29 July 2026

Everything You Need to Know About Fundraising for Charity

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Whether you’re planning a sponsored walk, organising a bake sale or taking on a personal challenge, fundraising for charity is a great way to make a positive difference.

Every year, thousands of people across the UK raise money for causes they care about. In fact, around one in five people (21%) in the UK sponsored someone for charity in 2024. This demonstrates the important role fundraising continues to play in supporting good causes, with contributions coming not just from the fundraiser, but from their supporters too.

In this guide, we’ll explore different types of charity fundraising, why it matters and practical tips for how to get started.

 

Why Fundraising Matters

Charities play an important role in supporting individuals, families and communities across the UK. They provide vital services that help people overcome challenges, improve their wellbeing and build brighter futures.

Fundraising helps make this work possible.

In 2024, charities in England and Wales spent around £100 billion delivering their charitable aims, supporting everything from homelessness services and mental health support to youth programmes and community projects.

At P3, our fundraisers are part of that wider picture. Together, they raised £65,490 between 2025 and 2026, helping 29 P3 services continue providing practical support, creating opportunities and making a lasting difference for people and communities across the UK.

Fundraising doesn’t just benefit charities.

It can also be rewarding for the people involved. Whether you’re fundraising on your own or as part of a group; it can help build connections, strengthen communities and give people the opportunity to support causes they care about. Research suggests that volunteering and charitable involvement can also have positive benefits for wellbeing and social connection.

I’m so pleased that I’ve been able to raise money for [P3 Cambridgeshire]. Knowing that our support and effort can bring hope and independence to people facing a range of challenges means the world to me.

Tia Lewis and friends, who climbed Mount Snowdon for P3 Charity.

Read the full story here

Different Types of Charity Fundraising

One of the great things about charity fundraising is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer organising events, taking on physical challenges or raising awareness online, there are lots of ways to get involved.

Fundraising Events

Fundraising events are a popular way to raise money while bringing people together.

Examples include:

  • Quiz nights
  • Bake sales
  • Coffee mornings
  • Charity auctions
  • Community fairs
  • Seasonal events

These activities can be organised by individuals, schools, workplaces or community groups and can help create a sense of shared purpose while raising valuable funds.

 

Sponsored Challenges

Many people choose to raise money by taking on a personal challenge.

Popular fundraising challenges include:

  • Sponsored walks
  • Running events
  • Cycling challenges
  • Swimming challenges
  • Hiking events
  • Personal endurance challenges

Setting yourself a goal and sharing your progress can encourage friends, family and colleagues to support your fundraising efforts.

 

Workplace Fundraising

Workplaces can play an important role in supporting charities through fundraising activities.

Ideas include:

  • Dress-down days
  • Team challenges
  • Charity raffles
  • Cake sales
  • Office competitions
  • Sponsored events

Workplace fundraising can boost team spirit while supporting a good cause.

 

Community Fundraising

Community fundraising brings local people together to support a shared cause.

Examples include:

  • Local events
  • School fundraisers
  • Community sports tournaments
  • Neighbourhood collections
  • Charity markets

These activities can help strengthen community connections while creating lasting positive impact.

 

Online Fundraising

Digital fundraising has become increasingly popular and makes it easier than ever to reach supporters.

Online fundraising ideas include:

  • Crowdfunding campaigns
  • Birthday fundraisers
  • Social media challenges
  • Livestream fundraising events
  • Virtual challenges

Online fundraising allows people to support a cause from anywhere and share campaigns with wider networks.

The Bewell and Hoarding Mental Health Service team have worked incredibly hard over the past few months, pulling together and working collaboratively with each other in making our family fun day a successful one. Thanks to them, we are hoping to make real life changes in supporting people who access our services by creating more welcoming hub spaces and safe spaces, offer fully funded trips and activities and support their ideas and suggestions. It’s great how much we can achieve when the team pulls together.

Lauren Taylor, Service Manager for P3's BeWell

Read the full story here

How to Choose a Charity to Support

With so many worthwhile causes, choosing a charity to support can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Many people choose a cause because it has a personal connection to them. Others support charities that address issues affecting their local community or causes they feel passionate about.

When choosing a charity, it can be helpful to consider:

  • The impact the charity makes
  • The communities it supports
  • Its values and mission
  • How donations are used
  • Opportunities to get involved beyond fundraising

Finding a cause that resonates with you can make fundraising even more meaningful.

As I approach 40, I wanted to do something meaningful and gain a new perspective. Taking on this challenge felt like a fitting way to do that, while also raising funds for a truly deserving service.

Paul Legge, who took on a skydive for P3 Charity

Sky’s the Limit: A Sky Dive for P3 Charity

How to Fundraise Successfully

Once you’ve decided what type of fundraiser you’d like to organise, a little planning can help make it a success.

Set a Clear Goal

Having a fundraising target gives supporters something to work towards and helps you measure your progress.

Share Your Story

People are often more likely to donate when they understand why a cause matters to you. Sharing your motivation can help build support and encourage donations.

Promote Your Fundraiser

Spread the word through:

  • Social media
  • Community groups
  • Workplace networks
  • Friends and family
  • Local organisations

The more people who hear about your fundraiser, the more opportunities you’ll have to reach your target.

Keep People Updated

Sharing updates, milestones and achievements helps maintain momentum and shows supporters the difference their contributions are making.

Say Thank You

Taking the time to thank supporters can help people feel valued and appreciated. A simple message can go a long way.

I want to say thanks to our local P3 service for all the work they do in the community here in Calderdale, it is their work that has inspired me to run the marathon. Thank you to everybody who has donated... I hope to raise more money for P3 in the future.

David Holmes, London Marathon Runner 2025

London Marathon

How to Contact a Charity About Fundraising

Most charities are happy to support people who want to raise money for their cause.

Before organising a fundraiser, it’s often worth getting in touch with the charity directly. They may be able to provide:

  • Fundraising guidance
  • Resources and materials
  • Branding advice
  • Promotional support
  • Information about how donations will be used

Many charities also have dedicated fundraising teams who can help answer questions and provide advice throughout your fundraising journey.

How Fundraising Supports P3 Charity

At P3, fundraising helps us continue supporting people facing challenges such as homelessness, housing difficulties, social isolation, mental health challenges and barriers to employment and wellbeing.

Every fundraiser, donation and act of support helps people access practical help, build confidence and take positive steps towards a brighter future. It’s also about bringing communities together, raising awareness and making sure support is there when it’s needed most.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, P3 fundraisers raised £65,490 across 2025 to 2026, helping 29 of our services continue making a difference in communities across the UK.

 

Fundraise for P3

If you’re looking for a charity to support, we’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re planning a fundraising event, taking on a sponsored challenge or looking for creative ways to raise money, our team can help you get started.

Together, we can help create opportunities, strengthen communities and support people to build better futures.

Get in touch with our fundraising team today to find out how you can support P3.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fundraising

Charity fundraising is the process of raising money or collecting donations to support the work of a charitable organisation. 

Start by choosing a cause you care about, deciding on a fundraising activity and contacting the charity for guidance and support. 

Popular options include bake sales, quiz nights, coffee mornings, sponsored walks, raffles and online fundraising campaigns. 

Yes. Many charities support online fundraising through donation pages, crowdfunding platforms and social media campaigns. 

Fundraising helps charities continue delivering services, supporting communities and creating positive change for the people they work with. 

Community fundraising involves people coming together through local events, activities or campaigns to raise money for a charitable cause. 

Workplaces can organise fundraising events, sponsor challenges, hold collections or encourage employees to take part in community fundraising activities. 

Still have a question?

Get in touch with our team: fundraising@p3charity.org

Fundraise For P3

We change lives, every day. Your support helps us to ensure that we can.