How Charities Can Raise Hundreds from Unused Currency: A Guide to Fundraising with Leftover Foreign Coins

The Hidden Treasure in People’s Drawers

Across the UK, there are millions of homes with bags, jars, and drawers filled with unused foreign coins and old banknotes. Most of it is forgotten holiday money—leftover currency that people never got around to exchanging.

And here’s the incredible part: research shows there’s over £2 billion in unused currency gathering dust in UK homes.

For charities, hospices, churches and schools, this presents a huge, untapped fundraising opportunity. With a little promotion and the right partner, your organisation could turn this forgotten money into hundreds—or even thousands—of pounds in donations.

Here’s how to get started…

Why Foreign Currency Fundraising Works So Well

Foreign currency fundraising is easy, inclusive, and effective:

• Everyone has some: Most people have old coins or notes from past trips.
• It’s effortless to give: Donors don’t need to spend—they’re simply passing on unused money.
• You collect more than you think: Even small donations add up quickly in bulk.
• Charities keep 100% of the value (when using the right service).

And the best part? This fundraising method doesn’t compete with your usual appeals or events—it complements them.

What Types of Currency Can Be Donated?

Using a specialist service like Cash4Coins, you can accept virtually all types of currency, including:

• Foreign coins and banknotes from any country
• Pre-Euro currencies (e.g. German Marks, French Francs)
• Old British & Irish coins and notes
• Demonetised or damaged currency
• Coins from airport donation bins or lost property boxes

Even coins that banks won’t touch can still be exchanged and converted into donations.

How Leading Charities Are Already Doing It

Many well-known UK charities already raise money this way, including:

• Macmillan Cancer Support
• Age UK
• Royal British Legion
• Oxfam
• Marie Curie
• RNIB

Some collect coins via donation tubes in shops and pubs, while others offer Freepost envelopes or organise appeals in schools, workplaces or churches.

With a trusted partner handling the exchange, the process is simple, safe, and effective.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide for Charities

Here’s how your organisation can launch a successful foreign currency fundraising campaign:

1. Partner with a Specialist Like Cash4Coins

Start by choosing a reliable partner that:

• Accepts all currency types
• Offers free collection or Freepost options
• Provides fast, secure payment
• Works with charities (Cash4Coins is trusted by some of the UK’s biggest names)

Get in touch with Cash4Coins to register your charity:

Exchange foreign coins for your charity

2. Promote the Campaign

Let supporters know you’re collecting leftover holiday money. Try:

• Posters and flyers
• Website banners
• Social media posts
• Emails to supporters
• Mention in your newsletter

Use phrases like:

• “Turn your travel change into a donation!”
• “We accept old coins and notes from any country”
• “No matter how small—every coin counts!”

3. Use Collection Boxes or Envelopes

Make it easy for people to donate:

• Place donation tubes at tills, entrances, or staff rooms
• Offer Freepost envelopes on request
• Organise drop-off days at events or centres

Many pubs, supermarkets, and community groups will host a tube on your behalf if you ask.

4. Arrange Collection or Postage

Once you’ve collected 5kg or more, Cash4Coins can arrange free courier collection. If you have less than that, simply post it using the Freepost address.

There’s no need to sort or count the coins—they’ll handle everything.

5. Receive Your Donation!

After processing, you’ll receive a donation payment direct to your bank—usually within 5 working days.

You’ll also receive a breakdown of what was exchanged—perfect for sharing with your supporters and showcasing impact.

How Much Can You Raise?

It all adds up! Here’s what some campaigns have raised:

Organisation	Amount Raised	Notes
Local school PTA	£475	Coins collected after half-term break
Church group	£760	Donations collected over 3 months
Hospice	£1,200	Added currency appeal to their Christmas campaign
Supermarket chain	£6,300	6-week in-store collection

Even smaller collections can generate £100–£300 within a few weeks.

Bonus Tip: Get on Our Charity Page

If you’re a UK charity, Cash4Coins can feature your name and logo on their charity donation page. This encourages more public donations directly on your behalf.

Just get in touch and ask to be added.

Final Thoughts: Turn Leftover Coins into Lifesaving Funds

Foreign coins may not seem valuable, but in the hands of your charity, they can make a real difference. This low-effort, high-return fundraising idea is ideal for schools, hospices, churches, and national charities.

With Cash4Coins, it’s fast, secure, and totally hassle-free.

So if you’re looking for a fresh fundraising idea that doesn’t cost your supporters a penny—start collecting foreign coins today.

Ready to Launch Your Campaign?

Click below to start your foreign currency appeal: