Published: 15th August 2025.
Last updated: 15th August 2025.
Author: Cara Sherratt

 

Fundraising doesn't just mean bake sales and car washes, though these are great ways to raise money for a good cause. Today, there are endless ways to raise money for the causes you care about. Whether you’re joining a big, organised event or dreaming up something uniquely your own, there’s a style of fundraising for everyone.

But what are some of the more creative ideas that we don’t see every day? What can you do to raise money for your favourite causes that really catch attention? From adrenaline-pumping challenges to digital campaigns that go viral, we’ve collected a few ideas that go beyond the bake-offs.

If you've been thinking about making a difference, whether you’re representing St John Ambulance or another good cause, but you aren't sure where to start, here’s your guide to fun, fresh, and effective fundraising ideas that can breathe new life into your fundraising events.

 

Start Simple: Join an Organised Fundraising Event

Organising a creative or unique fundraising event might not align with the time frames or resources of every charitable person out there who is looking to make a difference. Starting off simple with some more traditional ideas that act as the bread and butter of charitable fundraising – the pre-organised event.

There are still several fun and exciting fundraising events available for you to sign up to and participate in 2025. From The Great North Run to competing at Alton Towers, it’s not too late to get involved with events scheduled throughout the rest of the year.

If you’d like to still put a creative spin whilst joining one of the many available fundraising events, why not consider putting a personal twist on your races. Consider running a marathon backwards or completing your 10k in costume for added flare.

 

Extreme Edition: Discover “Break the Mould” Ideas

Break a World Record – There are several fun and unique ideas that you could use to gain sponsorship or raise funds for charities that involve looking to none other than the Guiness Book of World Records. If you are looking to fundraise solo, why not have a look at hosting a fundraiser where people can submit ideas for you to try in succession? You could host this as an online event and try your hand at as many world records as possible. Some of our favourite ideas include:

• Most socks put on one foot in 30 seconds (28 socks)
• Fastest time to peel and eat a banana (8.57 seconds)
• Fastest time to assemble a Mr. Potato Head (5.15 seconds)
• Most spoons balanced on a human body (96 spoons)
• Most toilet paper rolls balanced on the head (152 rolls)
  
  

If you’re representing us at St John Ambulance, why not try your hand at speed-packing your first aid kit to beat the reigning champion or invent new records and set the bar as high as possible!

Fastest time to pack a first aid kit (9.77 seconds)

Complete A Physically Challenging or Endurance Feat – Whether it’s walking, cycling, climbing mountains (or staircases!), consider setting yourself a challenging distance, route or personal fitness goal to achieve and fundraise alongside. Do some research into organised events that are happening in your areas and join in with an established challenge or build your own support team. Remember, when attempting any extreme physical challenge, please ensure you have the support of proper medical teams and ensure you complete proper training to minimise any potential for injury.

Do a “24-hour” Challenge – Fitness not your thing, but determined to use your stamina and willpower to create a sense of achievement whilst raising money for a good cause? Setting up and completing a “24-hour” challenge can be a fantastic alternative to a physically demanding endurance challenge. From a sponsored silence to a 24-hour dance-a-thon, here are some of our favourite ideas that can be completed solo, or with a team:

• 24-hour karaoke session (maybe give your neighbours the heads-up first)
• 24-hour “no complaints” challenge for those negative Nancy’s!
• 24-hours of having children choose and prepare your meals
• 24-hour “no hands” challenge – tie those wrists behind your back and go about your daily business. Maybe avoid driving, however.

 

Unique Ideas: Get Creative with Your Fundraising

Offer “Rent-a-You” Services – whether that’s dog walking, lawn mowing, car washing, or a butler for the day, you have lots to offer that you can package up into a fun and unique fundraising drive. Furthermore, if you have any specific skills or talents, you could offer those in exchange for donations such as hosting a yoga class, coding workshop, or photography lesson with ticket proceeds going to charity.

Host a Murder Mystery Dinner Party – why not consider combining fundraising with a social event and sell tickets to a themed dinner or party to fundraise for charity? Get guests involved in the story and truly engage with your efforts with a murder mystery or escape room style event.

Host a Unique Online Auction – In addition to regular online auctions, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on what can be a hugely successful fundraising event – whether done online or in person. How can you be sure to grab people’s attention? Check out a few creative auction ideas below:

• Host a "Bad Art" Auction – Ensure every piece of art can be appreciated whilst setting the challenge for prize donators to create purposefully “bad” or funny artworks. Make humour the base of your online auction, perhaps even hosting a “pay to vote” system to determine the favourite work of art of the show.
  
  Auction "Mystery Boxes" or "Bag of Surprises" – The auction that keeps everything a secret and an opportunity to get creative with your theming. Consider creating mystery or surprise boxes to auction off and get creative with the vessels these are kept in. A toilet bowl with the lid closed full of sweets? A pillowcase hiding a secret voucher? The opportunities are endless.

 

Ready to Make a Difference? Take the First Step Today!

Every great journey begins with a single step! Your fundraising adventure is no different. Whether you’re planning a bold 24-hour challenge, a unique world record attempt, or a heartfelt campaign, the key is just to get started. See more information and understand what it takes to organise your own event by downloading our guide to hosting a fundraising event today.  

Set a clear goal and timeline to keep yourself focused and motivated. Share your story passionately on social media — people connect with real experiences, and your journey can inspire others to join in or donate. Keep your fundraiser fun and easy to support, making it simple for friends, family, and even strangers to get involved. For more tips on organising your own fundraiser, click here.

And remember, if organising a fundraiser isn’t for you right now, that’s totally okay! You can still make a huge impact by donating directly. Every gift counts and helps bring vital support to those who need it most. Remember with gift aid, you can add 25% more to your donation at no extra cost to you. Make a difference in our lifesaving work by making a one-off donation today.

Together, we can make a real difference — one step, one story, one donation at a time. Find more information on fundraising on our website.