Fundraise for us

You can fundraise in aid of the charity in a variety of ways. It can be as simple as collecting loose change, arranging a collection or dress-down day at work or at school, or asking friends to celebrate a special occasion.

Big or small - it all adds up

Every fundraising effort helps - however much you raise. The proceeds soon add up to make a vital contribution to support the charity's work.

Although some of the charity's paid staff provide support for fundraising activities, we have no full-time fundraisers.

Instead, we rely on the kind assistance of volunteers for most of our fundraising activities and events.

Fundraising ideas

We are constantly amazed and impressed by the wide range of ideas and activities our supporters use to raise funds.

We've just provided a few examples on this page to get you started. You can get further inspiration from other supporters' fundraising ideas by reading Trust News.

Collection boxes

Putting a collection box on a reception desk, local pub bar, shop counter or by the kettle at a coffee morning is a simple way of collecting spare change to raise money for the charity. If you would like to request a collection box, please contact us by email or phone.

Garden parties and coffee mornings

Invite your friends to a garden party, a strawberry cream tea or a coffee and cake morning - and ask them for a small contribution.

School fundraising

Why not suggest a dress-down or dressing-up day at your school or college? Get your friends to make a donation to the charity to escape from the uniform for a day - and make sure your teachers join in the fun!

Or suggest fundraising for the charity as part of citizenship lessons. You could also consider putting on an event such as a concert, disco or fashion show. More about organising an event...

Fundraising at work

You could ask for a collection box to be kept on your reception desk or by the coffee machine. Or you could suggest a dressing-up day, an 'X-factor' talent show, a karaoke night - the list is endless. And make sure your bosses lend their support - your company may even have a scheme to match whatever you raise. More about organising an event...

Marking a special celebration

We are always particularly grateful when supporters ask their friends and family to mark a special occasion by making a donation to the charity in place of a gift. It could be a birthday, wedding, anniversary, your child starting school, a baptism or retirement.

Online fundraising

Whatever your fundraising idea, you can even set up an online fundraising page at Just Giving to mark the occasion and collect money from far-flung friends.

Set yourself a challenge

You could set yourself a challenge and ask your friends or colleagues to sponsor you. It could be a sponsored slim, a sponsored silence, or a serious sporting challenge. More about sponsored events...

More information and advice

We are currently preparing a new pack to provide information and advice for volunteer fundraisers. Please e-mail us if you'd like to receive a copy. If you would like any other help or advice, please contact giving@downsed.org