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Fundraising ideas for book lovers

Two women enjoying reading on a park bench

We are an independent charity that is committed to championing the importance of reading and reading for enjoyment. We know that so many of our supporters share our love of books too. Therefore, we have put together a selection of fundraising ideas involving books for all the book worms out there!

Four book-inspired fundraising ideas:

Host a book swap

For the keen readers out there with lots of books on your shelf that you've already read, you could organise a book swap. Ask everyone to come along with their favourite book with a note explaining why they'd love to share this story with other people. Again, you could serve refreshments and sell tickets to make it into a fundraising event.

Read-a-thon

If you're the kind of person who stays up all night because you can't put your book down, a read-a-thon is the perfect fundraising activity for you! Ask family and friends to sponsor you to read as much as you can within a day - you could even offer a prize to the person who guesses the number of books you read correctly!

If you're in need of some inspiration, check out Lottie and Catriona's story, who successfully completed a 12-hour-read-a-thon and raised an amazing £600 for the National Literacy Trust.

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Fundraise with your book club

Do you already run or attend a book club? Why not host a session at your home or book it at a special venue, serve refreshments and sell tickets to attend, with all proceeds going to the National Literacy Trust.

Dress up as your favourite book character

If you love to dress up, why not host a fundraising evening with the theme being dress up as your favourite book character! You could have a competition for the best costume with a prize for the winner, and you could even serve book-themed drinks throughout the night - Tequila Mockingbird anyone?

Please email us to let us know you are planning your event.

Champion the cause!

Don't forget to use a moment during your book-themed fundraising event to speak about why you're fundraising for the National Literacy Trust. Establishing a personal connection with the cause and demonstrating passion and enthusiasm is one of the best ways to motivate your audience to support you.

Need inspiration? Check out the 'about us' section of our website or email us for some key statistics to demonstrate the need for support.

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Gifts for your fellow book lovers

We are thrilled to partner with the incredible author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy on his beautiful 'Reading sets you free' print. Purchase one today to support our work changing life stories through literacy.

Purchase your Charlie Mackesy print

We are also lucky enough to work with the wonderful Pandora Sykes on the fabulous 'What Writers Read' book, which she curated with contributions from a selection of bestselling and beloved authors. Buy one for a fellow book worm today to help stop the cycle of poverty and low literacy.

Purchase your copy of 'What Writers Read' today

What support do we offer?

We can offer you a range of digital resources to help you organise and promote your event, including:

  • DIY fundraising pack, containing information on setting up your JustGiving page, promoting your fundraising activity and more.
  • Downloadable bunting - just print it out and stick it together for an easy way to make your venue look more inviting!
  • Poster template - make sure everyone's heard about your event by advertising it in your local area, for example at your regular pub or café.

Please email us if you would like to ask for other branded resources to support your fundraising.

Find out how to set up your JustGiving page and more Get some inspiration for your fundraiser
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