When it comes to fundraising for a race, your workplace might be your secret weapon. From matched donations to office bake sales, there are countless ways your employer can help you smash your fundraising goals, and maybe even get a few colleagues to lace up alongside you.
At realbuzz, we’ve supported thousands of runners on their fundraising journey, helping them tap into powerful networks, including the one you probably spend 40+ hours a week in.
Whether you're training for a marathon, half marathon, or a charity fun run, this guide is packed with the best corporate fundraising ideas to help you raise more, stress less, and bring your workmates along for the ride. Let’s jump in.
Why Workplace Support is a Game-Changer
Your workplace is more than just where you work, it’s a built-in community. And communities love getting behind a good cause.
Whether you’re running in memory of someone, raising awareness for a health issue, or supporting a local charity, sharing your story at work can spark incredible support. And the best part is, many companies want to help, they just need to know how.
Getting your employer involved not only boosts your fundraising total, but it also builds workplace morale and camaraderie. Win-win!
The Best Corporate Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work
Here are some of the best corporate fundraising ideas for charity that runners can easily activate through their employer:
1. Check for Matched Giving Schemes
Many employers will match the amount you raise, sometimes doubling (or even tripling!) your total.
- Ask your HR team or the social lead if your company has a matched giving programme.
- Find out the process: do you need a form? A receipt of your donations?
- Promote this match on your fundraising page to encourage more donations. “Your £10 turns into £20 thanks to my employer!”
Even if there isn’t a formal matching scheme in place, some managers will authorise a one-off match for a good cause, it never hurts to ask!
2. Host a Lunch & Learn Fundraiser
Swap one lunchtime meeting for a feel-good fundraiser:
- Share your story and why you’re running
- Include a short talk from the charity if possible (they often love being involved!)
- Offer optional donations to attend - think £5 with cake or snacks included
It’s a simple, engaging way to raise awareness and money, and a great conversation starter around the office.
3. Organise a Sponsored Office Challenge
Not everyone wants to run a marathon, but they’ll happily join a fun team challenge:
- “Run, walk or cycle 1,000km as an office”
- “Do 10,000 steps a day for a week or month”
- “Desk-to-desk plank challenge”
- “Office sports day”
Set a goal, share a donation link, and encourage participation. It builds team spirit and boosts your cause.
4. Tap into Internal Comms
Most workplaces have internal newsletters, Slack/Teams/Chat channels, or intranet sites, these are goldmines for fundraising visibility in the workplace.
- Ask to feature your story in an employee newsletter
- Share weekly updates in messaging channels (with photos and videos!)
- Add a fundraising link in your email signature (this one may need sign off first!)
The more places people see your campaign, the more likely they are to give.
5. Surprise and Delight with Mini Fundraisers
Small asks = big wins, and you can bring a bit of office cheer to the working week with these ideas:
- Get a bake sale going and brighten up coffee breaks with sweet treats for donations!
- Hold a raffle or quiz to boost team spirit while raising funds for your cause
- Work remotely? Host a virtual quiz on Teams or Zoom so everyone can chip in, no matter where they are
Keep it light, fun, and low-pressure, and you can watch the donation stack up.
How to Ask Your Employer for Support
If you're feeling nervous about asking, here’s a simple approach:
Step 1: Share your story.
Make it personal and passionate, why are you running, and why does this charity matter to you?
Step 2: Be clear on the ask.
Do you want them to match donations? Promote your page? Let you host an event in the office?
Step 3: Highlight the benefits.
Tell them how this boosts morale, builds team culture, and gives back to the community.
Step 4: Offer to do the legwork.
Make it easy for them to say yes by planning the event, creating posters, or handling communications.
Bonus Corporate Fundraising Ideas for Charity
Here are a few more creative ways to get your workplace involved:
- Charity coffee morning with home-baked treats
- Silent auction of skills (e.g. graphic design, cooking, do a colleagues paperwork for a week)
- Office sweepstake for your finish time
- Ask people to give the cost of a coffee or lunch one day a week
Want even more ideas? Check out our ultimate list of 100+ fundraising ideas to get inspired.
Don’t Forget the Power of Gratitude
Once your colleagues and employer are on board, keep them in the loop:
- Share updates in your fundraising journey
- Post pictures from your training or events
- Thank everyone, personally, in meetings, and via email/socials
The more people feel involved, the more likely they are to keep donating, cheering, and supporting.
Make Every Mile Count with realbuzz
At realbuzz, we’re all about helping runners go further, not just on race day, but throughout your fundraising journey too.
From free Runna training access to expert fundraising support, we make running for charity simpler, more enjoyable, and more rewarding. And with a little help from your workplace, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Ready to put these corporate fundraising ideas into action? Start your fundraising journey with realbuzz today and make every mile count, for you, your company, and your cause.
Start fundraising with realbuzz today
