Donate now
Group shot of fundraisers, including cyclists, runners, bakers, dog walkers and yellow welly wearers.

Raise money

Find out how you can help provide the RNLI with the funds they need to save lives at sea.

The RNLI can't save lives without the support of people like you, whether you're helping to give our volunteers the training and kit they need to launch to the rescue, or enabling us to share lifesaving water safety advice.

Whether you're looking for fundraising ideas or need help planning, promoting and running your fundraising event, we've got all the advice and resources you need on how to raise money for charity in a fun, safe and legal way and smash your fundraising target. If you want to raise money yourself or take part in an RNLI fundraising event, you'll find all the details here on how you can help save lives at sea.

1 Register your own event or sign up to a local RNLI fundraiser

2 Take on a challenge -  there's something for everyone

3 Share and promote your fundraiser

4 Help save lives - the money you raise powers our lifesaving work

Take on the Reindeer Run Challenge 2024

Run 24 miles throughout December – that’s one mile for every hour RNLI volunteers are on call, even on Christmas Day. It’s a fun and festive way to get active and be a lifesaver.

Fundraising ideas

  • Money pot icon
    Quick and easy fundraising ideas
    From filling jam jars with 5p coins to holding a book sale, there are so many quick and easy ways to raise money for the RNLI. If you’re looking for a simple way to fundraise, have a look at these ideas.
    Quick and easy fundraising ideas
  • Running shoes and sports balls icon
    Sporty fundraising ideas
    Raise your heartbeat as well as lifesaving funds. Take on a challenging bike ride or get a team together for a charity football tournament – what you do is up to you.
    Sporty fundraising ideas
  • Microphone icon
    Host an event to raise money
    Discover a list of fundraising event ideas – host a quiz night, run a battle of the bands, or simply put some sausages on the barbecue.
    Host an event ideas
  • An office chair icon
    Workplace fundraising ideas
    Work with your team to raise funds for the RNLI and have lots of fun along the way! Here you’ll find a variety of workplace fundraising ideas, from competing against your colleagues in an office Olympics to organising a dress down day.
    Workplace fundraising ideas
  • Superhero icon
    Kids' fundraising ideas
    There are lots of fun ways for children to get involved with fundraising, whether that's at home, at school or at their local kids' club. Take a look at this list of kids' and family fundraising ideas – you could arrange a scavenger hunt, let your little ones dress up as a superhero for the day, or sponsor them to walk the dog.
    Kids fundraising ideas
  • Sweets icon
    Challenge yourself for charity
    Think you could grow a beard? Or give up your favourite treats? Have a go at one of these unique charity challenges.
    Challenge yourself ideas
  • Wool ball and knitting needles icon
    Creative fundraising ideas
    It’s time to get creative! Have a go at making things you can offer for a suggested donation to the RNLI, whether that's jewellery, knitted hats and scarves, or something else.
    Creative fundraising ideas
Mixed group of RNLI fundraisers walking and running on a promenade

Already have a fundraising idea?

You’ve decided it’s time to put that hidden talent to good use. Maybe you want to show the world what you’re made of. Or you’re just looking for an excuse to let off some steam. Whatever ingenious idea you have for raising funds, get started by registering your event. We’ll support you every step of the way with all the tips and resources you need.

TCS London Marathon - RNLI runners raising money for the RNLI

Take part in an event

We have a variety of fundraising events and opportunities to join and get involved in. You can run, swim or cycle - or for something less strenuous, there are quiz nights, coffee mornings, fetes and concerts.

However you choose to raise money for us, you can be sure you will make a lifesaving difference. Not only to the people we rescue and their loved ones, but to the crew and their families too

Fundraising tips and resources

Superheroes running a race for the RNLI
Fundraising ideas
Need some fundraising ideas for your event? Here is a list of 75 fantastic fundraising ideas. Every penny or cent you raise powers our lifesaving work. 
get inspired
Mixed group of RNLI fundraisers walking and running on a promenade
Plan and register your fundraising
Whether you're a first time fundraiser or an experienced RNLI supporter, you can find useful advice on how to plan and run your own fundraising event. 
find out more
TCS London Marathon - RNLI runners raising money for the RNLI
Take part in an event
Get together, have fun and raise money at one of our events - whether it’s a 10K or local quiz night.
Find an event
A male crew member in his crew kit is stood outside a yellow building with his two young boys and a woman
Fundraising from home
If you’re wondering how to support the RNLI from your own home, why not take a look at these virtual fundraising ideas? 
Get started
Five fundraising volunteers on a city street with collection buckets facing the camera
Pay in your fundraising money

Thank you so much for fundraising for the RNLI. We’re so grateful for all the hard work you put into supporting our brave volunteer lifesavers. Here you'll find everything you need to pay in your fundraising money.

Pay it in
An RNLI crew member standing with three fundraisers on a sandy beach with the sea in the background
Advice for safe and legal fundraising
Your safety, and that of all the caring fundraisers like you in the RNLI family, is our priority. Not only when you’re enjoying the water, but when you’re raising money too. This handy checklist for safe and legal fundraising will help you dot the i’s, cross the t’s and keep the fun in your fundraising. 
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