Ideas to help you fundraise
There are endless ways to raise money, from the tough and challenging to the wild and wacky. We’ve put a few ideas together to get your creative juices flowing and have a number of handy resources to get you off to a winning start!
AT WORK AND SCHOOL
Sweets in a jar
This classic guessing game is still as popular as ever. Fill a jar with sweets and ask people to guess the number it contains in return for a donation. The person with the closest guess wins a small prize.
Bake sale and coffee morning
From flapjacks to hulking slices of carrot cake, impress your sweet-toothed friends and colleagues with some tasty baked treats. Get the kettle boiling and you’ve got yourself a quick and easy fundraiser.
Dress down day
Helping a great cause while being comfortable at work. Everybody wins!
Lunchtime baguettes
Everyone loves a fresh crusty baguette full of some favourite fillings; think coronation chicken, chunky ham and cheese smothered in chutney or even goats cheese and caramelised onion. Don’t forget some creative salads too! Work out your costs and charge extra to make sure you have profit.
Matched giving from your company
Many companies will offer to match the fundraising completed by their employees. However large or small the amount, this is a free boost to your total and gets you closer to your target.
AT HOME
Kitchen collection jar
A tried and tested favourite, collection jars are a great way to save loose change for a good cause. And it’s amazing how quickly little amounts can add up.
Give something up
Take something that you would normally buy on a regular basis and give it up for a week or more. Buying a chocolate bar every day adds up to roughly £3.50 a week. Could you do it for a whole month?
Girls’ night in
Invite the girls round for an evening of manicures, chick flicks and a good natter. Don’t forget some tasty treats!
Guys’ night in
Ask the guys over, fire up the BBQ on a summer evening or treat everyone to a warming meal in colder months. You could coincide with a big sporting event or quiz night to top it all off.
WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Movie night
Pick a film, throw some cheesy nachos together, bust out the popcorn and fizzy drinks and settle in for a movie night with family and friends. Keep a collection jar handy so people can give a little something.
Pudding party
If you’re passionate about puddings, your family and friends are bound to enjoy a sticky education. Or turn it up a notch and host a bake off with a prize for the person who brings the best pudding.
Wine tasting
Do you know your Grand Cru from your Chablis? Why not host a wine tasting evening? Wine, cheese, crackers and friends is a recipe for a great time.
Host a master class
Which of your friends and family have a special skill that you wish you had? Maybe they’re great at baking, pottery, clay pigeon shooting or a musical instrument. Ask them to host a masterclass and invite people to come and learn.
FOR YOU AND YOUR CHURCH
Speak at Church
A great way to tell many people in one go about your challenge is to stand at the front of Church and ask people to support you. We can provide profiles of children looking for a sponsor, leaflets about Compassion and fundraising forms to take with you. Visit our resources section to see what we can provide.
Quiz night
Hosting a quiz night is a great way to raise funds and bring people in the community together. Top tip – keep the quiz to 40 minutes maximum with a set number of question categories.
Barn dance
Dance the night away with a traditional evening of foot-loose fun. If you have a space large enough, you just need a company to provide the music and country atmosphere.
Auction of promises
Ask your friends to pledge promises for a fundraising auction. You might be surprised to uncover some unknown talents among the people you know. Promises like photography, babysitting, decorating, chauffeuring and gardening are often popular.
Youth sponsored spring clean
Have a chat with your youth leader and enlist some volunteers to do a sponsored clean or garden. Stir up passion for caring for the poor amongst your young people.
Community fun run
From the youngest to the oldest member, a fun run or walk is a brilliant way to get your whole church involved. Set a date, plan a short route in your local area and distribute fundraising forms.