By Sixtine Tabard - Reading time 4 minsThe best fundraiser ideas for childhood cancer fall into a few simple routes: events you can host, things you can sell or organize challenges. Also, actions at school or work are possible.
Whatever you choose, every amount you raise helps grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. This gives them something hopeful to look forward to. Are you ready to begin? Our fundraising page is the natural place to set things up.
How to start a childhood cancer fundraiser
Starting a childhood cancer fundraiser is simpler than it looks. Here is a short step-by-step plan:
- Choose an idea that suits you and the people around you.
- Set a goal that feels realistic and motivating.
- Set up an online fundraising page so people can donate easily.
- Spread the word through friends, family, and social media.
- Send the funds you raise to the charity once you are done.
A fundraiser of any size helps, so there is no need to worry about starting small. Does running an event feel like too much right now? Make a donation directly and make a real difference.
Event-based fundraising ideas
Events bring people together and are one of the most enjoyable ways to raise money. A bowling or sports tournament is a strong starting point, since entry fees from the different teams add up quickly.
A bake sale is just as simple to organize at school, work, or a local market, and a community or spaghetti dinner works much the same way, with tickets sold for a shared meal. At a bingo or game night, people pay to join and can win small prizes. A talent show lets friends or colleagues perform for a good cause.
There is always the charity car wash, a classic that needs little more than water, sponges, and a few willing volunteers.
Fundraising ideas you can sell or make
Would you rather sell or make something to fundraise? These ideas work well and are easy to run alongside an event:
- Branded or themed T-shirts, often in gold for childhood cancer awareness.
- Handmade crafts and art, from cards to jewelry.
- Baked goods, sold by the slice or in boxes.
- Gold ribbon pins, which raise money and awareness at the same time.
Active and online fundraising challenges
If you would rather set yourself a challenge, there are plenty that work well both online and off. A sponsored run, walk, or ride lets supporters back your distance, and a head-shave or “go gold” challenge, where you color your hair gold, tends to draw plenty of attention.
You could also give something up for a month, like chocolate or coffee, and collect pledges along the way. An online or social media fundraiser is ideal for reaching people anywhere. A simple coin or penny drive lets you gather spare change over time. Many of these fit naturally with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, when “going gold” makes your challenge easy to rally people around.
Fundraise at school, work or in your community
Fundraising as a group often raises more than fundraising alone. It reaches further, because everyone brings their own network along. Ideas that work well for schools, workplaces, and communities include:
- A dress-in-gold day, with everyone donating to take part.
- Employer matched giving, where a company doubles what staff raise.
- A school assembly or community event to share why the cause matters.
When more people take part, group fundraisers tend to build momentum and spread awareness at the same time. If you would like to see what that support makes possible, our wish impact shows the difference each granted wish makes for children and their families.
Frequently asked questions about childhood cancer fundraising
How much money should you aim to fundraise?
There is no minimum, and small fundraisers genuinely add up. Rather than fixing on a set amount, it helps to choose a goal that feels realistic and motivating for you, and to remember that every contribution supports a child and their family.
Where does the money from a childhood cancer fundraiser go?
The money you raise supports granting wishes for children with critical illnesses. Many of them are living with cancer. Make-A-WishⓇ works through national affiliates, who grant wishes in their own countries, so the funds reach children through the affiliate in your part of the world.
When is the best time to fundraise for childhood cancer?
You can fundraise for childhood cancer at any time of the year. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it a high-visibility moment to “go gold” and rally support, but a fundraiser is welcome and valuable whenever you are ready to run one.
Do you need permission to fundraise for a charity?
As a rule, it is good practice to register or check with the charity before fundraising in its name. Also, follow any local rules that apply to public collections or events. Are you unsure if you support us with your fundraiser? Contact Make-A-Wish directly to confirm how you can support our work.