No matter your abilities or interests, you can find a way to impact LGBTQ+ lives.
From running a 10k to organising a Bake Off or a gaming challenge, your skills and our guidance are a perfect pair.
Not sure where to start? Check out our free guide full of ideas and inspiration below.
You can also connect with our team for bespoke 1:1 support.
Our communities are resilient, strong and beautifully diverse. However, sometimes people need a helping hand along their journey. We offer that help to thousands of people every year – from one-off helpline calls to sustained support around isolation, recovery, mental health and domestic abuse.
The money raised through fundraising is essential to continue our life saving and life affirming services. People like you donating, raising funds, and spreading the word about our work can be the difference between someone suffering alone and getting the help they desperately need.
It can be hard to know where to start with fundraising – there are an overwhelming number of ideas out there. We’ve made it easy for you to decide by taking our fundraiser personality test. Simply move through the flow chart to find out the type of fundraiser you are and read about ideas tailored to you!
You’re the kind of person who sees a
challenge and says, “Bring it on!”
You thrive on adrenaline, setting new Personal Bests, scoring points, and making a difference with every step you take.
You’re our Sporty Supporter! You’re
courageous, determined, and fiercely
passionate about making a positive impact
in the world. You’re not just a fundraiser;
you’re a trailblazer, forging paths toward
a better tomorrow with each endeavour.
Your efforts are more than just a feat of
athleticism; they’re a beacon of hope for
LGBTQ+ people nationwide.
So, strap on your harness, lace up your shoes, and let’s ascend together toward a fair and joyful world — one step, one climb, one donation at a time.
Team Sports: Whether it’s netball, football or rugby – if you’re already part of a team sport, then get your team together for a match or tournament. And if you’re not already part of a team then there’s plenty to join, or you might want to start a new one with colleagues, friends, or strangers!
Solo Sports: Whether you’re a keen runner, hiker or hula hooper, there’s always a way to turn your passion into a fundraiser for LGBT Foundation. Distance events, like 10ks, are the most obvious one, but get creative challenge yourself to do 50 push ups or walk a mile a day for a month, climb the height of Everest at your local bouldering gym, swim the equivalent distance of the Channel- the world is
your oyster!
You are the heart and soul of your
neighbourhood and our fundraising family,
always ready with a warm smile and a
helping hand. You’re a Community Champion!
Whether you’re whipping up batches of cookies for a bake sale or brewing pots of coffee for a morning gathering, you do it all with love and dedication.
Your events may be small in scale, but
they’re mighty in impact, bringing people
together and raising spirits as well as
funds and awareness. You can turn everyday moments into opportunities for generosity and connection, proving that even the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact.
So, dust off your apron, fire up the oven, and get ready to spread joy and goodwill. Together, we’ll brew up a better future for LGBTQ+ people: one cup of coffee, one slice of cake, and one heartfelt conversation at a time.
Getting Festive: Make the most of existing celebrations and calendar dates to help amplify your ideas – this could be an easter egg hunt in your workplace or local community, a Diwali lantern parade, an iftar, or festive carolling.
You can combine the above ideas, and any others, to raise even more funds.
Coffee morning with a raffle?
Pet parade with a petting zoo?
Crafting session with an egg hunt after?
The possibilities are endless!
You’re a visionary with a knack for turning
ideas into action. You’re an Ambitious Advocate!
With boundless creativity and a passion for
innovation, you’re constantly seeking new
avenues to make a difference. Your bold
strategies and unwavering determination
propel us forward, inspiring us to push
boundaries and pioneer positive change for
LGBTQ+ people nationwide.
Whether launching a business venture
or orchestrating a fundraising campaign,
you lead with ingenuity and passion. Your
entrepreneurial spirit fuels our mission,
driving us to think outside the box and
seize every opportunity for impact.
Arrange a raffle or auction: Gather some prizes from local businesses, friends
and contacts – these could either be physical items or goods, or it could also be an ‘auction of promises’ where you utilise the skills and talents of yourself or people you already know.
For example, you could find someone to offer a day of DIY or gardening, someone to offer a make-over, someone to bake a custom birthday cake or make a meal – the opportunities are endless!
Are you decluttering?: Your trash could be someone else’s treasure, and could be turned into life-saving funds for the LGBTQ+ community. Take your ‘stock’ to a jumble sale, or organise your own in your neighbourhood.
You’re not just a participant; you’re a pioneer, harnessing the power of the internet to make a meaningful impact.
With a magnetic energy that beckons others into the digital world – you’re our Arcade Activist!
Whether you’re embarking on epic gaming marathons or hosting virtual events, your charisma and innovation spread Queer Hope and Joy in abundance. Welcome to the forefront of digital philanthropy, where pixels meet purpose and streaming platforms become stages for change.
If you’re someone who thrives in the digital realm, wielding technology as a tool for good, you’re our kind of hero. With boundless enthusiasm for gaming, streaming, or leveraging online communities, you’re the driving force behind our digital fundraising efforts.
Livestreaming: You can stream pretty much anything these days – the internet is hungry for entertainment, and you can use that to your advantage!
Check out our Stream for Good programme to see how you can get involved.
Video games are a classic: But people love to connect with Just Chatting (the most popular category on Twitch), body doubling, Get Ready with Me, Q&As – have a browse of Twitch, TikTok live and YouTube live to gain inspiration, and get online.
You are the life of the party, the master
of ceremonies, and the ultimate event
planner extraordinaire. You’re a Party Patron!
As a natural-born host, you’re the driving force behind unforgettable gatherings that blend fun, flair, and fundraising for a cause.
From glamorous galas to rocking gigs and everything in between, you excel in curating experiences that leave a lasting impact on attendees and beneficiaries alike.
Maybe you’re a budding DJ with a talent for
getting people on the dance floor. Maybe
you look for any excuse to bring your mates
together for a boogie. Maybe you’re a whiz
behind the bar. Are you ready to turn those
skills into life-saving donations?
Bring your passion: Whatever sparks your artistic fire, you can build a fundraiser around it. Maybe you’re knowledgeable enough about visual art to curate an exhibition, maybe you’re tapped into a local music scene and ready to put on the gig of the century. Perhaps food is an art form to you, and you can impress with a taster menu.
If your passion comes through, so will
the donations!
When it comes to fundraising, the possibilities are endless! See our A-Z of Fundraising Ideas for more examples of how you can get involved.
JustGiving is our go-to fundraising platform, suitable for most types of fundraising from marathons to bake sales to office dress-up days to skydives. If you’re unsure what platform to use, JustGiving is probably the one.
Step-by-Step:
Our Top Tips:
If you’re fundraising virtually, like doing a video game play-through or a Q&A livestream, Tiltify is the platform for you! With full livestream integration and bespoke tools to help you reach your target, digital fundraising couldn’t be any easier.
Step-by-Step:
Our Top Tips:
Raffles and Lotteries
You may need to apply for a licence if you will be holding a raffle or lottery in your fundraising.
Make sure you check the latest information and advice at www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk.
Collections
If you plan on holding a collection in a public place, you may need to apply for a licence from the local authority. If you would like to collect on private premises, you will need the owner’s permission. If you’re not sure, check with your local council.
Health and Safety
Please carry out risk assessments to identify any hazards and assess any risks that you will need to consider in your fundraising. Ensure that you have adequate first aid cover – if you’re not sure, visit www.hse.gov.uk.
Food Hygiene
Please take care when handling food, and work to basic rules for safe preparation, storage, and display. Visit www.food.gov.uk for more details.
Insurance
If your fundraising event involves the general public, you will need to have public liability insurance. Check with the venue first as they may already have insurance that covers your event.
Cash Handling
Please take care when handling cash, and keep appropriate records if necessary.
Promotional Materials
When you are writing about your event you need to say it is being ‘held in support of LGBT Foundation’. Please contact us if you wish to use our logo on your own materials.
Please also include our registered charity number using these words: Registered Charity no. 1070904.
Under 18s
If you are under 18, your parent/guardians are responsible for you – please show them this webpage and make sure that they are happy with what you have chosen to do.
Online
If you are fundraising on JustGiving or Tiltify, you don’t need to worry about sending
us money as the platforms send this directly, as long as you link your fundraiser to LGBT Foundation. So, once you’ve set up and shared, you can sit back and relax.
Cash
Please don’t send cash in the post as it can get lost. Instead, bank it and send us a cheque to:
LGBT Foundation
Fairbairn House
Sackville Street
M1 3NJ
Bank Transfer
You can go to lgbt.foundation/donate to donate your money directly – make sure you send us a follow up email to [email protected] with details of how you raised it, so we can thank you properly.
If that doesn’t suit you, get in touch with our fundraising team, who will provide you with our bank details to send it directly.
Ready to start making a difference? We’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team is always available to offer advice, training tips, branded merch, and anything else you may need.
