Ways to Fundraise in the Workplace
Want to make a difference without leaving the office? Learning how to fundraise in the workplace is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to support a cause while strengthening team spirit. Whether you’re part of a small team or a large company, there are countless ways to raise money for Humanity Direct, a charity where 100% of donations go directly to fund life-saving and life-changing surgeries for children.
Here are our top ideas for workplace fundraising that are simple to set up, inclusive, and can be tailored to fit your team.
How to fundraise in the workplace
1. Host a Charity Bake Sale
The classic bake sale never fails. Encourage your colleagues to bring in homemade cakes, tray bakes, or savoury treats and ask for a donation in exchange. You can raise money while enjoying something delicious, what’s not to love?
To boost participation:
- Set a theme (e.g. “Great British Bake Off”)
- Hold a tasting competition
- Add a vegan or gluten-free challenge
2. Dress Down or Dress Up Day
Invite the team to wear casual clothes, pyjamas, or themed costumes in exchange for a donation. Whether it’s a “Superhero Friday” or a simple non-uniform day, it’s a low-effort, high-impact way to raise money and have some fun.
Tip: Ask leadership to join in, it boosts engagement!
3. Workplace Step Challenge
Encourage healthy competition with a step challenge over a week or month. Participants can donate to enter, track their steps via an app, and aim for prizes like “Most Improved” or “Top Walker.”
Not only does it raise funds, it also promotes wellness and can boost morale.
4. Donate Your Talent or Time
Encourage staff to offer a skill or service to colleagues in exchange for a donation. Think:
- A lunchtime yoga class
- A crash course in Excel
- Career mentoring or CV reviews
These mini sessions are a brilliant way to share knowledge while raising money.
5. Host a Quiz or Games Night
After hours or during lunch, host a charity quiz with themed rounds or a game tournament. Charge a small entry fee and offer a prize or certificate for the winning team.
Quiz tip: Add a Humanity Direct round about the impact of surgical care—it helps connect people to the cause.
6. Organise a Raffle or Silent Auction
Ask local businesses or colleagues to donate prizes—lunch vouchers, event tickets, or even a “CEO-for-a-day” experience. Sell raffle tickets or host a silent auction to raise funds.
Make it office-wide or tie it into a seasonal event like Christmas or summer socials.
7. Lunchtime Learning Session
Invite a speaker or colleague to host a short talk or workshop. Topics could range from productivity tips to personal development or industry trends. Offer snacks or lunch and ask for a donation to attend.
It’s a great way to encourage personal growth and support a meaningful cause.
8. Matched Giving
Many companies offer matched giving, where they match the amount raised by employees. It’s one of the easiest ways to double your fundraising total—so be sure to check with your HR or CSR team.
Matched giving also demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to social impact.
9. Nominate Humanity Direct as Your Charity of the Year
Many businesses choose a Charity of the Year and focus fundraising efforts over 12 months. By nominating Humanity Direct, your team can help fund dozens of operations while receiving clear updates on the children you’ve helped.
We’ll provide fundraising support, impact stories, and marketing materials to help make the partnership meaningful and visible.
10. Fundraising with a Business Goal in Mind
Why not tie a team or department goal to a donation milestone? For example:
- Hit your sales target, and the company donates a set amount
- Reach 1,000 followers on social media and trigger a fundraising challenge
- Pledge a donation for every new customer during a set week or month
These approaches blend purpose with performance, creating a powerful motivator for teams.
Why Fundraise for Humanity Direct?
Humanity Direct is unique: 100% of donations go directly to surgery, not admin or overheads. When your workplace supports us, you’re not just raising money—you’re helping a child walk again, return to school, or live without pain.
From cleft lip repair to life-saving tumour removal, every pound raised funds tangible, urgent care.
Need Support or Materials?
We’re here to help you get started and fundraise in the workplace. Whether you need posters, case studies, collection tins or ideas tailored to your business, we can support you every step of the way.
Visit our Fundraising Hub or contact us to kick off your workplace fundraiser today.