So, you’re committed.

You’re off on a challenge of a lifetime which will test you mentally and physically, but first you need to raise the all-important sponsorship to reach your fundraising target to ensure your ambitions become a reality.

For someone new to fundraising this can seem quite daunting indeed, however we’ll help you along the way so fear not! We have compiled a list of suggestions that we’ve picked up over the years that should hopefully ease the process, allowing you to focus on your important training schedule.

Fundraising Hints and Tips

There are many different fundraising activities that can help you raise funds to reach your target. These range from fairly typical fundraising ideas to more unusual events.

Without further ado, here are our 4 top fundraising tips to help you reach your target.

Food and Drink

If you have a penchant for food, why not arrange a food and drink themed fundraising event. For instance, if you’re able to find a venue (preferably for free) you could arrange an afternoon tea for friends, family and passers-by. You could also turn it into a bit of a fete by including some additional amusements or activities.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, ask your friends and family to provide you with their favourite recipes. Simply collate them all together and then with a bit of reformatting you have your very own recipe book to sell.

Most people find it hard to resist a tasty pudding, so if you’re able to find a venue (preferably free, once again) with an alcohol license you could ask local hotels and restaurants to donate puddings. Simply sell tickets for the event to raise your funds. Once again, add games and amusements to add extra value to your event.

Sporting Activities

Another popular fundraising staple are sporting events. Perhaps you could convince your Zumba instructor to donate some of their time and sell tickets for a session. This would work well for other exercise or gym classes, not just Zumba.

Perhaps you and your friends fancy a nice round of golf. You could hold a friendly competitive longest drive event. Golfers simply pay an entry fee and you can provide donated prizes for the winners on the day.

Maybe you’re using swimming to build your cardiovascular fitness for your Discover Adventure Challenge. Why not turn your training into a fundraising activity? Just ask people to sponsor you for every length or hour you can swim for. You could also invite friends and do it as a group to raise even more.

Sell Off

Do you have a wardrobe of barely worn, nearly new clothes? Or perhaps a drawer of untouched makeup? Why not hold a sale, and sell these off to friends and family with all the proceeds going towards your fundraising target.

Car boot sales can also be a fantastic way to reach your fundraising target. You’ll also enjoy the benefit of de-cluttering your house. It’s a win-win situation!

From time to time, you may unfortunately receive a gift that is unwanted. However, why not sell these items on eBay and add the money to your fundraising target?

Many more fundraising ideas

We have many more hints and tips than the above so you’ll be sure to find something that will help you reach your target. We have ideas for social gatherings, shows and races. Or you could even hold a themed event to tie your event together.

Remember to plan ahead and try and get pledged money from people immediately. Also don’t be afraid to ask! People will be more than happy to help.

For more advice see our fundraising hints and tips page.

Adding Value

If you're looking for other ideas for fundraising, creating ‘add-ons’ to your events will help generate more money, like selling raffle tickets. Perhaps try a refreshment stand or barbecue, a plant or second-hand book sale at your cricket or football match or at the finish line of the sponsored run or hike. There’s no limit to this really, but do make sure you have relevant licences, particularly if you’re going to be selling alcohol. Your local authority or venue will be able to advise you, and Temporary Events Notices or licences are fairly easy to apply for online from the council.

If you’re concerned about collecting money, the Institute of Fundraising has lots of practical advice as well as fundraising tips, and it might be worth setting up an account for donations with JustGiving, which will help with things like Gift Aid and the more technical financial aspects.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and try some of these out! We are here for you every step of the way to ensure you have the most successful trip possible.

Feel free to get in touch with any questions you have along the way.