Image credit: Anti-Slavery International
It’s challenge event season at Anti-Slavery International, with London Landmarks Half Marathon coming up this Sunday and London Marathon later this month! Our runners have been working incredibly hard training and fundraising, and we can’t wait to cheer them on. To celebrate, we thought we would share a list of some creative ways to fundraise if you are thinking of taking on a challenge, in the process of fundraising for one, or know someone who is.
Why take on a challenge event?
Taking part in a challenge event, whether that’s a half marathon or a local fun run, can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only is it a great way to get outdoors, connect with people, and try something new, but you’ll do so while raising donations for your chosen charity. At a time when people feel isolated from their communities, you will be surprised by the support and encouragement you’ll receive from family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers as you progress toward your goal.
How do you secure a space at a challenge event?
If you have a challenge event in mind, start by researching charities who offer places at the event, and contact them to see if there are spaces available. If there is a specific charity you’d like to raise funds for, visit their website to see if they offer challenge events, and whether they have instructions on how to apply for a spot.
Challenge event fundraising for Anti-Slavery International
At Anti-Slavery International, we have five spaces to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon, and one space at the London Marathon each year. If you’re thinking about applying for a space at one of those events next April, register your interest here. You can find further information on these events and resources to create your own event here.
Thinking about fundraising for Anti-Slavery International?
The donations you raise will support those impacted by modern slavery, sustain the fight for stronger laws against human rights abuses and environmental damage in supply chains, and hold governments and businesses to account. You can find out more about how we work to end modern slavery for everyone, everywhere here.
Whether you or someone you know is fundraising for Anti-Slavery International or another important cause, we put together a list of effective, low- to no-cost fundraising methods to help you smash your fundraising goal.
1. Bake sale
You can host your bake sale somewhere where lots of people will pass by, such as on a busy day at your office or at your place of worship, or at home, with family and friends around to enjoy your homemade treats. Don’t forget to list potential allergens for each baked good, in line with Natasha’s Law.
2. Trivia night
Reach out to local pubs on hosting a pub quiz! Some pubs can be expensive to hire, but others will be happy for you to book one of their spaces for a reduced cost or for free. Or you can host a trivia night at home! Create your own questions, or use a pre-existing template. There are plenty of free trivia questions available online. Don’t forget to ask your attendees their favourite trivia topics if you’re creating your own quiz, and make sure you have snacks and prizes for the winning team!
3. Coffee morning for colleagues
A fundraising idea that doubles as a fun and relaxing start to the work day for your colleagues! Book a room in your office to host a ‘coffee morning’ with tea, coffee, and cake, and encourage people to donate what they can. Reach out to local coffee shops, bakeries, or supermarkets to ask if they can donate cakes or supplies, reducing your expenses and increasing the final donation amount. For bonus points, you could make the day of your coffee morning a themed dress-down day.
4. Spring clean
Planning a spring clean? Instead of throwing out that jumper you don’t wear anymore or your old CD cabinet, you could sell these on eBay or Vinted, donating a percentage of or all profits to your chosen charity. Or you could sell the items in person through a garage sale, asking people to scan a QR code to make a donation for the items.
5. Film or documentary night
See how many of your family and friends you can fit into your living room for a film night! Choose a film or documentary that relates to your cause, make sure everyone’s comfortable, and supply snacks, and you have a quick and easy fundraising idea. Documentaries and short films relevant to Anti-Slavery International’s cause that you might want to show include: The Storm Makers (2014), Modern Slavery (2009), The True Cost (2015), Not My Life (2011), The Twelve Thousand (2020).
6. Book donation drive
Ask family and friends if they have any unwanted books they’d be happy for you to sell, with profits going to charity. Bonus points if the topic of the books relate to the cause you’re fundraising for!
7. Donate your birthday
If you’re struggling to think of what you’d like for your birthday this year, asking loved ones to donate to your fundraiser instead of a present is an amazing way to fundraise!
8. Making an event out of a hobby or a service you can provide
You could run a workshop or class teaching a skill you have, like teaching people how to crochet, hosting a yoga class, or giving a presentation on marketing or social media. If you don’t feel like teaching a class, you could create an event out of one of your interests, such as hosting a ‘crafternoon’, a videogame tournament, or a sports tournament.
9. Sharing your fundraiser at key moments
Share your fundraiser during festive seasons like Christmas, Ramadan, and Hannukah, when people are more likely to donate. Making use of significant days relevant to your cause is also helpful. For example, if fundraising for Anti-Slavery International, sharing your fundraiser or running your event on Anti-Slavery Day (18 October), might help boost donations.
10. Get your fundraiser featured
The team behind the London Landmarks Half Marathon have created a Runner Media Toolkit to help runners boost their fundraising for their charity. While the toolkit is specific to London Landmarks, it is a useful guide for reaching out to your local newspaper, radio station, and community websites. It even includes a template email to send!
If this list inspired you and if you have any questions on fundraising for Anti-Slavery International through a challenge event or a one-off event, reach out to [email protected]. We will support you throughout the fundraising process, from promoting your event to cheering you on the day of your marathon!
Take on a challenge event with us
Whether you’re running a marathon, organising a school fundraiser, rallying your university, or engaging your faith community, every effort brings us closer to a world free from slavery.