Why Fundraising for Local Charities Makes a Big Difference

At Elmbridge Community Link (ECL), we’re a small local charity with a big impact. Every week, we run a schedule of inclusive activities for adults living in the borough of Elmbridge with learning disabilities and/or autism.  From music and arts and crafts to cooking, sport and board games, our activities are designed to boost our members’ self-confidence, build essential life skills and create happiness in their worlds. But behind every session, every smile and every achievement, there’s something crucial: local support and fundraising.

That’s why my job as Development and Communications Manager, where I am responsible for generating the charitable income for ECL, is more than just important. It’s vital.

Why Local Fundraising Matters

When people choose to support national charities, their donations often go into large central pots. That’s not a bad thing as big charities do amazing work. But when you focus on fundraising for local charities, you see the difference up close. You can visit the community centre your donation supports. You might even meet people whose lives are being changed.

For small organisations like ECL, local fundraising is our lifeline. It helps us cover essentials like venue hire, facilitator costs, sports equipment and crafting materials. Without it, we simply wouldn’t be able to offer the welcoming, inclusive sessions our members look forward to each week.

From raffles and quiz nights to sponsored runs and village fetes, every local fundraising initiative helps us keep going and growing.

More Than Just Fundraising: Building Local Connections

One of the most powerful outcomes of fundraising for local charities is the way it brings people together. Whether you’re organising a sponsored walk or attending a community coffee morning, these events connect neighbours, schools, businesses and families in meaningful ways.

Every time someone fundraises for ECL, they help us reach new audiences - spreading awareness about learning disabilities and the importance of inclusive, supportive environments. Awareness can lead to volunteering, donations, partnerships, or even new members finding the confidence to join in.

Local fundraising also gives people a real sense of ownership and pride. When you support a charity in your own community, you know your effort is helping people just around the corner not just somewhere far away.

A Charity Our Community Can Feel Part Of

At ECL, we believe fundraising should be fun, inclusive and community-led. Many of our members and volunteers love to get involved - helping sell raffle tickets, inviting friends to sponsored events or contributing prizes for quiz evenings. These moments build confidence, celebrate everyone’s contribution, and reinforce the idea that giving back is for everyone.

What’s more, local supporters often become long-term friends of the charity. We’ve seen people start by attending a fundraiser and go on to volunteer, partner with us at work, or become regular donors. That’s the true magic of local fundraising - it turns one-time supporters into a community network.

Real Impact From Real People

Thanks to fundraising for local charities like ours, we’ve been able to:

• Run arts and crafts sessions that inspire creativity and self-expression

• Provide cooking activities that build independence and life skills

• Offer sports and games that improve wellbeing and social confidence

• Take members out on day trips and excursions

• Support our staff and volunteers to deliver exceptional, person-centred support

ECL Summer Quiz tickets

When local people give their time, energy or donations, the impact is visible, direct and deeply appreciated. It keeps our service running  and keeps our members connected, confident and supported.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’d like to make a difference in your community, here are some easy ways to start fundraising for local charities like ECL:

• Organise a fundraiser: coffee mornings, cake sales, quiz nights or dress-down days all work brilliantly

• Take on a challenge: walk, run, cycle, swim or even do a sky dive (like our founder and trustee!) to raise money and awareness. Just set up fundraising page on Local Giving and make it really easy for people to donate.

• Support us at work: nominate us as your company or school’s charity of the year

• Volunteer your time: we’re always looking for friendly faces to support our weekly sessions

• Spread the word: follow us on social media (@eclwalton), tell a friend, or share our story

No matter how big or small your contribution, it helps us create a better future for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism in our community.

Local Giving, Local Impact

At Elmbridge Community Link, we see the power of community every single day. Our members thrive in the safe, supportive and joyful spaces we create and that’s only possible because of people like you.

When you choose to start fundraising for local charities, you’re doing more than raising money. You’re helping your neighbours. You’re supporting inclusion. You’re building a stronger, kinder community.

And we think that’s something worth celebrating.

Former ECL Trustee and Partner complete Half Iron Man for ECL