How to Raise Donations for Charity

You don’t need to be a professional fundraiser to make a real difference. We’re here to show you how to raise donations for charity in a way that feels clear, doable and meaningful. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to raise more, we’ll help you take the next step with confidence.

You don’t need to be a professional fundraiser to make a real difference. We’re here to show you how to raise donations for charity in a way that feels clear, doable and meaningful. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to raise more, we’ll help you take the next step with confidence.

Whether you’re helping a friend through a hard time or backing a cause you believe in, raising money can be one of the most potent ways to create change.

It’s also deeply human. Fundraising brings people together. It builds connection, trust and hope. And in a world where so many problems can feel too big to solve, it’s a way to take action — right now.

Start with a simple fundraising plan

You don’t need a complex strategy. Just a clear, thoughtful plan to help you raise money with purpose (and less stress).

1. Set a goal

What are you raising money for, and how much do you need?

Be specific. A clear goal helps people understand the impact of their donation. Whether it’s $500 for a community project or $5,000 for disaster relief, naming the goal gives your fundraiser focus and urgency.

2. Know your audience

Think about who you’re asking and why they’d care. Your message will land better if it feels personal. Are you reaching out to friends, colleagues, local businesses? What kind of stories or updates would speak to them?

3. Pick your method

There are lots of ways to raise money: online platforms, community events, workplace giving and more. Choose a method that feels right for your cause and realistic for your time and energy. Get inspired with 40 fundraising ideas that actually work.

4. Set a timeline

People are more likely to give when they know the window is limited. Whether it’s a week, a month or tied to a specific event, having an end date can help build momentum.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start with these basics and build from there. Now, let’s look closer. Here’s how to raise donations for charity with three strategies: put your fundraiser online, organise an engaging event and connect authentically with your supporters.

Leverage online fundraising

Online giving has never been easier or more powerful.

With the right setup, you can reach people across Australia (and beyond), share your story, and collect donations in just a few clicks. It’s fast, accessible and doesn’t require fancy tech skills. We have four tips to help you to raise donations online. 

Create a strong donation page

Your donation page should be clear, simple and trustworthy. Use a headline that explains what you’re raising money for. Share a short story or personal message. Include a photo if you can. And make sure people know exactly how their donation will help.

Choose the right platform

There are several popular fundraising platforms in Australia, but Oxfam chooses to use GoFundraise. The great news is we already have an account set up, so if you choose to fundraise for Oxfam you can get started straight away.

Make it easy to share

Once your page is live, share it with your network and make it easy for others to share, too. A quick post on social media, a group text, or a personalised email can go a long way. If you’re using a platform like GoFundraise, you can invite others to fundraise alongside you as part of a team.

Consider peer-to-peer fundraising

Peer-to-peer fundraising simply means other people are raising money on your behalf. It might be a friend running a birthday fundraiser, or a teammate sharing your cause with their network. It’s word-of-mouth fundraising powered by trust — and it works.

Online fundraising isn’t just for big organisations. With the right message and a bit of heart, you can raise more than you might expect.

Organise engaging events

Events don’t have to be big or fancy to be effective. In fact, the best ones are often the simplest — gathering people together for a shared moment that feels good and does good.

Here are a few classic examples to get you thinking.

• Fun runs or walkathons
• Bake sales or morning teas
• Trivia nights, raffles or movie screenings
• Birthday parties with a fundraising twist

You can run something in your backyard, workplace, school, or even online. Virtual trivia, livestream fundraisers or hybrid events are all great ways to get more people involved, no matter where they are.

A few tips to make it work:

1. Keep it manageable. Choose something that suits your time, budget and energy.
2. Make it social. Encourage people to bring a friend or share your event online.
3. Tell the story. Remind people why you’re raising money. This one isn’t just practical. It helps them feel part of the cause, too.
4. Ask for help. Don’t do it all yourself. Friends and local businesses often love to chip in.

You don’t need experience. You just need a little courage, a few helping hands and a cause worth showing up for. Authentic engagement — that’s how to raise donations for charity.

Foster strong relationships with supporters

Charity fundraising doesn’t end when someone clicks “donate.” It’s about people and the relationships you build along the way. Because remember: people give to people.

Your supporters are part of your community. When they feel valued and included, they’re more likely to keep showing up — not just with donations but with time, energy and trust.

Be transparent

Let people know how their money was used. A quick update, a photo, or a short story can go a long way. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just real. Something as simple as “Here’s what your donation helped make possible…” helps supporters feel part of the journey.

Say thank you

Every donor matters, whether they gave $5 or $500. Send a personal email. Pick up the phone. Mention their support in a social post (with permission). A genuine thank you sticks with people and shows that you noticed.

Stay connected

Keep your supporters in the loop even after your fundraiser ends. Let them know what’s next or how the cause is progressing. Invite them to future events or share stories from the field. If you’ve raised money for an organisation, check if they have updates you can pass on.

If you’ve had a few goes at fundraising and you’re ready for a bigger challenge, maybe it’s time to go bigger. Try shaking things up a little to raise more donations for your charity.

Explore additional fundraising strategies

There’s no one right answer to the question, “How do you raise donations for charity?” Once you’ve got the basics down, there are a few other approaches to consider.

Can you partner with a business?

Local cafes, gyms or shops might be open to donating a portion of sales, offering a prize, or matching what you raise. It’s a win-win — your fundraiser gets a boost, and they become known for supporting a good cause in the community.

Offer regular giving

Monthly donations provide steady, reliable support. It’s easy to set up through most online platforms and can lead to more impact over time, even from smaller gifts.

Encourage your loved ones to buy from the charity

Many charities sell gift cards that directly fund the work they do. Encouraging your friends and family to buy these cards and pass them onto someone they love is a fun way to support a cause and introduce it to new supporters. These symbolic gifts are perfect for birthdays, holidays or end-of-year giving.

Unsure what we mean? Oxfam Unwrapped is a great example. Supporters can choose from gifts like a chicken, a water tap or school supplies, with each one representing a real project Oxfam supports around the world.

These strategies aren’t about doing more for the sake of it. They’re about finding what fits your cause, your community, and your capacity.

Follow the rules — fundraising legally in Australia

This is an important part of learning how to raise donations for charity — there are some basic rules we all need to follow. Fundraising is regulated to make sure it’s fair, transparent and safe (for you and your supporters).

Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Here’s a quick guide to make sure your fundraising meets all the requirements.

The basics

At a national level, your fundraiser needs to meet Australian Consumer Law. That means you must be honest about where the money is going and how it will be used. Keep records, follow through on your promises, and don’t mislead anyone. You may need permission (via a license or written authority) to collect donations.

If you’re raising funds for a registered charity, check with them first. They may already have guidelines or permits you can work under. If you’re interested in fundraising for Oxfam, just send us an email at enquire@oxfam.org.au or phone 1800 088 110 and we’ll be able to help.

State and territory rules

Each state and territory has its own rules around charitable fundraising. For example, in New South Wales, most public fundraising activities require an authority to fundraise. This applies whether you’re collecting donations on the street, running an event, or launching an online appeal.

You can learn more about your state here:

• NSW: Charitable fundraising
• VIC: Fundraisers
• QLD: Charities and fundraising
• SA: Charities
• WA: Fundraising in WA
• TAS: Fundraising in Tasmania
• ACT: Fundraising in the ACT
• NT: Fundraising in the NT
• Nationally: Charity fundraising and the public

The takeaway

You don’t need to become a legal expert. Just take a few minutes to check the basics before you start. It protects you, your donors and the cause you care about.

Common fundraising mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Nobody gets it perfect the first time — and that’s okay. If you’re raising donations for charity, the most important thing is that you care enough to try.

That said, a few friendly tips may help you avoid the most common slip-ups.

Going in without a plan

It’s tempting to dive straight in. But without a clear goal or timeline, it’s easy to lose momentum.

Start with a simple plan: What’s your goal? Who are you asking? How will you reach them?

Forgetting to say thank you

You’ve wrapped up the fundraiser, but your donors have never heard back. It happens more than you think. A quick thank-you message, photo or update can leave a lasting impression (and build trust for next time).

Doing it all yourself

Trying to manage everything solo can lead to burnout and limit what you can raise. Ask for help. Get friends, family or your community involved. People love to support someone who’s stepping up.

Making the message too complicated

Supporters shouldn’t have to work hard to understand what you’re raising money for. Keep your message simple and heartfelt. Focus on the why, not just the what.

Missing legal requirements

It’s easy to forget that some fundraising activities come with rules. Take five minutes to check your state or territory’s requirements — it’s worth the peace of mind.

Mistakes happen. But with a little planning and a lot of heart, you’ll be on the right track.

How Oxfam Australia can support your fundraising efforts

If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re ready to take action — and we’d love to help.

At Oxfam Australia, we believe in the power of people coming together to build a better world. Whether you’re fundraising solo, with a school or workplace, or as part of a community group, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

We’ve partnered with GoFundraise, a platform that makes it easy to set up your own online fundraiser. You can create a page in minutes, share your story, and start raising donations straight away.

When you fundraise for Oxfam, you’ll get access to:

• Real stories and impact updates to help you show supporters where their money goes
• A friendly team to answer your questions and cheer you on

You can raise donations for one of our current appeals or create your own community fundraiser. Either way, we’ll make sure you’re not doing it alone.

Because fundraising isn’t just about raising dollars — it’s about connection, courage and creating change together.

Ready to raise donations for a cause you care about?

You’ve got the heart. You’ve got the know-how. And now, you’ve got the tools to make it happen.

Whether you’re planning your first fundraiser or looking to do even more, remember: you’re not alone. Every step you take helps create a fairer, more just world.

If you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help. Donate to Oxfam, start your own fundraiser, or learn more about the humanitarian crises in Gaza and South Sudan. 

Are you curious about how to raise donations for charity and save at tax time? Try our tax-deductible donations calculator.