Skip to content
Make a donation
Make a donation

40 Fundraising Ideas

40 Fundraising Ideas

To help us to continue our vital work, we are launching our ’40 for 40’ Challenge with forty fundraising ideas set for 2025.  There is something for everyone to get involved in, from our virtual event, Marathon in May: Big 40, to our Daring Dive skydive in June. 

If you have any questions about any of the events please contact Rebecca on fundraising@smauk.org.uk and the team will get back to you!

Discover our 40 Fundraising ideas by clicking on the image below or browsing the list:

 

 

Take on one of our Big Four Challenges

  1. Marathon in May: Big 40 – walk, run, roll, cycle or swim 40 miles in May
  2. Take part in Ride Scorpion and cycle over 40 miles on 24th May
  3. Jump out of a plane – we’re looking for 40 people to join our “Daring Dive” for SMA UK on 28th June
  4. Double your donation and help us to raise £40k in December 2025 – Donate to the Big Give Christmas Challenge – more details coming soon

Organise an event

  1. Hold a 1980’s party
  2. Organise a ‘Ruby’ themed event
  3. Arrange a quiz night – in person or online – with 40 questions
  4. Hold a Car Wash and aim to wash 40 cars or bikes
  5. Hold a fashion show with 40 garments
  6. Bring 40 bears together for a Teddy Bear’s Picnic – don’t forget to invite SMArty the Aware Bear!
  7. Host a clothes swap- everyone brings four items (or more!) and donate to take part
  8. Organise a Dance-a-thon or a Bounce-a-thon with a trampoline or bouncy castle and boogie for 4 hours
  9. Plan a Golf Day with 40 competitors

Get Sponsored
Set up a fundraising page on Just Giving and choose a challenge from the list below (or make up your own!)

  1. Read 40 books in a year
  2. Organise a 40 hour gaming marathon
  3. Wear 40 pairs of odd socks for 40 days (don’t forget to share your photos!)
  4. Do 40 sit-ups a day for 40 days
  5. Go to 40 gigs, festivals or concerts in a year
  6. Organise a 40-themed world record attempt
  7. Give up your favourite vice (e.g. sugar, alcohol, crisps or meat) for 40 days
  8. Paint your nails 40 shades for 40 days
  9. Learn 40 words in a new language
  10. Watch 40 films in a year
  11. Time how fast can you do a big jigsaw or other puzzle – can you solve it in 40 minutes?
  12. Hold a Sponsored Silence for 4 hours (or more!)
  13. Cycle every day for 40 days
  14. Go 40 times to Yoga, Pilates or another new activity
  15. Swim 40 lengths for 40 days
  16. Take part in or watch 40 games of your favourite sport in a year

Other Ideas

  1. Sign up for a Regular Monthly Gift of £4 or £40
  2. Get 40 classmates to take part in a M.A.D. Day for SMA or Christmas Jumper Day
  3. Create 40 pieces of art or jewellery for sale
  4. Create a treasure hunt with 40 clues and invite your friends or family to donate to take part
  5. Make a one off donation of £4, £40 or £400
  6. Train as a Comedian and perform to family and friends
  7. Bake and sell 40 cupcakes
  8. Plan a raffle or tombola with 40 items
  9. Receive training in White Collar Boxing or Mixed Marshall Arts and take part in a Charity event
  10. Find 40 things around your home you no longer use and hold a car boot or table top sale
  11. Visit our online shop and buy one of our T-shirts Pin Badges or Aware Bears to help us to continue to raise awareness of SMA.