Fundraising ideas that work in New Zealand

Easy ideas you can start this week

These need little planning and work well for personal causes.

• Share an online fundraising page with a personal message to friends and whānau
• Ask for donations instead of birthday or wedding gifts
• Run a sausage sizzle (ask your local hardware store or supermarket first)
• Hold a bake sale at school, work or church
• Sell unwanted items on Trade Me and donate the proceeds
• Offer a skill such as baking, lawn mowing, haircuts or tutoring for a donation

Challenges and sponsored events

Challenges give people a reason to share your page again and again.

• Walk or run a set distance each day for a month
• Take part in a local fun run or half marathon and ask for sponsorship
• Swim, cycle or paddle a distance with meaning, such as the length of a river
• Shave or colour your hair
• Go without something, such as coffee or social media, for a month

Events for groups and clubs

Events take more organising, but they bring people together and raise awareness as well as money.

• Quiz night
• Movie night at a school hall
• Golf day or club tournament
• Hāngī or curry night
• Talent show or cultural performance
• Garage sale or market stall
• Car wash

Working with local businesses

Many businesses will donate prizes, match donations or put your QR code on the counter. Ask in person, explain exactly what you need, and thank them publicly on your fundraising page.

Raffles

Raffles are popular but have rules. Small raffles with total prizes and ticket sales of $500 or less each do not need a licence. Read our guide to fundraising rules before you start.