If you have signed up to a challenge event to raise funds for The Sussex Beacon, you may have a target you would like to reach or a minimum sponsorship total you must raise. Summer is a fantastic time to get fundraising as sunshine makes everyone feel more positive, more motivated to get active, outside and more generous!

Here are a few ideas to bring in some extra donations and help you reach (or even smash) your fundraising goal. If you choose to take money from the donations raised during your activities to cover your costs, make sure your donors and supporters are aware of this when they donate. It is also a great idea to keep a record of all your costs to help you decide what fixed or suggested donations to charge, enabling you to make a profit from your event to add to your fundraising pot.

1. Host a BBQ

Summer is the perfect time to dust off your BBQ, make the most of those seasonal offers and gather your friends and family. Host a BBQ in your garden (or ask a friend if you can use theirs) and charge friends and family a donation to attend.

2. Office Juice Bar

Juice, fresh fruit and vegetables for your colleagues with an office Juice Bar. Ask local farmers if they will donate left over fruit and vegetables the morning of or day before your event which are still good for juicing. Purchase or hire a juicer and make your colleagues fresh bespoke fruit juice combos for a donation. (Use biodegradable cups and straws to protect the planet!)

3. Rounders

Invite your friends and family to a local park for a rounder’s or cricket tournament. Ask for a donation to take part. You could even offer a prize for the winning team and ask everyone to bring a picnic to make a day of it.

4. Dinner Party

Host a summer themed dinner party and ask your guests to donate to attend. Use seasonal ingredients (healthy and cheaper too!). Like more of a challenge? Ask each guest to bring a surprise food item which you then have to incorporate into the meal!

5. Car Wash

A great option if you have space for cars to park for a wash. Put up signs and advertise your charity car wash for donations. Ask friends to help, so you can wash more cars and raise even more funds!

6. Dog Walking

Live in an area with lots of dog owners? Offer a dog walking service for donations. Walking and spending time outdoors also has great health benefits!

7. Marshmallow Toasting

Gather your friends and family around a firepit or bonfire, and toast marshmallows on a summers evening, asking for a donation per skewer of marshmallows. Make sure your fire is safe and the skewers are long enough to avoid any risk of burns.

8. Manicures

Offer your friends, family or colleagues manicures for a donation. Invest in gel nail varnish and a UV light to provide gel manicures – you can charge more for these and they dry quicker!

9. Bake Sale

Everyone loves a bake sale. Show off your baking skills at the office and sell summer themed cakes and treats with fruity, refreshing flavours. Although you can only sell a cake for a small donation, they really add up!

10. Training Runs

If you are a seasoned runner with great knowledge and experience of running, share it! Invite others to join your training run for a donation, helping them to enjoy running, get fit and help your cause in the process.

Bonus tip

11. Ice lolly Run!

If you work in a busy and hot office, take a cool box to work and wait for an opportune moment to pop to the shop for a stash of ice lollies. Offer them to your colleagues for a donation making you profit towards your sponsorship.