Your go-to source for fundraising inspiration

Fundraising ideas

We’ve got the best fundraising ideas for good causes of all shapes and sizes! Check out our curated lists or browse all fundraising ideas below by cost, effort, and impact.

Givebutter fundraising progress graphic showing $45,000 raised out of a $50,000 goal (90% complete), with a smiling yellow character holding a light bulb and a green 'Support Now!' button.

All fundraising ideas

Filter
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Team apparel sale

Sell custom team apparel like T-shirts and hats featuring your team's logo and colors—online, in person, or both! Be sure to collect key info—like size and color—using custom fields on your donation forms.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/team-apparel-sale
All
Events
Pages & forms

Meditation retreat


Organize a mindfulness retreat focused on yoga, meditation, and wellness sessions in a serene setting.

Customize tickets for this fundraising event to collect needed information from registrants, such as dietary restrictions.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/meditation-retreat
All
Events

Grants


Research grants that you can apply for to fund your nonprofit organization or project. Be sure to create a stand-out grant proposal in order to impress grantmakers!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/grants
All
Pages & forms

Volley-a-thon

Request each participant solicit pledges for the number of volleys they’re able to make. Sell event tickets, and put a call out for volunteers to keep things running smoothly.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/volley-a-thon
All
Events
Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Parents’ night out


This fundraising event can be a fun gathering for parents—or a chance for grownups to drop off their kids for a few hours in exchange for a donation to your cause. Charge an hourly rate or flat “entrance fee” and give caregivers some priceless peace and quiet.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/parents-night-out
All
Events

Social media takeover

Let a supporter, influencer, or volunteer run your socials for a day! A takeover brings fresh energy, authentic voices, and new eyes to your fundraiser.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/social-media-takeover
All
Events
Pages & forms
Peer-to-peer

Popcorn fundraiser

Partner with a popcorn supplier and sell gourmet popcorn to family, friends, and community members. Add mouthwatering images to tickets to showcase all the different flavors available.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/popcorn-fundraiser
All
Events
Pages & forms

Crafts night


Charge an entrance fee and check in attendees as they arrive for an evening of creativity and fun. Ask volunteers to bring craft supplies or request donations from local art stores. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/crafts-night
All
Events

Holiday movie marathon

Create a lineup of classic holiday movies for a community movie marathon. Sell tickets, popcorn, hot chocolate, and other treats to create a delightful (and profitable!) experience. 

With user-friendly fundraising event features for online ticket sales and in-person donations, organizing this event can be as easy as hitting play on your favorite festive film.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/holiday-movie-marathon
All
Events
Pages & forms

Home decor workshop


Charge a registration fee and provide materials for attendees to create their own home decor. Selecting seasonal DIY projects—such as holiday wreaths or pumpkin painting—is a great way to draw a larger crowd. Take this event to the next level by turning it into a competition! Once all projects are completed, attendees can donate to vote for who should be crowned winner.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/home-decor-workshop
All
Events

Tie-dye fundraiser


Invite students to bring t-shirts, tote bags, socks, and other light-colored items of clothing for a tie-dye party. Charge a small fee for entry and supplies, and have some extra clothing items on hand to sell, too.

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!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/tie-dye-fundraiser
All
Events
Pages & forms

Jog-a-thon


Host a family friendly jog-a-thon at your local running track. Participants can collect pledges for the number of laps they jog, walk, or run. Recruit volunteers to tally the number of laps each participant completes. 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/jog-a-thon
All
Events
Peer-to-peer

School karaoke

A silly and fun way to raise funds, students pay a small donation to sing family-friendly karaoke songs over the school’s P.A. system or in a special assembly. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/school-karaoke
All
Events
Pages & forms

Water balloons & sponge toss

For this fundraising event, charge a small fee per water balloon or sponge, and let students throw them at each other during a pep rally or outdoor event. For easy participation, offer scan-to-donate and accept multiple payment methods like Apple Pay, Venmo, and more.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sponge-toss
All
Events
Pages & forms

Camp experience auction


Auction off camp spots, exclusive experiences, or premium camp gear to the highest bidders. This event builds excitement and encourages friendly competition while raising funds for beloved camp programs.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/camp-experience-auction
All
Auctions

Outdoor adventure day


Charge participants a registration fee for a full day of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and nature walks. Use marketing tools to tease different activities and remind supporters what to bring along on the big day!
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/outdoor-adventure-day
All
Events

Local celebrities

Invite a local children’s book author or beloved mascot to an event. Guests will pay a fee to attend, ask questions, and take photos! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/local-celebrities
All
Events
Pages & forms

Battle of the bands


Host a battle of the bands with local musicians. Change the audience a small ticket fee, or raise funds by selling drinks and snacks.

Raise even more money by livestreaming the show. Encourage your supporters to tune in, support the event, and donate what they can towards your goal.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/battle-of-the-bands
All
Events

Sand ‘n’ sip


For a summer twist on a paint 'n' sip, invite donors to join you for a day of fun on the beach alongside a wine-tasting experience. To reach your goal, sell tickets for your fundraising event online and strike up a sponsorship deal with a local wine company.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sand-n-sip
All
Events

Sponsor my uniform fundraiser

Bring your A-game to a uniform sponsorship drive! 
Create a fun, easy sponsorship form so players can rally support from friends and family to help cover uniform costs——because looking sharp on the field starts with a little team spirit (and a lot of love from your biggest fans). 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sponsor-my-uniform-fundraiser
All
Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Gift basket showdown

Using peer-to-peer fundraising, participants compete to raise the most money for your campaign. The winner gets the first pick from a selection of gift baskets.  
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/gift-basket-showdown
All
Peer-to-peer
Auctions
Pages & forms

Pajama run


Ask participants to don their favorite PJs while tackling a walk, jog, roll, or run for the cause. Encourage everyone to set a donation goal and spread the word about the fundraiser through peer-to-peer fundraising. Don’t forget to award prizes to the coziest runners!
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pajama-run
All
Events
Peer-to-peer

Tails and trails


Gather your dog-loving supporters for a tails and trails dog-walking fundraiser. Choose a scenic, dog-friendly trail and charge a set fee for tickets. 

Don’t forget to provide refreshments at the end of the trail—for both humans and canines! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/tails-and-trails
All
Events
Peer-to-peer

Eating contest

Challenge contestants to (safely) stuff their faces in a race to the finish. Sell tickets to watch and offer prizes for the winner! To gamify the experience even more, encourage contestants to create personal peer-to-peer fundraising pages where friends and family can show their support.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/eating-contest
All
Events
Looks like we don’t have any fundraising ideas matching that criteria 🔎
We're always cooking up new ideas, so check back soon for fresh picks!
Dive into our list of best fundraising ideas in the meantime 

Subscribe to
The Butter Brief

Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox

Subscribed! Your fundraising journey just got a whole lot butter. 🧈
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Givebutter helps you turn ideas into impact

Subscribe to
The Butter Brief

Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox

Subscribed! Your fundraising journey just got a whole lot butter. 🧈
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

The most-loved fundraising platform

G