Our Guide to Inclusive Fundraising

We know that the current cost-of-living crisis is impacting most of us in different ways and those fundraising on behalf of the charity may be reflecting on how they do so in a way which is sympathetic to the fact that some people may not feel able to contribute or feel stigmatised by the experience of giving.

Lucky for us, we have a whole Poverty Proofing© team within our charity who speak to thousands of people every year about the way day-to-day experiences can put pressure on their finances… including fundraising.

We’ve created this handy guide using guidance from these experts in residence, so whether you’re a one-man band or a corporate, you can feel confident your fundraising is inclusive, no matter what a person’s financial situation.

Every contribution counts!

When charities say every penny counts, they really mean it. If you’re sharing and celebrating your fundraising, place the focus on the fact people have contributed, not the individual value of donations themselves. Don’t forget £1 can be a lot for some people!

Redefine 'support'

Share ways people can support your fundraising without putting their hands in their pockets. Ideas include sharing the appeal with their social networks, sending you motivational messages or if it’s an event coming along to show support or help out. Thank them equally to those donating money.

Emphasise awareness

Highlight how those taking part have engaged with the issues you’re fundraising for or connected to their community instead of focusing on the finances. Fundraising activities play an important role in raising awareness about the challenges people are facing and the solutions.

Keep donations discreet

For activities connected with a financial contribution, like a bake sale or Christmas jumper day, ask people to contribute what they feel comfortable with and offer a discreet way for people to donate. Consider signposting people to make a donation instead of collecting cash, for example, a JustGiving page, charity website or text number.

Get creative!

Instead of asking for financial contributions, could you mobilise your team or community to donate something that can generate funds? We’re always looking for prizes for our fundraisers, so collecting unwanted Christmas gifts could be a great help. Or, perhaps you have an artistic team who could auction off their photography to happy customers? Get creative with how you ask for support!

Plan ahead

Publish a fundraising calendar so people can plan to participate, highlighting which charity is being supported and the activities that will take place. Avoid lots of fundraising days close together.

Try an affiliate scheme

If you want to support a charity but don't want to run your own fundraising activity, encouraging people to join an affiliate scheme like AmazonSmile or Easyfundraising on our behalf is a great way to create longer-term support. It’s amazing how the pennies add up and a support total could be calculated over time!