How to Donate to or Support the British Heart Foundation (BHF)

You can support the British Heart Foundation in four main ways: donating money, donating items (including booking a free furniture collection), shopping in BHF stores or online, and fundraising or joining a BHF event. The right option depends on whether you want to give cash, clear out household goods, shop for preloved items, or get involved in person. BHF states that every three minutes someone in the UK dies from cardiovascular disease, and that donations fund research into diagnosing, treating and preventing it.

Donate money to fund cardiovascular research

This is the most direct route if your goal is to fund research rather than donate goods.

• What it supports: BHF describes itself as the biggest independent funder of research into cardiovascular disease in the UK, and says donations help fund the next breakthroughs in diagnosing, treating and preventing it.
• How to start: Use the "Donate now" / "Donate money" option on the BHF website. The site presents this as the primary call to action throughout the homepage.
• What to expect: You are making a financial contribution; the site does not publish specific suggested amounts or a breakdown of where each pound goes on the pages reviewed, so treat any amount as a general donation to BHF's research mission.
• Best for: People who want a quick, one-off or recurring cash contribution with no sorting or pickup involved.

Donate items and book a free furniture collection

If you have furniture, homeware or appliances to spare, BHF accepts donated goods and offers a free furniture collection.

• What you can give: The site points to furniture, homeware and appliances as donation categories, alongside general "Donate your items" guidance.
• How it works: Book a free furniture collection through the BHF website, or follow the "Donate your items" link for other goods. The collection is described as free, so there is no cost to you for having items picked up.
• What to check first: The site does not list item-condition rules or excluded items on the pages reviewed. Before booking, confirm on the donation page which items your local shop or collection team will accept, since charity retailers commonly decline damaged or non-saleable goods.
• Best for: People decluttering or replacing furniture who want to give goods a second life rather than pay for disposal.

Shop in BHF stores or online

Shopping is a support route that also gets you something in return.

• Where to shop: In person at BHF shops, or online through the BHF shop, which includes preloved furniture, homeware and appliances.
• What you'll find: Second-hand furniture and home items listed for sale, with proceeds supporting BHF's work.
• Best for: Buyers who want preloved home goods and are comfortable with stock changing by location and availability. The site does not publish delivery or returns terms on the pages reviewed, so check those at checkout.

Fundraise on your own or take part in a BHF event

If you want to raise more than a direct donation or get others involved, BHF supports both self-organised fundraising and organised events.

• Do your own fundraising: BHF provides tips, resources and support to help you raise money in your own way — for example, a workplace collection, a sponsored challenge, or a community event.
• Take part in an event: BHF runs in-person events across the UK plus virtual events under "Team BHF." The site also promotes campaigns such as "Strong Woman for Life," aimed at getting stronger and healthier while supporting the cause.
• Best for: People who want a social or fitness goal attached to their giving, or who can rally a group to raise more than they would donate alone.

Choosing between the options

Practical tips before you act

• Use the official site: Start at bhf.org.uk and follow the "Donate," "Shop," or "Get involved" paths rather than third-party collection services.
• Confirm collection details: Free furniture collection is advertised, but availability depends on your location and the items offered — verify when booking.
• Check what's accepted: Item and stock rules aren't fully listed on the homepage; read the specific donation or shop page before you commit.
• For heart health questions, don't donate — ask: BHF offers heart information and support, healthy lifestyle articles and a cardiac nurse helpline by phone, email or webchat for general advice. That's a separate service from giving, and useful if you landed on the site looking for answers rather than a way to give.