Fundraising: Getting started

Whether you're new to fundraising or have experience raising money for charity, these simple steps will help you create a successful fundraising campaign that truly matters.

 

Pick Your Challenge

The most successful fundraising begins with choosing something meaningful to you. Consider what would be a personal challenge, or select an activity you genuinely love to do. Think about the people in your life who might want to support you and how they could get involved in your fundraising journey.

Personal Fundraising Challenges

  • Training for a marathon, half-marathon, or charity walk
  • Taking on a sponsored silence or giving up a daily habit
  • Learning a new skill like playing an instrument or speaking a language
  • Completing a physical challenge like climbing a mountain or cycling long distances

Community Fundraising Ideas

  • Organising a local event that brings neighbours together
  • Setting up a stall at community fairs or markets
  • Hosting a themed evening at your local venue
  • Creating workplace challenges that engage colleagues

Easy Fundraising Ideas

  • Bake sales at work, school, or community centres
  • Car boot sales with donated items
  • Sponsored activities that friends and family can easily support
  • Online charity fundraising through social media challenges

Stuck for inspiration? Take a look at our A-Z of fundraising ideas for even more ways to support Shine Charity.

 

Plan Your Approach

Think carefully about how and when you want to raise money, and set a realistic fundraising target that motivates you. Consider whether you need permission if you're using a public place or business premises for your fundraising event.

Setting Your Target

Research shows that fundraising pages with clear targets raise significantly more money. Choose an amount that feels challenging but achievable, and don't be afraid to increase it if you're doing well.

Practical Planning

  • Check if you need permits for public events
  • Consider the best timing for your chosen activity
  • Think about what materials you'll need and how to source them
  • Plan how you'll collect and manage donations safely

Check out our guide for keeping everything safe and legal.

 

Setting Up Your JustGiving Page

Creating a JustGiving page is one of the quickest and simplest ways to start fundraising for Shine. Visit justgiving.com/Shineukcharity and follow the straightforward instructions to set up your own secure fundraising page.

Making Your Page Stand Out

  • Add photos that show why you're fundraising
  • Write a personal message about why Shine's work matters
  • Share regular updates about your progress
  • Set a clear fundraising target

Maximising Your Impact

  • JustGiving pages with fundraising targets raise at least 40% more money
  • Ask your employer or local businesses if they can match your fundraising total
  • Remind supporters about Gift Aid, which allows Shine to claim 25p for every £1 donated by UK taxpayers – that's a whole 25% extra on top of what you raise

Make sure that when people donate, they complete the Gift Aid declaration on your JustGiving page or sponsor form. This simple step significantly increases the impact of every donation.

 

Getting Support

Shine's friendly fundraising team can provide advice and support throughout your fundraising journey. When you sign up to fundraise for Shine one of our regional fundraisers will get in touch, and make sure you get your fundraising pack. We can also send additional materials such as collection tins through the post. Explore our fundraising resources on this site, or ask your regional fundraiser for their recommendations.