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.
Bluebell Wood's Soapbox Derby 2016
by Joe Burnett
With their first Soapbox Derby, Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice smashed their fundraising target with a fun and thrilling public event.
Act for Peace's refugee social experiment
by SOFII
A filmed social experiment that tested Australia's compassion for refugees and led to viral success for the charity.
Read moreAmerican Cancer Society: Relay For Life
by Gary Kernahan
An idea that started as one man fundraising by walking and running a track for 24 hours has become a global event raising over $5 billion to help save lives throughout the world.
Read moreBlue 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.
Read moreOne Girl: Do It In A Dress
by Lizzi Hollis
Dresstastic challenge event from Australia that allows volunteers to use their creative fundraising juices and have fun.
Read moreTwo 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.
Read moreTwo 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.
Read moreTwo 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.
Read moreSOFII 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.
Read moreCEO 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.
Read moreNSPCC: Legacy-themed Garden of Magical Childhood
by Claire Routley
This garden was designed to demonstrate how gifts in supporters’ wills supported the NSPCC’s work. It is a beautiful and unique way to take visitors on a special journey through history.
Read moreSt Michael’s Foundation: the Final Piece campaign
by SOFII
Here is another excellent campaign from St Michael's Foundation in Toronto, Canada. Take a look at how this team of savvy fundraisers took a simple poster and re-purposed it into a successful staff event that raised much-needed funds for their latest capital appeal.
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