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.
Read moreSickKids: ‘together we will’ campaign
by SOFII
This campaign from SickKids Foundation exceeded all of their goals through terrific use of video and proves the power of good storytelling.
Read moreMovember: a professional fundraiser’s story of raising money through personal sponsorship
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.
Read moreThe Städel Museum, Frankfurt: inspiring a city to fundraise
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.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreAlexander’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.
Read moreSouthend 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.
Read moreAll Saints and St Andrew’s Church, UK: parachuting teddy bears
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.
Read moreAdvantage 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.
Read moreCreating Better Futures: ‘name the bear– every child has a name’ competition
by SOFII
How a tiny organisation with a turnover of only £16,000 is raising money to educate orphans in Zimbabwe.
Read moreStreetSmart: 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.
Read moreSaint Demetrios: Greek 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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