You have worked hard for your money and you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labours. What better way to do so than by giving large amounts to charity? As a sensible investment scheme it might turn a head or two, but ask anyone who has seen their generosity put to good use and they will tell you it is one of the most rewarding ways of spending money.

Unfortunately however there are not enough donations to go round so the UK's 186, 582 charities are constantly searching for lucrative cash-raising schemes. Bring and buy sales may make for good local news copy, but they cannot bring in the substantial capital injections charities need to ensure they are not left behind in an extremely competitive marketplace. What this means is that charities tend to devote a substantial amount of time working on how to appeal to those with the most to give.

One successful approach has been hit upon by the Funding Network(www.thefundingnetwork.org.uk). It brings together charities and potential donors on so-called 'funding days', where each charity gives a presentation and participants have the opportunity to donate in an informal 'pledging session'. Co-ordinator, Lizzie Gillett, explains: "Giving is often a very lonely endeavour, and giving with a group of people in a situation where it is easier to get a sense of what gift would be appropriate, means it can feel safer."

The charity's philosophy is that donating should be a positive act and not one done grudgingly. "We work on making each funding event a day people would like to attend rather than one they feel obliged to, and where people will feel inspired by the charities," says Gillett.

"Richer people are often personally targeted by charities in a way that the less wealthy are not, and people can become overwhelmed by the number of requests for help, which may make them more cautious," she suggests.

Other charities believe that successful business people can be encouraged to make major donations if they are given the opportunely to see the fruits of their investment. Working equine welfare charity (www.brooke-hospital.org.uk) encourages high-level givers to travel to the countries where their cash has made a difference.

"Major donors who are able to fund an entire project are more likely to want to visit it, have their name on it, and monitor its progress," explains Brooke's director of fundraising and Communication, John Trampleasure. This is what charity professionals call the fundraising pyramid: simply put, the greater the donation, the greater the appreciation.

Another productive strategy is the one off, high calibre event, in which donors are given the red-carpet treatment. Larger charities with the capital and connections to put on such evenings were quick to realise that everybody likes mixing with A-list celebrities. After all if you're going to give, you want to do it in style. Those who attended the premiere of Cold Mountain and donated £275 a ticket to the Prince's trust (www.princestrust.org.uk) for the privilege may not have been motivated principally by philanthropy. They were almost certainly more excited by the prospect of hobnobbing with HRH, Nicole Kidman or Renee Zellweger. But whatever the reason that the well-heeled attend such events, it is still a great money spinner for a good cause. Who said altruism can't be fun.

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