Raising money for a local charity can be both a fun and rewarding experience and the funds will be much appreciated. The sky is the limit when it comes to fun fundraising ideas.

Charity begins at home

Raising money and funds for large national or international charities is great but local grassroots charities such as animal shelters, etc. often need all the help they can get. They, more often than not, do not have the funds to be able to promote themselves on a large scale and need your help in raising the necessary funds to keep going. You, together with friends and other supporters of the charity can help to boost the charity’s funds and can potentially raise a lot of money by organising some simple, fun events in and around your neighbourhood. After all – charity begins at home!

Ten fun fundraising ideas

Sponsors and donors are key to the success of your fundraising efforts! Scout around and don’t be shy to ask for help. This is one time that you are allowed to unashamedly make use of all your social contacts, friends and family members to beg, borrow or “steal” support. Here are some ideas to try:

  1. Breakfast in bed. Get local stores to donate some yummy non-cook breakfast foods such as fruit, yoghurt, speciality breads, sliced cold meats, cheese and fruit juice and round up some supporters to take orders and deliver on a specific day.
  2. House party. Invite supporters and their friends and family to your charitable house or pool party, braai, brunch, high tea, etc and ask each to donate to your favourite charity
  3. Taste and pay. Round up supporters and food lovers by organising a friendly culinary competition. Contestants create their own best dishes and people pay to taste and cast their votes.
  4. Set up a donation jar. Ask your co-workers to put in a R5 coin every time they swear or feel like punching a rude customer, co-worker or the boss!
  5. Give up something. Ask friends, family, co-workers and members of the public to give up a beverage or meal for one day and to donate the money to a worthwhile cause instead. Encourage them to set personal fundraising goals and continue “giving up” for as long as they wish.
  6. Name the baby competition. Get old baby photos of your co-workers or bosses, teachers, members of your sporting team, etc. and stick them up in a prominent place around your school or office. Get people to pay to guess who they are.
  7. Provide a service. A simple but effective service is the old stand-by: washing cars. Try to find a place where people are out running errands for the day or at an event such as a school ball game, flea market or church event.
  8. Organise a mini workshop. Round up those friends and family members with special talents and organise writing, painting, beading, cooking, easy DIY motor mechanics, dog training, etc workshops.
  9. Run/walk the race. Host a costumed race where people need to dress up to participate. This can be enormous fun and the whole family can participate.
  10. Sell something. Yes, the old tried and tested cake, or craft and garage sales do generate funds. Try to add a theme to make it more interesting

Good luck and do have fun!

 

Sources

Chung, E. 2014. Twenty five quick fundraising ideas for non-profits and charity. Retrieved from: https://www.classy.org/blog/25-quick-fundraising-ideas-for-nonprofits-and-charity/
Seventeen fundraising Ideas to raise more money. Retrieved from: http://www.giveforward.com/p/fundraising-ideas
Top five best ideas for charity fundraising. Retrieved from: https://toughnickel.com/misc/Top-5-Best-Ideas-for-Charity-Fundraising