supermarkets for food donations, always making sure to have an indoor venue as a contingency plan in place in case it rains. Again, this is a great way to build a community as it allows for supporters to meet up and discuss their charitable efforts.

11. Ball

Organise a formal dinner or charity ball where supporters have to buy a ticket to attend. Contact entertainers to see if they would be able to perform for a low-cost (or free of charge) and arrange for prominent attendees to host speeches. These types of fundraising events are ideal around annual holidays or religious celebrations, especially at Christmas time.

12. Silent auction

Encourage local businesses and individuals to donate items or services for a silent auction. Participants will be able to bid on items in a quiet, non-competitive setting, driving up donation amounts. You can take your auction online to reach a wider audience, using social media and email to promote the event and encourage bidding.

13. Quiz night

Hosting a charity quiz night is a fun and engaging way to raise funds. Select a venue, such as a local pub or community centre, and promote the event through social media and local businesses. Charge a participation fee for entry to raise necessary funds, and offer prizes for the winners.

14. Crowdfunding campaign

Leverage online platforms to launch a widespread crowdfunding campaign, sharing widely on social media to reach a broader audience. Even if some supporters aren’t able to donate, they can support your charity by sharing the campaign with all of their connections.

15. Car wash

Organising a car wash by volunteers is another great way to get a range of ages involved with your fundraising efforts. Secure all the necessary car-washing equipment, and set up in a busy location where drivers can donate in exchange for the service.

16. Charity concert

Partner with local musicians, bands and performers to put on a charity concert. Secure a venue and promote your event through social media and any community boards. You will need a team of volunteers to help run the event, entrusting them with ticket sales, equipment set-ups and overseeing any drinks sales.

17. Craft fair

Set up a craft fair where local artisans can sell their creations and supporters can donate any creations they’ve made, such as knitted goods or unique prints. You can either ask for volunteers to donate their crafts, or offer stall rentals for those wanting to sell, and ask for a percentage of sales as a donation.

18. Sponsored challenge

Encourage supporters to take on a sponsored challenge, such as a skydive, or even a silence. Participants can raise funds by securing sponsorships from their friends and family. Sponsored ideas, such as a silence, are simple ways for people of all ages and abilities to support your charity.

19. Charity sports tournament

Organise a charity sports tournament with sponsorships, raffles and refreshments. You can partner with local sports centres, or rent premises for a range of sports competitions, such as golf, tennis or basketball. Charge participants to enter and spectators to watch.

20. Guess…

Another simple way to fundraise is to have supporters participate in a guessing game. For example, guess; the name of the bear, or how many sweets are in the jar. People can donate a certain amount of money to submit their guesses, where they can win the item when the competition is closed if their guess is correct.

Please make sure to always do your due diligence and research any risks associated with a fundraising idea before hosting your own.

Visit our Charity Insurance overview to discover how you can protect your charity in the case of injury to a third party, or damage to a third-party property. Discover more charity help and guidance, here.

Please note: Markel Direct’s policy excludes cover for events where the attendance exceeds 500 people.