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.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home: ‘secret suppers’

by SOFII

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home struck gold with a marvellous and original idea to show their urgent need to wealthy donors.

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SickKids: ‘together we will’ campaign

One of the print ads.

by SOFII

This campaign from SickKids Foundation exceeded all of their goals through terrific use of video and proves the power of good storytelling.

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Movember: a professional fundraiser’s story of raising money through personal sponsorship

Proof, if it was needed, that he raised a lot of money for the fight against prostate cancer.

by SOFII

A great case study from a ‘mo bro’ of doing fundraising, engagement and feedback well, and being focused on supporters’ needs and interest.

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The Städel Museum, Frankfurt: inspiring a city to fundraise

The Städel Boot, sponsored by the shoe store chain Deichmann.

by SOFII

The donors who gave millions to the Städel Museum said it was not ‘just a museum’, but rather that they felt like part of a big family.

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The collection: it’s never too late to do something wonderful.

by Ken Burnett

A new fundraising experience for less-than-new fundraiser Ken Burnett: rattling a bucket on behalf of Syrian refugees. Read how he met some interesting people, raised some money and learned that truly it’s never too late to do something wonderful.

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Alexander’s Fund: how fundraising inspired a community to save a life

by SOFII

Alexander’s Fund inspired a community and raised over £255,000 in less than two weeks to save a young boy’s life.

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Southend Hospital: bosom pals appeal

by SOFII

Feeing like all the fun’s gone out of your fundraising? Worried that your supporters may not be biting your arm off to undertake another gruelling run to raise money? This exhibit shows how smaller charities can inspire people to join their cause with little more than some imaginative ideas.

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All Saints and St Andrew’s Church, UK: parachuting teddy bears

teddy bear parachuting

by SOFII

Is this the world’s first teddy bear parachute jump? The basic idea is not only appealing, it was easy to organise, cost almost nothing and is easily copied.

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Advantage Africa: Christmas gift wrapping offer

by SOFII

Your volunteers can be powerful donors for your cause. Advantage Africa uses the simple service of offering a Christmas gift-wrapping service in a local shopping centre that raises a substantial amount of money for their work in Kenya and Uganda. This is an idea that could be adapted to raise money all over the world.

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Creating Better Futures: ‘name the bear– every child has a name’ competition

Hope + education = opportunity.

by SOFII

How a tiny organisation with a turnover of only £16,000 is raising money to educate orphans in Zimbabwe.

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StreetSmart: helping the homeless as you eat

by SOFII

StreetSmart raises thousands of pounds for homeless charities throughout the UK every year during the months of November and December. The idea is simple: participating restaurants have a card on each table, or a reference on the menu, explaining that a voluntary one pound donation will be added to each table's bill at the end of the meal. StreetSmart then distributes these donations directly to reputable homeless charities throughout the UK.

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Saint Demetrios: Greek festival

Traditional dancing at the festival.

by SOFII

Each year St Demetrios Greek Orthodox church in Seattle, USA traditional festival is run entirely by volunteers - including some excellent fundraising.

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