27 Best Fundraising Ideas for Kids in 2024

As we reach the tail end of the summer holidays, we hope you have had a whirlwind of fun with your family. But it’s not over yet! As the fun and frolics continue, you may be looking for more fun and free activities to keep your kids entertained. We have a solution for you – say hello to fundraising! 

At Cornwall Air Ambulance, we welcome fundraising efforts of all shapes and sizes. Whether you and your family organise a large beach games event or simply sell a few toys in your backyard – we appreciate your energy, effort and support. 

Here are 27 easy, fun and engaging fundraising ideas for kids in 2024.

27 Easy Fundraising Ideas for Kids

Fun Charity Fundraising Ideas for Children

1. Olympic Beach Games

Turn a day at the beach into an exciting Olympic event! Organise simple games like sandcastle building, relay races, or tug-of-war, where kids can participate in friendly competition. Encourage them to ask for small donations from family and friends to support their participation. It’s a fun way to build team spirit and raise funds for a great cause.

2. Sponge Throw

A sponge throw is a lighthearted and fun way for kids to raise money. Set up a target (or even brave volunteers!) and charge a small fee for each throw. The kids will love the chance to soak someone in good spirits, and it’s all for a cause that helps save lives.

3. Slip and Slide

Transform a sunny day into a fundraising event with a slip-and-slide in your back garden or local park. Kids can pay a small entry fee to join in the fun, and everyone can enjoy some laughter and cooling off while contributing to a meaningful cause.

4. Outdoor Movie Night

Host an outdoor movie night in your garden or community space. Let the kids invite their friends, with donations collected as “ticket” prices. Add some popcorn and drinks for sale to boost the fundraising while everyone enjoys a classic film under the stars.

5. Magic Show

Let the young magicians in your community shine! Organise a magic show where kids can showcase their tricks. Charge a small entry fee and invite friends and family for an afternoon of amazement. It’s a wonderful way to encourage creativity while supporting a life-saving service.

Active Fundraising Ideas For Kids

6. Treasure Hunt

Plan an exciting treasure hunt around your neighbourhood or a local park. Kids can join in teams, following clues to find hidden treasures. Ask for a donation to participate, with the promise of fun and adventure leading to a good cause.

7. Kids Tough Mudder

Organise a mini version of a tough mudder course for kids with fun and manageable obstacles. Charge a small entry fee and let the children enjoy getting muddy for a cause. It’s a great way to promote fitness and teamwork.

8. Car Wash

A classic fundraising idea that still works wonders! Kids can organise a car wash in a safe location, asking for donations from community members who stop by. It’s a great way to teach responsibility and community service.

9. Sponsored Swim

Whether it’s in a pool or a safe local wild swimming lake, sponsored swims can be a great way for kids to get active and raise funds. Set up different distances for different age groups, and let them swim their hearts out for charity.

10. Mini Triathlon

Host a mini-triathlon for kids, combining swimming, biking, and running. Charge a small entry fee, and encourage the participants to get sponsorships from friends and family. It’s a fun and healthy way to support the community.

Competitive Fundraising Ideas For Kids

11. Football Tournament

Get the kids together for a friendly football tournament. Teams can pay a small fee to enter, with the proceeds going to charity. It’s a fantastic way to foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and a spirit of giving.

12. Volleyball Tournament

Organise a volleyball tournament at the beach or local park. Kids can form teams and compete in a friendly match. Entry fees and donations can go towards helping the air ambulance continue its life-saving work.

13. Nurf Gun Tournament

Host a Nurf gun tournament where kids can compete in a series of fun and safe challenges. Charge a small fee for participation, with all funds raised going to support the air ambulance. It’s an exciting way for kids to have fun while giving back.

14. BMX/Scooter/Skateboard Competition

Let the kids show off their skills in a BMX, scooter, or skateboard competition. Organise different categories and charge a small entry fee. It’s a thrilling way for them to have fun, challenge themselves, and raise money.

15. Circuits Challenge

Set up a circuit challenge with various physical activities like jumping jacks, push-ups, and running laps. Kids can get sponsors for each circuit they complete, turning exercise into an opportunity to support a cause they care about.

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Kids

16. Lemonade Stand

A lemonade stand is a timeless and easy way for kids to raise funds. Set up a stand in a busy area, and let the kids offer refreshing drinks to passersby in exchange for donations. It’s a sweet way to support life-saving services.

17. Facepainting

Facepainting is always a hit at community events. Kids can offer their artistic skills to paint fun designs on their friends’ faces, charging a small fee for each masterpiece. It’s a creative way to bring joy and raise money for a great cause.

18. Yard Sale

Encourage kids to gather toys, books, and other items they no longer need and organise a yard sale. The money raised can go directly to the air ambulance, turning unwanted items into a valuable donation that could save lives.

19. Art Sale

If your children enjoy drawing or crafting, an art sale can be a wonderful way to raise funds. They can create and sell their artwork either on a stall outside your house or at a local community event, with all proceeds going to charity. It’s a beautiful way for them to share their talents and contribute to the community.

20. Cake Sale

Bake sales are always popular! Kids can help bake cakes, cookies, or other treats and then sell them outside your house or at a local community event. It’s a delicious way to raise funds and make a difference.

Fundraising Ideas for Young Children

21. Colouring Competition

Organise a colouring competition where kids can enter their best artwork. Ask for a small entry fee and offer a prize for the winner. It’s a fun and creative way for children to contribute to a worthy cause.

22. Cookie Decorating Party

Host a cookie decorating party where kids can design their own tasty treats. Charge a small fee for participation and let them take home their creations. It’s a fun way to mix creativity with charity. 

23. Storytime Fundraiser

Gather kids for a special storytime event. Charge a small donation for entry, and let the children enjoy an afternoon of storytelling. It’s a heartwarming way to support the community while inspiring young imaginations.

24. Teddy Bear Picnic

Invite kids and their teddy bears to a special picnic. Charge a small entry fee, and provide games and snacks to make it a memorable day. It’s a charming way to raise funds and build a sense of community.

25. Toy Swap Event

Organise a toy swap where kids can exchange toys they no longer play with. Ask for a small donation to participate, and everyone leaves with something new while supporting a cause that helps save lives.

Other Ways to Fundraise With Kids

26. Give As You Shop Summer Essentials

Use charity links such as those linked to Easy Giving and Give As You Live to shop online whilst donating to Cornwall Air Ambulance at no extra cost! These websites are registered with our 6000 stores, offering you the chance to browse and buy everything you need. 

Top tip – easy Living features a browser extension that will send you a pop-up when a donation is available when browsing other sites! 

27. Plan a Back to School Fundraising Event

As the end of the summer holidays draws near, think about organising a charity school fundraising event. Could you help your children arrange an easy dress-up day in early September or a Halloween Disco in October? The possibilities are endless. A school fundraising event can be a great way to raise large sums of money with the support of teachers and other families. 

Share Your Kid’s Fundraising Idea With Us

Do you have a kid’s fundraising idea that you would like to share with us? Whether it’s big or small, from the list above, or your child’s own creative idea, we would love to hear from you. Embrace the opportunity to educate your kids about organisation, money, and the importance of giving, whilst keeping them entertained. Share your event idea with us and turn your kid’s passion and energy into an event with a life-saving impact.

FAQs

What can a child do for charity?

A child can support in organising and participating in fundraising events. Younger children may be able to participate in the activities with donations from their parents. Older children and teenagers can take a more active role in the organisation and running of events e.g. selling tickets at the door of an event, supporting by taking photos for social media posts etc. 

How can my child raise money?

Your child can raise money in various ways, from bake sales to lemonade stands and yard sales. Engage your child in the process, asking if they have any creative ideas and supporting them to bring their imagination to life! 

What are some school fundraising ideas for children?

There are many ways that schools can fundraise for charity, from school carnivals to non-uniform days and talent shows. Read our about our school fundraising ideas and events here.