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’.
Read moreDogs 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.
Read moreExtra 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!
Read morePANS 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!
Read moreBlind 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.
Read moreEverything 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.
Read moreThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Giving Machines
by Liz Attfield
Imagine using a vending machine, not to get chocolate or a drink, but instead to donate to a worthy cause. It’s possible! This fundraising idea is simple, effective and makes donating easy. Keeping reading to discover more about this unique and successful campaign.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreSaigon 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.
Read moreChallenge 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.
Read moreMatched 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?
Read moreThe 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.
Read more