Quiet Fundraising: Gentle ways to support our community

If you’ve found comfort, connection or confidence through Quiet Connections, then you already know the quiet power of being seen and accepted as you are.

At Quiet Connections, we believe in the power of gentleness and showing up just as we are. We’re a small but deeply rooted community in Cornwall, creating calm, inclusive spaces where quieter people can feel heard, valued and supported.

But these spaces don’t just appear on their own. They exist because people like you care. And because people like you are willing to help nurture something special.

Whether you’re part of our community or someone who values compassion and inclusion, you can help us continue creating spaces where quieter people feel welcome and safe to be themselves.

Fundraising helps keep this movement going. It means we can run Meet Ups in cosy community spaces, keep the tea flowing, offer thoughtful resources, and make sure everyone feels welcome. It allows us to listen deeply, respond to real needs, and build a future where quietness is not just accepted but celebrated.

If you’re reading this, you might already be thinking about how you could contribute. Whether you’re a quieteer, a volunteer, or someone who simply believes in what we do, this post will guide you through what’s possible. It includes practical steps, real examples, and gentle encouragement to get you started.

Why fundraising matters

Every Meet Up we run costs something. Venue hire, refreshments, community activities, promotion, safeguarding measures, coordination. While none of us are in this for the money, there are real and ongoing costs that come with creating safe and sustainable spaces for quieter people.

As a Community Interest Company, we’re not a charity, but we are a non-profit organisation. That means all the money raised goes directly back into the work we do.

Fundraising helps us continue showing up for each other. It means new people can discover us and join in. It gives us breathing space and stability to dream a little further ahead. And when it’s done in ways that feel aligned with who we are, it can also be a joyful act of connection and purpose in itself.

Starting small is powerful

You don’t need to run a marathon or raise thousands to make a difference. Some of our most heartening support has come from small, meaningful actions taken by people within our community.

Take Olly, for example, from our Falmouth Meet Up. After finding Quiet Connections at a difficult time in his life, he wanted to give something back. By simply sharing his story and inviting others to support our work, Olly raised over £600.

“I am dyslexic and autistic and have often had difficulty developing friendships and hobbies throughout life. I like to be quiet, I don’t like busy environments or stressful events.

I recently found Quiet Connections after a difficult time and felt I needed to get out in the real world and meet some people. The Falmouth group has given me the space and opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn to communicate again and boost my confidence.”

Olly’s quiet courage has helped create more of those opportunities for others too.

Or consider the team effort behind two local car boot sales. Vicky, Tom, Barry, Laura, Michael, Holly and Olly from various Meet Ups came together, gathering donations from friends and family, sorting through items, and setting up their stalls. Together, they raised over £200 to support future Meet Ups.

Barry, from our Redruth Meet Up, also had a conversation with a local councillor over a round of golf about the difference Quiet Connections was making. That conversation alone helped unlock over £250 from the Community Chest Fund.

Each of these examples began with someone quietly asking, “What could I do to help?”

Getting started: a gentle guide to fundraising

Whether you’re fundraising as an individual, with a friend, or as part of a Meet Up group, here’s how you might begin:

1. Choose what feels right for you

Start by thinking about what kind of fundraising feels comfortable and aligned with your energy and interests. Some ideas to consider:

• Run a car boot stall with donated items (we still have plenty of things left to be sold!) 

• Host a craft or bake sale at a local community space

• Share your story and ask friends or family to donate directly

• Create a sponsored challenge, like a walk, swim, or creative project

• Organise a quiz night in collaboration with a local café or pub

• Run a big fundraising event, like an open mic, games, or craft night, as part of a team of quieteers

• Seek out and apply for a small grant or speak with a councillor about community funding

There’s no one-size-fits-all. What matters is that it feels manageable and meaningful to you.

2. Set a clear goal

You might be raising funds for an existing Meet Up, to start a new Meet Up in your area, or simply to support the wider community. Either way, it helps to know what you’re working towards. Setting a target gives you focus and a sense of achievement as you make progress.

3. Let others support you

Fundraising is rarely a solo act. You might have one or two others in your Meet Up group who’d like to help. You might find someone who enjoys doing the organising side, while you focus on sharing the message. Or perhaps someone you know has connections to a local business or organisation that could chip in.

Be open to help. Ask clearly. And remember that people often want to be part of something that matters.

4. Share the story

People don’t just give to causes. They give to people and stories that move them.

You don’t need to have a dramatic tale. Simply sharing how Quiet Connections has helped you feel more at ease, more connected, or more confident can be incredibly powerful. You might write a few words for social media, or even speak about it at an event.

We’re happy to support you with template text, posters, or a link to our online donation page if you’d like to set up a simple fundraiser.

5. Celebrate and reflect

Whatever happens, take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve done. Whether you raise £10 or £1,000, you’ve taken a courageous step in support of something that matters to you and others.

Let us know what you’re doing, and we’ll support you however we can. We love celebrating our community’s efforts and sharing stories that inspire others to take part too.

You don’t have to be loud to make a difference

Fundraising doesn’t have to look a certain way. It can be calm, thoughtful, creative, and quiet. It can happen through conversations, care, and quiet determination. And every penny raised helps someone else feel less alone, more connected, more at home in themselves.

If you’d like to start something and you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to help. Reach out to us with your ideas or questions. You’re not alone in this.

Thank you for considering how you might support Quiet Connections. However you contribute, your presence matters. Together, we can continue to make space for quiet voices to be heard and valued.