Events

Charity events are as varied and colourful as fundraising itself. They’re only limited by the imaginations of their organisers and their capacity to make things happen against all odds. But in many markets the costs of running events are rising and competition for donors' interest and participation is fierce, not to mention competition for their funds. In this section you will find details of some of the world’s most original and effective events.

Rotary Club of Alice Springs: Henley on Todd Dry Regatta

by Ben Eden-Davies

Ben Eden-Davies extols the virtues of a very clever Australian fundraising event that continues to stand the test of time. And when you have seen the ingenuity of the fundraisers in Alice Springs for yourself, you’ll understand why the rising tide of a community lifts all boats’.

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Dogs Trust: Building an engaging supporter experience at ‘Dogs Trust Village’

by Amy Bingham

Step into ‘Dogs Trust Village’ and you’ll discover a masterclass in the supporter experience. This unique event has not only engaged with existing dog-loving supporters, but it’s also helped recruit new ones and raise vital funds. No wonder the CIOF shortlisted the Village for Best Supporter Experience of the Year at their National Fundraising Awards.

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Extra Life: ‘Play Games, Heal Kids’ 24-hour gaming marathon

by Rickesh Lakhani

In this case study, video game enthusiast and fabulous fundraiser Rickesh Lakhani asks: How can a plumber, riding a dinosaur, help raise money for children?

Keep reading to find out!

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PANS PANDAS UK: ‘Helen and Jessica’ fundraising event film

by Emma Bracegirdle

If you’re a small to medium-sized organisation looking to boost your events fundraising through film, look no further. In this case study you are sure to find inspiration in PANS PANDAS UK’s storytelling and fundraising film-making process – and be impressed by their target smashing results too! 

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Blind Low Vision NZ: Paws for Purpose collection box auction

by Gwen Green

This is a virtual auction done well. It includes many of the ingredients for success – good planning, sustainability, celebrity, partnerships, a strong ask and the pull of beautiful items that truly connected the donor to the cause. For all these reasons, Blind Low Vision NZ ensured their auction raised plenty of vital funds for their guide dog programme. 

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Everything IWITOT

by SOFII

This is your one-stop shop for all the latest on SOFII’s I Wish I’d Thought of That (IWITOT). If you want to attend an event, become a speaker, host your own IWITOT or revisit a past event – it is all right here.

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Giving Machines

by Liz Attfield

From IWITOT: The Americas 2022, introducing vending machines with a twist – you can use them to donate to a good cause!

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The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride: Riding for a cause

by SOFII

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) combines fun with a good cause. This growing organisation that has been running excellent events since 2012 and making a real difference to men’s physical and mental health. 

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Saigon Children’s Charity: Hybrid fundraising ball

by Quynh Nguyen Thi Lam

Saigon Children’s Charity (Saigonchildren for short) reacted superbly to the realities of coronavirus by creating an innovative and successful hybrid fundraising event.

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Matched funding challenge has doubled donations for Ken Burnett’s 500-mile quest

by SOFII

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Chip Grizzard and his team at Grizzard Global Consulting and Idearaising, the first £7,500 Ken raised will now be doubled! Could you help Ken reach his new goal and raise even more for SOFII?

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Challenge fundraising – lessons in asking and thanking, from Ken Burnett’s 500-mile walk

by SOFII

Thinking about taking on a big challenge for a cause you love? You could jump out of a plane, you could run a marathon, you could walk 500-miles… but how do convince your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you? And how do you thank them when they do? Read on to find out.

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The Great Bungay Duck Race: Virtual success in 2020

by Joe Burnett

How one small charity in rural England had to innovate and try out new ideas to ensure their event went ahead. When coronavirus forced them to go virtual, they did in style.

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