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Charity fundraising tips: how to hit your target and thank your donors

Fundraising for charity is one of the most personally meaningful things you can do alongside an event or challenge. Here is how to do it effectively.

Set the right target

Aim high but realistic. Research what similar challenges typically raise on JustGiving for the same charity — your target should be achievable with a reasonable effort. A target of £500-1,000 for a running event is achievable for most people with a decent network. Start with 50% of your target already pledged before going public.

Personal stories outperform generic asks

Tell people exactly why you are doing the challenge and exactly how the money will be used. 'I am running 10k for Cancer Research because my mum was treated there last year' raises more than 'please sponsor me for charity'. Be specific and personal.

Thank donors promptly

Thank every donor within 24 hours. Use our free fundraiser tracker to log everyone and mark when thanked. Share updates during the challenge so donors feel part of the journey — photos, distances covered, how you are feeling.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pay tax on money I raise for charity?
No. Money raised for a registered charity and paid directly to that charity is not taxable income for you.
What is Gift Aid and how does it work?
Gift Aid allows registered UK charities to claim 25p from HMRC for every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer — at no cost to the donor. Always enable Gift Aid on your fundraising platform.