Fundraising ideas for Children In Need
Children in Need is the BBC’s national charity, helping to raise funds for disadvantaged children across the country for decades. The highlight of their calendar is the annual telethon, broadcast in November, which helps to boost awareness and donation efforts. Children in Need was founded in 1980 and has raised more than £1.5 billion.
When is Children in Need?
You can raise money for Children in Need year-round, but their annual appeal show is a much-anticipated event in the TV calendar. This year’s show takes place on Friday 17th November. The telethon is a mix of special segments and real-life stories – usually with a lot of celebs. This year, Lenny Rush is presenting along with Ade Adepitan MBE, Jason Manford, Chris Ramsay and Mel Giedroyc.
Why fundraising for Children in Need matters
Children in Need supports thousands of projects across the country, working year-round to help those who need it the most. Your fundraising can have a real impact. Fundraising in itself can also teach children about social issues and responsibility, along with instilling empathy. Last year, Children in Need helped over 460,000 young people and children. They’ve helped 179,000 have stronger self belief, 150,000 gain increased skills and 83,000 feel more empowered, to name a few.
If you’d like to start fundraising for Children in Need, it’s easy to start a GoFundMe here.
Creative fundraising ideas for Children in Need
So, if you’ve been inspired to get fundraising, it couldn’t be more easy – or fun – to get started. First of all, start your GoFundMe page and get sharing on social media, to your friends, family, colleagues, school…
There are plenty of fun, easy, sociable ways to raise money too. If these inspire you, we’ve got even more fundraising ideas here.
School and community fundraising
If you’ve got a child at school or you’re involved with that community in any way, there’s plenty of fun ideas you can do to raise funds either inside or outside of the classroom. From school bake sales, non-uniform days or coffee mornings, there’s a plethora of ideas here to give you more inspiration.
Fun runs and walks
Getting active or being outdoors more can feel like a slog, especially at this time of year. But adding a fundraising motivation and goal could make it more appealing. Why not sign up for a fun run or walk with your friends and family – you can find one near you here.
Talent shows or competitions with entry fees or ticket sales
Maybe you’ve got a budding singer, dancer, stand up comic in the family – put on a talent show at your local school or community centre and charge a small entry and ticket fee.
Bake sales or baking competitions
Who doesn’t love a good bake sale? A bake sale – or even a baking competition – is an easy thing to hold in a group environment, with the option to contribute the treats or just pay to taste them.
A sports day or ‘mini olympics’ with activities for parents and children alike
Sports – but make it fun and get everyone involved. A mini olympics style sports day is great for all ages and abilities. It would be a perfect fundraising event in a school setting, getting children but also willing parents and teachers involved too.
DIY fundraising activities
If you’re looking for fundraising ideas to do yourself, there are plenty of fast, easy things to do here too.
Craft sales or art exhibitions with proceeds supporting Children in Need
If you’re a creative, this could be a great outlet and make some money for a good cause in the process. Why not put on an art exhibition or craft sale with your work, getting others involved with multiple stalls. There’s more creative fundraising ideas here, too.
Donation jars in your neighbourhood or at school
A really easy, hands off way to raise money is simply having donation jars around your community or school. Plenty of local businesses would be happy to have one – put one at work, one in school, in the community centre, the post office and watch donations come in.
Start your own GoFundMe and share amongst friends
It’s also easy to start your own GoFundMe for Children in Need. You can read more about it here and once you’ve started, get sharing the link on your social media, with colleagues, with friends and family. You can even send out emails and remember to thank your donors and keep everyone updated on how it’s going!
A sporting challenge
This could be anything from running a marathon to yoga or setting yourself a fitness target each day. There’s more info about sporting challenge fundraisers like marathons here.
Collaborative fundraising ideas
It’s always fun to get fundraising in teams – and there are plenty of ways to get the community involved in your challenges.
Organising sponsored sports days or challenges
Holding a local sports day is a great way to bond people in the community, get them teamed up and chatting to each other whilst raising money for Children in Need. Decide on a date and get spreading the word about the event.
Hosting concerts/shows with local performers
Maybe you’ve got some amazing singers or dancers in the area – utilise their talent and put on a concert for local people. You could even host it over Zoom so that people don’t have to leave the comfort of their own homes to attend should they choose. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can have a look at our other event fundraisers here.
Karaoke nights at a local community centre with a donation to enter
Now, who doesn’t love a bit of karaoke? Hiring a machine – or even finding someone who is willing to lend one for a good cause – is easy. People could make a donation to enter for the opportunity to let their singing skills shine. And if you want to make it a bit more interesting, frame it as a competition with prizes for the best.
Coffee and cake mornings where everyone provides something
Coffee and cake mornings are a staple of fundraising. Get a room in a community centre or even a willing home and ask everyone to contribute a sweet treat or drink, with small donations for what you take. You can see an example of a coffee morning fundraiser here.
Tips for successful fundraising campaigns
So, you’ve decided that you want to get fundraising, chosen your activity and are ready to get going. Here’s some tips you can follow which can help to make your journey more successful. And, if you want a deeper dive into successful fundraising, take a look at our fundraising tips blog.
- Set clear and realistic goals for your fundraising
- Plan everything well in advance when hosting/organising events
- Utilise online platforms and social media for broader reach
- Engaging friends, family, teachers, and the local community for support
- Recognise and appreciate donors, participants, and volunteers