12 Fundraising Tips for Events to Maximise Your Impact (and Engage More Supporters!)
Apr 22
3 min read
Although fundraising for your cause can be a hugely exciting process, it can also be one of the most daunting parts of running a successful event. Whether you're a seasoned organiser or are planning your first fundraiser, there's always more potential to unlock, whilst keeping your supporters engaged and motivated.
This post shares practical fundraising tips for events to help you cut costs, boost donations, and make smart partnerships. Implement some of these ideas on your next event, and watch your fundraising efforts thrive!
Ask participants to cover their slot
We recommend asking participants to make a donation themselves, ideally one which covers the cost of their space. This means the full amount they raise goes directly to the charity!
Set minimum fundraising targets
On most events, there is a minimum fundraising target of £250. This is achievable for the majority of participants, with many fundraisers going well above and beyond this! We regularly chat to people who have raised over £1,000 by themselves!
Encourage Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Empower your supporters to set up their own fundraising pages and ask their friends, families, and colleagues for donations. Provide them with templates and messaging to make it easy.
When fundraisers registered for this zipwire in Bath, an online fundraising page was automatically created for them! Offer Fundraising Incentives or Milestone Rewards
Create small reward tiers (e.g. branded merch, recognition on social media, special thank-you packs) for hitting certain fundraising targets. Incentives increase motivation!
Make It Competitive
Introduce friendly competition between participants or teams. Offer a prize or shout-out for top fundraisers. This taps into their drive and amplifies efforts.
Provide a Fundraising Toolkit
Give supporters ready-made materials: email templates, social media posts, graphics, fundraising ideas, and FAQs. The easier you make it, the more likely they’ll succeed.
Promote Gift Matching
Encourage participants to check whether their employers offer donation matching schemes. Many companies will double their employees’ contributions!
Use Storytelling to Inspire Donations
Share compelling stories that show the real impact of donations. Whether it's a beneficiary's journey or behind-the-scenes of your cause, this helps connect donors emotionally.
Leverage Social Media & Livestreams
Use social platforms to show live fundraising progress, thank donors in real time, or host mini-events like challenges or Q&As. Supporters can share too, extending your reach.
Turn Fundraising into an Ongoing Journey
Keep in touch with fundraisers throughout their journey. Share updates, encouragement, and celebrate progress. Don’t just engage at the start and end — keep the momentum going.
Ask Local Businesses for In-Kind Donations
Reach out to local businesses to help with some of your event costs. Maybe a local scaffolding company has a CSR program, or a nearby printing firm is looking to do their bit for a good cause. This could also be applied to food, drinks, raffle prizes, and even event space. Businesses can promote their brand while helping you cut costs.
Share the Event with another Local Charity
If you're worried about the initial event costs, think about hosting a shared event with a different cause within the local community. This allows you to cut the costs in half, whilst keeping your fundraising potential high!
With a few smart moves, you can turn a good fundraiser into a great one. Empower your supporters, think creatively, and build partnerships that benefit everyone. The more intentional your approach, the more impact you’ll make. Make sure to send thank-you emails, post shout-outs, share success stories. Happy supporters are more likely to come back, and bring others with them!
Want to discuss your event idea with our team? Reach out via our contact form below!
