Quick fundraising ideas
If you want to bring money in for charity fast, then look no further than Teenage Cancer Trust’s favourite quick fundraising ideas. They’ll save you time and can still make a big impact on young people in need of our help.
Donation jars
Pop donation pots around the school or office, and watch the pennies tot up for teenagers facing cancer. Put up posters and make sure all your friends, classmates and colleagues know why and who you’re fundraising for, encouraging them to donate any spare change.
Online fundraising quiz
Forget about a venue and put your quiz online. It can be arranged at short notice and will bring in instant funds for charity if your quiz-goers donate to take part. Hold back a small proportion of entry fees for a prize fund or come up with another incentive to win.
50/50 Raffles
One of the most effective quick and simple fundraising ideas, a 50/50 raffle gives people a monetary incentive to enter while knowing they’re giving to a great cause. Sell tickets and reserve half of the money for the prize fund, while donating the remainder to Teenage Cancer Trust. Be sure to check out our guidance on running raffles first.
Bake sale
It’s an age-old classic. And, cooking up a storm in the kitchen can help you raise money – and fast – for a good cause. Get friends, family, colleagues and neighbours to do the same and sell your cake creations to support young people and families affected by cancer, from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
Sponsored gym challenge
How about a treadmill relay? Or perhaps you fancy an indoor cycling challenge instead? Holding a virtual physical challenge is quick and easy to arrange and can still bring in plenty of funds for teenagers in need. Make sure your gym is on board (if you want to hold it there) and ask friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to donate to your JustGiving page. Great for individual and group fundraising alike.
Skydive
It’ll be over in seconds but the sky’s the limit when it comes to fundraising potential. As long as you can find a last-minute place on an organised skydive, you can fast-track your fundraising by putting out an urgent sponsorship call on social media channels.
Community or work happy hour
Gala events take months to arrange but holding a happy hour at work or in your community is a quick and simple alternative. It may not bring in equivalent funds, but the event still has plenty of potential to raise much-needed funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. Ask volunteers to help prepare refreshments, ask for donations and make sure your guests know what a great cause they’re supporting.
Zip wire challenge
It’s as close to flying as you can get, and a sure-fire way to send your fundraising efforts soaring. Sign up for one of the many zip wire challenges across the UK (the higher and scarier, the better) and put out an urgent call on social media channels for friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you.
Quiet hour
Challenge your co-workers to stay quiet for a whole hour and anyone that breaks the silence has to pop a pound or two in a jar for charity. You’ll be surprised how much it could add up to.
Penalty shootout
All you need is a field, a goalpost and a queue of willing contestants to take part in a charity penalty shootout. Ask entrants to pay a fee to step up to the line and take on the goalie. In need of more football fundraising inspiration? These top tips will help.
Gaming marathon
You can do it from the comfort of your own sofa and at short notice. A sponsored Game-a-thon is a fun and effective way of raising money for charity, and Teenage Cancer Trust can support you all the way.
Social media fundraising
It’s fast, and it’s simple. Tell your followers who you’re raising money for and why, and ask them to get behind you. Use it as an alternative to asking for birthday or Christmas gifts. Your supporters will be able to donate directly through social media platforms like Facebook or via JustGiving.
Head shave
It’s bold, and it’s brave – but it’s a quick way of raising vital cash for teenagers and families affected by cancer. Set up a JustGiving page and fast-track your sponsorship gathering by spreading the word on social media and through posters at work or school.
Find more inspiration in our top cheap and easy fundraising ideas.
How do I get the money raised to Teenage Cancer Trust?
If you’ve set up an online fundraising page for your school’s event or challenge, we’ll automatically get the money. If you’ve raised cash donations yourself, check out our paying in money to us guide. And be sure to register your event in advance to get all of the help and resources you need to make it a success.