Get inspired for your own charity fundraising event
Organising your own fundraising event can feel daunting at first, but remember: your fundraising efforts play a vital role in making a difference across Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly. Whether you’re raising money for charity through a bake sale, a quiz night, or even a personal challenge, every pound helps support vital services.
To help you get started on your fundraising journey, we’ve compiled some of our favourite fundraising ideas to spark your creativity and inspire your next big charity fundraiser.
Pasty bake-off
Challenge your community to a bake sale showdown with a Cornish twist! Host a pasty-themed fundraising classic and raise extra funds by charging an entry fee, collecting donations for entries, or selling the pasties at a reasonable price.
Our pasty bake-off tip:
Partner with local bakeries as judges, offer fun themed prizes, and invite locals to taste and vote. Promote the event on social media and offer hot drinks to boost extra money from drink sales.
Art by the sea auction
Gather local artists to donate artwork for a charity fundraiser auction by the sea. A perfect event to raise funds for charity through direct donations or bidding in exchange for donations.
Our art auction tip:
Create artist bios, use a community hall or scenic venue, and boost the vibe with live music and refreshments. Consider using virtual events to open it up to online fundraising audiences too.
Charity car wash
Set up a fundraising activity in a busy area with a charity car wash. Volunteers wash cars in exchange for sponsorships or a fee for entry to raise vital funds.
Our car wash tip:
Use eco-friendly products, partner with a local sports club for volunteers, and place collection buckets and collection boxes around for extra donations to charity.
Quiz night extravaganza
One of the most popular ideas and a true fundraising classic. Host a pub quiz or University Challenge-style evening. Ask a fee for tickets, or accept donations in exchange for entry.
Our quiz night tip:
Mix it up with themed rounds, prizes, and maybe even a games night combo. Virtual events can bring in more participants. Promote your efforts through your fundraising pack and local networks.
Sports day
Plan a nostalgic sports day with sack races, egg-and-spoon challenges, and tug-of-war. Great for families, schools, or a football tournament or 5-a-Side tournament with your local golf club or sports club.
Our sports day tip:
Include a treasure hunt, raffle tickets, and drink sales to raise additional funds. Don’t forget your fundraising team to help coordinate.
Charity plant swap & sale
Bring your green-thumbed community together with a plant sale or plant swap. Charge a fee for entry, accept donations for entries, or sell plants at a reasonable price.
Our plant sale tip:
Provide gardening tips, display sponsorship forms, and include a book swap or book sale corner to add a multi-faceted fundraising idea.
Karaoke or open mic night
Sing for a cause! A Karaoke night, mic night, or even a jazz night can attract local talent and supporters. Ask a small entry fee or sell raffle tickets to boost your fundraising target.
Our karaoke night tip:
Award prizes for crowd favourites and promote it as a fun alternative comedy night, raising money while bringing the community together.
Community dog walk
Host a group dog walk at your local park or beach. Participants can pay a small entry fee or offer sponsorship money for their furry friends to join.
Our dog walk tip:
Offer water bowls, treat stations, and collection boxes. Capture and share photos to inspire others on their fundraising journey.
Fundraising breakfast or brunch
Perfect for early risers, a fundraising breakfast with coffee, pastries and morning chats can generate extra funds. Combine with a book club, board games, or a film night showing a cult classic or favourite film.
Breakfast tip:
Use your fundraising pack to plan menus and display collection buckets near the food and drink sales points.
Ready to start your fundraising?
Tell us you're hosting an event
We love hearing about your fundraising dreams. Let us know about your event – whether it’s a film night, boot sale, or something brand new – and we’ll support you with fundraising resources, expert advice, and ways to share your success.
Whether you’re aiming for a small goal or a big fundraising target, your fundraising efforts matter. Let’s raise those vital funds together – one creative fundraising idea at a time.
