Taking part in a family fundraising activity is a great way to raise money while making special memories with your loved ones. And the best part? You don’t need a big budget or lots of time—just enthusiasm and a willingness to help others.
There are countless exciting and fun ways to raise money, so you’re sure to find the perfect option that matches your family’s interests and passions. Whether it’s a sporty challenge, a creative workshop or a social gathering, you can make a real impact in just a few simple steps. Here are 10 creative fundraising ideas for families to help you get started.
Whether you want to get moving, unleash your creativity, or host a fun event with loved ones, there are countless ways to fundraise and spread joy while helping those in need.
1. Organise a family fun day
Host a mini festival in your garden or local park with face painting, games or a raffle.
Charge a small donation for entry and encourage friends and family to join in. You could even sell tickets in advance to raise more funds.
Why not make it extra special by setting up different activity stations? You could have a craft corner where kids can decorate biscuits, a sports zone with relay races, or a music area for karaoke. The more fun elements you include, the more people will want to attend!
2. Set up an obstacle course
Turn your garden or a local field into a fun and challenging obstacle course.
Use household items like chairs, ropes and paddling pools to create hurdles. Charging an entry fee will help raise even more for a good cause.
You could also make it a team event, encouraging families to work together to complete the challenges. You could even add a competitive twist by offering a prize for the winner. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and share them on social media to inspire others!
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For eight decades, Christian Aid has stood with the world’s most vulnerable communities. Your family’s fundraising can help continue this legacy—bringing dignity, equality, justice and love to those who need it most.
4. Host a family talent show
Encourage friends and family to showcase their talents with singing, dancing or comedy acts.
Sell tickets to attend and offer a prize for the winner. You could also livestream the event on social media to encourage more donations.
Adding a judging panel and fun prizes—like ‘Best Costume’ or ‘Most Creative Act’—can make the event even more entertaining. Make sure to record the performances and share highlights online to inspire others to donate.
3. Hold a car wash day
Why not head back to basics by getting everyone involved in washing cars for a small donation?
This is a simple but effective fundraising activity that works well in school and church car parks or even your front drive. If you’re working with an older group, you could offer an extra service like interior cleaning for a bigger donation.
To make it even more enjoyable for your hardworking fundraisers play music, dress up in fun costumes or set up a refreshment stand with drinks and snacks. You could even make it a competition to see who washes the most cars in an hour.
5. Plan a quiz night
Host a family-friendly quiz night at home, at a community hall or online.
Sell tickets in advance and offer a prize for the winner. You could add a raffle or donation box on the night to boost your fundraising total.
Include themed rounds, like ‘Guess the Song’, ‘Movie Quotes’ or ‘History Heroes’ to make it more exciting. You could even invite a guest quizmaster to add an extra layer of fun!
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No idea is too small when it comes to fundraising. Even the simplest activities can bring in vital funds and make a real difference to those in need.
6. Try a ‘pay what you can’ dinner night
7. Do a sponsored silence
Challenge the kids (and adults!) to stay silent for a set period of time in exchange for sponsorship.
It’s a simple but effective way to raise money, especially if the talkative ones in the family take part.
You can set extra challenges, like communicating only through actions or using whiteboards. Extend the fun by adding forfeits for anyone who breaks the silence, such as donating an extra pound!
8. Get baking with a cake sale
Put your family’s baking skills to the test and sell your creations at a local event, school or workplace.
Get the kids involved in decorating cupcakes and make it a fun-filled family activity.
If you want attendees to engage even more, you could also hold a bake-off competition and ask attendees to vote for their favourite cake. Promote the bake sale beforehand and spread the word about your event on social media to attract more donations.
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9. Get crafty and sell handmade gifts
Use your family’s creativity to make and sell handmade crafts, greeting cards or decorations.
Set up a stall at a local market, school or church to sell your items and raise money.
Encourage kids to get involved by making simple craft projects, like friendship bracelets or painted stones. Personalised gifts tend to sell well, so consider offering custom name prints or bespoke designs.
10. Run a toy and book sale
Declutter and raise funds at the same time by selling old toys, books and games.
Set up a stall at a local event or sell online, with all proceeds going to your charity of choice.
Consider bundling similar items together to encourage higher donations. Promote the sale on local social media groups to attract more buyers and spread the word.
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Discover endless fundraising possibilities in our A-Z guide – find the perfect idea to inspire your next big effort and make a real impact!
