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The most successful fundraising events of 2020

Words by Smiley Team

You can have all the good intentions in the world, but sometimes it’s hard to know what fundraising ideas will bring you the most success for your cause or charity.

Each year, Massive compiles a list of the most successful fundraising events of the year, to note trends and ways that charities are maximising their impact. The impact of lockdown meant more changes to this list than at any time since Massive began the top 25 in 2013, with 11 events new to the top 25 in 2020.

[Read More: What it takes to be a serial fundraiser]

“While physical events that pivoted to virtual were reasonably successful, it shouldn’t be surprising that the fastest growing events were all designed for long distance participation,” they note.

“In 2022, it seems likely that physical events will remain the best way to engage, and we’ll go back to a situation where they dominate again, but things won’t go back to how they were.”

Here’s a list of the top 10 – you can see the top 25 events on Massive’s website

1. Grow Your Mo by Movember Foundation

What was it? Encouraging people to grow a moustache for the month of November and donate money to charity.

How much did they raise? £11.5million

2. World’s Biggest Coffee Morning by Macmillan Cancer Support

What was it? People put on their own coffee morning event and invite others.

How much did they raise? £10million

3. Race for Life by Cancer Research UK

What was it? People commit to running 5k for charity

How much did they raise? £6million

4. Go Sober by Macmillan Cancer Support

What was it? People were encouraged to go booze-free in October.

How much did they raise? £5.4million

5. Kiltwalk for Kiltwalk charity

What was it? A (virtual) walk wearing tartan

How much did they raise? £5million

6. Brave the Shave by Macmillan Cancer Support

What was it? People were sponsored for having their hair shaved off

How much did they raise? £4.2million

7. Move for Movember by Movember Foundation

What was it? Encouraging people to run or walk 60km over a month

How much did they raise? £4.15million

8. Cycle 300 by Cancer Research UK

What was it? Encouraging people to cycle 300 miles in September

How much did they raise? £3.35million

9. Memory Walk by Alzheimer’s Society

What was it? A series of sponsored walks at different locations.

How much did they raise? £3.1million

10. Christmas Jumper Day by Save The Children

What was it? People wore Christmas jumpers for a day to work

How much did they raise? £2.8million

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