150th Fundraising Challenge

We will give you £150 in seed funding to grow into as much as you can – with a target of £1500 by the end of 2026. 

Encourage local members and supporters in your church and community to take part. Any branch or diocese can apply for the seed fund to start their fundraising activities by sending the below form to  fundraising@mothersunion.org.uk  

 

How far can your seed fund grow? 

In 2026 we’re asking dioceses and local groups to take on some creative and exciting fundraising challenges! We want to see how your seed can grow in your local area, through the faith and action of our wonderful members. 

You might choose to stage a sponsored walk, a bake sale, perhaps host concerts or community events. Whatever you do, you’ll be contributing to the same shared goal: supporting families and communities, now and for the future.

We have put together lots of ideas and resources to help build your 150th plans in your community. You can download your seed request form and resources using the buttons below. We’d love to hear your ideas too; please get in touch by dropping an email to fundraising@mothersunion.org

Your support changes lives 

 

For 150 years, Mothers’ Union has stood beside women and families facing poverty, violence, and injustice. Today, many communities are still hurting. Fundraising ensures we can continue to be a source of hope, strength, and change where it is needed most, in 2026 and beyond.

Donations to the 150th National Challenge will support Mothers’ Union’s charitable work in Britain and Ireland and overseas through trusted local partners and members.

Here are just a couple of examples of what can be achieved when we come together and put faith into action:

Here in Britain & Ireland, our RISE UP campaign to tackle domestic abuse is one of our flagship national programmes. Thanks to the fundraising support of our members, we’re able to provide funding for crucial resources to address this issue, such as the Diocese of Chelmsford’s domestic abuse video resource and accompanying resources for youth groups attached to CofE churches.

These resources will help to raise awareness of abusive relationships amongst young people, helping them to identify the signs of abusive relationships amongst their peers, and support them to get help and advice for themselves or others.

Overseas, the success of our savings and credit programmes demonstrates our ability to deliver lifechanging impact through grassroots action in the communities where we work. In Uganda, where we’ve had a presence for over 110 years, our Kingdom Savings & Credit Programme is combining faith-based community-building with skills training and financial education, delivering holistic and lasting change to whole communities across Uganda.

Without the fundraising and support of our members, we would not be able to train and monitor the leaders delivering this programme.

 

Fundraising Challenge 2026 – FAQs 

1. What is the Fundraising Challenge 2026? 

As part of our 150th anniversary celebrations, we’re inviting our members and supporters across Britain and Ireland to fundraise, coming together to help ensure we have the resources to put faith into action for years to come.

2. Who can fundraise as part of the challenge? 

Anyone who supports the mission and values of Mothers’ Union is welcome to fundraise for us – the more, the merrier! They might be new to MU entirely, or people who have connected with your events, projects, or community activities but haven’t yet taken the step to join.

3. Will there be support or resources for dioceses?

Absolutely, you won’t be doing this alone and the central staff team at MSH are here to help. Every diocese will receive: 

• Resource packs and materials designed to give you fundraising ideas and encourage more people, members and non-members, to take part. 

• Regular email updates from the fundraising team. 

You can also access downloadable resources here.

4. How do I apply for the £150 seed fund for my diocese or branch?

Please use this seed fund request form and send it to fundraising@mothersunion.org

Your request will be processed and funds sent to your requested diocese bank account. Please note this process is done fortnightly. As part of the seed fund challenge, we ask that you ideally transfer funds raised on a monthly basis throughout the year. This will enable the team to keep a track of your fundraising efforts, combine with any online donations or fundraising challenges raised and report back to you on the total progress you’ve made towards your target.

5. How do we pay in funds raised towards the 150th challenge? 

Please provide any funds raised to your diocese treasurer who will be able to transfer your funds raised towards the 150th challenge via Bacs transfer. These funds should be paid across to MSH monthly and carry the reference ‘<Diocese/Branch name> – 150th seed’ which will enable us to keep a track of your fundraising efforts.    

6. What if we have questions during the challenge?

You can: 

• Email the Fundraising Team at any time

• Use the resources provided to help you fundraise in your parishes and branches 

We are here to help you succeed. 

7. How will the funds raised be spent? 

Funds will be allocated flexibly, broadly split across our funding of projects in Britain and Ireland and overseas. This will ensure we can respond quickly to urgent needs, strengthen existing work, and invest in long-term, community led solutions. This flexibility is intentional; it’s how we maximise impact and ensure every pound works as hard as possible.