The summer period is a real opportunity for charities to take stock whilst running some engaging fundraisers to keep donations ticking along...
With August now in full swing, have you thought about what your charity can do to raise donations while the sun is shining?
Here are three examples of proactive fundraising to inspire your cause to follow suit!
Ruth wins the day
Watched by thousands of cricket fans in recent weeks, The Ruth Strauss Foundation Test Match saw Manchester go #RedForRuth with their RUTH20 campaign.
The work of the charity, in memory of the ex-England captain’s wife, is renowned within the cricket community so banners and text codes were targeted at an immensely understanding audience. The Ruth Strauss Foundation ensures that families facing the death of a parent from cancer are offered effective, professional emotional support.
With over £250,000 raised through text giving, the significant success of this campaign shows that an audience will respond to a simple message backed up by a memorable code and supported by media. SMS text giving is highly efficient and with many TV watchers multi-tasking across other devices, supporters could donate in response to a number of advertising methods, without having to leave the comfort of their sofas.
Barking mad
Birmingham Dogs Home works to rescue, reunite and rehome lost and abandoned dogs, with an education outreach programme which educates future dog owners about responsible ownership, safety around dogs and animal welfare.
This vital work costs the charity £2.3m a year, with the charity solely relying on the generosity of donations to support them. During this difficult time, the charity is hosting a ‘Pawsitivity’ month packed full of online dog shows with 15 classes in total.
The dog shows will bring in new audiences and new donations, as to enter the dog shows requires a small £2 donation and any winners of the groups will go through to the best-in-class category, giving owners more of an incentive to enter.
Virtual events have proven to be highly successful during the past few months, and with the sector making the most of the time we’re all spending online, there is still scope for pooches to join in the online events.
The great “Covid-19 free” outdoors
The Keswick to Barrow walk is a sponsored walking and running event in the Lake District where teams of 4-12 members test themselves whilst raising money for good causes.
The 40-mile route is a challenge for all, with a shorter 21.1 mile option available for those who want to participate in a less challenging way. All finishers receive a certificate and medal, as well as raising vital funds for charity.
Sponsored walks and runs have a real opportunity to shine over the summer months as the weather picks up and we have more free time to participate. Events like these can take place across the UK and could be regionalised to support local charities.
For more ideas on how to make the most out of the summer months, see here for more case studies.
Are you taking full advantage of the summer months to optimise your fundraising potential? We’d love to know! Tweet us and tell us @fundraisermag
About the National Funding Scheme
The National Funding Scheme (NFS), operating under the DONATE brand, provides a range of mobile fundraising tools to maximise fundraising campaigns.
