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.
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.
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.
Read moreJersey Hospice Care: million pound lottery (MPL)
by SOFII
With a guaranteed income of £500,000 every year from this event alone, this is a great example of taking a successful commercial idea and making it work for your charity.
Read moreSt Baldrick’s Foundation: shaving the way to conquer children’s cancer
by SOFII
This is a wonderful example of volunteer-led fundraising that demonstrates just how successful it can be when you choose an activity that everyone can take part in.
Read moreThe London marathon: a human race
by SOFII
This exhibit details the interesting history of one of the biggest and most iconic fundraising events of all time – the London marathon. In true SOFII tradition, the idea was borrowed from somewhere else, but aren’t they always the best ones?
Read moreOperation Christmas Child: the shoebox appeal
by SOFII
This festive exhibit is a wonderful example of how one person’s idea (and a lot of help from volunteers) can really make a difference. Operation Christmas Child has maintained constant success over the past 20 years.
Read moreChildLine: the Got Talent ball
by SOFII
This is event fundraising at its best. Raising almost £350,000, the ChildLine ball 2010 demonstrates some excellent fundraising techniques.
Read moreThe Medical Foundation: immortality auction
by SOFII
A durable, readily replicable fundraising idea. This concept from the Medical Foundation is not just simple it seems hard to imagine it not being a success in the right hands.
Read moreRed Cross USA: the Tiffany circles
by SOFII
Giving circles like the Tiffany circles of the Red Cross can make giving more interesting, more satisfying with a group of other enthusiastic donors.
Read moreCancer Research UK: the race for life
by SOFII
Cancer Research UK’s race for life is an event for women only, so it gives them the chance to take action against cancer. Through constant innovation over many years, nearly £500 million has been raised to beat cancer.
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