27 Fun Ways to Support Charities Without Making a Financial Donation

There are many ways to support charities without donating money. You can gift time, encourage others to donate, sell old items, participate in charity challenges, use charity affiliate links and even explore a range of volunteer roles. 

At Cornwall Air Ambulance, we rely solely on the support of donors from Cornwall and beyond to raise £7 million in operational costs per year. This enables us to provide vital emergency medical treatment to those in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. These funds are raised through various sources and we could not do it without your support! And so, here is a list of 27 creative ways to support charities without making a direct donation.

Simple, Fun Ways to Support Charities

Volunteer Your Time

1. Volunteer at Charity Events

A charity event has a volunteer role for everyone. Whether you want to join as an event planner or as a raffle prize gatherer, help will be welcomed for jobs both big and small! Ask your chosen charity about roles such as event organisation, event promotion, prize gathering, photography, catering teams, administration roles and marshalling. 

2. Take Part in a Charity Fundraiser Challenge

There are many charity challenges all over the UK, from short sponsored walks to ultra triathlon events. Check out thousands of adventure challenges all around the UK, or explore Cornwall Air Ambulance’s adrenaline, cycling and trekking challenges. 

3. Host a Charity Event

Charity events come in all shapes and sizes, from low-key coffee mornings to more elaborate charity balls. Event ideas include treasure hunts, sports tournaments, quiz nights, pet shows, garden parties, film screenings, school discos, dance party marathons, and more!

4. Spread the Word on Social Media

You don’t need to be a social media expert to raise awareness. Simply start by sharing existing event posters, stories and information. Share content on your network, within local community groups, on relevant Facebook pages and on Instagram stories. If you want to take it to another level, consider gathering some prizes and running a giveaway!

5. Volunteer at Your Local Charity Shop

There are over 11,000 charity shops in the UK, each needing volunteers now more than ever with the booming popularity of second-hand shopping! Almost half of the population in England and Wales are now choosing to shop in charity shops rather than high-street shops due to the rising cost of living. So, what are you waiting for? Give your local charity shop a call or pop in and ask if they need a hand!

Raise Funds With Friends & Family

6. Set Up a Bake Sale

Get mixing, baking, and decorating and sell your sweet treats in a variety of places. Perhaps simply on a stall outside your house, or maybe at school, college, work, or an existing event. Ask your friends and family to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy spreading cupcake cheer while bringing in the pounds for your chosen charity. 

7. Host a Car Wash

Set up a car wash station or simply knock on your neighbours’ doors and work your way down the street. You may want to post flyers around your neighbourhood before the day and ask people to book car wash slots. If you want to take it to another level, find a mascot to accompany you as you rinse, wash, and blast your way around the streets! 

8. Take Part in a Group Fitness Sponsered Challenge

Gather a group of friends or family and create your very own sponsored fitness challenge. Ideas include walking the South West Coast Path, mountain climbing challenges, sharing the bike, swimming and running in a ‘relay’ triathlon, taking part in a sponsored swim and even hay bale push events!

9. Plan a Charity Treasure Hunt

Everybody loves a treasure hunt. Organise an easter egg hunt for children at a local park or beach, or an advanced car treasure hunt for adults with spectacular locations and mastermind clues. Charge an entry fee, use a percentage towards the prize fund and donate the rest to your chosen charity.  

10. Host a Charity Outdoor Games Event

Host a community sports day or Olympic games with family, friends, or colleagues. You may also want to explore hosting knockout tournament events for sports such as football, cricket, tennis, ping-pong, and ultimate frisbee. 

Encourage Others to Donate

11. Share a Charity’s Story With Others

There is nothing more powerful than word of mouth. Simply sharing how passionate you are about a charity can open doors, donations, and opportunities. Share your heartfelt story, and you may be surprised at the support you attract.

12. Set Up Corporate Support Within Your Workplace

Ask your employer about partnering with a charity and providing corporate support. You never know what causes lie close to someone’s heart, including your boss’. Let them know that providing corporate support can also have some great benefits for businesses. 

13. Run Monthly Prize Draw Competitions at Work

Create fun, relevant and personalised prize draws. It could be as simple as setting up a monthly online form, asking colleagues for 1 x truth, 1 x lie and 1 x funny fact about themselves. Share the answers with your team and see how well your team knows each other! The person who matches the most answers to the correct name wins. Alternatively, a monthly ‘place your bets’ on sports or chosen topics may be a popular choice. 

14. Ask Friends & Family For Old Items

Ask your friends and family for old clothing and items. Gather these and sell them online, at a car boot or simply donate to your local charity shop (remember to add gift aid!)

15. Write to Grant Makers 

If you are super passionate about your chosen charity, head down to your local library and ask for ‘The Directory of Grant Making Trusts.’ This comprehensive book features grant-making trusts looking to give money away. It lists their chosen beneficiaries, amounts of funding available and who is eligible to apply. Write letters to relevant trusts and wait to receive responses; you may be surprised by the donations you receive! 

Give Whilst Shopping

Research Cashback & Reward Credit Cards

Cashback and reward credit cards pay you a percentage of what you spend each month. Usually, this will be added as credit on your bill or in some cases, will be paid straight into your bank account. You can then use this ‘free’ money to donate to a charity that you are passionate about! However, please read the terms, conditions and APR rates carefully.

17. Use Charity Browser Extension

Install browser extensions such as Easy Fundraising. These extensions display a pop-up reminder automatically when you shop to let you know when a donation option is available. It is also fun to track how much you have raised in your account and watch updates as money gets sent straight to your chosen charity. There are also other Give While You Shop options – take a look at them to find the on that works for you.

18. Donate Loyalty Points

You can donate loyalty points in various forms, including Nectar points, American Express reward points, Airline miles, and Hotel rewards. If your chosen platform does not donate to charity directly, you can often find an easy way to redeem rewards for cash and then pass this on to your favourite charity. 

19. Shop With Charity Affiliate Links

Use charity affiliate links such as Give As You Live which allow you to raise hundreds of pounds for charity at no extra cost to you. Use affiliate links to shop at thousands of your favourite stores such as Argos, ASOS, Just Eat, Carphone Warehouse and even Etsy!

20. Buy Personalised Charity Cards

You can purchase charity gift cards in-store or online. Websites such as Making a Difference enable you to purchase and send physical and digital cards. 

Explore Volunteer Roles

At Cornwall Air Ambulance, we have many volunteer roles, including presentation speakers, charity companions, driver buddies, and the ones listed below. Ask your chosen charity about the following volunteer roles, or offer them your own unique skillset! 

21. Become a Shop Volunteer

If you are a people person and enjoy interacting with customers becoming a shop volunteer could be your perfect role! You can expect to take part in tasks such as assisting customers, organising stock and operating tills. 

22. Become a Community Ambassador

If you are passionate about connecting with people becoming a community ambassador is a great opportunity. In this role, you can expect to represent organisations at events, spread awareness about a charity’s mission and build relationships with other businesses and organisations.

23. Become a Jar Collector

If you have a knack for collecting and organising items, becoming a jar collector may be a unique role for you! Many charities need items collecting, organising and cleaning. This kind of role may be suitable for those who are more introverted or have a passion for sustainability. 

24. Become a Steward

If you enjoy talking with people, signposting and being an angel in disguise, stewarding may your perfect role. In this role you can expect to care for facilities, equipment and supplies, take part in charity events and festivals and help people along their way!

25. Become an eBay Volunteer

If you have a passion for clothing and organising online listings, this is the role for you. You can expect to assist in listing items for sale, managing online auctions and supporting with shipping and customer satisfaction. 

Creative Ways to Donate Money

26. Take part in a Matched Giving Scheme

A matched giving scheme is when an organisation matches your charitable donation, usually up to a set amount. Ask your employer if they would participate in this, or browse schemes such as Big Give, which matches your contribution with public donations. 

27. Play Charity Lottery Draws

Charity lottery draws are a low-cost way to donate to charity, whilst also giving yourself the opportunity to win! At Cornwall Air Ambulance, our lottery gives you the chance to win a weekly £1,000 jackpot, plus a super draw jackpot of £2,500!

Ways to Support Cornwall Air Ambulance

We hope the above list has inspired you to take part in creative ways to support your favourite charities. At Cornwall Air Ambulance, there are many ways to show your support, including becoming a Heli2 Hero in which your name will be printed on your second AW169 helicopter! We thank you for your donations and support in all forms. You can find out more about our work and ways to support us, or apply for a volunteer role today!