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Volunteers cheering before running marathon in support of Concern.Volunteers cheering before running marathon in support of Concern.Volunteers cheering before running marathon in support of Concern.

Fundraising tips

How to get started on your fundraising journey

Fundraising tips
How to get started on your fundraising journey

Every act of fundraising brings us one step closer to a world free from poverty. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your efforts, these tips are here to help you maximize your impact and make a real difference. 

Room filled with tables and bunting with people discussing SDGs
1

Set a goal and plan ahead 

Your journey starts with a clear goal. Setting a fundraising target helps focus your efforts and inspires those who support you. Break your goal into achievable steps and plan your activities with key milestones in mind. With a solid plan in place, you can stay organised and make every effort count. 
Jenny Gillen and Claire Williams taking a selfie at the Concern Debates Semi Final 2017. Photography by Ruth Medjber/ Concern Worldwide.
2

Personalise your page

Make your fundraising page uniquely yours by adding your personal story, photos, and regular updates. When you share why this cause matters to you, it helps connect with your supporters on a deeper level. In fact, customising your page can increase your fundraising by up to 65%! So take the time to tell your story and let your passion shine through. 
Mollie Dixon, Direct Dialogue Fundraiser for Concern Worldwide. Photo: Kevin Carroll / Concern Worldwide.
3

Be the first to donate

Lead by example and show your commitment by making the first donation to your own fundraising page. Starting with a personal donation can inspire others to follow your lead — those who kick-start their own fundraising often raise up to 84% more! It’s a great way to set the tone and encourage others to contribute. 
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4

Use social media

Social media is a great tool for reaching a wider audience. Regular updates, photos, and stories about your fundraising journey can engage your network and encourage them to contribute. Don’t forget to share the link to your fundraising page and invite others to spread the word. 
Social media blackout. Photo: Unsplash.
5

Fundraise through WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a quick and personal way to connect with family and friends. Craft a message that explains why you’re fundraising for Concern and include a link to your fundraising page. Share updates, photos, and stories to keep everyone engaged and motivated. Group chats are an effective way to keep your supporters informed and involved. 
Accenture staff held a booksale to raise money for Concern Worldwide
6

Fundraise in the workplace

Your workplace can be a great source of support for your fundraising efforts. Start by sending a heartfelt email to your colleagues, sharing the link to your fundraising page and explaining why you’re raising funds for Concern. Use office noticeboards or internal newsletters to keep everyone updated on your progress and encourage further contributions. Don’t forget to check if your company offers match funding — it’s an excellent way to double the impact of your donations. 
Students at Jabuti school in Mogadishu, which is supported by Concern Worldwide.
7

Show some gratitude

A simple thank you goes a long way. After someone donates or supports your efforts, take the time to express your gratitude. Let them know how their contribution is making a difference.  
Class from Scoil Assaim BNS Raheny holding cheque for money raised for Concern
8

Keep the momentum going!

After your event, share the results with your supporters. Let them know how much was raised and how their contributions will support Concern’s work.  

Your Fundraising Pack

We’re thrilled that you’re joining us in making a real impact. To help you on your fundraising journey, we’ll provide you with a personalized fundraising pack, filled with everything you need to ensure your event or challenge is a success.  

What’s inside your fundraising pack? 

Your fundraising pack is thoughtfully prepared to support you every step of the way. Here’s what you’ll find:  

  • Essentials for Your Event Day: Whether you’re hosting an event or taking on a challenge, your pack will include key items to keep you organised and motivated throughout your journey.  
  • Fundraising Guide: This comprehensive guide is packed with tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you reach your fundraising goals and make the biggest impact possible.  
  • Promotional Tools: You’ll receive materials like posters, flyers, and resources to help spread the word and rally support from your community.  
  • Concern Gear: Depending on your event, your pack may include Concern-branded items such as t-shirts, tote bags, laces, balloons or wristbands, helping you and your supporters feel part of a global movement.  

When you sign up, we’ll ask you what specific items you need for your event or challenge. This way, we can make sure your fundraising pack is customised to meet your needs, so you’re fully prepared for the big day. 

Fundraising Ideas

Want to fundraise but don’t know where to start? Whether you are a first timer or a regular fundraiser, everybody needs a little inspiration sometimes. Here are some ideas to get you started! 

A-F

A - Auction  

Organise a live or silent auction with donated items or services. Whether online or in-person, auctions can raise significant funds while engaging your community.  

B - Bake Sale  

Whip up some delicious treats and sell them at work, school, or in your local community. Everyone loves a sweet treat, and it’s an easy way to raise funds. Learn more about how to organise your Bake Sale here.

C - Coffee Morning  

Host a coffee morning where people can gather, enjoy a brew, and make a donation. It’s a simple way to bring people together for a good cause. Find out how to set up your Coffee Morning here.

D - Dinner Party  

Host a themed dinner party at home or in your community. Invite guests to make a donation in exchange for a seat at the table. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy good food and great company while raising funds for a cause you care about.  

E - Eco-Friendly Fundraiser  

Plan an event focused on sustainability, like a tree planting day or a clothes swap party. Encourage participants to donate in support of your efforts to protect the environment while raising funds for Concern.  

F - Film Night  

Host a movie screening at home, in your community centre, or even outdoors. Charge an entry fee, and enjoy a film while supporting Concern’s vital work.  

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Steps to get started!

1

Choose your fundraising activity

Firstly, decide what you’re going to do. Make sure it’s something that you enjoy doing, or use the opportunity to tick something off a bucket list. If you’re a keen runner, challenge yourself to a marathon, or if you love baking, host a themed bake sale! When you’ve decided how you’re going to raise funds, decide when and set the date!
2

Create your fundraising page

An online fundraising page is really easy to set up, you can set up an individual or team page, it’s really important to share you story on your page and let people know why you’re raising funds for Concern.  Head to https://www.concern.net/fundraise-for-concern and you can create your own personalised page in just a couple of minutes. It’s a great way of collecting donations from friends and family, and once a donation has been made then this comes straight to Concern – so it saves you the hassle of sending them in! 
3

Personalise it and share your story

Add some photos to your page, pages with a profile picture tend to raise 15% more.  Think about why you’re raising money for Concern and why the cause is important to you. Tell people why you’re going to all that effort, the more people understand your motivation, the more likely they will sponsor you! 
4

Set a fundraising goal

A realistic fundraising goal gives you and your supporters something to aim for. Pages with a fundraising goal usually raise 46% more! It gives your supporters a goal to get behind, so don’t be afraid to go big! You can kick off your fundraising and commitment to your challenge by being the first to donate to your page  Once you’ve hit your target, increase it and see how much you can raise – keep up the amazing work! 
5

Spread the word

You are doing an amazing thing and helping to end extreme poverty – so be proud! Maximise free social media channels and share your story on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, write a blog for your LinkedIn page and tweet video updates. Share your online fundraising page on WhatsApp groups or by email. If you need volunteers, gifts in kind or raffle prizes, don’t be afraid to ask!  
6

Host your event or take on your challenge

When the day comes, give it your all! Whether you’re hosting an event or tackling a challenge, enjoy the experience and share it with your supporters.  
7

Share the impact

Once your fundraising is complete, share the results. Let your supporters know how much you’ve raised and how their contributions are making a difference. Sharing the impact helps everyone feel part of the change they’ve helped create. 
We're here to help
Contact us

We’re here with advice and guidance on all your fundraising activities. We can also provide you with fundraising materials you might need.  Call us on 01 417 7777 or Email: info.challenge@concern.net   

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