How do I set up a birthday or in-memory fundraiser?

Pick a charity, write a personal story, set up an online page and share it tactfully with family and friends.

To set up a birthday or in-memory fundraiser, take four steps: choose a charity that fits you or the person who died, write a personal story, create an online page where people can give, and share it with family and friends at a fitting moment. For an in-memory fundraiser, respect and tact come first. Here is how.

A birthday fundraiser in four steps

Four steps: choose your charity, plan a few weeks ahead, make it personal and tell people yourself.

Choose your charity. Pick an organisation you genuinely feel connected to and say why.
Plan a few weeks ahead. Decide on a target and how people can give. Recharity suggests starting a few weeks before your birthday.
Make it personal. Explain what the charity means to you, how the money will be used and what the fundraiser means to you.
Tell people yourself. Let family and friends know you would rather have a gift to charity than a present. A QR code on the invitation makes giving easier.

An in-memory fundraiser, with tact

JustGiving has a dedicated section on fundraising in memory of a loved one. Keep it simple and warm: open with a short memory of the person, explain why you chose this charity and what the proceeds can do. A photo and a personal message do more than a long argument. Talk it through with close family first so nobody is surprised.

What all personal fundraisers have in common

One clear goal. People give more readily to one concrete aim than to a general appeal.
A short story. Keep it short and in small sections, with a recognisable photo.
A moment. Tie the fundraiser to a date: the birthday, an anniversary or a memorial service.
Thank everyone. Especially for an in-memory fundraiser, a personal thank-you means a lot.

You can also mark milestones: JustGiving asks whether you can do something in return for your donors at 20%, 50% and 100% of your target.

Practical points

Check that the charity knows about your fundraiser and how the gifts reach it. Think about privacy: do not show details or photos of other people without their consent, especially children. If you want donors to get a tax certificate, ask the charity whether that is possible; it depends on the country and the organisation.

In WeGlow

WeGlow has no dedicated birthday or memorial template. For organisations that use WeGlow, you can start your own fundraiser page for one of their campaigns or events, with a title, story, photos and a target. Glowie can rewrite your story in a personal, professional or urgent tone, and you can share by link, WhatsApp, Facebook, LinkedIn or email.

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should I start a birthday fundraiser?

A few weeks before the date gives you time to share and show progress.

Can I start an in-memory fundraiser without the family's permission?

Better not. Talk it through with close family first.

Can people give anonymously?

That depends on the platform. Check what your page asks for and say in your text what happens with people's details.

Sources

Checked on 2 October 2026.

Recharity: birthday fundraiser steps: choose a cause, plan a few weeks ahead, personal story, QR code on the invitation
JustGiving Help: fundraising in memory of a loved one
JustGiving: tips for a personal story and photo; milestones at 20%, 50% and 100% of the target