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.

British Heart Foundation: MyMarathon

by Emily Roff

Making great use of digital technology, the British Heart Foundation created a trail-blazing virtual event.

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From IWITOT 2019: Stand Up 2 Cancer 2018’s hilarious donation rewards menu

by Andy McSorley

A treat from I Wish I’d Thought of That (IWITOT) 2019: Andy McSorely of Home Fundraising celebrates an irreverent and hilarious campaign that rewarded donors who gave up their hard-earned money.

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Shine: virtual balloon races

by John Grain

What do you do if your well-established fundraising strategy is having a negative impact on the environment, even if it’s popular? Shine, a small charity, made the smart and innovative decision to take their balloon races online – with spectacular results.

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KiKa's story: how a small charity gained success through donor engagement

by Joe Burnett

A small Dutch charity shows the way in event fundraising and donor relations.

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Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners

by Emily Collins-Ellis

A grassroots campaign by queer activists to support embattled striking miners in 1980s UK provides a blueprint for how apparently incompatible organisations can come together to effect real change.

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Marie Curie and Yorkshire Building Society – The Hour of Need

by SOFII

Find out about the amazing work Marie Curie in the UK achieved through their partnership with the Yorkshire Building Society. They smashed their fundraising target, involved themselves at every level of YBS’ structure and reached deep into local communities. An inspiration.

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Blue Cross: Tap Dogs

by SOFII

Terrific innovation by animal charity Blue Cross who found a funny and eye-catching way to get their rescue dogs to lend their paws to the cause.

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Two days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital – part four

by Joe Burnett

In the final edition of SOFII’s report on the Ask Direct Summer School, we get a sneak preview of an upcoming new series on SOFII from Alan Clayton and an account of Ken Burnett’s closing plenary.

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Two days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital – part three

by Joe Burnett

In the third part of our report from Dublin, we cover a brilliant panel debate on the serious gender imbalance in fundraising. We also bring you a report on Norwegian website expert Beate Sørum’s insightful presentation.

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Two days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital – part two

by Joe Burnett

In this report we look at two sessions from Australia-based data and dm expert Sean Triner on mid-level donors and legacies and governance guru Simone Joyaux’s rallying cry for creating extraordinary experiences.

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SOFII stars: a selection of fantastic events from around the world

by Joe Burnett

Here are links to 12 fundraising events that raised money in innovative and exciting ways, from huge viral campaigns to small but successful projects that exceeded expectations and transformed people’s lives.

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CEO Sleepout: business leaders sleep rough for Girls and Boys Town

by SOFII

One night of discomfort is a very small price to pay for helping to raise awareness and vital funds to support homelessness. The CEO Sleepout encourages influential members of the business community to move outside of their comfort zone and spend a night in the shoes of a rough sleeper.

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