Children in Need 2026: what it is and how to get involved
BBC Children in Need is back on Friday 13 November 2026, bringing people across the UK together to support children and young people.
Whether you’re planning something at school, getting colleagues involved or looking for a simple way to help from home, there’s still time to take part.
From sponsored challenges to bake sales and spotty outfits, we’ve gathered some fun Children in Need fundraising ideas to help you get started. You don’t need a big budget or weeks of planning. Sometimes, a small idea is all it takes to bring people together.
And if you don’t have time to organise something yourself, you can support someone who’s already fundraising.
When is Children in Need 2026?
Children in Need 2026 takes place on Friday 13 November. The annual BBC appeal show is scheduled to begin at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
You don’t have to wait until the big night to get involved. Schools, workplaces, families and community groups can organise activities in the run-up to the appeal or continue fundraising afterwards.
For the latest programme details, visit the official BBC Children in Need appeal show page.
Challenge Yourself 2026: make the number 26 your inspiration
This year, BBC Children in Need is inviting everyone to take part in Challenge Yourself 2026.
The idea is simple: choose a challenge inspired by the number 26 and turn it into an opportunity to help children and young people across the UK.
You can make your challenge as active, creative or relaxed as you like.
Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
- Walk, run or roll 26 miles. Spread the distance across several days or share it with friends.
- Bake 26 treats. Sell cakes, biscuits or other homemade goodies at school or work.
- Read 26 books or stories. A lovely challenge for classrooms, families and book clubs.
- Complete 26 acts of kindness. Do something helpful each day and invite friends to sponsor you.
- Try a 26-song karaoke challenge. Get everyone involved and ask for a donation to take part.
- Host a 26-question quiz. Bring friends, family or colleagues together for a little friendly competition.
The best challenge is one that works for you. Choose something you enjoy, set a realistic goal and invite others to join in.
You can find more information and official resources on the BBC Children in Need fundraising hub.
Easy Children in Need fundraising ideas
Not everyone has time to plan a big event. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to take part without making things complicated.
1. Fundraising ideas for schools and nurseries
Children in Need is a great opportunity to bring pupils together through creative activities and shared goals.
You could try:
- A spotty dress-down day: invite pupils to wear spots or yellow in exchange for a small donation.
- A sponsored reading challenge: ask children to read for 26 minutes or complete a shared reading goal.
- A bake sale: encourage families to contribute homemade treats and raise money together.
- A mini sports day: organise simple games, races or activities suitable for different ages.
Keep activities accessible and age-appropriate so everyone has a chance to join in.
For more inspiration, explore our school fundraising ideas and fundraising ideas for kids.
2. Workplace fundraising ideas
Looking for a way to get your team involved? A little friendly competition can make fundraising more enjoyable.
Here are a few ideas:
- Host a team quiz: put everyone’s general knowledge to the test with a small donation to enter.
- Organise a bake-off: invite colleagues to bring their favourite bakes and vote for a winner.
- Take on a team challenge: work together towards a shared walking, running or cycling goal.
- Hold a dress-down day: swap everyday workwear for something spotty or yellow.
You could also ask whether your employer offers donation matching to help your team’s fundraising go further.
Explore more ways to bring colleagues together with our team fundraising ideas.
3. Fundraising ideas for families and friends
You don’t need a large group or a special venue to make a contribution.
Try something simple, such as:
- A coffee and cake morning: invite neighbours or friends over for a catch-up and a donation.
- A craft sale: sell handmade cards, decorations or artwork.
- A sponsored activity: choose a walking, cycling or creative challenge that suits your abilities.
- A virtual quiz: bring people together online, wherever they live.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, browse our wider collection of fundraising ideas.
How to raise money for Children in Need with GoFundMe
Got a fundraising idea? GoFundMe can help you bring people together and collect contributions towards your challenge.
Whether you’re organising a bake sale, taking on 26 miles or getting your colleagues involved, you can create a fundraising page and share it with the people who want to support you.
Here’s how to get started:
- Start a GoFundMe. Create your fundraiser and explain that you’re raising money to support BBC Children in Need.
- Set your fundraising goal. Choose an amount that feels achievable for your challenge.
- Share your story. Tell friends, family and colleagues what you’re doing and why the cause matters to you.
- Spread the word. Share your fundraiser link and keep supporters updated on your progress.
- Donate the money raised. Once you’ve received the available funds from your GoFundMe, you can make a separate donation through the official BBC Children in Need donation page.
Remember that transaction fees apply to donations made through GoFundMe, so the amount available to pass on may be lower than the total contributed.
If you’re collecting money on behalf of a group, make sure everyone understands who will receive the funds and how they’ll be donated to the charity.
For more advice, read our guide to starting a GoFundMe.
How to make your fundraiser a success
Once you’ve chosen your activity, a few simple steps can help you get others involved.
- Set a goal people can get behind: Think about what you’d like to raise and choose a target that feels achievable. For a number-26 challenge, that might mean asking 26 people to contribute towards a shared goal. Whatever you choose, make it easy for supporters to understand what you’re doing and why.
- Tell people why you’re taking part: You don’t need a long explanation. A few sentences about your challenge and why you’re supporting Children in Need can help others feel connected to your goal.
- Share your plans: Let friends, family, colleagues or neighbours know what you’re doing. A personal message, a school newsletter or a post in your team chat can be a good place to start. Include a clear fundraising link or instructions for contributing.
- Keep everyone updated: If you’re taking on a challenge, share your progress along the way. A photo, a short update or a thank-you message can help supporters feel part of what you’re doing.
For more practical advice, read our fundraising tips.
Children in Need fundraisers you can support
If you want to help but don’t have time to organise your own fundraiser, you can still get involved by supporting someone who’s already taking on a challenge.
From mountain climbs to dance events and school activities, people are finding creative ways to bring their communities together for BBC Children in Need.
Here are three GoFundMe fundraisers to explore.
Lilly’s Ben Nevis Challenge
Lilly has taken on Ben Nevis as part of her fundraising efforts for BBC Children in Need.
Her challenge is a reminder that setting yourself a personal goal can also inspire others to get involved and show their support.
The Billericay Theatre Tapathon
An adult tap class is bringing people together through dance to raise money for Children in Need.
It’s a lovely example of how a shared hobby can become an opportunity to help others.
Henry and Poppy’s Children in Need challenge
Henry and Poppy are combining a seven-mile walk across the Malvern Hills with handmade pencil cases and sweet treats to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
It’s their third year taking on a fundraising challenge, showing how a family activity can become a tradition that helps others.
Every contribution matters. And if donating isn’t possible right now, sharing a fundraiser with friends or family is another way to show your support.
Before contributing, read each fundraiser’s description to understand how the organiser plans to pass the money raised to BBC Children in Need. You can explore more active fundraisers here.
How does Children in Need help children across the UK?
BBC Children in Need supports local projects and organisations working with children and young people across the UK.
These include community groups, youth clubs, family centres and services that help young people through difficult experiences.
The charity funds projects that provide practical and emotional support, helping children feel safer, more connected and better able to thrive.
Every fundraising activity is an opportunity to bring people together around that work, whether it’s a school bake sale or a challenge shared by friends.
You can learn more about the charity’s work and the projects it supports on the BBC Children in Need website.
BBC Children in Need is a separate charity. GoFundMe is not presented here as an official fundraising partner. If you raise money on GoFundMe with the intention of supporting BBC Children in Need, you are responsible for donating the funds you receive to the charity.