Fundraising Ideas

Coming up with novel fundraisers not only helps to bring in much needed cash but can also raise the profile of your cause.

Many ideas are tried and tested but the really great charity fundraisers come about when people try to think outside the box a little bit. Even if you can't come up with of a totally new fundraiser try to think how you might change or tweak an existing plan. How can you add some value?

A good way to start is by looking at your cause and having a brainstorming session around it. Use it as your central focus but then let your imagination run wild. You might be surprised with what you come up with. Even wild and wacky ideas can work if you can get enough people behind them.

Here is a great list of fundraising ideas for charity to get you started:

This is an ideal event to be added to a kids' sports day. It's energetic, fun, inexpensive and will get everybody involved.

All you need are two people per team. One becomes the "wheel" by placing their hands on the ground and putting their legs in the air. The other become the "barrow" by holding onto the other person's legs and directing them, almost like the rudder of a boat.

From there it's as simple as walking — using the "wheel's" hands and the "barrow's" legs — as fast as possible in a straight line to get to the finish line.

Great fun for everyone involved and definitely a Kodak moment too!

If you're looking for a way to entertain the kids in summer as well as having them raise money for charity then look no further! A kids sports day is a fun-filled family event that will keep the kids engaged for hours.

Some excellent games for this type of competition are the wheelbarrow race, egg and spoon race and a 100-metre race.

Prizes don't have to be costly. Give out 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize ribbons for each event. It will cost a very small amount to buy the ribbons, or have a friend or family member make them for you. Ask at your child's school if you can use the school grounds for the day free of charge or your local community hall grounds.

Charge spectators a £1 or £2 to watch the events, and sell cold drinks too. Remember, the more people involved, the more money your charity makes!

Once you have all of the above in place you just need the children, the games and the sunshine!

Can you swim the English Channel with its strong currents and freezing waters? It's great if you can and it would make a lot of money for charity, especially with all of the publicity you would get. However, you don't have to be an Olympic swimmer to take part in a sponsored swim.
First thing you need to do is get together a group of your friends, family or colleagues who are willing to take part in the sponsored swim. Then, make a plan of how far you are going to swim and on what date and time. Once you have worked that out you can start gathering sponsorship. Sponsorship could be per length of the swimming pool, per hour or one amount for the entire swim.

Next, speak to your local swimming pools. Tell them about your event and which charity it's for. Ask them if they can give you a discount on the use of their pool for the day. Better still, see if they will give you the use of the pool free of charge, in the name of charity.
If you're planning on going for a long time, practice in advance so you'll be fit and ready to go. On the day of your swim, get friends, family and colleagues to attend and cheer you on. This will help keep your motivation going!

Who knew fundraising could go so swimmingly?

Charity fundraising ideas come in all shapes and sizes. Raising a regular amount of money is vital to many organisations just to keep going.

Eating Contest

Wheelbarrow Race

Kids Sports Day

Sponsored Swim

Charity Bike Ride