School fundraising can take many forms – perhaps your school is saving for a trip or activity, or maybe they’re supporting a charity this school year. Whatever the cause, get your fundraising off to a great start with these school fundraising ideas.

Sponsored Fundraising Event at School

Kids love any excuse not to have to wear their school uniforms. It’s no wonder sponsored dress down or fancy dress days are some of the most popular days of the year!

You can raise money for a school fundraising cause by holding a special dress day for students and teachers. On the fundraising day, students pay a set amount (usually £1) and get to wear something other than their school uniform. Ideas include:

• Fancy dress
• Dress down (non-uniform day)
• Halloween dress-up party
• Christmas dress-up

By getting creative with your fundraising ideas for schools, you can have non-uniform days all year long or even fancy dress days, where you can even award prizes for the best costumes.

Fundraise by Selling a School Calendar

Work with a local printing company to design, print and sell school calendars featuring images of your school and the surrounding area. This is a great back-to-school fundraising idea, since New Year’s creeps up before you know it.

As a bonus, create a custom calendar that highlights all of the upcoming events for the school year; this way, parents can see at-a-glance what’s happening at their kids’ school.

The Best School Fundraising Idea

Most fundraising ideas you could do – such as a bake sale, sponsored event, or craft show – also make great school fundraising events.

Easy Fundraising is another completely free idea to help raise funds for schools in the UK. Simply register your school cause and start earning donations instantly, simply by shopping online as you normally would. You can even invite pupils, parents, teachers and staff to sign up through the school newsletter.

So what’s the best school fundraising idea? Asking the kids! It’s important to involve children in fundraising from an early age, so they have the opportunity to learn about charitable giving.

In cooperation with your child’s school, ask all of the kids to write down what they’d like to do to raise money for their school fundraiser. You’re bound to get loads of ideas you’d have never thought of on your own!

Corporate fundraising has many facets – a large company with large resources can raise money for a good cause and also raise its standing in the community. It is a win-win situation for everyone involved, which is why corporate fundraising is so popular.

Find out how to run a successful, large-scale fundraiser with these corporate fundraising ideas.

Advantages of Corporate Fundraising

Corporations have many advantages when it comes to fundraising. First, you have a large team of workers who can dedicate time and expertise towards making your fundraising event a success.

In addition, you likely have a full roster of clients, suppliers, customers and associates who can contribute their ideas and, possibly, partner with you for your fundraising event.

Use all of these resources and relationships to prepare the perfect large-scale fundraising event.

Large-Scale Corporate Fundraising Ideas

Fundraising events are the most popular type of corporate fundraising ideas. Holding a large-scale event is the perfect way to raise your status in the community and also raise money for charity. Here are some ideas:

• Charity dance or ball – Dance the night away by holding a charity dance. You can turn it into a dance competition, complete with pledges for the number of hours each participant stays on the dance floor, or simply charge admission to an exclusive, fun evening.

• Charity dinner or wine tasting – Hosting a meal or drinks party is one of the most popular fundraising ideas. Charge for admission and make your event shine with music, dancing and fun activities. Upscale or casual; it’s your choice.

• Fundraising getaway weekend – Partner with a B&B or holiday company to provide a charity getaway weekend full of fundraising events like auctions, games, competitions. You can make this open to all people or raise the donation amount and offer it to high-income clients and suppliers.

Corporate Fundraising as Team Building

A successful corporate fundraising initiative can also be a great team building activity. Turn traditional team building tasks like survival camping, spy school or obstacle assault courses into fundraising events.

It’s easy to do. First, plan your team building event, giving thought to ways you can monetise it for charity. You might turn it into a sponsored event and ask for donations from clients, customers and employees’ families in exchange for pledges: for example, pledged donations for the amount of time an employee “survives” a boot camp training, or the number of times they can complete a rope climb. This raises money for charity and also provides motivation for your team building.

In addition, consider holding a awards ceremony after the team building event. Again, this can be monetised to fit your fundraising goals:

• Sell tickets to an awards dinner
• Sell charity raffle tickets
• Hold a silent auction
• Invite celebrities to your event

Each of these team building/fundraising ideas will raise awareness and money for your cause and also raise your company’s profile.

Corporate “Adopt a Charity” Programmes

Giving back to the community by supporting a charity is one of the most humanising things a large corporation can do.

Use your corporate connections to run a variety of smaller fundraising events throughout the year (here’s a list to get you started), all for the benefit of your chosen charity. Corporations often do this for the networking possibilities, tax benefits and – of course – for goodwill.

Also, by supporting one charity this year, your staff will have a chance to really get excited for the cause and the fundraising events planned.

No matter how your corporation fundraises – whether by launching a year-long charity campaign or holding a spectacular one-night-only fundraising event – everyone involved will benefit, including your company.

Fundraising at work is often tremendously successful – you have a captive audience who will welcome any change to a monotonous work day. To make the most of your fundraising at work, try out these ideas:

Easy Work Fundraising Ideas

Sometimes the simplest ideas at the best ones. There are many fundraising ideas that take only a few hours (or less) to prepare.

• Donation bucket – Walk around the office and tell your work colleagues about your fundraising cause. Many will give on the spot donations.
• Dress down day – Hold a special themed day for your charity or cause. Workers pay a small amount (usually £1) so they can wear casual clothes or a costume to work. If you work in a customer-facing environment, this is also a great conversation starter throughout the day.
• Charity raffle – Sell raffle tickets and give away a nice prize. You can theme your raffle – such as giving away a giant chocolate Easter egg, or Christmas-themed prizes – or just reward the winner with something cool like a gift certificate, bath set or tickets to a show.

Fun Work Fundraising Ideas

Simple isn’t always better – these fun fundraising ideas will help break up a boring workday:

• Dunk the boss – Rent a dunk tank from a party company and charge a fee for each throw. Put your most-beloved manager on the hot seat and watch the money come flying in.
• Sponsored activity – Choose a sponsored activity that will have your colleagues laughing. Popular ideas include sponsored wax and baked bean boots.
• Costume contest – Have everyone in your office pay £1 to dress up in a crazy outfit. Award prizes to the best-dressed. You can even have a runway fashion show at lunch hour.

Work Fundraising for Smaller Companies

For companies with only a few employees, holding a charity day at your workplace can still bring in lots of money for your cause; you just have to be a little more creative and try to get your customers involved too.

As a small business, supporting a charity is a great opportunity to get involved in your community and also raise money for a good cause.

The best way for small businesses to fundraise is to pick an idea that is related to your business. For example, if you’re a restaurant owner, you already have the perfect space to hold a charity dinner or charity dance. Media companies and offices can also use their resources to raise money, by creating a fundraising website or online appeal, printing flyers or doing telephone fundraising.

Final Advice for Work Fundraisers

Fundraising at work can be a lot of fun, but make sure you get the proper permissions first. If you work for the government or a large corporation, they may already have a list of charities that they will support during work hours. You will need to check and make sure you can hold a fundraiser at your workplace if your charity event doesn’t meet their guidelines.

Also, keep your boss well-informed of what you’re planning. They will most likely be fine with it, but no one wants to show up to work dressed in a silly outfit, only to find out that none of the managers knew it was going to happen!

Finally, remember why you’re doing this. Have fun, make your co-workers smile, and raise money for a good cause too.

Church fundraisers are perfect for a variety of causes, from church projects that need a cash injection to special causes supported by local parishioners. Get your church fundraising started with these ideas:

Run a Church Fundraising Bazaar

Holding a bazaar is a fun and inspiring way to fundraise in your community. Why not bring together church members and harness their diverse talents for your worthy cause?

Here are some popular stalls for church bazaars:

• Food and drink stalls
• Bake sale
• Sell books and other goods
• Sell homemade items
• Games
• Information stands

Mix up the talents of your church members and you will likely have many people who can contribute something to the bazaar.

Sell Bricks or Pavers to Fundraise for Your Church

Selling engraved donor bricks is a very popular way to raise money and acknowledge the generosity of your community members. This is especially useful if you are fundraising for a church cause, like a new children’s centre or meeting area. The bricks can be displayed proudly in the new area as a “thank you” to the donors who made it possible.

Network with a local craftsman to find out prices and logistics of creating fundraising pavers or bricks; you will need to make sure that these costs are recouped from each donation. You can also set fundraising levels, so your most generous donors are rewarded with a larger, more prominent display. Bronze, silver and gold levels are also popular.

Fundraising Christmas Cards

Christmas card sales are a fantastic, low-cost way to raise money for your cause. You can assemble a group of volunteers to create your own handmade cards, or work with a local printer to make and sell individual or boxed cards.

You can also create Easter, Christening, wedding and anniversary cards to sell for your fundraising venture.

Fundraise with a Church Auction

Just like with the church bazaar, a church auction is a fabulous way to use the talents of your community members to raise money.

Ask each parishioner to donate something to the auction. Business owners might contribute goods or services, while others can create handmade items like art, cookbooks, quilts and baked goods.

With the support of your church, you may be able to use a church building to hold the auction. Be sure to publicise it early and often, and make sure as many community members as possible can attend on the date you choose.

Church Fundraising in Your Community

Your church is already a vital part of your local community, and fundraising activities are the perfect way to bring parishioners together in the spirit of goodwill.

Don’t forget about the church leaders either. Get your pastor’s assistance by asking him or her to announce your fundraising plans to parishioners. You can even hold volunteering meetings right after church, so everyone can attend.

From sporting teams to craft circles, fundraising is a very popular activity for clubs. Find out how to raise funds for your club or a charity of your club’s choosing with these great club fundraising ideas.

“Bucket Collection” Fundraiser

Because you have lots of club members at your disposal, a bucket collection is an excellent way to fundraise. By placing your club members in areas of high foot-traffic, you can ask for donations from hundreds of people per hour.

Consider offering an additional service, such as bagging groceries or carrying parcels, in exchange for a donation. This is often better received than simply asking for a donation. Also, be sure to have literature on hand that will help explain what your club is doing and how the money you’re raising will help your cause.

Hold a Fundraising Party

With the help of your club members, a fundraising party can be a great way to make money for your special cause. Here are some popular party-themed fundraising ideas:

• Charity dance
• Charity dinner or wine tasting
• Coffee morning
• Fancy dress party
• Christmas or Halloween party

Be sure to plan well in advance of the date and assign tasks to each member of your club. Make sure everyone has a role in your club’s fundraising success.

Club Fundraising Events with a Theme

Working your fundraising around your club’s theme is an excellent way to draw attention to your group and your charitable cause at the same time.

There are lots of themed events a club can do to fundraise. For example, a choir or dance group could perform in the town centre in exchange for donations; also, a football club could hold a charity match or football clinic for kids and teenagers. Clubs can also knit, bake, garden or hold a quiz night to raise money.

Whatever you do, use it to bring in donations for your cause. Your fundraising success will surely follow!

More Club Fundraising Ideas

Find and share more club fundraising ideas on our forum, or in the comments below.

Community fundraising has it all – you can raise money for a good cause while meeting your neighbours, making new friends and fostering a greater sense of community. Here are some community fundraising ideas to get you started.

Neighbourhood Street Party

Take your fundraising out into your community by organising a street party in your neighbourhood. You can raise money for a charity or for a local cause, like a community football team or a local school.

The best way to organise a street party is to get your neighbours involved early. You will need their permission to use the street for the day, and they can also help with the planning of the party. Introduce yourself and ask for volunteers to help with different tasks.

You can do anything in a street party, but it’s a good idea to combine it with other, smaller fundraising ideas to raise more money for your cause. Consider asking for a donation to attend the party, and then set up different stalls:

• Sell food and drinks
• Bake sale
• Game stalls (pay to play, with prizes)
• Children’s facepainting
• Raffle

Each event you plan will net additional money for your charity or group and, best of all, it’s also more fun for your attendees!

Fundraising Car Boot Sale

Persuade your neighbours to clean out their lofts and garages by holding a community car boot sale to benefit a worthy cause. You can hold the boot sale on your street – more like a yard sale or garage sale, depending on what your neighbourhood is like – or ask to use a local parking lot or sport field for the day.

As with a street party, opening up food and drink stalls at the boot sale is another way to raise money for your charity, so plan ahead and make the most of your day.

Coffee Morning Fundraiser

Holding a fundraising coffee morning is the perfect way to meet your neighbours and raise money at the same time. Send out invitations to all of your neighbours and be sure to remind them about it when you pass each other on the street.

On the day, prepare coffee, tea, juice and pastries for the group. If you live in a larger neighbourhood, you might also want to get help from some of your neighbours – ask them to bring a food item or help out by preparing drinks, washing dishes or cleaning up.

Collect donations at the door, or charge for each cuppa – it’s your choice.

How to Get Your Fundraising Cause Out in the Community

Community fundraising ideas can be simple or complex – you can spend an hour going door-to-door collecting donations, or plan a full weekend block party for your street.

No matter what community fundraising event you have planned, the most important step is making your neighbours an essential part of it. Even if you haven’t spoken to some of your neighbours, make sure they feel welcome to attend your event. Once that’s done, your event is sure to be a success!