Community fundraising offers a great opportunity to bring communities together; you'll be putting smiles on people’s faces; raising funds and increasing awareness of the cause; and replacing feelings of isolation with community spirit.

Why not hold a charity bake sale, sell your clothes or even lemonade, organise a carnival, go on a walk-a-thon, clean up the neighbourhood, set up a community obstacle course, arrange a dance lesson, start a community garden, hold a seed sale or have a recycling competition. 

Just a few ideas that can get you started, so you can register your event.

1. Hold a bake sale

Everyone loves eating cake and treats. Make some enticing and delightful delicacies and hold a bake sale in a local community centre or shopping area. Make sure to include crowd favourites like brownies, cupcakes and cookies.

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2. Sell your clothes

Many charity shops sell clothes and you can find some fantastic items for a fraction of the price you’d find at designer or high street stores. Selling clothing that you or others in the local community no longer want and putting it towards the charity fund would be a great way to raise money. It’s also a great way to bring people together.

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3. Lemonade stand

During the summer, cool refreshing drinks are in high demand. Selling a cup of lemonade or chilled water in a popular location will not only help you to raise money, but it will also keep your community cool and hydrated.

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4. Community carnival

A community carnival is always an exciting and exhilarating way to raise funds while bringing everyone together. Have a parade, play music and get some dancers to entertain the crowds. See if any local businesses are willing to sponsor the event and raise money by having space for local business stalls and advertising.


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5. Walk-a-thon

A walk-a-thon is an easy way to get active for charity. The journey doesn’t need to be long and it doesn’t have to be any faster than the normal pace of walking. You could even incorporate a treasure trail.

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6. Sponsored neighbourhood clean

All neighbourhoods can get a bit untidy from time to time. A sponsored neighbourhood clean can get the area looking its best while encouraging people to spend time together for the benefit of the whole community. In return, ask people in the local community to make a small fee for charity.

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7. Family team obstacle course

Set up an obstacle course and encourage your community to take part in teams. Charge an entry cost and see how long it takes each team to complete the course. You can then award a prize to the team that completes the course fastest.

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8. Just Dance

Get a dance teacher to host a lesson for charity. This can be a fantastic way for people to try a new activity while knowing their money is also going to a worthy cause.

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9. Plant a community garden

Starting a community garden can be a great way to raise money on a long-term basis. Grow vegetables and flowers on a plot of land, sell these to sustain growth and include donations in the price.

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10. Hold a seed sale

When you’ve set up your community garden, why not sell plant seeds in the local area? Recommend that people buy a certain number of seeds for the cause based on their fuel consumption or their mileage on their car. You can be environmentally friendly while raising money, talk about two birds with one stone!

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11. Recycling competition

Hold a competition within the local area or even on the street to see who can collect the most plastic, paper, cans and cardboard for recycling. You can also see if anywhere in your local area gives money in return for recycling. A great way to help the environment.

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TIPS FOR COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING SUCCESS

  • Set yourself a fundraising goal – how much are you hoping to raise?
  • Decide who your audience is going to be – are you targeting business owners, young people, families, or another local group?
  • Plan your event as far in advance as possible, don’t leave anything to the last minute
  • Ensure a good turnout by spreading the word online and in person – build excitement by sending out flyers, through social media posts, or ads in the local press
  • Get some help - if you’re planning a big event, share the workload by enlisting volunteers to ensure your fundraiser runs smoothly

Our friendly Supporter Care Team is on hand to help you, whatever you decide to do. Just call 0300 303 9888 or email fundraise@helpforheroes.org.uk

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