Fundraise for NTU
Whether you’re considering fundraising to support the amazing work of our John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, our ground-breaking work in Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinson’s research, to create life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged young people, or any other cause that NTU is committed to, we’re delighted that you share our passion for making a difference and grateful for your incredible efforts.
Fundraising is a great way to challenge yourself, have fun, and support a cause that is close to your heart.
There are all sorts of ways you can get involved and, whatever sort of fundraising you’re thinking about, your efforts will make a huge difference to many people.
Perhaps you’re considering running a marathon or holding a bake sale. Maybe you’re interested in completing a long-distance trek or organising a karaoke night. There are all sorts of fun and creative ways to fundraise, but whatever you choose to do, you won’t be on your own.
Our fundraising team are right on hand with all the support you need to achieve your goals - have a look at the resources below.
So if you’re ready to make a difference, we’re here with you every step of the way.
Our causes
The Student Success Endowment
The Student Success Endowment is an income-generating investment that will channel all dividends it accrues into an Opportunity Fund for disadvantaged students.
How you can support the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre
Support the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre and help us to continue our ground-breaking work in immunotherapy.
How you can support Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinson's research
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are now the leading causes of death in the UK. Help us in the search for new and innovative methods of prognosis.
Your fundraising for these causes could make a difference by:
- helping some of our most disadvantaged students to access extracurricular opportunities like work experience and volunteering that will transform their life chances
- taking our ground-breaking research into immunotherapy and cancer diagnosis out of the lab and into clinics where it will save lives
- supporting our quest for innovative new treatment methods against destructive neurodegenerative diseases
- cementing the right for access to justice for many people hindered by the legal systems.
Each of these causes is something we’re deeply passionate about, and we know many people just like you share our determination to make a real difference and change lives.
Upcoming fundraising events
Robin Hood Half Marathon and Mini Marathon
Fundraise for us at Nottingham’s biggest running event and support the ground-breaking work of NTU’s John van Geest Cancer Research Centre.
Fundraising ideas
There’s really no limit when it comes to fundraising ideas – let your creativity run wild!
A good starting point might be to think about something you’re good at and enjoy doing – something you like sharing with other people.
Perhaps you’re a culinary sensation and love cooking for friends and family. If so, why not host a fundraising dinner party?
Maybe there’s nothing you enjoy more than a good quiz night and the chance to test your knowledge. Why not swap from contestant to host and arrange your own charity quiz night.
Or you might want to test yourself physically with an endurance challenge. In which case, why not combine your next adventure with supporting a worthy cause?
Maybe some of our fundraising heroes will inspire you…
Meet some of our fundraising heroes
Every year, people from all walks of life give their time and effort to make a difference.
Here are just some of our amazing supporters who’ve helped to change lives with their own fundraising adventures.
The sky’s the limit for Hollie and her fundraising adventure
A daring fundraiser has taken part in a skydive and raised over £2,500 to support our ADP research.
Going the extra mile
When Nicola Adamson’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, she knew she had to do something to help fight back. So as a keen runner, she laced up her running shoes and set out to complete the gruelling 50-mile Chester Ultra, raising almost £2,000 in support of NTU’s Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinson’s research along the way.
Fundraising through The Fat Boy Challenge
NTU alumnus Chris Radford lost his best friend Steve Radford to prostate cancer in 2014. In the years since, Chris has raised more than £30,000 through his Fat Boy Challenge, which encourages men not only to donate to the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, but also to get their prostates checked, so far leading to at least two participants having their own symptoms of prostate cancer detected early.
Hiking Hadrian’s Wall
Father and son team Peter and Tommy Besson, and their friend Denys Osborn, had long-planned to undertake the epic 73-mile hike from end to end across Hadrian’s Wall, but were prevented by the Covid-19 pandemic. This year though, the intrepid trio were finally able to complete their incredible adventure, all in support of NTU. His advice to fellow fundraisers? “Choose a charity that’s close to your heart,” Peter says, “one that really means something – this will spur you on.”
Share your fundraising stories with us!
And don’t forget that we always love to hear from our committed and passionate community of fundraisers too! Get in touch if you’re fundraising for us at giving@ntu.ac.uk.
Things to remember
Here’s some of our top tips on making your fundraising activities a success.
- Get the word out: you want news of your fundraising challenge to spread far and wide. Use social media and tell friends and family all about your plans and goals and encourage them to share with people they know.
- Nail down the details: choosing a date, time, venue and any other details you need for your challenge early will help you focus on what lies ahead and help when you tell people about your plans. Don’t forget to set up a Just Giving page like ours – it’s a great tool for fundraisers.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: friends, family, neighbours, even your employer may all be willing to help you with donations and support. And don’t forget, you can contact us at giving@ntu.ac.uk if you need any further guidance or advice – you’re never alone as a fundraiser.
- Set a fundraising target: this can help with motivation and give you something to aim for.
- Remember that many people will still donate after the event: it can be easy to think that fundraising ends once your challenge is complete, but lots of people will continue to donate after you’ve been successful, so don’t stop shouting about your achievements once your event is over.
- Share your experiences: documenting your fundraising journey is part of the adventure and it’ll also help spread the word about what you’re planning. Use social media, a blog, and updates on JustGiving to share photos and details of your challenge and the impact it will have.
- When you’ve completed your challenge: you can contact us at giving@ntu.ac.uk to arrange transferring your hard-earned funds. And don’t forget to celebrate your achievements too!
Fundraising promise
All our activities adhere to the Fundraising Code of Practice, ensuring that every donation you make is put to the best possible use. Find out more.