Fundraising ideas · UK and global
Fundraising ideas people actually want to join.
Pick an idea that fits your time, your supporters and your cause. Each idea below says what it needs, who it suits and which rules to check before you begin.
What is the easiest way to start fundraising this week?
Choose one simple idea, a clear target and one deadline. A sponsored challenge or a coffee morning needs little money upfront, works with friends, family and colleagues, and gives people a reason to share. Write down what the money will pay for before you ask anyone to give.
If you are raising money for a registered charity, contact the charity first. Many provide materials and advice, and they can confirm that your plan fits their policies.
Which sponsored challenge ideas work best?
Sponsored challenges work because supporters pay for effort they can see. Walks, runs, swims and cycle rides suit most people; giving something up for a month suits people who cannot do physical events. Share a progress photo and a short update each week so sponsors stay involved until the end.
- Walk, run, swim or cycle a set distance over a month
- Give something up for a month: alcohol, sugar, takeaway coffee or social media
- Learn a skill in public: a language, an instrument or sign language
- A head or beard shave — if you also donate hair, check the scheme’s current requirements first
- A gaming or livestream marathon with a fixed end time and moderated chat
What are good fundraising event ideas for home, work or school?
Small events raise money through entry donations, food and activities. Coffee mornings, quiz nights, bake sales, film nights and games tournaments are easy to run at home, in an office, a school hall or a place of worship. Keep costs low by asking a venue or local business to donate space or prizes.
Food sold or given away at a charity event must still be safe to eat. Home-made cakes are fine if they are made, stored and transported safely, and the Food Standards Agency encourages you to list allergens. Ask your council if your event is regular enough to need food business registration.
- Coffee morning or afternoon tea
- Quiz night with a small entry donation per team
- Bake sale or international food stall
- Non-uniform or dress-down day
- Five-a-side, netball or board-games tournament
- Film night, talent show or karaoke evening
Can I run a raffle or prize draw for a fundraiser?
Usually yes, but raffles are lotteries under the Gambling Act 2005, so the rules depend on the type. A raffle sold and drawn during a single event is generally the simplest; selling tickets in advance, online or over a longer period may need registration with your council or a Gambling Commission licence.
Lotteries can only raise money for good causes or be run for fun, never for private gain. Read the Gambling Commission’s guidance before you sell any tickets. Raffle tickets are a purchase, so they cannot carry Gift Aid.
Do I need permission to collect money in public?
Collecting cash in the street, outside shops or door to door usually needs a licence or permit from your local council, and in parts of London from the police. Councils often ask for proof of the charity and a letter authorising you, and many need several weeks’ notice before the collection date.
Rules differ between councils, including for collection tins left in shops or pubs, so check with your council early. Online fundraising pages do not need a street collection licence.
What are good online fundraising ideas?
Online fundraising works best when supporters can watch something happen. Livestreams, virtual challenges, online quizzes and skill-sharing sessions let people join from anywhere. Share one clear link, a target and a deadline, then post updates where your supporters already spend time: messaging groups, workplace channels and social media.
- Birthday, wedding or anniversary fundraiser instead of gifts
- Virtual quiz or game night
- Online auction of donated skills or items — a purchase, so not eligible for Gift Aid
- A livestreamed challenge with milestones
- A workplace step challenge with employer matching
What fundraising ideas suit faith groups and festivals?
Religious and seasonal moments bring communities together around giving. Ramadan and Zakat appeals, Friday or Sunday collections, Christmas jumper days, Diwali and Vaisakhi events, harvest suppers and Eid community meals all work well when the purpose is clear and the recipient is trusted by the congregation.
For Zakat, check that the receiving organisation’s current Zakat policy covers the appeal; a good cause is not automatically Zakat-eligible. The Zakat estimator explains nisab, hawl and the 2.5% rate.
How can schools, clubs and workplaces raise more?
Groups raise more when everyone has a small, specific job and a shared target. Split the goal into team targets, show a simple leaderboard and ask your employer about matched giving — many companies match staff fundraising up to a limit. Thank people publicly and share the final total when you finish.
In the UK, Payroll Giving lets employees give to charity straight from their pay before Income Tax is deducted, which makes regular workplace giving more tax-efficient.
- Schools: sponsored read or spell, non-uniform day, summer fair stall
- Sports clubs: kit sponsorship from local businesses, a charity tournament
- Workplaces: matched giving, Payroll Giving, a dress-down Friday
Which fundraising ideas can include Gift Aid?
Gift Aid adds 25p for every £1 a UK taxpayer gives to a charity, but only for genuine gifts of the donor’s own money with a Gift Aid declaration. Sponsorship for a challenge usually qualifies for each sponsor. Tickets, raffles, auctions, bake-sale purchases and event entry fees do not qualify.
| Idea | Effort | Upfront cost | Good for | Gift Aid on payments? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsored challenge | Medium | Low | Individuals and teams | Yes, per sponsor with a declaration |
| Coffee morning | Low | Low | Neighbours and colleagues | On separate donations only, not food sales |
| Quiz night | Medium | Low to medium | Schools, clubs, workplaces | Not on entry fees; yes on separate donations |
| Raffle at an event | Low | Prizes | Events | No |
| Birthday fundraiser | Low | None | Individuals | Yes, when donors give to a charity with a declaration |
| Online auction | Medium | None | Networks with donated items | No |
How do I choose the right idea and target?
Match the idea to the time you have, the people you can reach and what the money must pay for. Estimate costs first, set a target that covers them and decide what happens if you raise more or less. A written funding plan makes it far easier for people to trust you.