Walking is at the heart of Walk to Welcome, and there are so many ways to walk to raise funds! You could:

• Walk 5km, 10km, or a marathon distance.

• Walk a mile every day for a month.

• Complete a sponsored pilgrimage or prayer walk.

• Walk between local churches in your area.

• Organise a group walk with friends, family, colleagues, or your church.

• Walk to church instead of driving for a week or a month.

• Challenge yourself to walk a certain number of steps over a set period.

Interested in doing something else? No problem! You could:

• Organise a sponsored bike ride.

• Complete a long-distance cycle challenge.

• Take part in a group cycling event.

• Organise a sponsored hike.

• Walk or cycle to every church in your local area.

Community events are a wonderful way to bring people together while raising funds and awareness. You could:

• Host a fundraising lunch or dinner where guests make donations.

• Organise a coffee morning or afternoon tea.

• Hold a bake sale.

• Run a barbecue or picnic.

• Organise a quiz night.

• Host a concert, music performance, or worship evening.

• Arrange a talent show.

• Organise a craft fair or community market.

• Host a neighbourhood sports game.

• Arrange a live or silent auction with donated items or services.

• Invite church members to donate homemade products, artwork, plants, or baked goods for sale.

You might also consider other fun ideas, for fun is always a part of fundraising!

• Encouraging church members to leave their cars at home and walk to church for a Sunday.

• Giving up a daily luxury and donating the savings.

• Hosting a sponsored challenge based on a hobby or skill.

• Organising a themed event focused on welcome, community, and belonging.

• Inviting local businesses to sponsor your challenge.

• Creating your own unique fundraising idea.

• Decide your fundraising target.

• Choose the type of challenge or event you would like to organise.

• Decide whether you will need volunteers to help. Examples include:

  • Managing registrations or donations.

  • Staffing a welcome or information table.

  • Taking photographs or videos.

  • Setting up and clearing away equipment.

• Gather any items, prizes, or donations needed for raffles, auctions, or fundraising activities.

• Choose and secure your date.

• Book and confirm your venue if required.

• Choosing a fundraising channel and creating a fundraising page. 

  • If Welcome Churches is not already registered on your chosen platform, please contact finance@welcomechurches.org so we can make this possible.

  • If you opt for offline fundraising, print out a sponsorship form. 

• Consider accessibility and how people of different ages and abilities can participate.

  • Can children participate (with parental supervision)?

• Tell friends, family, church members, colleagues, and neighbours about your event.

• Invite potential volunteers if you need volunteer support.

• Explain why you are supporting Welcome Churches and invite people to participate or donate.

• Share the fundraising page link widely.

• Promote your event through church notices, newsletters, social media, WhatsApp groups, and community networks.

• Tell Welcome Churches about your plans. Email us at info@welcomechurches.org!

If using a venue:

• Finalise your programme and schedule.

• Confirm audio-visual equipment requirements.

• Ensure venue agreements are completed and understood.

• Set up a safe and reliable system for receiving and recording donations, whether online or in person.

• Send reminders to participants and supporters.

  • Confirm volunteer roles and responsibilities.

  • Send attendees final details, directions, and timings.

• Test any equipment, microphones, presentations, or technology you plan to use.

• Prepare donation signs, QR codes, collection points, or fundraising materials.

• Brief volunteers and confirm everyone's responsibilities.

• Ensure donation stations and fundraising information are clearly visible.

• Welcome participants and explain the purpose of the event.

• Take photographs and videos where appropriate.

• Keep track of donations and attendance if needed.

• Enjoy the day and celebrate what you are achieving together.

• Share photos and stories from your event on social media, while being mindful of privacy and safeguarding considerations.

  • Tag #WalkToWelcome and @WelcomeChurches so we can celebrate with you.

• Thank everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, or supported your event.

• Record the total amount raised.

• Transfer donations to Welcome Churches using the guidance in this pack.

• Let us know how your event went - we would love to hear your story.