Fundraising ideas for individuals on behalf of nonprofits
Whether you’re a passionate individual supporter or a nonprofit organization eager to engage more people in your fundraising efforts, we’ve pulled together a slew of individual fundraising ideas that are sure to make an impact.
From birthday donations and crowdfunding campaigns to baked goods sales and social media challenges, this list of easy fundraising ideas for individuals will help you find the inspiration you need to start raising funds for your favorite organization.
Count the jellybeans
Masquerade ball
Community service day
Showcase every project or fundraiser you’re working on with a central giving hub. Your supporters can then see all your amazing work in one place.
Beach day
Set an affordable ticket price or ask for donations to cover the cost of the event and raise funds—whichever you choose, our fundraising event tools can help!
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!
Holiday market
Use engaging fundraising event features to make it an enjoyable experience for all—with easy online ticket sales, on-the-spot donations, and more.
Employee appreciation day
Bring your pet to work day
Crafts night
Special series
Tie sermons directly to your goal and reach more supporters by livestreaming right from your fundraising page. Anyone can tune into the stream, make a donation, and learn about your campaign all in one place.
Easter egg hunt
Create an Easter Bunny photo booth and host a bake sale to bring in even more donations with scan-to-donate and Venmo donations on the day of the hunt!
Pumpkin carving contest
Make it easy as pumpkin pie for participants to vote for the winners with a small donation using text-to-donate.
Sand ‘n’ sip
Envelope fundraiser
Spread the word with easy email marketing software. Share the details of your campaign and send reminders as the deadline gets closer.
Virtual movie night
Sponsor a stud
Ale tasting
Virtual book club
Be sure to set up recurring donations as a simple way to collect membership fees for ongoing gatherings.
Dodgeball tournament
Invite participants to set up team fundraising pages so they can also compete to see who can raise the most funds for your cause.
More money, no problems
Speakeasy night
Kids vs. grownups field day
Charge entrance fees for this fundraising event, offer for-sale hydration and snacks, and don’t forget prizes for the winners!
Silent auction
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!
Office Games
Frequently asked questions
How can I raise money individually?
When it comes to raising funds solo, there are plenty of effective personal fundraising ideas that don't require the support of a large team or organization. Once you choose a nonprofit you want to support, take advantage of online fundraising by creating a personal fundraising page, asking friends and family to contribute to your donation page in lieu of gifts on your birthday, or even running a race and asking for small donations.
How do I ask for donations?
There are numerous ways to ask for donations, but be sure to keep a few best practices to keep in mind. Instead of sending generic messages, personalize your outreach to each potential donor. Share why the cause is meaningful to you and how their contribution can truly make a difference. And don't forget to express genuine gratitude for their support, no matter the size of their donation.
How can I fundraise a lot of money fast?
While birthday donations and crowdfunding are classic single-person fundraising ideas, larger-scale fundraising campaigns and events are more likely to bring in higher donations with greater speed. Whether you charge an entry fee for a concert, ask local businesses to sponsor a car wash, or sell tickets for a block party, exciting events have the potential to attract a large audience and help you reach your fundraising goal more quickly.
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