Fundraising Ideas
Whether you want to carry out a single fundraising event such as a dinner party for friends, or want to do a variety of activities, take a look at some tried-and-tested ideas.
Below are some simple ideas to get you started. Once you’ve decided on a plan, update your fundraising page, think of a realistic target to reach and start spreading the word!
Facebook Birthday PartyAsk your loved ones give lights to the world in lieu of birthday gifts to you. Set up takes under two minutes and you can share with your network with one click. Facebook passes through all donations (less credit card processing fees). They do not take any portion of your donation.
This is—by far— the easiest way to fundraise. |
Dinner PartyA real crowdpleaser! If you want to cook and host, just decide a date, your favorite go-to recipe, and invite 8-10 friends and family. Decide what you think would be a reasonable suggested donation ($10-15 is generally recommended) and start prepping! If it’s warm enough, why not turn this into a BBQ?
*Top Tip: having some entertainment for your dinner party can make it seem like much more of an event! Think about whether you could hold some after-dinner games or karaoke to keep the evening going. |
Sponsored ChallengeOne of the simplest yet most effective fundraising options. Setting yourself a personal challenge is a great way to highlight the cause you’re fundraising for and encourage people to donate. Think of a challenge that works for you (a sponsored run, bike ride, giving up something you love), and start *advertising!
*See our Using Social Media section of the Get Started page for tips |
Bake Sale or Coffee MorningA good bake sale is always a sure winner! Even if you’re a master baker, it’s worth asking for help to take the pressure off you. You can either hold a coffee morning and invite people over, or look for a bigger venue.
Do you know someone who works in a large office that would be willing to let you come in? Or is there a local community group or faith group where you could sell some baked goods? |
RafflesIf you don’t have the space to host an event, holding a raffle can be a fast fundraiser. Contact some local businesses and restaurants and ask for some potential prizes (e.g. free goods/vouchers for a dinner), and host a raffle at your workplace, community centre or home. If you sell 50 tickets at $3 each that’s already a great return!
Be sure to check our Keep it safe and legal section of the Get Started page. |
Quiz NightCreating an event with a sense of competition and fun is a guaranteed way to help your fundraising succeed! Consider your location first – is there a local bar you could use, or could you host it at your home or that of a friend/neighbor?
Consider what prize you’d like to offer the winning team. If you’re hosting in a bar – see whether they might be willing to donate a bottle of wine? Additionally, ask local restaurants and businesses for any prizes they’d be willing to donate. Next, ask for help with both setting a good range of questions and running the night itself. Decide on a date, set an entry fee, and invite people to organize their own team! |
Yard SaleA great way to both raise funds and get rid of some of your unwanted items! Ask everyone to bring their unwanted items and hold a sale.
*Top tip: this could work great in combination with a bake sale and/or raffle! |
Give A TalkFinally, while creating events is a fun way to fundraise, never underestimate the power of simply talking to your local community about the cause you’re raising money for.
You don’t have to be a skilled public speaker, just think if there’s a community group (e.g. church/mosque/school/Rotary) that you could speak to for 5 minutes. It can be an amazing way to engage people with UTL’s work and raise funds. |
