10 simple fundraising ideas you can start today, with no big planning needed.
Whether time has crept up on you or you just want something straightforward, these easy fundraising ideas are designed to be simple, flexible and low-effort – but still make a real impact.
The key is to keep it simple, start where you are and invite others to join in.
Because when people come together (even at the last minute) small actions can lead to powerful change.
1. Set up an online fundraising page
Why it’s easy: It takes minutes to set up and runs itself once it’s shared.
If you’re short on time, this is the fastest way to get started. Once you’ve set this up, your page does the hard work for you: people can donate anytime, whether they see your link on social media, in an email or through your church.
Our digital envelopes are simple and perfect if you want to fundraise for impact without organising an event.
2. Sponsored silence
Why it’s easy: No planning, no materials – just a timer and a bit of commitment.
A sponsored silence is a simple but surprisingly fun way to raise money. Set a time limit – an hour, a morning or even a full day – and ask people to sponsor you to stay quiet.
It works brilliantly with children, youth groups or even a whole congregation.
Make it extra fun by adding forfeits for anyone who breaks the silence and anyone who slips up: an extra pound for every word.
When you sign up, you’ll get access to everything you need to get started — including a ready-made fundraising page, step-by-step guides and free resources for you and your church or community.
So even if you need last minute fundraising ideas, you'll have the tools and support to make your fundraising count.
It's easy to take part in Christian Aid Week
When you sign up, you’ll get access to everything you need to get started — including a ready-made fundraising page, step-by-step guides and free resources for you and your church or community.
So even if you need last minute fundraising ideas, you'll have the tools and support to make your fundraising count.
3. Social media fundraiser
Why it’s easy: No event needed - just a post (or a couple posts).
If you’re really short on time, this truly is one of the simplest ways to fundraise. Three simple steps:
Share why you care
Add you fundraising link
Invite donations from your community
A single post can reach dozens (or hundreds) of people instantly. Keep it personal and honest. That’s what encourages people to give.
4. Take on 70k in May
Why it's easy: You can fit this into your normal routine – the only extra step is tracking your movements.
70K in May is our ready-made fundraising challenge, so there’s nothing to plan. It's simple: travel 70K, in whatever way you want, throughout the month of May. It’s flexible, accessible and a great way to stay motivated while fundraising.
By taking part, you’re helping fund vital work supporting communities adapting to the climate crisis.
Image credits and information
5. Host a quick coffee morning
Why it’s easy: Uses things you already have at home or church.
Put the kettle on, gather a few biscuits or cakes (shop-bought is absolutely fine), and invite people to join you. You can host it after a church service, at home, in your workplace.
Ask for a small donation for drinks or entry. It’s relaxed, social and easy to organise – even at short notice.
6. Take a collection at your next gathering
Why it’s easy: You’re already meeting, so you can just add a moment to give.
At church, work or a group, include a short moment to collect donations. Share a few words about why you’re supporting the cause, then invite people to give what they can.
If you want to make it even easier, use Christian Aid Week envelopes to collect donations.
7. Dress down (or dress up) day
8. Bake (or buy!) sale
Why it’s easy: Can be done quickly with shop-bought items.
Bake sales are a classic for a reason. They’re easy, social and always popular. Don’t worry if you don’t have time to bake — shop-bought cakes and snacks work just as well.
Set up a small table and invite donations for every sale. Need to decorate? We've got lots of promotional materials for you to use.
Image credits and information
9. Quiz or games night
Why it’s easy: Can be pulled together in under an hour.
You don’t need weeks to organise a quiz night. Use an online quiz or write a few simple questions. Host it in person or online. Charge a small entry fee or ask for donations
Save even more some prep time and use our ready made quiz.
10. 24-hour giving challenge
Why it’s easy: Short, focused and easy to promote. No long-term planning.
Set a 24-hour window to raise as much as possible. Because it’s time-limited, it creates urgency, which encourages people to give quickly.
Share updates throughout the day to keep momentum going and remind people to donate before time runs out.
