There are a few obvious benefits of fundraising for a charity; namely providing financial support to a worthy cause and the feeling of doing something good and worthwhile. But have you considered the many additional advantages, both to you and others?
Community Engagement
Fundraising events bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and a shared purpose. In a world where so much is online, to partake in an event or activity that involves a group of people, spreads the sense of togetherness and connection, creating new relationships with likeminded people.
One of the benefits of fundraising if you choose a lesser known, smaller, local charity, means you can make an immediate and visible impact and really boost their visibility and awareness to those who may not yet know about them. An interesting, hard, or unusual fundraising challenge has the potential to create a valuable PR story which may engage the local media and further boost the charities status.
Matt, who in order to mark his retirement, recently took on the challenge to walk from his office to home, a distance of over 120 miles! He said: “I found the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust when I passed them on a training walk near home. It was brilliant to support a local charity and take on this challenge, which was more mental than physical with a daily goal. It was great fun, with colleagues as well as family joining me at various stages. My former company also match funded me up to £500. All in all, I found it a very satisfying challenge, making my retirement all the more meaningful having raised £1980 for a deserving cause, which I’m very proud of.”
Skill Development
There can also be huge personal benefits when fundraising, it can look great on your CV or help increase skills in your professional capacity. With the support of our specialist Fundraising team when you take on fundraising activities, it can help enhance various skills, including event planning, marketing, communication, content creation, public speaking, and even financial management, which are transferable to other areas of life and even the workplace.
Wellbeing
You can really feel the benefits of fundraising initiatives with improved mental and physical health through physical activity, social interaction, and the positive impact of supporting a cause. In fact, research shows that those who take part in charitable fundraising are more optimistic about the future, are happier and have reduced stress. It doesn’t have to be a physical challenge; you can choose to host a bake sale or fancy-dress disco. The ideas are endless, for inspiration take a look at our A to Z of fundraising ideas or speak to our Fundraising team who can help you create your own bespoke idea.
The joy of supporting a local charity is a huge mood booster, knowing you’ve helped others you will never meet.
By taking on a challenge or hosting an event, you will likely meet new people with whom you share similar values and could gain a shared sense of satisfaction and achievement when you complete your event, reinforcing your wellbeing even more.
Best financial value
In the UK, donations to registered charities may be eligible for Gift Aid, allowing charities to reclaim tax on the donation, effectively increasing its value. Many people are concerned that their donations to charity may be reduced by tax or administrative costs, preventing the full amount from reaching the people or causes they really want to help. The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is proud that 85% of our income goes on funding our charitable activities of support, financial grants, research and awareness, which is higher than the national average of 60-70%. T here are even more ways to make the most of every donation to charity, especially if you fund the cost of your challenge and make it clear to donors that 100% of their money will go directly to the charity. Plus, there could be a financial benefit to yourself – you could reduce your own tax bill if you pay higher rate tax and complete a self-assessment.
Improve fitness
From a 5km, to a marathon or even a skydive, there’s so many physical challenges you could do, and all of them will get you moving and feeling healthier. To make sure there is something for everyone the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust partners with third parties such as Ultra Challenge; our team will also support you getting to a good level of fitness for your physical challenge.
The benefits of fundraising really aren’t just financial, from getting active and spending time outdoors to socialising and supporting good causes, you’re bound to get floods of endorphins leading up to, during, and after completing your challenge.
Making a Difference:
Fundraising allows individuals to contribute to causes they care about, making a tangible difference in the lives of others or supporting a personal goal. This may be a cause that’s really close to your heart.
Connah, who’s running for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust in this year’s Worcester City Runs, shared his story: “Several of my family members have been affected by cancer, including my aunt who is currently fighting hard, so it is something I sadly have close-hand experience of. This inspired me to take on various fundraising efforts over the last few years for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust. The support that the Trust gives to families is invaluable, and I’m delighted to physically and practically be able to fundraise; something so simple to help underpin that support that I know makes such a difference to local families. I have recently had knee surgeries, so an added bonus to my running in this year’s Worcester City Runs means that I have a goal to focus on my own health and mental fitness which is great!”
Inspire Others
Through example, you can tangibly spread the love and joy of giving. One of the intangible benefits of fundraising is that knowing someone who gives to charity can be a catalyst for giving to charity yourself. By giving to charity, you may well be helping to remind friends and family of causes they themselves are passionate about and would like to support. You can also become a role model for the younger generation, inspiring them to think of others and help improve their community or those around them.
Bucket list tick
Taking on a fundraising challenge is a great opportunity to do something on that bucket list of exciting activities you’ve always wanted a reason to do.
Bob took on the ‘Soar for a Cure’ in 2024 and had this to say:
“ ‘Soar For A Cure’ was the most phenomenal experience; a tandem parachute jump is something I’d always wanted to do, and it was incredibly satisfying to do it knowing I had raised much-needed funds for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, a children’s cancer charity and such a deserving cause. I’m so pleased my wife got a videographer to film the experience, as it is fantastic to be able to relive the feeling and the views of that day.”
Expand your network
Fundraising also creates the chance to meet new people who share your beliefs, make new friends, and maybe even advance your career, since the process itself often involves collaborating with other businesses, nonprofits, and community organisations.
Engaging in these partnerships can provide valuable networking opportunities, one of the more unexpected benefits of fundraising. Building relationships with like-minded organisations can lead to new business connections, potential collaborations, and access to a broader customer base. Boost your personal network and you might get some new work connections, clients, or even a new job!
Boost personal values and growth
Taking on fundraising challenges can boost confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. It can also give you a deeper sense of worth and great sense of meaning. In a recent report, “whatever type of charity work they supported, 96% of people said they felt they had a moral duty to use what they had to help others”
Whatever you do to raise money, the many benefits of fundraising and you’ll have a sense of achievement and memories to last a lifetime.
Find inspiration to fuel your own fundraising event or activity by visiting our dedicated webpage, or get in touch directly with our Fundraising Team at fundraising@gkcct.org.
