120 fundraising ideas for every group, budget and goal

Looking for a fundraising idea to raise money for a great cause? This guide has you covered with 120 practical options to suit every goal and budget, from quick school fundraisers to ticketed charity events and community sports challenges. Plus a quick find-my-fundraiser matrix that you can use if you’re really short on time!

Each of the categories below include both ultra-simple, low-cost ideas and ideas for bigger, more complex events. Use the links to jump straight to the group you’re fundraising with.

• Schools & PTAs
• Charities
• Churches
• Sports teams & clubs
• Individuals
• Workplace
• Find my fundraiser

Eight ways your fundraiser can raise money

1. Online fundraising pages
   Use a platform like JustGiving to collect online donations and share progress with your supporters. Charity fundraising pages can send donations directly to the chosen charity, and crowdfunding pages can support individuals, schools, clubs and community projects.
2. Ticket sales
   Charge people to attend events like quiz nights, concerts, discos, workshops and dinners. You can offer a range of ticket types to suit different budgets.
3. Optional donations during checkout
   Give ticket buyers the option to add a donation at checkout. (👋 Ticket Tailor makes it easy to add a donation field directly to your checkout!)
4. Sponsorship and pledges
   Ask supporters to sponsor a challenge, whether carried out by an individual or group. This works well for walks, fitness challenges and endurance events.
5. Cash and contactless collections
   Use collection buckets, donation boxes, card readers or QR codes at your event. (Public cash collections might require permission, and you’ll need to follow the appropriate procedures for counting and recording donations.)
6. Food, drink and product sales
   Raise some extra cash by selling merch and refreshments at your event, with a charity donation built into the cost. Donated stock can help a larger share of each sale reach your cause.
7. Raffles, auctions and paid games
   Add extra ways for attendees to spend during an event, from raffle tickets and silent auctions to tombolas and competitions. Be sure to check the relevant rules before launching these activities.
8. Business support and matched giving
   Local businesses might sponsor a table, prize, performer or particular part of your event. Employers can also give workplace fundraising a brilliant boost by matching the amount their staff raise!

📣 Important announcement: All registered charities get 50% off Ticket Tailor fees, and school PTAs get 20% off! And free events on Ticket Tailor get free ticket fees!

School fundraising ideas

These school fundraising ideas are simple to adapt and packed with crowd-pleasing potential! 🏫

School quiz night

Turn the school hall into a cheerful quiz venue, with rounds on music, pictures, general knowledge, and school trivia. Charge each team for a table and ask a lively host to steer everyone through the evening. A parents-versus-teachers round should get the whole room talking!

Sponsored readathon

A sponsored readathon gives pupils a reason to discover new books while working towards a shared goal. Children can collect pledges for each chapter, book or reading session they complete. Classroom charts and regular celebrations can help the enthusiasm last throughout the challenge.

School fun run

Create a colourful route around the playground or school field, then invite pupils to run, walk or skip their chosen distance. Families can sponsor each child or pay a simple entry fee. Music, costumes and cheering supporters can turn the finish line into a proper celebration.

🌟 Fundraiser in action: Run Kids Run brings neighbouring primary schools together for community fun runs supported by families, volunteers, and local businesses. Since 2020, the initiative has raised more than £1.1 million for schools across London.

Non-uniform day

A classic, and with good reason. Pupils can leave their uniform at home for a small donation, with every payment supporting your chosen cause. Send plenty of reminders beforehand, because nobody wants to arrive in uniform while their classmates are wearing pyjamas or superhero costumes.

Bake sale

Invite families and staff to fill a table with homemade cakes, biscuits and savoury treats. Hold the sale during pick-up time, at a school event or after assembly, then charge a simple price for each item. Thoughtful labels will help everyone find something suitable.

School disco

Give pupils an evening where they can dance, laugh and spend time with friends away from the classroom. Sell tickets in advance and arrange separate sessions for different age groups. A familiar playlist, colourful lighting and a few party games can keep everyone happily occupied.

Summer fair

Fill the playground with games, activities, and stalls for an afternoon the whole school community can enjoy. Entry tickets or paid attractions can contribute to the fundraising total, while a fun theme helps bring everything together. Sunshine would be a bonus, but a good wet-weather plan is probably wise!

Christmas fair

Bring some festive bustle to the school hall with local makers, family-run stalls, and seasonal activities. Entry tickets and stall fees can support the fundraiser, while festive games and creative activities keep younger visitors happily entertained.

Talent show

Give pupils the chance to share whatever they love doing, from singing and dancing to comedy or magic. Audience tickets can support the fundraiser, while a friendly host keeps the performances moving. Short acts and enthusiastic applause will help every participant feel proud.

Sponsored silence

Challenge pupils to stay silent for a lesson, a morning or another suitable period. Friends and relatives can sponsor their efforts, which often becomes especially entertaining when talkative teachers decide to join. Agree the rules beforehand so everyone understands how lessons will continue.

Family film night

Transform the school hall into a relaxed cinema where families can settle down together for an evening film. Sell tickets beforehand so you can plan seating and choose a suitable capacity. Cushions, blankets and handmade cinema signs can make the room feel super atmospheric and cosy!

Teachers versus parents sports match

Bring staff and families together for a friendly football, netball or rounders match with plenty of playful rivalry. Spectators can pay to attend or sponsor their chosen team. A commentator who knows both sides can turn every missed chance into a memorable moment.

School raffle

Ask local businesses and families to donate prizes, then sell entries across several weeks. Announce the winners during a fair, concert or celebration where plenty of supporters are already gathered. Themed prize bundles can make smaller donations feel much more appealing.

🌟 Fundraiser in action: Parents at a Godstone school created Chinese New Year hampers to fund a pupil trip to China. Families donated themed prizes, then supporters paid £1 per raffle entry, with hidden cash envelopes adding extra excitement.

Second-hand uniform sale

Collect clean, good-quality uniform throughout the term, then organise everything by size before opening the sale. Families can find affordable replacements while each purchase supports the school. Holding the event before a new term begins can make the timing especially useful.

Art exhibition and auction

Invite every class to create artwork around a shared theme, then display the finished pieces in a gallery-style setting. Families can buy selected work or place bids during the exhibition. Printed cards and calendars can help pupils see their creations transformed into keepsakes.

Pyjama day

Invite pupils to spend the school day in their favourite pyjamas in return for a small donation. Link the occasion to storytime or a cosy reading theme so it feels like more than a clothing swap. Slippers should probably stay at home for playground safety.

Sponsored spelling challenge

Give each year group a suitable word list, then allow pupils time to practise before the main challenge. Children can collect sponsorship for every word they spell correctly. Certificates and classroom celebrations can help every participant feel recognised, whatever their final score.

Playground treasure hunt

Hide clues around the playground or school grounds, then invite families to follow the trail together. Charge for each entry sheet and offer different routes for younger and older children. A playful story behind the clues can make the adventure feel much richer.

Student craft market

Put pupils in charge of creating cards, decorations, artwork, or gifts to sell at a school market. Each class could develop its own mini collection, giving children the fun of seeing something they made chosen by a real customer. Just prepare yourself for some fiercely persuasive young salespeople!

Parents’ comedy night

Give parents and carers an evening to relax together with a comedy show at school or a nearby venue. Ticket sales can support the fundraiser while the atmosphere stays sociable and informal. Choose performers who suit the audience and understand the setting.

Charity fundraising ideas

From community events to personal challenges, these ideas can help supporters connect with your cause and get involved.

Charity gala dinner

Give supporters a reason to dress up and spend an evening celebrating your charity’s work. Sell individual tickets or whole tables, then share one or two powerful stories about the difference their support makes. Add thoughtful hosting and live entertainment for a fundraiser that feels genuinely special.

Sponsored walk

Choose a route that suits your supporters, then invite people to walk together while collecting sponsorship. Several distance options can help families and less experienced walkers feel included. A shared finishing point gives everyone a satisfying moment to celebrate their efforts.

🌟 Fundraiser in action: Ashgate Hospice’s Sparkle Night Walk attracted almost 3,500 participants in 2025. The charity also runs children’s walks, skydives and coffee mornings, giving supporters several ways to raise money at their own pace.

Charity auction

Gather donated experiences, artwork or services, then invite supporters to bid during a live event. A confident auctioneer can keep the pace lively and encourage friendly competition. Include items at several price levels so more guests feel comfortable taking part.

Community quiz night

Bring neighbours, families and local groups together for an evening of friendly competition. Teams can pay to enter before tackling rounds based on music, pictures and local knowledge. A warm host and a few unexpected questions will help the event feel personal.

Virtual fundraising challenge

Invite supporters to complete a shared challenge wherever they live, using their own schedule and surroundings. People can collect sponsorship while tracking their progress online. Regular updates and group milestones can create a sense of community even when participants never meet.

Charity concert

Put local talent centre stage with an evening of live music dedicated to your cause. Sell tickets to hear musicians, choirs, and performers from the community, with a brief welcome from the charity to explain where the money will go. You might discover a few future stars along the way!

Silent auction

Display donated items with bidding sheets or host the auction through an online platform. Guests can browse at their own pace, returning whenever another bid appears. Set a firm closing time so the final minutes feel lively and everyone knows when decisions must be made.

Sponsored skydive

Give adventurous supporters the chance to mark a milestone with a sponsored jump from an aeroplane. Participants can fundraise individually while preparing together through a trusted provider. Shared photos and training updates can help friends feel involved before the jump even happens.

Charity fashion show

Team up with local boutiques, designers, and community groups to put on a catwalk show with plenty of personality. Invite people from the community to model the looks and sell tickets to the audience. A bold theme will give everyone something to have fun with, both on and off the runway.

Community fun day

Plan an easy-going day where local families can play, explore, and spend time together. Charge for entry or selected activities, but avoid cramming every minute with entertainment. A handful of well-chosen attractions will give visitors plenty to enjoy without making the day difficult to run.

Charity golf day

Invite supporters and local businesses to enter teams for a friendly tournament at a nearby course. Team fees can provide the main fundraising income, while sponsored holes give companies a visible role. A closing presentation offers an easy way to thank everyone properly.

Murder mystery evening

Turn your venue into the setting for an entertaining crime story where guests must uncover the culprit. Sell tickets for the experience and invite people to dress for the theme. Confident volunteers can play the characters, or a specialist company can lead proceedings.

Charity bike ride

Map out a safe cycling route and invite riders to gather sponsorship before setting off. Offer a shorter family route alongside a more demanding option for experienced cyclists, then bring everyone back to the same finish point for cheers, photographs, and a well-earned rest!

Pop-up supper club

Create a one-night dining experience in a donated venue or an unexpected local space. Guests buy tickets for a set menu prepared by volunteer cooks or a local chef who wants to support the cause. A simple theme and communal tables will make the evening feel intimate and memorable.

Donation-based workshop

Ask a local maker, teacher, or expert to lead a relaxed session based on something they love doing. Guests attend in return for a suggested donation and leave with a new skill, a finished creation, or simply a very enjoyable afternoon.

Charity car wash

Gather a cheerful team of volunteers and arrange permission to use a suitable car park. Drivers can pay a fixed amount or donate what they choose while their vehicle gets cleaned. Clear signs and plenty of energy can attract people who had not planned to stop.

Comedy fundraiser

Book local comedians for an evening of laughs in aid of your cause. Sell tickets in advance and choose a confident compère who can keep the energy up between acts. Comedy often works brilliantly in a smaller room, where the audience feels close to the action.

🌟 Fundraiser in action: Weekly virtual comedy nights at The Covid Arms raised more than £100,000 for the Trussell Trust within twelve weeks. A regular schedule helped the organisers build a returning audience who kept watching, sharing and donating.

Sponsored sleepout

Work with a charity that understands the issue to plan a safe, well-supported overnight event. Participants gather sponsorship, hear directly from people with relevant lived or professional experience, and learn how the money will be used. Keep the focus on solidarity and action rather than presenting one night outdoors as a recreation of homelessness.

Charity art exhibition

Invite local artists and supporters to contribute work to an exhibition inspired by your charity. Open the show with a ticketed preview evening, then raise funds through donated pieces or an agreed share of each sale. A varied collection will usually be much more interesting than asking every artist to follow one strict theme.

Peer-to-peer fundraising campaign

Invite supporters to fundraise in whatever way suits them, all under the banner of one charity campaign. Give everyone a simple toolkit, a shared target, and plenty of encouragement, then celebrate the different ideas as they unfold. Your supporters’ personal networks could introduce the charity to a whole new audience.

Church fundraising ideas

These welcoming ideas bring congregations and local communities together through shared experiences, creativity and plenty of good company.

Church fête

Fill the church grounds, hall, or a nearby green space with classic stalls, games, and local entertainment. A small entry fee and paid activities can support church funds while neighbours enjoy an unhurried afternoon together. Give it a cheerful theme and let the community make it their own.

🌟 Fundraiser in action: Salisbury’s longstanding Sudan Summer Fête raised a record £9,500 in a single day during 2025. Traditional stalls, games, cakes, live entertainment and two visiting camels gave guests plenty of reasons to stay and spend.

Community breakfast

A warm breakfast can make the church hall feel especially welcoming at the start of the day. Guests buy tickets or contribute a suggested amount before settling around shared tables. Plenty of conversation will usually follow, especially once the coffee begins doing its work.

Hymn request fundraiser

Favourite hymns can carry plenty of personal meaning for congregation members. People make a donation to request a piece, which becomes part of a special service or singalong. Dedications can also give supporters a warm way to remember someone important.

Church quiz night

The church hall can become a lively quiz venue for one sociable evening. Teams pay for a table before tackling rounds on local history and general knowledge. A host who knows the community can weave in enough familiar references to keep everyone smiling.

Harvest supper

Harvest season gives communities a natural excuse to gather around good food. Ticket the supper and ask volunteers to contribute homemade dishes using seasonal ingredients. Long shared tables can make the evening feel generous and relaxed, even when the pudding portions become competitive.

Christmas carol concert

Familiar carols sound wonderful inside a church filled with seasonal light. Sell tickets for an evening led by local choirs and musicians, with readings from members of the community between songs. The setting will provide plenty of atmosphere without the need for elaborate staging.

Sponsored bell ringing

Challenge the church’s bell ringers to keep going for an agreed length of time while friends and family sponsor their efforts. Visitors can gather below to listen and follow their progress. This is one fundraiser the neighbourhood definitely won’t miss!

Church bake sale

Homemade baking gives people a welcome reason to stay after the service. Congregation members contribute favourite recipes, then each purchase supports the chosen cause. A table filled with family classics often carries more charm than anything ordered from a bakery.

Community jumble sale

Ask local residents to donate clothes, books, toys, and household goods, then fill the church hall with affordable finds. Clear sections and simple prices will make everything easy to browse. By the end of the day, plenty of forgotten belongings should have found happy new homes.

Flower festival

A flower festival can transform familiar church spaces into something visitors have never seen before. Local groups create displays around a shared theme, then guests pay to explore them. Each arrangement can tell part of a story as people move through the building.

Church history tour

Old churches often hold fascinating stories in their windows and memorials. A guided tour can reveal details that regular visitors pass every week without noticing. Charge for tickets or invite donations afterwards, especially for an evening session with a little added atmosphere.

Pancake supper

Shrove Tuesday becomes much more entertaining once pancakes start flying through the church hall. Sell tickets for a relaxed community meal and include a flipping contest for willing volunteers. The results might be uneven, although the laughter usually arrives without any help.

Craft fair

Local makers can fill the hall with handmade work and friendly conversation. Sellers pay for their space, while visitors browse products created close to home. Live demonstrations can make the event feel personal, especially when guests meet the person behind each piece.

Organ recital

A church organ deserves the chance to be heard properly. Ticket a recital led by a local musician or visiting performer, then let the building’s acoustics do the rest. A short introduction can help newcomers understand what makes the instrument special.

Community picnic

A picnic brings congregation members and local families together in an easy, informal setting. Guests can purchase prepared lunch boxes or contribute through an entry donation. Simple lawn games can keep younger visitors occupied while everyone else enjoys a proper catch-up.

Soup lunch

Invite people to pause for a bowl of homemade soup and some good company. Charge a simple amount for lunch and ask volunteers to contribute their favourite recipes. A few big pots and shared tables are all you need to create a genuinely welcoming gathering.

Church talent show

Unexpected talents have a habit of appearing once the sign-up sheet goes around. Ticket the event, then give performers a friendly stage for music and comedy. A warm host can steady the nerves of first-timers while keeping the evening moving at a comfortable pace.

Christmas wreath-making workshop

Wreath-making offers a festive activity people can enjoy while creating something to take home. Charge for places so materials are covered and church funds benefit. A local florist can lead the session, although a confident volunteer might do an equally charming job.

Sponsored pilgrimage or parish walk

Plan a walking route that connects local landmarks, churches, or places with special meaning for the parish. Participants gather sponsorship before setting off, with time to talk and reflect along the way. Offer a shorter route so families and older walkers can be part of the day too.

Church calendar sale

Invite congregation members and local residents to submit their best photographs of the church and surrounding area. Choose twelve favourites for a calendar, take pre-orders, and print only what you need. People will love spotting familiar places — and perhaps their own photograph — on the finished pages.

Fundraising ideas for sports teams and clubs

Put team spirit to work with fundraisers built around friendly competition, shared goals and loyal supporters.

Sponsored fitness challenge

Set the whole club a collective fitness target and ask members to contribute in a way that suits them. Every run, workout, or kilometre adds to the total, with sponsorship gathered along the way. Watching the numbers climb gives everyone a reason to keep going!

Charity tournament

Invite nearby clubs to enter teams for a friendly tournament built around the sport they already love. Charge an entry fee and use a short-match format to keep the day moving. Separate divisions will give beginners space to enjoy themselves without dampening the competition between experienced players.

Coaches versus players match

Put the coaches under pressure by asking them to face the players they usually instruct from the sidelines. Sell spectator tickets and appoint a commentator who knows exactly which old rivalries and overconfident predictions deserve mentioning. Bragging rights may become more important than the final score!

Sports club quiz night

Players and supporters can swap the pitch for a quiz table during this sociable club event. Teams pay to enter, then tackle questions about famous sporting moments and local club history. Old photographs can create a brilliant picture round with plenty of affectionate embarrassment.

Sponsored penalty shootout

Participants take a set number of shots while friends sponsor every successful goal. Younger players can stand closer, giving everyone a fair chance to enjoy the challenge. A prize for the most dramatic celebration might prove more competitive than the shootout itself.

Team fun run

A local park or club ground can become the route for a colourful team fun run. Participants pay to enter or collect sponsorship beforehand, then complete the distance together. Club colours can make the finish line look especially cheerful.

Sports kit sale

Outgrown boots and spare shirts can find new owners through a club kit sale. Members donate good-quality items, which volunteers sort before opening the event. Families save money while the club benefits from equipment that might otherwise sit forgotten in a cupboard.

Club awards night

The end of a season deserves more than a rushed trophy presentation after training. Sell tickets for an evening where players and families can celebrate together. Playful categories can recognise the personalities who keep everyone laughing between fixtures.

Fantasy league fundraiser

Fantasy leagues keep supporters engaged long after the opening weekend. Charge a small entry fee, then let participants manage their teams throughout the season. Regular updates and teasing commentary can keep the competition lively even when someone’s captain scores zero points.

Sports memorabilia auction

Signed shirts and memorable sporting experiences can attract enthusiastic bidding from loyal supporters. Host the auction online or during a club event, then let the stories behind each item build interest. Local history can be just as appealing as famous names.

Sponsored swim

Swimmers can take on a personal distance or join a relay with teammates. Friends sponsor the challenge while each participant works towards a goal that suits their ability. Younger swimmers might especially enjoy receiving a certificate at the end.

Community coaching clinic

Give local children the chance to train with club coaches and senior players for an afternoon. Charge for places and keep the groups small enough for everyone to receive useful tips. It’s also a lovely, low-pressure way to introduce new families to the club.

Matchday raffle

An existing fixture gives you a ready-made crowd for a simple raffle. Supporters buy tickets before play begins, then wait for the winner to be announced later. Club prizes and local vouchers can make the draw appealing without turning it into a complicated operation.

Club barbecue

A barbecue gives players and families time together away from training schedules and scoreboards. Charge for meals or entry, then let the gathering unfold at a relaxed pace. Newer members might find this type of event especially helpful for getting to know everyone.

Sports-themed bingo night

Familiar sporting references can give bingo a playful club twist. Participants buy cards, settle in and wait for themed calls linked to players or equipment. A little insider humour can make the evening feel personal without requiring much planning.

Sponsored relay race

Relay races turn individual effort into something shared from the first handover. Teams collect sponsorship before completing different sections of the route. Mixed ages can make the event feel welcoming, especially when families form their own slightly chaotic squads.

Parents versus players match

Parents finally get the chance to prove they were better in their day. Spectators pay to attend while both sides embrace the friendly rivalry. A few balancing rules can stop the match becoming either too serious or painfully one-sided.

Skills challenge competition

Set up a series of stations where participants test their accuracy, speed, or technique against friends and teammates. Charge for entry and keep scores on a public leaderboard. Include easier and harder versions of each challenge so everyone has a realistic shot at glory.

Club calendar

Team photographs and behind-the-scenes moments can become a calendar filled with club personality. Take pre-orders before printing, then sell copies to players and supporters. Candid images might prove more popular than formal portraits, especially when teammates start nominating each other.

Watch party for a major sporting event

A clubhouse filled with supporters can make a major fixture feel far more exciting. Charge for entry or reserve tables for groups, then let the shared reactions create the atmosphere. Even neutral fans might discover a temporary allegiance by the final whistle.

Fundraising ideas for individuals

Turn your interests and personal milestones into fundraisers that friends and family will love supporting.

Birthday fundraiser

A birthday can become an easy opportunity to support a cause close to you. Ask friends to donate instead of buying presents, then share the fundraising link with your invitation. People might appreciate skipping the annual puzzle of what to buy!

Sponsored personal challenge

Choose a goal that feels genuinely meaningful, whether it involves fitness or learning something new. Friends can sponsor your progress while following updates along the way. A personal challenge feels especially engaging when supporters understand why you chose it.

Online crowdfunding campaign

A crowdfunding page gives your story a home where people can donate and follow progress. Explain the goal in your own words, then share the page with people who already know you. Regular updates can keep the campaign feeling active after the first burst of attention.

Garage sale

Cupboards full of forgotten belongings can become a useful source of fundraising income. Arrange everything outside your home, set simple prices and let neighbours browse. Friends might also donate items once they realise you are willing to do the sorting!

Handmade product sale

Turn a creative hobby into a fundraiser by making a small batch of items to sell. Take orders through local groups or social media, and let buyers know the story behind the cause. Personalised pieces often go down particularly well when people are shopping for gifts.

Sponsored head shave

A head shave creates a bold moment that people will want to follow. Collect sponsorship before the event, then let friends gather while a local barber does the honours. The final photograph might become your most shared fundraising update.

Personal raffle

A personal raffle works well when friends and local businesses are happy to contribute prizes. Sell entries through your network, then host the draw online or at a small gathering. Check the relevant rules before launching, especially when tickets are available publicly.

Online auction

Useful items and donated experiences can reach bidders far beyond your local area through an online auction. Set a closing time for each lot, then let interest build over several days. The final minutes can become surprisingly lively once competing bidders notice each other.

Neighbourhood bake sale

A driveway filled with homemade treats can bring neighbours together surprisingly quickly. Ask friends to contribute baking, then set out a well-labelled table where people can browse. A cheerful sign explaining the cause might also encourage passers-by to stop.

Odd-jobs fundraiser

Offer to tackle useful jobs for friends and neighbours in return for a donation. Gardening, dog walking, basic tech help, or a trip to the tip could all earn a place on your list. Set aside a day or weekend and see how many requests you can complete.

Sponsored digital detox

Stepping away from personal screens can feel surprisingly ambitious once the challenge begins. Ask friends to sponsor a weekend or longer period without social media or gaming. Sharing the rules beforehand will stop anyone accusing you of secretly checking your phone!

Fundraising dinner party

Invite friends over for a home-cooked meal in return for a ticket or suggested donation. Keep the menu manageable and focus on creating a lovely evening rather than attempting restaurant-level perfection. Good food, good company, and a good cause are more than enough.

Livestream fundraiser

A livestream lets you turn an activity you enjoy into an online fundraising event. Viewers donate while following the action, whether you are gaming or performing. Planned milestones can give the broadcast momentum and encourage people to stay involved.

Give-it-up challenge

Choose a favourite treat, small luxury, or everyday habit and give it up for an agreed period. Friends can sponsor your willpower, while honest updates reveal whether the challenge is going smoothly or becoming a little dramatic. Reaching the final day should feel like a fundraising achievement in itself!

Sponsored hike

A scenic route can become a personal challenge worth following from start to finish. Collect sponsorship before the hike, then share training updates and photographs along the way. Friends might join selected sections, making the experience feel more social.

Pet-themed fundraiser

Pets have a natural talent for drawing attention, even when they contribute very little organisational help. Build a fundraiser around a sponsored walk or photo competition, then charge for entries. Local pet owners will usually need little encouragement to show off their companions.

Car boot sale

A car boot sale turns unwanted belongings into steady fundraising income over a single morning. Book a pitch, load the car and arrange everything so people can browse easily. Friends might help with stock, although you might need to stop them buying it back.

Skills workshop

If friends are always asking you to show them how you do something, turn that knowledge into a fundraising workshop. Charge for places and keep the group small enough for everyone to join in and ask questions. People leave having learned something useful, and your cause benefits too!

Recipe book fundraiser

Favourite family recipes can become a book that feels personal to everyone involved. Collect contributions from friends and community members, then sell printed or digital copies. Short stories beside selected recipes can make the finished book especially enjoyable to read.

Personal endurance challenge

A long-distance run, cycle or swim can give supporters an exciting journey to follow from training day to finish line. Collect sponsorship as you prepare, then share regular updates so people can cheer you on. Choose a goal that feels personal and genuinely rewarding to complete! 💪

🌟 Fundraiser in action: Nine-year-old Tobias Weller completed a marathon by walking along his Sheffield street over seventy days. His original £500 target grew to more than £60,000 as neighbours, public figures and supporters followed his progress.

Workplace fundraising ideas

Bring colleagues together with fundraising ideas that add a bit of feel-good energy to the working week.

Office quiz night

Workplace trivia can make a quiz feel much more entertaining than standard general knowledge. Teams pay to enter, then face questions about shared memories and familiar faces. Keep the jokes friendly, especially when the picture round reaches old staff photos!

Dress-down day

Let colleagues swap their usual workwear for something more casual in return for a small donation. Add a theme if the team would enjoy it, but don’t make fancy dress compulsory unless workplace morale is particularly robust! 🤔

Workplace bake-off

Office bakers can compete for glory while everyone else enjoys the judging process. Charge participants to enter and colleagues to sample the results. Categories like best decoration can keep the contest playful when several cakes taste suspiciously professional.

Office raffle

Suppliers and local businesses might be happy to donate prizes for a workplace raffle. Sell entries across several weeks, then draw the winners during a team gathering. A headline prize can keep people interested, especially once competitive colleagues start buying extra tickets.

Team step challenge

A step challenge encourages colleagues to move more while working towards a shared fundraising target. Teams collect sponsorship and track progress across several weeks. Friendly updates can keep everyone motivated, even when somebody suddenly discovers an unexplained daily total of forty thousand steps.

🌟 Fundraiser in action: KTN Group employees, friends and family covered 1,352 kilometres during a four-week workplace challenge. Their shared target, friendly competition and individual sponsorship efforts helped raise £1,238 for the Care Workers’ Charity.

Charity lunch

Move lunch away from everyone’s desks and turn it into a shared fundraiser. Colleagues could bring a dish or buy a ticket for the meal, then take a proper break together. A simple theme adds a little occasion without giving the organisers too much extra work.

Department versus department competition

Friendly rivalry between departments can turn simple activities into a much livelier fundraiser. Charge teams to enter, then choose a challenge that suits different personalities. A public leaderboard can keep interest bubbling, although it might also reveal who takes office games extremely seriously.

Workplace talent show

Colleagues might reveal unexpected skills once a stage and audience appear. Ticket the event, then let short performances keep the evening moving. A supportive host can help nervous participants settle while making sure the confident ones eventually leave the stage.

Office auction of promises

Colleagues can offer useful favours or skills for others to bid on. A homemade cake or language lesson might attract more interest than expected, especially when the office knows the person involved. The format keeps costs low while making the prizes feel personal.

Executive challenge fundraiser

Senior leaders can agree to complete a playful challenge once the workplace reaches a target. Colleagues donate towards the milestone, then vote on what happens next. The prospect of a managing director wearing fancy dress can prove surprisingly motivating.

Charity sports day

A workplace sports day gives teams an excuse to compete outside their usual roles. Charge participants to enter, then organise accessible games that welcome different fitness levels. The less athletic events might become the crowd favourites, especially when senior managers attempt sack races.

Desk decorating competition

Workspaces can become miniature themed displays during a desk decorating challenge. Colleagues contribute to enter, then everyone votes for the winner. Seasonal themes work well, although some participants might treat the event with the intensity of a national design competition.

Workplace bingo

Bingo offers a relaxed fundraiser that works in person or online. Colleagues buy cards before joining a short session during lunch or after work. Workplace-themed calls can add personality, provided nobody uses the event to settle old meeting-room grievances.

Office games tournament

Board games and desk-friendly challenges can form a tournament across several days. Charge colleagues for each entry, then track scores on a shared table. The format allows plenty of people to join without taking an entire afternoon away from work.

Sponsored commute

Walking or cycling to work can become a shared challenge across the company. Participants collect sponsorship while logging their journeys over a set period. Remote colleagues can complete an equivalent route locally, so everyone has a fair chance to join.

Charity breakfast

Breakfast gives colleagues an easy reason to arrive slightly earlier and start the day together. Sell tickets for a simple spread, then give everyone space to chat before work begins. Coffee should probably appear near the entrance for maximum goodwill.

Payroll giving campaign

Payroll giving lets employees support a charity through regular deductions from their salary. A workplace campaign can explain how the scheme works and invite colleagues to choose an amount that suits them. Matched giving from the employer can make participation feel especially worthwhile.

Workplace book sale

Books colleagues have finished can become fresh reading material for someone else. Ask for donations, then arrange the collection somewhere people pass regularly. Affordable prices encourage browsing, while mystery bundles can add a little curiosity to the sale.

Team volunteering challenge

Challenge workplace teams to complete a set number of volunteering hours for a local cause. Each group chooses a project, gathers sponsorship, and reports back on what it achieved. It’s a rewarding way to spend time together outside the usual working routine.

Office awards night

An office awards night gives colleagues a chance to celebrate achievements and laugh at shared memories. Ticket the evening, then mix genuine recognition with playful categories. The ceremony works especially well when speeches stay warm and nobody attempts a forty-minute acceptance.

Choosing the right fundraiser for your goals

Need fundraising ideas fast? Whizz through our decision matrix to land on the perfect money-making event or challenge for your goals, timeline and budget. 

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How to organise a fundraiser with no money upfront

It’s totally possible to start from £0 and raise money for your cause. You’ll just need to figure out what resources you already have, then build the event around donated support and advance income.

• Choose an idea with low running costs: Sponsored challenges, bake sales, quiz nights and online campaigns can all begin with little spending. Pick something your group can organise using existing skills, spaces and equipment.
• Ask for a free venue: Schools, churches, workplaces and community centres might offer space without charging hire fees. Local cafés, pubs and sports clubs might also help when the event brings new visitors.
• Collect donations before buying supplies: Ask supporters and businesses to donate prizes, food, decorations or equipment. Give every contributor a friendly thank-you through event signage, social posts or announcements.
• Sell tickets before committing to costs: Advance ticket sales can provide money for refreshments, entertainment and other essentials. Set a minimum sales target before confirming any spending, then keep the first version of your event simple.
• Use volunteers wherever possible: Friends, colleagues and community members might help with hosting, baking, promotion or setting up. Give everyone a specific role so the workload stays manageable.