What is it?
A 24-Hour Gaming Marathon is an exciting way to raise funds by playing video games nonstop for a full day and streaming the event online. It attracts fellow gamers, friends, and family who can sponsor you or donate during the marathon. This idea combines your passion for gaming with fundraising, making it fun and engaging for both you and your supporters.
Why does it work?
People love to support challenges that show commitment and endurance, especially when it involves something relatable like gaming. Live streaming adds an interactive element, encouraging viewers to donate in real-time to see you reach milestones or complete challenges. The social aspect creates a sense of community and motivates supporters to contribute.
Step-by-step plan
1
Choose your gaming marathon date and confirm you can dedicate 24 hours to streaming, including breaks.
2
Set up a streaming account on Twitch, YouTube Gaming, or Facebook Gaming if you don’t already have one.
3
Create a donation page on platforms like JustGiving or GoFundMe, clearly stating your fundraising goal, what the money is for, and why it matters.
4
Test your streaming setup beforehand—check your internet speed, audio, video, and donation link integration.
5
Promote your event at least two weeks in advance on social media, in school groups, and with friends and family, explaining when and where to watch and donate.
6
Plan gaming challenges or milestones during the 24 hours to keep viewers engaged and encourage donations (e.g., ‘If we reach £100, I’ll play a difficult level blindfolded’).
7
On the day, start your stream on time, interact with your viewers via chat, and remind them how to donate throughout the event.
8
Take short breaks for meals and stretching, but keep the stream live as much as possible to maintain momentum.
9
After the marathon, thank your supporters publicly on your stream and social media, and share how much you raised and what you’ll be using the funds for.
Realistic earnings
Most teenagers can realistically expect to raise between £100 and £500 depending on their network size and how well they promote the event. With good engagement and consistent streaming, hitting the higher end is possible.
Top tips
✅ Interact constantly with your viewers to keep them interested and encourage donations.
✅ Prepare a schedule of mini-challenges to motivate people to donate during the stream.
✅ Keep snacks and water nearby so you can maintain energy and keep the stream going.
✅ Make sure your donation link is easy to find in your stream description and pinned chat messages.
Common mistakes to avoid
⚠️ Not testing the streaming setup beforehand, which can cause technical difficulties during the event.
⚠️ Failing to promote the event early enough, resulting in low viewer and donation numbers.
⚠️ Ignoring viewers’ questions or comments, which can reduce engagement and donations.