Millions of people around the world are diagnosed with cancer every year, and the costs of treatment can add up. If you or a loved one is battling cancer, you might feel compelled to raise money to cover medical costs and fund research.
Cancer Fundraising Ideas Can Be Used to Raise Money For:
By gaining support from friends, family members, and the community, you can raise money to cover some of those expenses. Not only is this support financially beneficial, but it can also help patients get the moral support they need to continue fighting their battle against cancer.
To help you relieve some of the stress associated with medical costs, we’ve compiled a list of 27 fundraising ideas for both individuals and organizations who want to raise money for cancer treatment and research.
Fundraising for Cancer Treatment
Online cancer crowdfunding campaigns that seek small monetary donations to help an individual or family cover expensive cancer treatments and chemotherapy is called cancer crowdfunding. Crowdfunding to raise funds for cancer treatment expense and chemotherapy drugs is the most cost-effective and easy way to begin. You can start an individual cancer fundraising campaign or begin raising funds for a nonprofit that serves individuals affected by cancer.
Fundraising for Cancer Research
Cancer research is research into cancer to identify causes and develop strategies for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. Cancer research ranges from epidemiology, molecular bioscience to the performance of clinical trials to evaluate and compare applications of the various cancer treatments. You can raise funds to help Scientist and Doctors research about different treatment and causes method for cancer.
Fundraising for Cancer Awareness
In India, the incidence of cancer is increasing rapidly; therefore it is important to step up cancer literacy and knowledge amongst the population. This will lead to early detection which is important in the management and treatment of cancer and also prevention by making necessary changes in lifestyle.
Fundraising for Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is rapidly rising amongst women in urban areas and it is the most common cancer in India. Early detection is essential in its management and treatment. Due to ignorance, fear, and social stigma many women present with stage III or IV cancer which requires surgery and extensive treatment. If detected early, then in most cases there will be less aggressive treatment and better chances of recovery.
Fundraising for Childhood Cancer
A term used to describe cancers that occur between birth and 14 years of age. Childhood cancers are very rare and may differ from adult cancers in the way they grow and spread, how they are treated, and how they respond to treatment. The most common types of childhood cancer are leukemia, brain and spinal cord tumors, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor (a type of kidney cancer), retinoblastoma, and cancers of the bone and soft tissue. Also called pediatric cancer.
Fundraising for At-Home or Recovery Care
After you leave hospital, you will need to continue taking care of yourself at home. Be guided by your doctor, but these general suggestions may help.
- Pain
- Wound Care
- Eating and Drinking
- Self Care
- Drain and Stomas
- Daily Activities
43 Fundraising Ideas to Raise Money for Cancer
1. Luminaria Ceremony.
Organize a luminaria ceremony to raise money for cancer research, awareness and treatment. Luminaria cereomonies are a way to honor those who have lost their battles with cancer while raising money for those still fighting to beat it and prevent it. You can raise money by selling luminaria kits and scheduling a time and a place to hold the ceremony.
During the event, individuals can decorate paper lantern bags with the names of loved ones who have battled or are battling cancer. Then, all at once, everyone lights their lanterns and you have speeches and a moment of silence in honor of the fight against cancer.
2. Charity Concert
Next time you need to raise money, host a charity concert. Charity concerts can be big money makers, but they’re a bit higher maintenance than some of the other fundraising ideas on this list.
To be successful, you’ll need a venue, performers, promotions, concessions, proper equipment, and decorations. The less you spend on those essentials, the more you’ll make for every ticket sold.
Know you’re audience and plan your event accordingly. Make sure to keep the focus on the beneficiaries of your event, those fighting cancer and those who have survived it.
3. Walkathons
Get some exercise and raise money all at once! Walkathons are a fundraising staple, especially for cancer-related nonprofits and causes, such as the Breast Cancer Walk.
Usually organized by a specific community or organization, walkathons ask participants to secure donation pledges based on the distance they’re able to walk.
Pledges will be the driving force of the fundraiser, but make sure that your walkathon offers items for sale such as concessions and commemorative t-shirts.
4. Restaurant Partnership
Many local and national restaurants are open to partnering with charities for fundraising nights. You can work with a major chain, like Panera Bread, or talk to local joints.
Typically, the way restaurant partnerships work is straight forward. Restaurants will host a night in your honor, where a portion of all sales are donated to your cause.
If the cancer you’re raising money for has a dedicated month, try to organize the partnership to coincide with that month. Then, post signs about the month, the fundraiser, and the cause throughout the restaurant.
5. Checkout Charity
Have you ever had someone ask if you’d like to add $1 to your bill to donate to XYZ cause? That’s checkout charity, and it’s a great way to raise money.
Find a local shop or restaurant that would be willing to collect checkout donations on your behalf or even just let you set up a donation jar near the register.
Donors already have their wallets out and usually don’t mind sparing a dollar or two. Add incentive by letting the donors sign their name to a contributor wall with more info about your cause that benefits cancer treatment.
6. Yoga Charity
See if you can find a local yoga instructor and studio that would be willing to partner with you to raise money for cancer research and awareness. If you can’t secure a studio, you can host at home.
To raise money, see if the instructor and studio will split the proceeds or donate them all to your cause. You should also place collection jars around the class to encourage additional giving.
Yoga is a great cancer fundraiser because it encourages healthy mind, body, and soul and can be highly restorative. Make sure to promote and get a large group to participate!
7. Music Concert in the Park
If the time of year is right, you can hold a music concert in the park. Advertise it as a picnic under the stars and encourage families to attend and bring a quilt to spread out on the ground to enjoy their evening picnic.
8. Paint ‘N Sip Event
Transform a school gym or local community center into a massive paint ‘n sip event. Coordinate with an art supplier and/or a local Paint ‘N Sip shop for discounted supplies to make your event more affordable for greater participation. You can coordinate the event with local art galleries, art supply shops, and vineyards to get everyone involved to ensure a successful event!
9. Pet Show
Host a pet show. You’ll need specific animal categories and may find help in planning through animal shelters and pet stores.
10. Family Crafts Weekend
Stage an outdoor/indoor family crafts weekend. Set up at least three types of crafts for families to enjoy together. The more crafts you have available, the greater participation you’ll have as families move from one craft arena to the next. Depending on the time of year, you may choose specific holiday theme, such as Holi, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and so on.
11. Street Festival
Hold a family-oriented street festival with local artisans setting up booths along with other vendors. Involve all the businesses and encourage them to participate with a booth to interact and introduce themselves to the local community.
12. Musical Talent Contest
Stage a musical talent contest by dividing into categories, such as singers, individual musicians, and bands. Make sure you have a big enough venue and if the weather/season is right, you may decide an outdoor venue is better.
13. Variety Talent Contest
Have a non-specific variety talent contest. This type of talent contest is open to anyone wishing to showcase their specific talent. It can be a lot of fun for your community at large.
14. Choral Competition
A choral competition is always competitive and fun. Some categories you might establish could be for school age groups and church choirs. This will give you a wide variety of music to encourage greater participation.
15. Cake Decorating Contest for Cancer Fundraising
Hold an official cake decorating contest to raise money for cancer patients. You will need a facility that can provide support for this kind of contest, such as a commercial kitchen, bakery, school kitchen, or church kitchen. Contestants will gain supporters to finance their entry. You’ll also want to get donations from various companies to sponsor the event. You will then sell tickets to the local community. All proceeds will go to help a specific cancer patient or a group of local cancer patients. You’ll need to set a decorating theme and decide on the categories and type of prizes to be awarded. You’ll need to recruit at least three professional bakers for your judges.
16. Dance Contest
You can choose the dance genre for your dance contest. This can be a contest like Dancing with the Stars, or you can hold a dance marathon where the winners aren’t necessarily the best dancers, just the one with the most stamina to outlast the other dancers. You may decide an old-fashioned square dance contest is a good option.
17. Food Truck Cooking Contest
Host a regional food truck cooking contest. This event can be a lot of fun and a great way to introduce local food trucks to the community. If possible, get local bands to provide music and turn it into a weekend event.
Successful Cancer Fundraising Campaigns – Example
Donating for a cause has a long and decorated history in our country. At various points of time – even during our independence struggle, in fact – people came forward to donate. No matter what they had or how much they earned, Indians did not hesitate to contribute for a genuine cause. What’s more, these fundraising efforts were led by some of India’s most respected figures, who recognised the underlying kindness of the people, as well as the sheer power of all Indians, when united for a common cause.
1. Taking fundraising to new heights
Who? Lorraine Turker and friend
Where? Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Amount raised: Over £5,300
Lorraine Turker was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in 2010 and as well as undergoing chemotherapy, she took part in a clinical trial in the battle to help save her life. Fortunately, she won the battle and just two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer she decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with her friend and breast cancer patient, Dawn
Lorraine reached the summit of the 5,895-metre mountain in Tanzania on her 40th birthday and raised over £5,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Lorraine said: “We wanted to do something to help raise awareness to women who could easily let small symptoms go unchecked. The climb took a lot of training and mental strength but it was such an adventure and completely worth it to raise the money for Cancer Research UK.”
2. Young Anupama Battled Cancer With The Help Fundraising
On 24th September 2018, Anupam was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome (blood cancer). With months of medications and treatment, a BMT was finally carried out, putting her on the road to recovery.
But just as she thought she had won her battles, a follow-up with the doctors revealed a relapse and had become more aggressive. Anupam was now fighting hard to beat Acute myeloid leukaemia. Having spent over Rs 16 lakh on the treatment, Anupam’s sister, Pooja, was doing all she could to arrange funds to save her beloved sister’s life. They were left with no funds to spare when they turned to crowdfunding. Several kind hearts warmed up to the story of her struggle with cancer. People came forward to help her defeat cancer once and for all and saved her life.
If you are looking to understand crowdfunding better, here are 3 simple steps to explain it. And if you have some doubts in your mind, banish them as we clear some of the most common crowdfunding misconceptions!
Fundraising: Related FAQs
Q1. How can I raise money for treatment?
SFA addresses the many challenges of giving (such as difficulty in discovering the right causes, trust deficit, and overall donor apathy). We share stories of (pre-qualified) individuals and groups with a network of its trusted community and partners, who either specialize in providing and supporting the local communities by promoting products or can connect with the cause to help with a donation.
For your fundraiser to be as transparent as possible, upload a scanned copy of your hospital bill mentioning the medical condition and the amount you require along with high resolution photograph of the patient.
How it Works?
SFA is the best place to fundraise, whether you are an individual, group, or organization.
1. Start your campaign
- Set your fundraiser goal
- Tell your story
- Add a picture or video
2. Share with friends
- Send emails
- Send text messages
- Share on social media
3. Manage donations
- Accept donations
- Thank donors
- Withdraw funds
With a simple on boarding process and 0% platform fees, your free fundraiser will create impact and touch lives. Start a fundraiser for free today and begin your journey of making a difference and impacting lives.
Q2. What are the most profitable fundraisers?
Fundraising events are a fun and exciting way to raise much-needed funds. They can also be a great way to raise community awareness about your cause, organization or nonprofit services.
Walk/Run/Bike-a-Thon is the most profitable fundraiser
Choose your sport and get moving! You can make almost any activity into a “thon” and use it as a fundraising event by getting pledges and local sponsorship.
Summary
Upon being diagnosed with cancer, a person’s life changes dramatically. Daily concerns have to take second place to completing all the tests, doctor visits, and paperwork that are needed in order to plan the cancer treatment. Once the treatment is started and a general plan is put into place, the patient’s attention may turn to questions about finances.
While cancer treatment is expensive, it’s not just the treatment that is costly. A cancer diagnosis can affect a family’s finances in the following ways:
- Lost wages from the individual diagnosed if the person is not able to work through treatment
- Lost wages if the primary caregiver is not able to work while the person with cancer is getting treatment
- Increased insurance premiums
- Family members may incur travel costs getting back and forth to treatment
- Individuals in treatment may need special food, comfort items and over-the-counter medications to help with side effects of treatment
All these costs come at a time when the family has neither the emotional energy nor the time to deal with additional financial stressors.
Start Fundraiser for Cancer Patients with SFA
We want to make access to funds easy through crowdfunding in India; while promoting transparency and accountability. We want to change the traditional methods of how cancer treatments and expenses are funded by making crowdfunding the go to method of raising funds in India.
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