Fundraising Ideas & Inspiration
Fundraising plays a crucial role in our mission. It enhances our visibility, fosters community engagement, and allows us to provide valuable support to children and young people with Down Syndrome and their families.
Active Challenges
- Sponsored Walk, Run, or Cycle – Set yourself a distance challenge and ask for donations.
- Climb a Mountain – Take on a hiking challenge and get sponsored for every step!
- Swim for a Cause – Every stroke counts, whether a sponsored dip in the sea or laps in the pool.
- Dance Marathon – Keep the music and feet moving for as long as possible!
Creative & Crafty
- Bake Sale – Everyone loves a sweet treat—host a sale at work, school, or in your community.
- Craft Fair or Auction – Sell handmade crafts or auction off unique items for charity.
- Upcycled Fashion Show – Showcase thrifted and upcycled outfits in a fun, eco-friendly way.
- Photography Challenge – Charge an entry fee and have participants submit their best themed photos.
Fun & Social Events
- Quiz Night – Host a trivia night at your local pub, school, or online.
- Charity Movie Night – Pick a classic film and charge for tickets and snacks.
- Talent Show – Give people a stage to showcase their singing, dancing, or comedy skills.
- Bingo Night – A classic crowd-pleaser with a chance to win prizes!
- Karaoke Competition – Sing your heart out and get friends to sponsor you per song.
Workplace & Corporate Fundraising
- Dress-Down Day – Pay a donation to wear casual clothes (or fancy dress!) to work.
- Coffee Morning – Host a morning tea break with donations for drinks and treats.
- Matched Giving – Ask your employer if they’ll match donations raised by employees.
- Charity of the Year – Nominate Ups and Downs Southwest as your company’s charity partner.
Virtual & Online Fundraising
- Facebook or Instagram Fundraiser – Set up a birthday fundraiser and ask for donations instead of gifts.
- Online Gaming Tournament – Host a live-streamed gaming event and get sponsored to play.
- Virtual Challenge – Do 10,000 steps a day, do yoga every morning, or do a home workout for a month.
- Give It Up Challenge – Give up coffee, chocolate, or social media for a set time and raise funds!
Unique & Unusual Ideas
- Car Wash – Get a team together and charge for a good scrub!
- Pet Show or Dog Walk – Organize a fun or sponsored pet parade.
- Silent Auction – Gather donated items or experiences and let people bid secretly.
- Treasure Hunt – Create a scavenger hunt around your town, school, or workplace.
- Mile of Pennies – Ask people to donate loose change and see how far it stretches!
Seasonal & Holiday Fundraising
- Christmas Jumper Day – Wear your silliest festive jumper and donate to take part!
- Easter Egg Hunt – Charge an entry fee for a fun Easter treasure hunt.
- Pumpkin Carving Contest – Get creative for Halloween and charge per entry.
- Valentine’s Day Roses – Sell roses or handmade cards, with proceeds going to the charity.
Remember, the best fundraising ideas are the ones you enjoy!
Choose something fun, involve friends, family, or colleagues, and make a real difference.
Got your great idea? We’d love to hear about it! Reach out to us at 01278 691100 or email info@upsanddowns.net