10+ Simple Charity Fundraising Ideas

Since fundraising is the backbone of charity operations, board administrators focus as much time as possible on the task. Raising funds allows needed resources to be directed where most important and brings awareness to a cause. An effective charity fundraising strategy is critical because it provides the vital resources organisations need to improve lives, communities, and the world at large. 

You see, many charities provide essential services, such as healthcare, education, shelter, food, and mental health support, that would otherwise go underfunded. Moreover, fundraising gives individuals and communities a direct way to contribute to positive change. Whether you’re raising £10 or £10,000, it all adds up. 

For board administrators to be able to craft fundraising strategies in accordance with charity governance best practices, tasks such as maintaining records and facilitating communication among board members need to become more streamlined and efficient. Once that happens, the board can dedicate most of its time to making decisions on the best methods to raise funds to help as many community members as possible.

What is Charity Fundraising? 

Charity fundraising is the process of securing financial and in-kind support from individuals, businesses, and communities to help advance a nonprofit’s mission. While many charities receive government grants or institutional funding, these sources are rarely sufficient to meet the full scope of needs they aim to address. That’s why public donations, whether in the form of money, goods, services, or professional expertise, are so vital.

Developing a thoughtful and strategic approach to fundraising is essential for long-term sustainability. It ensures the organisation can continue delivering impact even during times of economic uncertainty or when unexpected challenges arise. Without consistent and reliable fundraising efforts, charities risk falling short of their goals and lacking the financial resilience needed to weather disruptions.

10+ Simple Charity Fundraising Ideas 

To continually raise funds, here are some community events that can be organised to offer diversified funding streams. They can bring awareness to your cause while getting the community and local businesses involved and invested.

Community & In-Person Events 

1. Pub Quiz Night: Host an organised trivia contest at a local pub. Charge teams an entry fee, with proceeds going to the charity.
2. Bake Sale: Gather volunteers to bake and donate sweet treats, then sell them at a community event, school, or local venue. It’s a low-cost, easy-to-run fundraiser that brings people together over cookies, cakes, and a good cause.
3. Sponsored Walk: Rally participants to walk a set route while raising money through flat donations or per-mile pledges from friends, family, and local supporters. This event gets people moving while strengthening community bonds.
4. Charity Carwash: Mobilize volunteers to scrub, rinse, and shine cars in exchange for donations. It’s a hands-on way to raise funds and build visibility for your cause.
5. Afternoon Tea Party: Host a charming tea party where guests buy tickets to enjoy tea, treats, and good company. Boost proceeds with raffles or live auctions during the event.

Virtual & Online Fundraising

6. Online Raffle or Prize Draw: If you can’t coordinate a venue, online platforms  make it easy to facilitate prize drawings or raffles digitally. 
7. Virtual Quiz or Bingo Night: Invite participants to join a fun-filled online trivia or bingo session by paying a small entry fee. This remote-friendly activity keeps supporters engaged while raising money for your cause.
8. Livestream Challenge: Take on a creative or physical challenge and stream your progress live. Encourage viewers to donate as you reach key milestones, turning every achievement into an opportunity to support your mission.

Seasonal Ideas

9. Christmas Jumper Day: Allow employees or students to wear a festive jumper for the day for a small donation. Boost the fun by running a “best jumper” contest, holding a photo competition, or adding a festive bake sale or raffle. It’s an easy, lighthearted way to raise funds during the holiday season while spreading cheer.
10. Easter Egg Hunt: Invite families to join a festive egg hunt by purchasing entry tickets. Hide chocolate treats, golden eggs, or even picture clues around a park or venue. Add bonus prizes or themed activities to make it even more fun.
11. Pumpkin Carving: Get creative for a cause by encouraging participants to carve pumpkins at home or at a community space. Collect entry fees for a carving contest or invite donations from those submitting photos or displaying their creations at a local event. Add a public vote or prize for extra excitement.

Creative & Unique Ideas

12. Talent Show or Open Mic Night: Invite local performers to take the stage and wow the crowd, while raising money through ticket sales, donations, raffles, or sponsored acts. It’s a lively, feel-good way to bring people together in support of your cause.
13. Silent Disco Fundraiser: Hand out wireless headphones, let attendees choose their own music channel, and turn up the volume on fundraising. Guests pay to dance the night away in a one-of-a-kind, noise-controlled party atmosphere.
14. Guess How Many: Fill a jar with sweets, marbles, or another eye-catching item and charge a small fee per guess. The closest answer wins a prize. It’s a simple, fun, and perfect idea for events or community spaces.
15. Rent-a-Skill Auction: Ask volunteers to donate their skills (gardening, baking, tutoring, painting, etc.), and auction them off to the highest bidder. All proceeds go to your cause, turning talent into tangible impact.

Introducing OnBoard AI 

Fundraising and event planning requires planning meetings and administrative efforts, which are made easier with the use of not-for-profit board management software. OnBoard, a solution purpose-built for not-for-profit board governance, optimises board business through the use of AI.

OnBoard AI is designed to streamline board governance by offering a complete suite of AI-enabled tools that enhance every phase of the board meeting process.

There are several benefits of using our software’s AI-backed features, including:

• Improved efficiency and productivity: AI tools handle routine tasks, analyse data, and summarise information, saving users time and allowing them to focus on priorities.
• Data-driven insights: AI tools process and analyse vast amounts of data to provide insights and identify trends that may go unnoticed by human analysis. 
• Consistency and accuracy: AI tools ensure the information presented is accurate and consistent, reducing the risk of human error. 
• Quick access to information: AI tools can quickly retrieve relevant documents and data points, making information more accessible when needed. 

An added benefit is that this charity governance software provides all of these functions in accordance with the charity governance code.