Individual & Personal Fundraising Ideas NZ
Raising money for yourself or a personal cause in New Zealand is easier than most people think. Start an online page, then add product sales, sponsorship or a small event. Here is how to do it.
Whether it is medical costs, a trip, travel with a rep team or an emergency, you do not need a school or a charity behind you to fundraise. As an individual you can raise money for yourself, and the online tools that schools use are open to you too.
An online crowdfunding page is usually the easiest place to start, because people can give in seconds and share it on. From there you can add product sales, ask local businesses for sponsorship, and run a one-off event to build on it.
Ways to fundraise as an individual
Start an online crowdfunding page
The easiest place to start. Set up a page, tell your story, and share it with friends, family and your wider network. People can chip in from anywhere at any time, and the money goes straight to you.
Run a sponsored challenge
Pick a challenge people will back you to finish. A run, a walk, a hair shave, a month off something. Ask supporters to sponsor you per kilometre or with a flat pledge, and collect it on your page.
Sell a product to your network
Chocolate, coffee, baking, plants or handmade goods. Buy at a wholesale rate and sell to people you know for a margin. It suits smaller goals and people who would rather sell than ask.
Ask local businesses for sponsorship
If you are representing your region or club, local businesses often help with a donation or in return for their name on your kit or socials. A short, clear message with your goal works best.
Hold a one-off event
A quiz night, a sausage sizzle, a bake sale or a garage sale can raise a lump sum in a day. Keep costs low, sell tickets or take koha, and point people to your online page to give as well.
Start your own fundraiser online
The quickest way to get going is an online page you can share with anyone. Raised lets an individual set up a page and start collecting money in minutes, with the money going straight to you.
How to start a personal fundraiser, step by step
Set a goal and a deadline
Work out how much you need and by when. A clear number people can see gives them a reason to give now rather than later, and it tells you how hard you need to push.
Create your fundraising page
Set up an online page so people can give in a couple of taps. Add a photo, your goal and a short title. Raised lets you have a page live in minutes with no setup cost.
Tell your story
Say who you are, what the money is for, and why it matters to you. Be honest and specific. People give to a person and a purpose, not to a blank page.
Share it widely
Send it to family and close friends first to get the first few gifts in, then share on social media, in group chats and by email. Post updates so it keeps showing up in people's feeds.
Thank your supporters
Thank every person who gives, and share how the fundraiser is going. People who feel appreciated share your page and often give again, which is where a lot of momentum comes from.
Personal fundraising: common questions
How do I raise money for myself in NZ?
What is the best platform to fundraise as an individual?
How much does it cost to run a personal fundraiser?
Can I fundraise for medical or travel costs?
Ready to raise money for your cause?
Set up your page today and start sharing it with the people around you. It is free to get going, and you can be collecting money within the hour.
Last updated: July 2026