THE 40 HOUR CHALLENGE

What is the 40 Hour Challenge?

The 40 Hour Challenge is a national movement, giving young people across the UK a reason to get off autopilot and choose to act together. 

This is a generation ready for justice - but many young people are asking a simple question: “What can I actually do?”

The 40 Hour Challenge exists to answer that question. 

Through a shared challenge, young people give up something for 40 hours - stepping out of comfort, routine and convenience. As they disrupt the usual and step into God’s heart for justice, they also take action to raise vital funds for children and communities worldwide. In doing so they discover something powerful: they are not too young to make a difference. 

This is children changing children’s lives. 

How it works

1. Register your interest - and Paul Howard, our Emerging Gen Lead will be in touch.
2. Choose an activation date to run your 40 hours (26 June or 16 October). 
3. Pick your challenge as a group - something safe, appropriate and shared. 
4. Set your fundraising goal - to sponsor a child or support our wider work
5. Do the 40 hours and take meaningful action for global justice. 

And when the 40 hours ends...

That’s where the real story begins. Your group can continue their impact by donating the money they've raised in one of two ways:

• Sponsorship (Chosen): raise £360 to fund 12 months of sponsorship for one child (or £720 for two). A child chooses their sponsor - opening the door to a relationship your youth group can grow year after year.
  
  

• Donation: set a goal of any amount and fundraise for World Vision’s wider work tackling poverty and responding to emergencies.

How we'll support you

We’ll resource, equip and support you every step of the way with:

• Fundraising guides and practical planning tools

• Downloadable posters, stickers and promotional materials

• Support from our team to help you get started

Choosing a challenge

Youth lead the way in choosing the challenge - the goal is to move out of comfort and into compassion. A great 40 Hour Challenge is something your group can do collectively and that: 

• Involves a real sense of sacrifice or discomfort (because change costs something).

• Helps young people notice what they normally overlook.

• Is safe and appropriate for your group.

• Is shared—something you can take on together.

Examples could include a digital blackout, a sleepout, or a night hike - the point is to disrupt the usual and move your group into action. 

Still have questions?

If you have any questions about the 40 Hour Challenge, contact Paul Howard at paul.howard@worldvision.org.uk