The fight against poverty knows no boundaries, but everyday Australians can play a big role in creating positive change. Whether you’re looking to start a charity fundraiser from scratch, or have an existing event you’d like to partner with Opportunity International Australia on, you're already on the path to making a significant impact for women and girls globally.

To help create lasting change globally, the best (and easiest!) fundraisers use your existing skills, resources and ideas to make an impact. Here are some creative fundraising ideas that will help you rally your friends, family and community in support of families in need.

^{Marmalade for microfinance? Young supporter Lachlan sold marmalades to raise funds for Opportunity.}

Host a bake sale (with a twist!)

Kick off your fundraising efforts with a classic: a bake sale in your neighbourhood, school or church. For an extra twist, infuse it with international flavour by including baked goods inspired by Asia. From chai-flavoured cookies to traditional Indonesian treats, connect your tasty fundraiser to the families you’re supporting globally.

Take a steps challenge or join a charity run

Whether it’s a fun run or race, or challenging yourself to a steps challenge, raising money for a cause is a great motivator for any fitness challenge. If you’d like to set a goal, you could highlight the distance many families in Asia walk daily, transforming every step taken into a step towards positive change.

Did you know that, on average, women and girls in developing countries walk around 6km each day for clean water – could you do the same daily?

 
^{A group of Victorian school students take part in a Fete Day for the Opportunity Challenge.}

Take on the Opportunity Challenge at your school

The Opportunity Challenge is a school fundraising challenge aimed at young people between the ages of 10 and 18, empowering and educating them about fighting global poverty. Starting with a loan of $10 from their parents or caregivers, school kids are encouraged to do what they can to make it grow into a small business – whether it’s a market stall, car wash or fun activities for a $1 donation.

Through running a micro-businesses, kids put themselves in the shoes of entrepreneurs living in poverty – making it an impactful and fun way for schools to get involved!

Plan a charity auction

If your workplace or community group is holding an event, curate an auction filled with donated items, experiences, and artworks, and donate the proceeds to Opportunity. Invite individuals to bid generously, knowing that every dollar raised will be help break the cycle of poverty for families in Asia.

^{Opportunity supporters host a curry night with friends in 2022.}

Have friends over for a Great Australian Curry Night

Food always brings friends and families together, but it can also be a great and easy way to fundraise for a bigger cause and spark discussions about the women we work with in Asia. Invite a group over for a curry feast, whether it’s potluck style (BYO dish) or catered, and enjoy a night of curry and solidarity. Funds raised for the Great Australian Curry can go a long way in empowering families in need.

Start a collaborative art project

Whether it’s at school, church, or at your workplace, encourage community members to unite through art. Set up a communal canvas where individuals can contribute their artistic expressions for a donation – and create meaningful change for women and girls. The finished piece will embody the collective efforts of helping end poverty.

^{Cook For Opportunity in 2020 was an online cooking class for a cause.}

Host a virtual workshop

From weaving to cooking best-selling snacks, the women we work with are often masters at their craft – and you can be too! Get creative with an online workshop focused on Asian cooking, crafts, or using your skills for good. Charge a participation fee, which will help families in Asia create a brighter future.

Get active with a sports tournament

If you’re part of a sports club, tap into the spirit of friendly competition with a charity sports tournament. Teams can compete for fun or a donated prize, while contributing to Opportunity International Australia's mission of transforming lives through microloans.

 ^{Deggi’s Mongolian dinner on Mother’s Day in Perth was a fundraising success.}

Give a cultural performance

Organise a cultural showcase featuring dance, music, and art performances from Asia. The event can serve as a bridge between communities while raising funds for a cause that transcends borders. Supporters like Deggi, who hosted a Mongolian dinner night complete with a traditional Mongolian musician, found this a winning combination!

Fundraise for your birthday

Want to forego birthday gifts this year, and ask your friends and family to help fight poverty instead? It’s easy – set up a fundraising profile here, or create a birthday fundraiser on Facebook to raise funds for Opportunity and spread the word on how your network can contribute to make a difference. 

Whether your fundraiser idea is small or big, every dollar raised helps us reach more families in need. So rally your friends and family on social media, use any community partnerships, and tell the stories of the women and girls you’re raising money for to amplify your fundraising efforts.

Together, you can make a real change for women and girls globally – and have fun along the way!

To start your charity fundraiser to help end global poverty, visit our fundraising page for more tips and tricks, or to register.