Top Virtual Fundraising Ideas During Lockdown

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on charity events and fundraisers, with restrictions being continuously introduced and altered throughout the UK. Unfortunately for many, this has made it harder than ever to raise money for charities and appeals close to their hearts, whilst also restricting the work the charities can do.

Luckily, there are a number of ways you can fundraise virtually from the comfort of your home, allowing you to stay safe and still raise money for your charity.

1.       Host a virtual event

Get your friends and family together over a Zoom or Skype call for a virtual pub quiz, games night, karaoke night, or whatever takes your fancy. Set up a JustGiving page or a PayPal Money Pool, and ask your guests to donate any amount to take part. Or donate the money you would be spending on drinks at a real pub!

2.       Do a sponsored sport

Challenge yourself to a 5k run, a 5-mile walk, 100 squats, a skipping tournament, or any other activity that you enjoy. Set up a JustGiving page, record your progress, and ask your family or friends to sponsor you.

3.       Lead an online class

Whatever you are good at, whether it be yoga, aerobics, dance, crafting or baking, host an online class through Facebook Live or Instagram Live. Share a link to the CityCatering website, or set up a JustGiving page and ask for donations to attend. Not only will you be raising money, but sharing a skill to cure any lockdown boredom!

4.       Have a clear out

Lockdown is a perfect time to de-clutter your house. Have a sort through your wardrobe, loft, or any boxes of old and forgotten possessions, and sell whatever you no longer need on eBay, Shpock or Facebook Marketplace. Donate the money you make to your chosen charity.

5.       Donate your commute (or anything else you are no longer spending money on)

If you are no longer having to travel to work, donating your train fare or some of your petrol money is a quick and easy way to help a charity. Or, consider donating what you would usually be spending on other things, for example childcare, or a trip to the hairdressers.

6.       Profit from your creativity

If arts and crafts are your thing, make some money from your talent! Create some paintings, make jewellery, knit jumpers, sew a face mask, or rework some old clothes and sell them on websites like Etsy, Shpock and Vinted. Not only is this a great way to showcase your work, but you could also donate any profit you make to charity.

7.       Have a Birthday fundraiser

 If your Birthday has fallen within the lockdown period and you are unable to celebrate with family or friends, invite them to make a donation in your name to your chosen charity. Send them a link to your charity’s website, or use the Birthday fundraising tool on Facebook to notify your friends.

8.       Have a ‘meal out’ at home

As we are currently unable to have a meal out, why not bring the restaurant experience to your home? Cook a three-course meal from scratch for your household or support bubble, and ask them to donate the amount they would pay for it had it been in a restaurant. You can donate the money you make, whilst practicing your cooking skills! For quick and easy recipe ideas, visit our Cooking at Home blog.

9.       Do a ‘Lockdown Challenge’

 There have been numerous ‘lockdown challenges’ taking place on social media over the past year, including the keepy-uppy toilet roll challenge, the plank challenge, and the lockdown head shave. Record yourself doing the challenge, donate to charity, tag 5 friends to match your donation, or do the challenge themselves! This is a great way to encourage others to fundraise as well.

10.   Host a virtual movie night

Using the Facebook ‘Watch Party’ feature, or Netflix’s ‘Teleparty’ extension, invite your friends and family to virtually watch a movie together. Choose a film, schedule a date and time, and ask your guests to donate their ticket price to your chosen charity.

Despite the restrictions of lockdown, virtual fundraising luckily comes with a large number of benefits. Social media and online platforms provide the ability to reach a wider audience, and connect with new people who may not have attended an in-person event. Because of this, it is important to fully embrace your virtual event, engage your audience, and raise money!