Get creative with these 10 fundraising ideas
1 Sep 2025, 4:28 p.m.
Help give seriously ill children the best chance and the best childhood possible by fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity).
Whether it’s your first time fundraising or you're looking for a fresh way to support the charity, creative fundraising ideas of any size can help bring hope to families facing the unimaginable.
Your support helps us fund groundbreaking research, cutting-edge medical equipment, vital support services and child-centred facilities that make a real difference every day.
Why creative and simple fundraising ideas work best
Fundraising doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Some of the most impactful support we receive comes from people who simply picked a charity fundraising idea they cared about and made it their own.
With the right idea, your fundraiser can be meaningful, memorable and help support children and families at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
10 fundraising ideas you can start right now
1. Virtual challenge
Run, walk, cycle, or set your own personal goal from home. Whether it’s 50 miles in a month or 1,000 sit-ups, your challenge can help fund vital resources for children undergoing treatment.
2. Bake sale or coffee morning
Sweet treats with a serious impact. Host a bake sale or coffee morning at school, work, or in your local community and help fund everything from music therapy to medical equipment and technology.
3. Get your club involved
If you’re part of a sports club, you may be able to nominate GOSH Charity as your club’s chosen charity. Many clubs raise money through annual captain’s events, group challenges, or special classes. Whether it’s a charity football match or a donation-based yoga session, it’s a great way to bring your community together and support seriously ill children at GOSH.
4. Head shave or fun hair challenge
Make a statement for GOSH Charity. Whether you decide to shave your head or dye your hair bright blue, it’s a striking way to turn heads and spark conversations.
5. Step or distance challenge
Pick a step count or distance and get moving! Track your progress using a fitness app and ask friends and family to sponsor you. Every step supports children and families at GOSH.
6. Friendship-bracelet-making party
Gather your friends and get creative with a mindful bracelet-making session. Whether you're seven* or 70, this calming, hands-on activity is a lovely way to connect, unwind, and raise money for GOSH Charity. You can sell the bracelets, offer them in exchange for donations, or simply enjoy making them together while supporting a good cause.
*If little ones are taking part in any fundraising activity, always make sure a responsible adult is there to guide and join in the fun.
7. Give it up challenge
Give up something that you enjoy, whether it’s chocolate or social media. Ask friends and family to sponsor your efforts. It’s a personal and powerful way to raise awareness and funds for GOSH Charity.
8. Fundraise with your dog
Get tails wagging with a dog walk, pet show, or cute photo competition. Pet-themed fundraisers are always a hit – they’re fun to run, easy to promote, and guaranteed to get attention on social media.
9. Halloween party
Get ready for spooky season with a Halloween-themed fundraiser. Plan a party with fancy dress, themed games and ghoulish bakes, and ask for a donation to join the fun. It’s a fang-tastic way to celebrate the season and support GOSH Charity at the same time.
10. Games for good
Turn playtime into a fundraiser! Whether it’s a treasure hunt, a retro video game session, or a board game marathon with favourites old and new, games are a brilliant way to bring people together and raise money. Set fun challenges, ask for a small donation to take part, and enjoy some friendly competition – all in support of seriously ill children.
Together for childhood
Whatever your fundraising idea, you can help GOSH Charity support seriously ill children and their families when they need it most. Every game played, every step taken, and every challenge completed brings us closer to giving more children the best chance and the best childhood possible.
Once you’ve picked your fundraising idea, GOSH Charity is here to help! Register your event and check out our fundraising resources and materials to help you plan and promote your activity as well as friendly support from the GOSH Charity Fundraising Team.