Creative fundraising ideas
While bake sales and car washes are tried-and-true strategies for raising funds, it’s good to mix things up and keep your supporters on their toes with innovative fundraising ideas, too. To get inspired, check out these unique fundraiser ideas that offer a twist on traditional events and challenges—either by flipping them entirely on their head or introducing new and exciting themes.
The guessing game
Use scan-to-donate to send guessers directly to your donation page for easy on-the-spot giving. Print the QR code onto a poster, or display it on a tablet or screen on your stand.
Give it up challenge
Create a fundraising page for your challenge, including a list of ideas and suggested donation amounts. Share campaign updates and donor shout-outs to keep momentum going toward your goal!
House party
Sell event tickets online in advance, check guests in with our mobile app, and use Tap to Pay and Venmo donations to accept latecomers on the spot.
Carnival night
24-hour relay race
5k walk/run
Weeknight meal cooking class
Spring break t-shirt sale
Use custom fields on your donation form to collect the details you need from buyers, such as their t-shirt size and color choice.
Fourth of July party
Mystery art show
Charge an entrance fee and invite supporters to purchase pieces all at the same price—without knowing who their artist is until the end of the event!
Multicultural fair
Chili cook-off
Pajama party
Field goal derby
Hot chocolate stall
Make it easy for supporters to pay for their drinks as you make them with scan-to-donate, Venmo, and other seamless payment options.
One-day giving event
Keep your supporters invested in your progress with a goal bar and campaign updates that highlight milestones, matching gifts, and special shout-outs throughout the day.
Employee appreciation day
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.
Touchdown sponsorships
Pumpkin carving contest
Make it easy as pumpkin pie for participants to vote for the winners with a small donation using text-to-donate.
Horseback riding
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.
Holiday-grams
Customize your donation form with custom fields to collect all the details you need—such as the recipient’s name, a personalized, heartfelt holiday message, and where the gram should be delivered.
Frequently asked questions
How can I be creative in fundraising?
Creativity in fundraising means thinking outside the box and finding unique ways to entice donors. Try hosting themed events, leveraging social media challenges, or tapping into the specific interests of your local community or audience. If you offer a spin on some classic, easy fundraising ideas, your supporters will surely love it, and you’ll be closer to your fundraising goal.
Why are unusual fundraising ideas important?
Alternative fundraising ideas keep donors engaged and active. They generate excitement around your cause with existing supporters and can even bring in new ones—especially with peer-to-peer fundraising!
How do I get supporters excited about a different fundraising idea?
If your supporters are used to the same predictable ways of raising money for your cause, new, creative ideas for fundraising might be an adjustment. To help get your audience on board, partner with local businesses that can boost your fundraising efforts, help spread the word, and even offer fun prizes for winners.
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