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.
Easter gift basket auction
Combine classic Easter baskets (chocolate eggs, bunnies, etc.) with other awesome silent auction basket ideas to offer biddable items for the whole family.
Pie-eating contest
Use a range of fundraising event features, such as online registration, on-the-spot payments, and seamless check-ins.
Carnival night
Car smashing
Sell different kinds of tickets online for smashers and audience members and offer food and drinks to raise even more during the fun. Don’t forget the safety goggles!
Building tour
VIP cushioned seats sale
Pet yoga
Make this fundraising event even better by asking a local yoga studio to be a sponsor.
Superhero run
Tailgate party
Bowl-a-thon
Offer special prizes for the team that scores the highest points, has the most creative team name, or even the best team uniforms.
Rah-rah raffle
To attract the right audience, host a silent auction at your next spirited event with these experiences included!
Eating contest
Workshop or masterclass
You don’t need to limit your audience to only the people you can fit in the room. Consider livestreaming your event to make it more accessible and raise even more dollars.
Community cookbook
Pet picture day
Speed dating
Encourage extra donations if participants find a special someone!
Touchdown sponsorships
All you can eat buffet
A free event ticketing platform can help you organize and manage your evening and check people in from your mobile device without any stress.
Movies in the park
Sell tickets online, check guests in with your mobile app, and offer easy payment methods like scan-to-donate for on-the-spot donations.
Craft sale
Want to make an even bigger impact? Auction off some larger or more in-demand items.
Tag Day
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.
Cooking competition
You can get even more spectators in on the fun by livestreaming the event and asking for donations throughout the program.
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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