Fundraise for small children’s charities

Run a marathon. Host a cake sale. Ask for donations instead of birthday presents. However you want to help, we’re here to make it easy.

Every pound you raise supports a portfolio of exceptional small UK children’s charities — rigorously vetted by us, chronically underfunded by the sector at large. Whether you’re taking on your first 5k or hosting your fiftieth quiz night, your fundraising helps change young lives.

Ready to start fundraising?

Get started in 1, 2, 3!

Why it matters

Small charities deliver some of the most innovative, frontline work for children and young people in the UK today. Yet they receive a fraction of UK charitable funding.

By fundraising for us, you’re helping close that gap. You’re championing the small charities doing the essential grassroots work that gives children and young people opportunities that can be life-changing. And you’re helping us reach more people who care about supporting them.

Thank you, from all of us and all 16 of our charities.

Ways to fundraise

There are countless ways to raise money for Raise Your Hands. Here are some of the most popular:

Charity runs & physical challenges

From marathons and triathlons to community 10ks, Couch to 5k, cycling sportives, and coast-to-coast challenges. Every personal triumph, however big or small, helps raise vital funds.

Close-up of cupcakes topped with blueberries, raspberries, and creamy frosting, ideal for dessert and baking themes.
Community and everyday fundraising

Bake sales, quiz nights, community events, sponsored silences, and anything else you can organise. Small in scale, big in generosity — and often the most fun to run with friends.

A vibrant birthday card with heart illustrations, surrounded by a pen, flowers, and gift wrap.
Birthdays, weddings and celebrations

Ask friends and family to donate to Raise Your Hands instead of buying you a gift. A generous way to mark a milestone, and to make your celebration count for young people across the UK.

Fundraising at work

Dress-down days, office sports days, fancy dress Fridays, and other informal team activities are a great way to bring colleagues together. Explore our company giving page for more ideas and information.

Fundraising at school

We’d love to be your school’s Charity of the Year — or your partner for a one-off event like a non-uniform day or bake sale. Get in touch and we’ll send a school pack or come to assembly.

A serene arrangement of white lilies placed on a granite memorial stone, symbolizing peace and remembrance.
Fundraising in memory

A powerful way to celebrate the life of someone you’ve loved and leave a lasting legacy for children and young people. We can help you set up a tribute page and guide you through it. Get in touch

fundraising ideas

Get inspired by our fundraising community

You can do pretty much anything to raise money for Raise Your Hands. Here’s some of what our community has taken on:

Hayley ran the London Marathon for Raise Your Hands and raised over £4,000 for our portfolio of small children’s charities.

  • It’s honestly been an absolute pleasure fundraising for Raise Your Hands and talking to people about your charities! I’d love to remain in contact in the future and keep supporting where I can.
    Hayley
    London Marathon Runner

Hanh runs a women’s-only fitness studio and organised a charity walk with her community. 9km, 15,000 steps, and nearly £1,500 raised for small children’s charities.

  • I chose Raise Your Hands because I wanted to support a smaller charity where it feels more personal and transparent — where we can understand the impact the funds are making.
    Hanh
    Gym owner

For the last four years, the team at Ipsos UK has taken on the Tour de Ipsos — a sponsored cycling challenge held alongside the Tour de France each summer. Colleagues clock up the miles wherever they are (with, or without, the lycra), and Ipsos matches the money raised.

  • I think this is the 3rd or 4th year we’ve picked Raise Your Hands, which is down to the enormous impact you have on worthwhile causes close to home in the UK.
    Dom
    Ipsos employee

Getting started: step by step

  1. Set up your JustGiving page

    Head to our JustGiving page and click “Start fundraising” (you’ll need a JustGiving account). Make sure the chosen charity is “Raise Your Hands “(charity number 1174956), and then add your story: what you’re doing, why, and why it matters to you. This is what your friends and family will read before deciding to donate, so make it personal.

    You don’t need to tell us — we’ll be notified of your page automatically, and you’ll hear from us shortly.
set up fundraising page
  1. Spread the word

    We want to cheer you on and help you smash your target. Tag us in your posts and we’ll share your fundraiser with our community

    Instagram: @ryhcharity
    LinkedIn: Raise Your Hands

    Post updates as you train, prepare, and go — donors respond to the journey, not just the ask.
  2. Send us your funds

    If you fundraise through JustGiving, this happens automatically, so nothing more to do.
    If you collected cash or received a cheque, get in touch and we’ll send you the details for how to pass it on.

Notes and tips

  • If you’re not sure whew to start, contact us for tips and ideas.

  • Raise Your Hands is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England and Wales. Charity number: 1174956.

  • If you want to use the Raise Your Hands name or logo on posters, T-shirts, or social media, check with us first. We may even be able to help get materials made for you.

  • Don’t close your JustGiving page too soon after your event — donations often come in for weeks afterwards, and our social media shoutout might send more your way.

Questions?

Get in touch anytime at [email protected] or via our contact page