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.
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!
Here are some of the best corporate fundraising ideas for charity that runners can easily activate through their employer:
Many employers will match the amount you raise, sometimes doubling (or even tripling!) your total.
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!
Swap one lunchtime meeting for a feel-good fundraiser:
It’s a simple, engaging way to raise awareness and money, and a great conversation starter around the office.
Not everyone wants to run a marathon, but they’ll happily join a fun team challenge:
Set a goal, share a donation link, and encourage participation. It builds team spirit and boosts your cause.
Most workplaces have internal newsletters, Slack/Teams/Chat channels, or intranet sites, these are goldmines for fundraising visibility in the workplace.
The more places people see your campaign, the more likely they are to give.
Small asks = big wins, and you can bring a bit of office cheer to the working week with these ideas:
Keep it light, fun, and low-pressure, and you can watch the donation stack up.
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.
Here are a few more creative ways to get your workplace involved:
Want even more ideas? Check out our ultimate list of 100+ fundraising ideas to get inspired.
Once your colleagues and employer are on board, keep them in the loop:
The more people feel involved, the more likely they are to keep donating, cheering, and supporting.
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