Alternative ways to raise sponsorship (i.e. not asking your friends and family again!)
Fundraising. It’s a word that can motivate and inspire, but also a word that can intimidate. We set sponsorship targets for our events that we hope are achievable, but we know that for some it can feel like a huge task, especially if it’s not the first time you have asked people to sponsor you.
We are here to reduce that fear, and to guide you and support you as much as you need. Below are some alternative ways to fundraise beyond asking your friends and family to donate, all tried and tested by previous fundraisers.
Give something up
Addicted to a daily coffee or a Saturday night takeaway? Challenge yourself to quit (or reduce) the habit for a month, and instead stash the money you would usually spend. Donate everything you save. Dry January is a great month to do this – quit the booze and donate what you would usually spend. You could encourage others to join you.
Use your skills
Are you a secret artist, master baker or a dab hand with a knitting needle? You could use these skills to create masterpieces, for example drawing people’s pets, or baking birthday cakes, and sell them for donations.
Use your trade
If your profession is something people pay for, be it hairdressing, manicurist, plumbing, gardening, could you donate your earnings for a day, or maybe a percentage for a few weeks?
Do odd jobs
Offer to mow lawns, put up shelves or iron for friends, family and neighbours in exchange for a donation.
Have a clear out
Sort your wardrobe and add anything you no longer wear to Vinted – and donate what you earn.
Rope in your workplace
Don’t forget to think of ways to fundraise at work – not only will it help you fundraise, but it engages people and can create joy in the office. Here are just a few ideas for workplace fundraising:
– Hold a dress down day in exchange for donations
- Bake and sell cakes or treats
- Organise a sweepstake during a big sporting or TV moment (i.e. pick the winner of Great British Bake Off or The Traitors), or a ‘finish time’ sweepstake if you’re doing an active challenge
- Run a prize draw, with everyone who donates having the chance to win an early finish one Friday or a duvet day
- Add a swear box in the office
- Host lunchtime quizzes
- Many workplaces offer match-funding, meaning they donate the fundraising you do. Always worth finding out!
And my personal favourite – do a dare
I have raised hundreds wearing daft outfits in embarrassing situations. I simply post on social media ‘if you help me reach £X by tomorrow I will go to an important meeting dressed as banana’. It works a treat. Could you wear fancy dress to the gym, or to your local parkrun? You will need to take some evidence to prove it happened! We need more silliness in the world.
Ask for help!
If you still feel stuck after reading these ideas – get in touch. Tracy, Nancy and I are always happy to help. Simply email fundraising@petalscharity.org and one of us will come back to you.