SPONSORED CHALLENGE
Want to raise money for a trip away or a local cause, but lack inspiration for fundraising ideas? Look no further as Jo Derry presents a run-down of the ten best sponsored challenge ideas – each with practical tips and a twist to make even the most basic event go with a bang.
What one thing builds relationships, allows young people to be exuberant and is financially rewarding? A sponsored challenge, of course. Fundraisers form a stalwart part of most annual youth programmes, whatever the reason, from raising money for a pool table to sending someone away on mission.
Blackpool-based youth worker, Claire Chantrell explains: ‘When we’ve had to raise money for young people it has had a two-fold effect. Firstly, when they see the response from the church it helps them to understand and realise they are loved and supported by them. It has also given them the opportunity to use their talents, gifts and skills while creating that feeling of being part of a team.’
The best fundraisers are simple but creative and, as with anything, their success will rise or fall on the amount of preparation you put in. Before you start there are some basic things to remember:
● Ask your young people for suggestions so they’re involved and enthused. Engage the imaginations of your young people and you’ll gain the attention of the people you’re asking for money.
● Consider the kind of people in your group and make sure there’s a real element of challenge – a chatterbox staying silent for a whole weekend is simple but more effective than asking people to donate money for the silence of and already quiet teenager.
● Leave enough time to get ready with sponsorship forms, a JustGiving page and publicity, so the group have no excuses and plenty of time to raise money.
● Make the event a high priority in your youth group’s consciousness to maintain momentum and brainstorm ways of raising money with them.
● Think about approaching local businesses and work out ways together of how to make your event the one they’ll choose to support above others.
● Finally, whatever the sponsored challenge, make sure you think through all the possible Stay safe issues and get consent from the relevant adult for every young person taking part. To get you started, here’s a guide to ten sponsored challenges, with some classics, and some oddballs, complete with creative twists to get your juices, and the cash, flowing.
This article can be found in its entirety in the January 2010 issue of Youthwork magazine. Check out our great subscription offers now!