College fundraising ideas
Whether you're raising money for your study abroad trip or on behalf of a local nonprofit, college fundraising requires strategy. To stand out in a crowd of other activities, you’ll need fresh campaigns and events that are fun and easy to get involved in.
These university fundraising ideas will help you tap into the generosity of your fellow students, faculty, alumni, and the broader campus community.
Donation drive
Oktoberfest
This fall festival idea is a great way to raise funds for your cause and give your supporters an exciting day out.
Pump-a-thon
Food truck Friday
In exchange for driving more business their way, use a sponsorship proposal to negotiate a percentage of profits for your good cause.
Food truck smorgasbord
Car smashing
Sell different kinds of tickets online for smashers and audience members and offer food and drinks to raise even more during the fun. Don’t forget the safety goggles!
Desk plant sale
LGBTQ+ workshop series
Spread the word and follow up with attendees using free email marketing software.
Home decor workshop
Ale tasting
Jeans day / Out of uniform day
Pet therapy
Charge an entry fee and sell inexpensive extras like dog and cat treats. Be sure to offer multiple ways to purchase treats in-person like scan-to-donate and Venmo!
Sponge toss
Peer-to-peer fundraising
Create teams to add some fun competition into the mix—and bring in more donations!
Multicultural fair
LGBTQ+ trivia night
Raise the roof
Embed a donation form on your website with a live goal bar, so your community members can see just how close you are to hitting that target.
Mascot showdown
Color run
Cooking competition
You can get even more spectators in on the fun by livestreaming the event and asking for donations throughout the program.
Tie-dye fundraiser
If you produce a large volume lot of tie-dyed items, create a donation form or buy-now auction to sell them to your community!
Pancake breakfast
Fashion show
At this fundraising event, you can bring in donations by charging entrance fees, selling food and drinks, and adding a silent auction.
Birthday fundraiser
Givebutter’s fundraising pages make it easy to get creative and express your personality. Add photos and videos, share your story, and leave comments and drawings for your supporters as they give.
Yard raking
Follow best practices for volunteer recruitment to build a loyal community of supporters ready to pitch in for yardwork and more.
Frequently asked questions
How do college clubs and groups make money?
College clubs and groups use various strategies to raise money and collect donations in support of their activities. Common fundraising ideas for college organizations include running bake sales or car washes, selling tickets to events, getting sponsorships from local businesses, and receiving grants.
What are the most popular college fundraising ideas?
The most popular fundraising ideas for college students engage fellow students and the local community while providing value or entertainment. Favorite options include charging an entry fee to themed parties or events like a battle of the bands, organizing social media challenges, selling raffle tickets, or teaming up with local restaurants to add some flavor to your fundraising efforts.
What are the most profitable college fundraisers?
The impact of college fundraisers can vary depending on factors such as the size of the audience, the level of engagement, and the expenses involved. Some of the most profitable fundraisers for college clubs and groups include hosting large-scale events such as concerts, festivals, charity galas, gaming tournaments, and auctions, and leveraging online platforms for crowdfunding campaigns.
Strategic partnerships with businesses or alumni networks can also help maximize fundraising potential, too!
Subscribe to
The Butter Brief
Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox
Givebutter helps you turn ideas into impact
Subscribe to
The Butter Brief
Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox