Top fundraising ideas for kids

Are you a young person with a passion for helping others in need? Or a proud parent of a child keen to raise money for an amazing cause? Either way, we have bags of inspiration for you. From read-a-thons to sponsored swims, here are Teenage Cancer Trust’s top fundraising ideas for kids and teens.

Sponsored challenges

These are a fantastic way to tap into talents or interests while raising money for charity. How about a read-a-thon for the young book worms out there? Or a sponsored swim, cycle, or walk? You could even give something up – suppress that sweet tooth and cut out chocolate for a month or zip those lips and sign up for a sponsored silence. The possibilities are endless.

A young girl reading a book as part of a sponsored fundraising challenge for Teenage Cancer Trust

Birthday fundraisers

Instead of new toys or clothes, ask friends and families to donate the money they would have spent on a gift to charity instead. Birthday fundraisers are an easy and fantastic way for children and teenagers to show their support for young people facing cancer.

A little girl holding pink balloons on her birthday

Organised events

There is a world of organised events out there including fun runs, obstacle courses and group walks, swims, and cycles that young people can join in the name of Teenage Cancer Trust. Sign up and ask friends and family to sponsor you to complete the challenge.

Young people at the start of the colour run

Gaming

Turn your passion for gaming into funds that will change lives by signing up to Teenage Cancer Trust’s game-a-thon with a 12-hour sponsored live stream challenge.

A young boy and a young girl playing videogames while their parents watch on the sofa

Sell stuff

Set up a stall on the driveway or at school (with your parents’ or teacher’s permission, of course) and sell some wares for charity. Trade unwanted clothes, books, and toys for donations. Craft jewellery or bake some yummy treats for friends and neighbours to get them digging deep into their pockets for Teenage Cancer Trust.

A young girl and a young boy writing the message 'garage sale' on a sign

Host an event

Organise an event for friends and family and let your personality shine through. From board game tournaments to movie nights, choose a theme you’re passionate about and ask participants to pay an entry fee. If it’s a competition, a local business may even donate a prize for the winner.

One young boy has his hands in the air and the other young boy has his head in his hands after a game of chess

School fundraising

If you’d like your school to hold an event to raise life-changing funds for young people with cancer, ask your teachers to look at our top fundraising events for schools.

How do I get the money I raise to Teenage Cancer Trust?

If you’ve set up an online fundraising page for your event or challenge, we’ll get the money automatically. If you’ve raised cash donations yourself, check out our paying in money to us guide.  And be sure to register your event or challenge in advance to receive all the help and resources you need to make it a success.