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.
Halloween costume run
At the end, award the winners of the race, the teams or individuals who raised the most, and, of course, the best dressed with special prizes.
Cooking competition
You can get even more spectators in on the fun by livestreaming the event and asking for donations throughout the program.
Holiday cookie sale
Streamline the buying process with scan-to-donate—which guest can use to make their payment instantly right from their phones!
Pizza party
Teen film festival
Desk decorating contest
Fitness challenge
Watch as donations come in through the leaderboard in real time and friends and family share words of encouragement on the supporter feed.
Corporate matching gift drive
Feature matching gifts on your fundraising page and encourage corporate staffers to explore employer matching via Double the Donation.
Coding bootcamp
Drag bingo
Telethon
Plant sale
School auction
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!
Book sale
Make sure to spread the word about your sale and send reminders using free email marketing software!
Fantasy football draft festival
Shoe-decorating
To create a seamless event experience, set up custom ticket types, like an upsell ticket that provides a pair of shoes. Make sure to add a custom question to get the right shoe size!
High five booth
Make the donation process as quick and easy as the high-five itself—send people straight to your donation form with scan-to-donate.
Outdoor adventure day
Comedy night
Virtual bake sale
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.
Virtual concert
Make sure to feature a donation thermometer on your page to encourage viewers to make extra donations and get you closer to your goal as they enjoy the music.
Secret supper
Virtual telethon
Plan a day or evening program, then livestream it to your community right from your event page, so members can make a donation without clicking away from the show.
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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