We don’t stand by while children suffer. We stand up. We push. We fight for what’s right.
So whether you’re running, biking, baking, or jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet, we want your fundraising action to be a massive success. For children. For the future. For all of us.
That’s why this page is crammed with advice, support and a wealth of resources to help you spread the word, raise money and fight for childhood.
From writing a captivating story to using social media, check out our tips and make sure everyone knows about your charity fundraiser.
Explore this page
Navigate to key sections by clicking on the links below:
Top 10 fundraising tips
#TeamSave masterclass
The best people to learn from are those who’ve been there and done it, like Marathon Mum Rebecca McCann. Check out her Instagram page for a whole load of inspiration!
Finding the words
One of the toughest things about being a successful fundraiser – maybe even tougher than jumping out of a plane – is asking the people in your life for money.
So if you’re struggling to find the words, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Template 1
Hi [Name], I wanted to let you know that I’m taking on the [challenge / event name] in aid of Save the Children UK on [date] and I’m asking everyone I know for their support. If you’d be happy to chip in and help make a difference to children’s lives, I’d really appreciate it. You can donate here [link your JustGiving page]
Template 2
Hello [Name], I’m supporting Save the Children UK and raising funds to help children in the UK and around the world to stay safe, healthy and learning. If you’re in a place to give, I’d be so grateful. Sharing the link is just as helpful too! [link your JustGiving page]
Template 3
I’m raising money for Save the Children UK because [insert motivation]. By donating today you are not only supporting me but you are helping fight for children and their childhoods. Be a part of it and donate here [link your JustGiving page]. Any donation would be appreciated!
Template 4
Hey [Name], I’m fundraising for Save the Children UK by [fundraising challenge] on [date]. No pressure at all, but if you’re able to contribute, it would mean a lot. Here are the details [link your JustGiving page]
Template 5
Hi everyone, I’m raising funds for Save the Children UK – a cause very close to my heart. If you could help me reach my fundraising goal of [amount] I’d be so grateful. Every penny counts! Donate here [link your JustGiving page]
A story worth telling
In our Getting Started page we asked you to think about what motivated you to fundraise for Save the Children. It’s important that when you ask people for support, you share that personal story with them.
“Who cares why I’m doing this?” you might think. As it turns out, a lot of people care.
As they explain in their top 10 fundraising tips, JustGiving’s research shows that writing a story on your page could help you raise 65% more than leaving it blank. So add it to your JustGiving page, and take the opportunity to explain your motivation any other time you’re asking for donations.
#TeamSave masterclass
If you’re still worried about asking people for money, here’s some words of wisdom from endurance runner Lenny:
You need to pick your moment – as in not too soon after a recent one you've done and doing your best to dodge other people you may work with that may be fundraising at the same time. Also key is confirming the fundraiser to different groups of friends / work colleagues at the different times. Also get a reliable friend to sponsor you first with a nice figure... sets the precedent early on... if not, throw the first one in yourself from 'the family' to get the page going.
Hints for social media success
Once you’ve shared your JustGiving page across your social media channels – Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok etc – there are plenty of ways to promote it.
You don’t need to be a social media expert to make a big impact. A few short posts can help you reach more people, raise more money, and build a better future for children.
Tell your story
Remember, the main motivation for someone to give is your story. Explain what inspired you to fundraise for Save the Children. A personal reason is the most effective way to help people connect and care.
Add a photo or video
Posts work best when you share a photo or video – something that will stop people scrolling and hold their attention. It doesn’t need to be perfect, something casual and fun works best! It could be a photo of you in action, a video explaining why you’re fundraising or something more creative like before and after shots of your challenge.
Keep it simple
Use simple language and don’t go overboard – sometimes the best posts are as easy as one photo, one sentence, and your donation link.
Add your link
Don't forget to link to your JustGiving page every time you post. You could also put your page link in your bio or profile so people can find it instantly.
Tags and hashtags
Use @savethechildrenuk so we can see your posts too. Try #TEAMSAVE #SaveTheChildren to help others find your posts. And if you’re attending an organised event, check out the organiser’s socials to see if they have a hashtag you could add.
Ask friends to share
Friends and family can share your posts and JustGiving page with their networks too. Every share expands your reach and could lead to extra donations.
Post regularly
A few small updates – even just one a week – help keep interest and donations going. Post photos or short updates as you prepare for the big day – whether that’s you training, baking, or gathering ingredients – rather than just waiting for the event itself. This will remind people to donate if they haven’t yet.
Ask more than once
It’s okay to remind people! A friendly nudge can jog their memory and boost donations.
Show gratitude
Thank people for the support they show you. It’s a great chance to remind them of the impact they’ve had and inspire others to raise money too.
Celebrate success
Post a photo and message after your challenge. You could share how much you raised and how it helps children, again thanking those who contributed.
Join local groups
Post in community Facebook groups to reach more people in your area.
Be yourself
Remember, your posts don’t have to be perfect – authenticity is what counts, so just be yourself. Have fun sharing your journey and showing people something you’re passionate about.
Words you could use
1. I’m doing [insert brief description of your challenge] for Save the Children. Will you help me achieve my target of [insert amount]? You can donate by clicking here [insert JustGiving URL]. However big or small, your support will help Save the Children fight for childhood in the UK and around the world.
2. I’ve joined TEAM SAVE and will be doing a [insert details of fundraiser] to support Save the Children’s fight for childhood. Please donate [insert JustGiving URL] so together, we can help build a better future.
3. I’m supporting Save the Children to give kids a chance of the childhood – and the future – they deserve. Please donate [insert JustGiving URL] to my fundraiser. Whether it’s protecting them during emergencies, getting them into school, or making sure they have good food and healthcare, you’ll be helping children whenever and wherever they need it most.
Videos you can share
A great way to raise more money is to share stories and information about Save the Children's work – it’ll bring to life the difference people’s donations could make.
Below are some powerful, short Save the Children films you can post. Just open the video, copy the link in the search bar and paste it into your post.
Local newspapers, TV and radio
Getting your challenge in the local papers, TV or radio is often easier than you might think.
Here’s our handy five-step guide to making it happen:
- Think about how you might ‘sell’ your challenge to the media – the press will tend to go for anything quirky or extreme, or featuring a media stunt or someone high-profile (See ‘What Makes a Good News Story’ below).
- Drop your TEAM SAVE Coach a line at [email protected] and ask them to help you put a press release together – they’ll be more than happy to oblige.
- Once you have your press release, search up the contact details of your local newspapers and/or local BBC or independent TV and radio stations, then contact them to see if they’d be interested in your story.
- If so, send them your press release with all the info about the challenge, and your contact details.
- If you get some coverage, let us know so your Coach can talk you through what to expect, especially if it’s a TV interview.
What makes a good news story?
Is there a connection to the cause?
Do you have a strong connection to the cause or a particular reason for fundraising beyond ‘to raise money for Save the Children’? The ‘why’ will often be where your story lies.
Is your challenge timely?
Does your challenge relate to anything on the current news agenda? You can use that as your hook. Or does it link in with any big dates on the national agenda – like Christmas, the start of the school summer holidays, the Strictly final?
Are you happy to be named and pictured?
It’s very difficult for the media to publish your story without a photograph and full name/age/location. Bear this in mind if you’re hoping to get some coverage.
Is what you are doing unusual or creative?
The media are always interested in quirky stories – the weirder and wackier the better!
Does your challenge involve overcoming something difficult?
The media love stories about people beating the odds or overcoming a major personal challenge – especially for a good cause.
#TeamSave Masterclass
One #TeamSave star who became a media hit at 13 years old is Gabriel from Cumbria.
Both the national and global press picked up on his astonishing fundraising exploits.
Last word
George, 8, ran 100km to raise money for Save the Children UK.
Some final words of encouragement from Lenny. He sums up the persistence you need to turn your challenge into a fundraising triumph:
Use every means possible. Email / work colleagues / friend groups. Send an initial email, then send a reminder one a few weeks / month later. Once done, send the finished results thanking 'all' for their generous donations (prompting others into donating that have not!). Another method towards the end of fundraising is to take a more hardline/direct approach. Thanking everyone for their 'likes' on social media but what Save the Children need is their money, not a round of applause.
And never forget, you’re part of TEAM SAVE. Save the Children’s formidable fundraising community. Because childhood is worth fighting for.
Here to support you
As part of TEAM SAVE, you can have your own personal Coach to guide you through your whole fundraising journey, and help you with anything not covered on these pages.
If you don’t have one already, drop us a line at [email protected] and we’ll get straight on it.
Got a question about your fundraising? Have a look through these frequently asked questions. Or get in touch and we'll be happy to help you out.
