You don’t need a big name or a big budget to make a big impact. At Inspired Adventures, we know small charities often wonder, “Is this something we can really do?” The answer? Absolutely, yes. Fundraising adventures aren’t just for the big players. In fact, some of the most successful charity campaigns we’ve seen have come from small, passionate organisations with powerful causes and a tight-knit community.
It’s About the Cause, Not the Size
The most successful campaigns aren’t always from the largest organisations, they’re often from charities with a clear mission, a compelling reason to act, and a strong community. The Motor Neurone Disease Association of South Australia (MND SA) is a powerful example of what’s possible. Despite being a small, state-based organisation, MND SA has achieved outstanding results with their fundraising adventures, raising nearly $300,000 across just three campaigns:
- 🥾 Larapinta Trail | $110,706 raised
- ⛰️ Flinders Ranges | $100,238 raised
- 🌊 Bay of Fires | $87,645 raised
- 👥 Average team size: 10 - 15 participants
Their success proves that when your mission resonates and your story is strong, you can raise incredible funds, no matter your size. MND SA’s success was because they had a strong purpose, authentic stories, and deep community ties. Their participants were walking in honour of loved ones, raising awareness and funds, and becoming ambassadors for the cause.
Personal Outreach Works
Small charities often have more intimate relationships with their supporters, which is a huge advantage. MND SA used marketing comms created by Inspired Adventures to their community as well as reached out personally to their network. Supporters felt seen, valued, and inspired to take action.
The Impact Is Bigger Than the Numbers
It’s also important to note that whilst fundraising is a large part of these adventures, the long-term benefits go way beyond that and are just as valuable. These include strengthened relationships with donors, increased visibility and brand awareness, and a powerful sense of community and connection among supporters. Adventures also generate valuable stories, images, and testimonials that can be used to inspire future campaigns, along with a renewed energy and focus around your cause that continues well after the trek ends.
You Can Share The Adventure With A Like-Minded Charity
If you're concerned about reaching minimum numbers, there's another great option, share the adventure.
We’ve seen incredible success when two aligned charities join forces to take on a challenge together. A great example is Stroke Foundation Australia and Stroke Foundation New Zealand, who both brought supporters to trek the Great Wall of China together.
This partnership helped fill the adventure and also created a powerful sense of global community around a shared mission, supporting stroke awareness, prevention, and recovery.
Sharing an adventure can:
- Reduce pressure on team numbers
- Broaden your reach across regions
- Create opportunities for collaboration
- Strengthen your voice within a shared cause area
At Inspired Adventures, we can help identify like-minded partners to co-promote a campaign that works for everyone.
What the Numbers Say
Across all Inspired Adventures campaigns: Inspired Adventures teams typically range from 10 to 20 participants, with each individual raising an average of $5,105. The most successful campaigns aren’t necessarily the biggest, they’re the ones driven by a powerful cause and compelling storytelling. Even a team of just 15 participants can raise over $75,000 in a single trip. That kind of impact can transform your programs, expand your reach, and energise your community in a truly meaningful way.
Ready To Step Into Your First Adventure?
If you're a small charity with:
✔️ A strong mission
✔️ A supportive community
✔️ A desire to grow your fundraising in a meaningful way
…then a fundraising adventure could be exactly the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Worried about capacity? That’s where we come in.
Inspired Adventures provides full-service support:
✅ Branded marketing assets
✅ Fundraising resources and coaching
✅ Trip logistics, safety and coordination
✅ Ongoing guidance from a dedicated Campaign Manager
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