Tips for Fundraising

Fundraising is easier than you may think. Furthermore, it’s not always the amount of money per donation that makes a large fundraising total. With a bit of hard work a lot of sponsors can go a long way… every penny counts!

Make sure you give your potential sponsors a thorough understanding of your chosen charity and what the money you are raising will help towards.

Plan Ahead and Mix it up

If you plan your fundraising over a period of time and mix up how you ask people for money it is possible to get sponsorship from the same person more than once. For example, sending an initial sponsorship form round your colleagues and then a few months later setting up a bake sale at lunchtime in your work place.

• Explain clearly why you are choosing to do this challenge and why you have chosen to sponsor your particular charity.
• Most people will be happy to donate a small amount, always assume the best possible outcome.
• Use the power of social media to put your message out there. Speak to friends and ask them to share your fundraising story.
• Make flyers and put them up in your local shops.
• Mix up your audience: approach friends, family, colleagues, neighbours etc.
• Use your contacts, think about people you know who may be able to help you raise the profile of your campaign. Never be afraid to ask – remember you are doing this for a good cause!
• Some companies will pay you for the time off work as part of their social and corporate responsibility programme, this way you are earning money whilst on a trip! Win win!
• Ask the person who will donate the most first as it sets a precedent, people will ask how much you have been sponsored so far.

Some ideas…

• Cake sale
• Auction
• Bag packing at a super market
• Fancy dress party
• Quiz nights
• Tea and cake morning
• Raffles
• Sponsorship bucket in local shop
• Bike/Walk/Swim-athon
• Bad tie/shirt day
• Competitions e.g.how many sweets are in the jar, guess the name of the teddy bear
• Face painting
• Sponsored silence

N.B. It is important to always get permission from the business or owner if you are wanting to fundraise on their property.

Where to Now?

• Are you interested in our UK Charity Challenges?
• Would you like to go back to our Charity Challenges main page?