Planning a charity event? The right music can make all the difference between a so-so fundraiser and a truly memorable, inspiring experience. Choosing the perfect soundtrack is crucial; it sets the tone, boosts energy, and encourages generosity. That's why we've compiled this ultimate list of the best songs for charity events, carefully curated to appeal to a wide range of tastes and ages. From upbeat pop anthems to soulful ballads, we've got the perfect tunes to keep your guests engaged and your donations flowing. Forget the awkward silences and flat energy – this guide will help you create an atmosphere that truly reflects the spirit of giving and inspires your attendees to open their hearts (and wallets!). Whether you're aiming for a lively party atmosphere or a more intimate and reflective mood, we've got the perfect musical selection to help you achieve your fundraising goals. So, let's get started and find the soundtrack that will make your charity event unforgettable.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. One Way or Another | One Direction | FOUR (Deluxe) | 482M+ |
| 2. Earth Song | Michael Jackson | HIStory - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE - BOOK I | 442M+ |
| 3. Heal the World | Michael Jackson | Dangerous | 260M+ |
| 4. That's What Friends Are For |
Dionne Warwick Elton John Stevie Wonder Gladys Knight | Friends | 259M+ |
| 5. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me | Elton John | Caribou (Remastered 1995) | 181M+ |
| 6. We Are the World | USA for Africa | 170M+ | |
| 7. One | U2 | Achtung Baby (Deluxe Edition) | 169M+ |
1. One Way or Another - FOUR (Deluxe)
Upbeat Tempo: "One Way or Another" boasts an infectious, high-energy rhythm perfect for getting guests moving and contributing to a lively atmosphere at your charity event.
Positive and Hopeful Lyrics: The song's message of determination and optimism resonates with the spirit of fundraising and collective action for a good cause.
Wide Appeal: Its catchy melody and familiar tune make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to a broad age range and ensuring maximum engagement from your attendees.
2. Earth Song
Emotional Impact: Earth Song's powerful vocals and evocative lyrics about environmental destruction and human suffering create a deeply moving experience, perfect for prompting reflection and inspiring action at a charity event.
Musicality: The song's blend of soaring vocals, orchestral arrangements, and a driving rhythm creates a memorable and emotionally resonant soundscape, ideal for setting a contemplative yet hopeful mood.
Fundraising Potential: Its universal themes of hope and environmental responsibility make it a strong choice for encouraging donations and raising awareness for a worthy cause; consider using it during a video montage showcasing the charity's impact.
3. Heal the World (Michael Jackson - 1991)
Uplifting Melody: Heal the World's gentle melody and memorable chorus create a positive and hopeful atmosphere, perfect for inspiring generosity at a charity event.
Michael Jackson's Vocals: Jackson's instantly recognizable and emotionally resonant vocals add a powerful layer of sincerity, deeply connecting with listeners on a human level.
Message of Hope: The song's core message of global unity and compassion aligns perfectly with the spirit of charitable giving, making it a powerful choice for fundraising or awareness campaigns.
4. That's What Friends Are For (Friends - 1986)
Star-Studded Lineup: Featuring Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight, this song boasts an all-star cast whose combined vocal power creates an incredibly moving and uplifting experience, perfect for a charity event.
Timeless Message of Friendship and Support: The lyrics emphasize themes of unity and compassion, resonating deeply with the spirit of charitable giving and inspiring collective action.
Uplifting Melody and Harmonies: The song’s instantly recognizable melody and powerful harmonies create a feel-good atmosphere that's both celebratory and emotionally resonant, encouraging generosity and positive emotions.
5. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Emotional Impact: "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" possesses a deeply moving and hopeful quality, making it perfect for inspiring generosity and connection at a charity event.
Vocal Performance: Elton John's powerful and emotive vocals resonate with listeners, creating a powerful atmosphere of shared emotion conducive to charitable giving.
Broad Appeal: Its classic and widely recognized melody ensures broad appeal across age groups, enhancing the inclusivity and impact of your event.
6. We Are the World
Star-Studded Lineup: Featuring an all-star cast of 1980s pop icons, "We Are the World" boasts instantly recognizable vocals that amplify its message of unity and collaboration.
Anthemic Chorus: The unforgettable, soaring chorus is incredibly easy to sing along to, creating a powerful communal experience perfect for a charity event.
Powerful Message: The song's heartfelt lyrics about global unity and compassion directly resonate with the spirit of charitable giving, making it an ideal choice to inspire generosity.
7. One - Achtung Baby (Deluxe Edition)
Sound: U2's "One" boasts a soaring, anthemic quality, perfectly suited to inspire a sense of unity and togetherness amongst attendees at a charity event.
Emotional Impact: The song's powerful message of hope and reconciliation resonates deeply, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere ideal for fundraising.
Vocal Performance: Bono's impassioned vocals add a layer of sincerity and conviction, making it easy for listeners to connect with the cause being supported.
8. Everybody Hurts (1992)
Emotional Impact: "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. offers a powerful message of empathy and shared human experience, resonating deeply with audiences and creating a unifying atmosphere perfect for a charity event.
Musicality: Its gentle melody and Stipe's emotive vocals create a space for reflection and contemplation, encouraging attendees to connect with the event's cause on a personal level.
Versatility: The song's quiet intensity makes it suitable for both background music and moments of reflection during your charity event, enhancing the overall mood without being overpowering.
9. How Long Will I Love You (Ellie Goulding)
Emotional Impact: Ellie Goulding's "How Long Will I Love You" offers a heartfelt and universally relatable exploration of enduring love, making it perfect for evoking positive emotions at a charity event.
Vocal Performance: Goulding's delicate yet powerful vocals create an intimate atmosphere, ideal for a setting where emotional connection is key.
Overall Atmosphere: The song's gentle melody and uplifting message will create a warm and positive ambiance, enhancing the generosity and goodwill of your charity event.
10. Take Me Home
Uplifting Melody: Jess Glynne's "Take Me Home" possesses a warm, inviting melody that creates a positive and hopeful atmosphere, perfect for setting a cheerful tone at your charity event.
Anthemic Quality: The song's powerful chorus and singalong-friendly nature encourage audience participation, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose amongst attendees.
Broad Appeal: Its radio-friendly pop sound transcends age and musical preferences, ensuring a wide range of guests will enjoy this feel-good track.
11Do They Know It's Christmas?
Band Aid
1984
12Mama
Spice Girls
1996
13Bridge over Troubled Water
Artists for Grenfell
2017
14Perfect Day
Lou Reed
1972
Transformer
15Dancing in the Street
David Bowie,Mick Jagger
1985
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (2012 Remaster)
16I'll Stand by You
Carrie Underwood
2007
17Ronan
Taylor Swift
2012
18Candle in the Wind 1997
Elton John
1998
19Theme From M*A*S*H
Manic Street Preachers
1992
20Tears Are Not Enough
Northern Lights
1985
21With A Little Help From My Friends
Wet Wet Wet
1988
22Voices That Care
Various Artists
1991
23Sing
Annie Lennox feat. Various Artists
2007
24Sun City
Artists United Against Apartheid
1985
25Bangla Desh
George Harrison
1971