10 Charity Fundraising Opportunities for 2014

Volunteer for your Charity

this year…

IntroductionIf you are keen to get ahead of any upcoming opportunities to raise money for your favourite charity then look no further. I have done the work for you and come up with 10 top charity events to get involved with in 2014.

1. The London Marathon13th April 2014

Let’s start with one of the most popular events that attracts thousands of people every year, The London Marathon.

The great thing about being involved in The London Marathon is that you also get the overwhelming sense of achievement and respect from your friends and family for completing it.

2. Reading Half Marathon

2nd March 2014

From one marathon to the next, entries are now open for the Reading Half Marathon.

The first ever Reading Half Marathon was organised and run in 1983, when the start and finish venue was Reading University at White Knights Park. There were 5000 runners and it was won by a 21 year old local University student, Mark Curzons in a time of 67.45.

The Mizuno Reading Half Marathon his a great opportunity to raise funds for your chosen charity.

3. Chinese New Year

31st January 2014

The Chinese new year of the snake could be a great excuse to run a charity carnival in your street or town. You could also have the Chinese snake and plenty of street performers to make it a day to remember.

The official charity partner of Chinese New Year 2014 is the Chinese Parents Association – Children with Disabilities, a non-profit group that provides services and support to children living with a disability and their families. So, this could be a chance to support this charity in particular.

4. Prince Edward’s 50th Birthday

10th March 2014

In march 2014 Prince Edward will be celebrating his 50th birthday. You could hold a royal birthday celebration for him inviting local performers to provide entertainment for your own gala. Any excuse for a charity fundraising party!

Money can be raised with tickets and potentially for a sit down meal or buffet.

5. Early May Bank Holiday

5th May 2014

This is one of the busiest family bank holidays. With everyone still buzzing from the chocolate over Easter this would be the perfect time to organise an event at your local community centre.

A charity fair, auction or indoor festival could work well. Arts and crafts are also a popular choice around this period.

6. London to Paris Bike Ride

Various Dates Throughout the Year

You can join an organised event from your chosen charity, such as this event in July with Marie Curie or simply pick a trip and select your own charity via this website: www.londonparisbikeride.co.uk.

What better way to raise money than experiencing the journey from London to Paris? A great story to tell for a good cause.

7. Children in Need

Next year will be the 34th year for this overwhelmingly successful campaign. Children In Need offers plenty of support to run your own activity with the opportunity for follow up coverage on Children in Need if you make a significant donation.

The charity supports over 2,600 projects that are working with children who have physical, sensory or mental disabilities, behavioural or psychological disorders, who are living in poverty or situations of deprivation, or are suffering through illness, distress, abuse or neglect.

There are already plenty of activities planned for next year including Carfest 22-24 August 2014. A festival that includes music, family activities and of course, cars!

8. Just Walk10th May 2014

Across the Divide provide unique personal and group experiences, which includes this walking event. Back for its 8th successful year, Just Walk is their flagship walking event that enables you to raise money for the charity of your choice.

You can choose a distance to suit your fitness level and walk the beautiful South Downs supporting a charity of your choice along the way.

9. Dog Sledding in the Arctic

30th March 2014

Wow - what an exciting thought! I had to include this dog sledding experience also on the Across the Divide website.

You get to be in charge of your own team of huskies and sled over 200km across frozen lakes.

With evening stays at the lodges and the offer of a sauna this sounds like a fantastic fundraising activity to me. All for a good cause of course.

10. Zambezi Rafting Challenge6-13th September 2014

Global Adventure Challenges also offer “the challenge of a lifetime for a charity of your choice.”

There are so many of these event management websites around and plenty of international activities you can join. Including rafting, cycling, sledding, cycling and trekking.

This Zambezi Challenge looks amazing. Fancy riding the rapids for a good cause? Here’s your chance!

Why Join In?There are many reasons why people enjoy charity fundraising. The thrill of the mountain climb, the feeling of pride as you cross the finish line or rush of adrenaline from extreme sports. But, most importantly, they enjoy making a difference by raising funds for a cause they are passionate about.

Good Luck!Whatever you decide to do for your charity fundraising next

year, remember to get in early as registration is often way

ahead of the event. You may also need to put down funds

initially so make sure you have the budget to start with.

Another top tip for you is to fully utilise social media as a

means to promote your event. Often charity fundraisers

underestimate the power of online marketing. There are plenty

of tips online and most charities will offer you support with your

promotional activities.

I hope this helped, please do tweet me with any further events

or comments @EdwardPhelan1 #charityfundraising