7 virtual fundraising ideas for lockdown

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With the second period of national restrictions commencing today (November 5th), we’ve had a few questions about what fundraising you can do during lockdown. Here are seven of our favourite ideas. We hope something on this list will inspire you to fundraise for Devon Mind!

Run a marathon at home

The classic lockdown fundraising idea is still one of the most popular and accessible: running a marathon, half-marathon or 5K at home. Most running events were cancelled in the wake of COVID-19, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun! 

Simply strap on your Fitbit or download a step counter app on your phone, and you're ready to go! One of the benefits of running at home is that you can spread it out over a longer time and make it a more interactive experience for your supporters. Why not live stream a portion of your run, take your dog with you for a leg, or even complete added tasks along the way for extra donations? The possibilities are endless.

Hold a gaming live stream

Video gaming is quickly becoming one of the most popular sources of fundraising in today's digital world. Live streamers can make incredible fortunes building their community online, and there are numerous examples of the medium being used as a force for good to raise large sums of money for charity.

There are a number of ways you can raise money through gaming, but our favourite continues to be the marathon. Gamers are known for their ability to focus for hours on end, often until the early hours of the morning. And with streaming so popular now, it's easy to embark upon an epic session for charity!

‘Sell’ a talent or hobby

 
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Everyone has a talent. Whether you're the best in the world at painting ducks wearing bow ties, you're the go-to for writing catchy radio jingles, or you have the innate ability to make up a dance to any kind of music, there's always an audience for your skill.

If your hobby is something you do day-to-day anyway, why not offer it to customers in return for a fixed or recommended contribution to Devon Mind? Maybe you request a donation of £10 for a 10-minute caricature, £25 to complete a photoshoot, or £50 to cover a song of the donor's choice.

Host a virtual pub quiz

Remember at the beginning of the first lockdown, when you received invites from everyone on Facebook to join their virtual pub quiz? Well, we think the dust has settled long enough to allow this classic pastime to make its grand comeback!

Run your own pub quiz online using a platform like Zoom or Skype, with a recommended entry price to be donated to charity. Send participants a picture round, throw in a "Name That Theme Tune" segment, and make sure you practise your TV game show presenter voice ready to announce the winners!

Run an open mic night/talent show

Devon's Got Talent!

Let your inner Simon Cowell or Amanda Holden shine and host your own talent show (although maybe without the harsher judging!). Invite people to show off their weird and wonderful talents, live stream it, and collect donations from the audience.

If you want to be a bit more open and freeform, host a virtual open mic night instead. Invite people to pop in and out whenever they want, and take donations for a shot at impressing the online audience. You might be surprised at the incredible talents your friends and family possess!

Host a virtual book club

 
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If you're anything like us, you've been getting a lot of reading done over the last few months. Keep the new habit alive by hosting your own book club on Zoom or Skype, with a small recommended donation as entry.

Nominate someone each week/fortnight to choose a book for the group to read, then come together to discuss your thoughts and feelings next time. This is a very easy, relaxed way of connecting with others, with plenty of potential for fundraising at the same time.

Present an online tutorial

If you're not ready to put your artwork out into the world or perform live in front of a virtual audience, why not share your knowledge and help others to pick up a new skill during these uncertain times? Simply charge a cover fee in the form of a donation to gain access to the session and build your seminar!

You don't need to be a professor in advanced mathematics to run an online tutorial; if you know a foreign language, have enviable baking skills, or just want to share your digital skills with people who need them, it's easy and fun to teach a class. Keep an eye out for mine, "Super Obscure Rock Music Facts 1967-1984", coming soon!

Whatever you might end up doing, thank you so much for your interest in fundraising for Devon Mind. We look forward to seeing your ideas come to life! If you have any questions, please email fundraise@devonmind.com.

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