Looking to fundraise for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, or have in the past and want to again? We know it can feel a little daunting asking for donations and involvement from friends and family. Laura, our Fundraising Officer, answers some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns. 

Don't forget, fundraising is meant to be fun! We hope this blog helps you come up with ideas to get started, and find enjoyable ways to fundraise for our charity.

I'm worried about asking my friends and family for money 

It’s normal to feel unsure about asking for support. You’re not asking for money for yourself, you’re inviting people to help protect Suffolk’s wildlife and wild places. Most friends and family are proud to support a challenge you’re taking on, whether it's running, cycling, walking or whatever you choose, for a cause that matters and that you care about.

You could also do a fundraising event that has an exchange of value, a bake sale, a bring and buy, or you could even top up your donations by selling things on second hand apps like Ebay and Vinted. You could ask your friends and family to donate items they no longer need for you to sell and raise money.

I don't know where the money I fundraise will actually go 

Every pound raised supports practical conservation across Suffolk: 

• restoring habitats
• protecting threatened species
• looking after 7,100 acres of nature reserve across Suffolk
• delivering climate‑positive projects
• providing nature education for local communities
• Advocating to protect important green spaces from unsustainable development

Your fundraising has a direct, local impact. 

Did you know: Our reserves are vital havens for wildlife and our teams of wardens undertake a wide range of tasks to maintain and restore them; from landscape management and habitat creation to species surveying, wildlife monitoring, and restoration work. It costs £300 a year to look after a single acre of nature reserve.

Is fundraising really that important? Suffolk Wildlife Trust seems like a big charity.

The short answer - yes! 

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is well‑known, but we're not a large national charity with unlimited resources. Much of our work relies on donations and community fundraising. Without fundraisers, many vital projects simply wouldn’t happen.

Our nature reserves alone cannot slow down the nature crisis, they are one link in a long chain of work we do. That’s why our Landscape Recovery team of advisers and project managers collaborate with farmers, landowners, and communities across Suffolk to support and enable wildlife-friendly management and practices at scale. Your fundraising supports work across Suffolk.

I've fundraised for Suffolk Wildlife Trust and other charities before and I don't want to keep asking the same people for support. How can I change it up?

Instead of another “please donate” message, try a different format that feels lighter and more interactive:

• Sponsor a mile, people pick a mile number and donate a small amount. (We have a sponsorship form
• Guess my finish time, closest guess wins a silly prize
• Host a bring and buy, or bake sale
• Ask for item donations which you can then sell on second hand sites, using the money made as a donation to our charity
• Host a silent auction with prizes donated from friends, family and local businesses - or items you make yourself

You don’t have to rely on the same circle every time. Try:

• Colleagues — especially if you’re doing a physical challenge
• Local community groups — running clubs, gardening groups, parent networks
• Social media followers — even a small audience can surprise you

Finally, people give because they connect with why you’re doing it. If you’ve fundraised before, shift the narrative:

• Focus on a specific species: 

'I'm helping Suffolk Wildlife Trust look after endangered hazel dormice'

'I'm fundraising for nature in Suffolk, like our local hedgehogs, swifts and '

• Highlight a local project Suffolk Wildlife Trust is working on. A fresh story creates fresh motivation.

'I'm fundraising to support Suffolk Wildlife Trust's work, including reducing flooding risks to our homes' 

'I'm fundraising to help Suffolk Wildlife Trust support our farmers to access resources to increase biodiversity and nature friendly practices on their land.' 

'I'm fundraising to help support Suffolk Wildlife Trust's work, including advocating to kerb unsustainable development on our green spaces.' 

I don't even know where to start fundraising. 

It can feel daunting launching a fundraiser, try breaking it down to small steps to help build momentum. 
 

• Set up a JustGiving page (you can do that by clicking here)

• Add a short personal message on your JustGiving page:

   To help get you started, here's a bit about Suffolk Wildlife Trust: 

  Suffolk Wildlife Trust is the county's largest nature charity - dedicated to protecting wildlife, restoring wild landscapes, and connecting local people with nature. The charity has a mission to 'Bring Nature Back' by working with landowners across Suffolk to support wildlife-friendly management and enabling local communities to take action for nature where they live, work, and study. They also manage 50 nature reserves. If you are a nature-lover and of a wilder Suffolk, please donate what you can.

   

• Share one strong post on social media
• Tell colleagues and friends, share your fundraiser by word of mouth
• Ask two people directly for donations or support. Once you take the first step, momentum builds quickly.

Whatever you do, an however much you fundraise you'll be supporting our charity's vital work for wildlife, nature and people in Suffolk. 

Thank You. 

Discover current open fundraising challenges 

Read our Wild Fundraising Pack for more inspiration