Your raised funds go directly to local wildlife projects, and you contribute to local conservation.
How we choose who we support
Together with a group of life scientists, our founder, Anna, uses her zoology background to research and select the wildlife projects that receive donations.
Because they understand science behind the projects supported, Hopefully returns to the participants, explains where their money went, and explain why it mattered.
People then see how their actions contributed to wildlife recovery and understand the difference they had made, giving them a sense of accomplishment.
Anna, the founder, being a zoologist
At Hopefully we seek to support all areas of wildlife, not just the fluffy ones. Click the icons below to learn about different areas of life and why they're important for the ecosystem!
Plants
Plants
Plants are a foundation of life. They produce the oxygen we breathe, store carbon, support pollinators and provide food and shelter for countless other species. When we protect plants, we strengthen the health and resilience of entire ecosystems.
Fungi
Fungi
Often hidden from view, fungi are nature's recyclers. They break down dead material, return nutrients to the soil and help plants grow through vast underground networks. Supporting fungi means supporting the natural processes that keep our landscapes healthy and productive.
Vertebrates
Vertebrates
From hedgehogs and bats to salmon and songbirds, vertebrates are some of the UK's most recognisable wildlife. They play important roles in balancing ecosystems and inspire people to connect with nature. Helping vertebrates often has benefits that ripple through the wider environment.
Invertebrates
Invertebrates
Invertebrates make up the vast majority of animal species in the UK, yet they are often overlooked. Bees pollinate crops, earthworms improve soils and countless other insects and invertebrates support healthy ecosystems. Without them, much of the natural world we depend on would struggle to function.
Hopefully 2025's Fundraising Recipients
Funds were raised across eight community groups and split between three local wildlife projects. Read all about the charities we supported here.
Avon Reptile and Amphibian Group
ARAG used the donation to buy much-needed equipment to build habitats. These are designed to attract and support Bristol's amphibians and reptiles; crucial for a healthy ecosystem.
Wildlife Champions
Hopefully 2025's fund went towards the training of a Wildlife Champion within the new cohort. These brilliant individuals represent each Bristol postcode and bring their local communities together to learn and act for wildlife.
A Patch Wilder
In just BS25, an area of native woodland was replanted using the donation. Field maples, oak and beech were among the trees planted to regrow native woodland.
The big night
The Hopefully Finale
Every year the fundraising event is concluded with a Finale, no less. Here we celebrate everyone's fun and work. An important aspect of the finale is the opportunity to present the wildlife projects that we have elected to support. We offer education on UK wildlife in the form of wildlife films or presentations.
Celebration
Project reveal
Wildlife films & talks
The Hopeful Founder
This is your founder, Anna. The idea for Hopefully first started coming up around 10 years ago. She was already experiencing a lot of negative emotions around the loss of wildlife that she has a deep love for. After gaining a degree then research masters in zoology, she felt now is finally the time to kick it off.
It all started with an Informal pitch
In March 2025 while still doing her MScR, Anna pitched the idea of Hopefully at a science conference. It was a last minute grab at an opportunity to present it, when there wasn't even have its name yet. She sarcastically named her presentation 'Hopefully: A Fundraiser for Wildlife', which people thought was intentionally clever, so it stuck.
Pitching Hopefully for the first time at the FAB science conference, March 2025.
This year
The Goal for Hopefully 2026
£1100
Raised for local wildlife projects
15+
Groups and Businesses
5
Wildlife projects supported
Hopefully 2026 is Here
People in the community are already coming together, planning fundraising activities, to raise money together for wildlife
Charlton Kings, Cheltenham
Bridget's Plant Sale and Raffle
My mum has been growing lots of little plantlets to sell as part of fundraising for Hopefully. There is also a raffle planned! I'm excited to fundraise in the garden that was the first place I learned to love wildlife.
Hosted by Bridget McQuillan (Mum)
The White Harte, Bristol
UoB Quiz Society Pub Quiz
The home of the UoB's University Challenge Team are putting on a pub quiz to raise money and test trivial knowledge against each other.
Hosted by UoB Quiz Society
The Beckford
ND Fundraising Evening
Bristol University Neurodiverse Society have always been great for fun, welcoming activities. Like last year, they are throwing a wildlife-themed evening of fundraising, activities and games.
Hosted by BUNs
Join the Community
There are two ways to help wildlife thrive in your own, local area.
Join in with Hopefully 2026 as a Group or Individual
Interested in making your own fundraising event? Get in touch and we'll help set you up. Bring action to your own community and see wildlife return.
