Habitat for Humanity fundraising ideas
Whether you're a Habitat volunteer looking to make a difference or a local leader eager to raise funds for your next project, you're in the right place. From community build events to cookouts, we've collected some of the best fundraising ideas for Habitat for Humanity initiatives.
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24-hour marathon
Host a 24-hour livestream fundraiser for a high-energy day of fun and fundraising.
Great livestream activity ideas include a poetry slam, gaming tournament, or virtual concert.
Themed auction
Asking for items to sell at your auction can feel daunting at first, so use this silent auction donation request guide to help you build relationships and attract amazing donations.
Virtual gala
Showcase live or pre-recorded presentations and guest speakers, host an auction, and solicit donations—all livestreamed from your event registration page.
Social media challenge
Choose a theme and hashtag, then encourage supporters to post a video or photo, tag others to join in, and donate!
Explore more social media fundraising tips to take your efforts to the next level.
Naming rights
Offer supporters the chance to name a bench, tree, sculpture, or pathway in recognition of their gift.
Create custom labels on your donation form for different naming tiers (e.g., $100 = named brick in a sidewalk).
Fourth of July party
Celebrate our nation’s independence with a red, white, and blue fundraiser! Work with businesses to secure sponsorships and an amazing venue, then sell tickets to your fundraising event, filled with food, music, and activities.
Peer-to-peer fundraising
Multiply your reach with a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign in which individuals reach out to their own networks of family, friends, and coworkers to solicit donations for your cause.
Create teams to add some fun competition into the mix—and bring in more donations!
Online bake sale
Gala night
Plan a sophisticated gala night with music, food, and a silent auction.
Get your supporters excited about your upcoming event with an eye-catching gala invitation template. Include details on how to buy tickets, or add a scan-to-donate QR code.
Sponsor a stud
Let donors "sponsor" a piece of lumber for your next construction project. Customize donation amounts on your donation form to align with the cost of materials (e.g., $50 donation equals 3 studs).
Don’t forget to invite all sponsors to the ribbon-cutting ceremony when construction is complete!
Engraved bricks
Allow supporters to “buy” a brick for your next construction project that will have their name or dedication engraved on it for all to see.
Use custom fields on your donation form to capture essential details for donors’ bricks—and be sure to set a word count limit so they don’t go over!
Tree planting day
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!
Annual holiday party
With Givebutter you can create unlimited custom event ticket types—allowing you to create fun VIP packages to offer to your partygoers.
Bingo night
Sell bingo cards and offer exciting prizes to keep everyone engaged all night long—either virtually or in person!
In the lead-up to your fundraising event, entice attendees with campaign updates featuring teasers of some of the prizes at stake to build anticipation.
Birthday fundraiser
Instead of birthday gifts, ask friends and family to make a donation to your nonprofit cause!
Givebutter’s fundraising pages make it easy to share your story, upload photos and videos, and let supporters leave comments as they give.
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.
Donation drive
Set up a donation drive to collect valuable in-kind donations or financial gifts for your cause. This can be done by setting up a drop-off zone in person or collecting donations online through a fundraising page. No matter the format—make sure to share your fundraising goal far and wide to keep the momentum going!
Text-to-donate
With text-to-donate, raising funds is as easy as sending a text. Display your shortcode at fundraising events, share it on social media, or add it to signs so your supporters give using their mobile devices right on the spot—no matter where they are.
See for yourself how easy it is! Text “DEMO” to 53-555.
Raffle
Ask your sponsors and community members to donate items or experiences, then raffle them off! The sky’s the limit when it comes to raffle ticket prizes: gift baskets, movie tickets, artwork—anything your community members will love.
Just be sure to check your state laws regarding raffles before you start planning!
5k walk/run
Map out your fundraising run route and have supporters donate to participate. Then, use peer-to-peer and team fundraising tools that let supporters create their own donation pages, set goals, and ask friends and family to contribute!
Silent auction
Swap your traditional auction for a silent one, where supporters or live audience members can bid any time before the auction ends. With a silent auction, your supporters are able to bid on items online or with their phones via QR code, making it easy and accessible for all.
Adopt-a-room
Encourage donors to sponsor specific furniture peices and appliances so they can see how their contributions directly support families in need. The easiest way to do this is to set up custom labels for different donation amounts on your donation form that correspond with the items you need. For example, “$25 provides a toaster,” “$50 provides a dinnerware set,” and so on.
One-day giving event
Take part in Giving Tuesday or create your own giving day in which you mobilize your community to reach your fundraising goal in one day.
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.
Petting zoo
Partner with a local farm or petting zoo to bring animals on-site for a day of fun. Charge an entry fee and optional donations for extra activities like pony rides.
Make sure attendees can make quick payments from their phones, using methods like Venmo or Tap to Pay, so they don't have to return to their cars for cash.
Frequently asked questions
How can I raise money fast for my Habitat for Humanity chapter?
To fundraise quickly for your Habitat for Humanity chapter, consider using an online fundraising platform like Givebutter to more easily reach a wider audience. You can also seek out sponsorships from local businesses to amplify your efforts. Check out our guide on how to raise $1K in 30 days to get started.
What are the best Habitat for Humanity fundraisers?
The best Habitat for Humanity fundraisers are mission-focused and emphasize community engagement and creativity. Popular fundraisers include build-a-thons, where volunteers tap into peer-to-peer fundraising and commit to building homes. Not only does this kind of campaign make a financial impact, but it gets more supporters involved and hands-on in the process, too.
How do I plan my Habitat for Humanity fundraising events?
To plan your Habitat for Humanity fundraising events, you’ll need to sort out a few logistics. Start by setting clear goals and objectives, and determine your target audience and budget. Consider venue selection, event timeline, and necessary permits or permissions. It’s helpful to use an event planning checklist to keep track of everything!
Promote your event through various channels like social media, email newsletters, and local media outlets. When it’s all over, don’t forget to thank your community for all of their support.
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