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Scout fundraising ideas

Whether you're a troop leader, parent volunteer, or enthusiastic Scout supporter, there are a lot of ways to rally your community around your local Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop. From popcorn fundraisers to exciting pie-in-the-face events, we've got a variety of fun strategies to boost your fundraising efforts.

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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!
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/5k-walk-run
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Peer-to-peer

Popcorn fundraiser

Partner with a popcorn supplier and sell gourmet popcorn to family, friends, and community members. Add mouthwatering images to tickets to showcase all the different flavors available.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/popcorn-fundraiser
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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.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/one-day-giving-event
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High five booth


Brighten up someone’s day and raise money for a good cause. Set up a booth where passersby can make a donation and receive a high-five in return.

Make the giving process as quick and easy as the high-five itself with scan-to-donate.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
1
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/high-five-booth
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Bonfire BBQ

Plan a cozy community fundraiser with a firepit, s'mores, firecrackers, and a delicious BBQ. Charge an entrance fee or raise funds through carnival games and refreshments.

With user-friendly fundraising event features, you can sell tickets in advance and accept donations in person, too.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/bonfire-bbq
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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.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/petting-zoo
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Auctions

Virtual fun run

Take your fundraising run online—or create a hybrid event—by encouraging participants to complete a designated distance anytime, anywhere! Be sure to use peer-to-peer fundraising to spread the word and bring in some major funds.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-fun-run
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Peer-to-peer

Holiday card campaign


Send a festive holiday card—by mail or email—to share season’s greetings, thank your supporters, and invite them to contribute toward your year-end fundraising goals

Use Givebutter’s built-in Canva integration to add extra cheer to your letters or emails in just a few clicks.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/holiday-card-campaign
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Movie night


Choose an indoor or outdoor space and host a ticketed screening of a fan-favorite movie—bonus if it’s related to your cause! Sell popcorn, treats, and drinks to raise even more funds.

Use Givebutter’s fundraising event tools like online ticketing, mobile check-ins, and scan-to-donate to keep everything seamless.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/movie-night
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Spring forward

Organize a fundraising campaign or event that harnesses the positive energy of the spring equinox or the beginning of daylight savings time.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/spring-forward
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Pottery or clay experiences


Encourage your community to try clay sculpting or pottery painting—or host a clay shooting experience to raise funds for your cause. Perfect for those who enjoy hands-on activities or the great outdoors.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pottery-or-clay-experiences
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Jump-a-thon


Organize a jump-a-thon where participants collect pledges for every jump—or every minute they keep jumping. It’s a fun, high-energy way to raise money while fostering community and a little friendly competition.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/jump-a-thon
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Peer-to-peer
Events
Pages & forms

Summer camp fundraiser


Organize paid day or week-long camps filled with favorite summertime activities like arts, sports, and outdoor adventures. Parents receive childcare and kids build new skills—creating a win-win event that raises money while strengthening community ties.
Cost:
3
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/summer-camp-fundraiser
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Day at the zoo


Rally your supporters for an unforgettable fundraising field trip to the zoo. Partner with a local zoo to offer discounted admission that includes a donation to your organization. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/day-at-the-zoo
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Take a stroll


Host an inclusive fun run event that’s a little more leisurely. Set a time window for participants to complete their stroll and encourage them to collect donations through peer-to-peer fundraising pages. Be sure to showcase their achievements on social media! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/take-a-stroll
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Peer-to-peer

Pet portraits


Pet owners love having portraits of their pets—even if they’re not made by professionals! Host a fun pet portrait fundraiser where volunteers draw or paint pictures of supporters’ furry friends. Ask donors to bring a photo of their pet or upload one when they make a donation online. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-portraits
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Creative design workshop


Host a paid workshop that teaches hands-on skills like painting, design thinking, or advanced crafting. Ask instructors to volunteer their time, and keep supply costs low by partnering with local business sponsors to maximize profit margins.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/creative-design-workshop
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Pet adoption extravaganza


Partner with a local shelter for an all-day pet adoption palooza. Make it an event to remember and attract more guests with music, games, food, and plenty of furry companions.

You never know—the person who came by for a hot dog might just leave with their forever friend!
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-adoption-extravaganza
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DIY workshop


Host a DIY workshop where attendees pay to learn new skills—like crafting, home repair, or cooking—while supporting your cause. Charge an entry fee for each class, and use donated materials and volunteer instructors to lower costs and boost revenue.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/diy-workshop
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Themed run


Make your peer-to-peer fundraising run truly memorable with a standout theme! Encourage participants to dress up and create teams based on your theme to build community and boost the competitive spirit.

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/themed-run
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Peer-to-peer

Marathon


A marathon is a classic fun run fundraising event—perfect for your most ambitious supporters! You can host your own fundraising event, or give supporters the resources they need to raise money for your organization by running in an existing race. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/marathon
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Peer-to-peer

Outdoor education class


Invite your community to explore the world around you with an outdoor education experience. Determine your target age group(s) and create an out-of-classroom adventure they’ll treasure.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/outdoor-education-class
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Trash-a-thon

Team up to clean up! Rally volunteers to collect litter in your local community, and have each participant gather sponsorships based on bags filled or hours spent. It's a powerful way to raise funds and make a visible impact.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/trash-a-thon
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Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Sell merch


Branded t-shirts, hoodies, totes, or water bottles are a tried-and-true way to raise money and spread the word about your organization. Set up an online store and sell merch at community events to increase visibility and donations.  
Cost:
2
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sell-merch
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Pajama party


Raise money for a good cause and create an unforgettable, cozy experience by turning any fundraising event into a pajama party.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pajama-party
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Frequently asked questions

To raise money quickly for your Scout group, consider organizing a fundraiser like a holiday wreath sale, car wash, or movie night. For promotion, take advantage of social media, advertising with local businesses, and word-of-mouth. Check out our $1K in 30 Days toolkit for more tips to raise funds fast.

The best Scout fundraisers often involve selling products like popcorn and candy bars and hosting events like spaghetti dinners, pancake breakfasts, and outdoor adventure days. These fundraisers capitalize on community support and provide tangible products or experiences in exchange for donations.

Peer-to-peer fundraising activities, too, are a great way to mobilize your community members and encourage supporters to set their own fundraising goals.

When organizing a Scout fundraising event, you’ll want to start with an event planning checklist. Begin by setting clear goals, choosing the right type of activity for your group, and creating a budget. Be sure to involve your Scouts and their families in spreading the word about your campaign by engaging potential donors on social media, with flyers, and community bulletin boards.

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