United Way fundraising ideas
Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the game, we’ve got a whole spread of creative fundraising ideas tailored to supporting United Way’s efforts. From community events to workplace initiatives, these United Way campaign fundraising ideas will inspire more supporters to get in on the action.
Pump-a-thon
Trivia night
Make the evening go even smoother with seamless attendee check-ins and easy payment options like Tap to pay, Venmo donations, and scan-to-donate.
Crowdfunding campaign
Be sure to follow crowdfunding best practices in order to make your campaign an even bigger success!
Back-to-school sale
Customize online tickets with the name and image of each product, so your supporters can easily choose between the items on sale.
Swim-a-thon
Crawl for a cause
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!
Naming rights
Create custom labels on your donation form for various donation amounts (for example: $100 = named brick in a sidewalk).
Pay you not to ask me again
Penny wars
Office mini-golf tournament
Family fun run
Use peer-to-peer fundraising to encourage participants to set a donation goal and spread the word about the cause.
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!
Holiday movie marathon
With user-friendly fundraising event features for online ticket sales and in-person donations, organizing this event can be as easy as hitting play on your favorite festive film.
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.
Team sponsorship
Spaghetti dinner
Grow-your-own garden kit
Gift wrapping
Drag show
Manage your event ticketing, check in your attendees, and accept additional donations in person with easy fundraisng event software.
Beach Games
Ask participants to pay a small fee to register and raise even more funds by selling cold drinks and ice cream.
Toy drive
Let everyone know when, where, and what to donate with the help of email marketing software.
Speakeasy night
Flag football tournament
Pool volleyball tournament
Frequently asked questions
How can I raise money fast for my United Way?
To raise money quickly for United Way, focus on digital fundraising initiatives like online campaigns and leveraging social media for maximum reach. Encourage people to donate right on your website, or even through text-to-donate! Virtual fundraising events are another low-cost way to involve more supporters and engage donors remotely.
What are the best United Way fundraisers?
Some of the best United Way fundraising event ideas include community events like 5k races or charity walks, virtual galas or auctions, and peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns.
Additionally, there are many popular United Way office fundraising ideas to encourage corporate giving. Matching gift programs and sponsorships are among the top United Way fundraiser ideas for the workplace.
How do I plan my United fundraising events?
To plan your United Way 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, too. You might want to use an event planning checklist to keep track of everything!
Then, promote your event through various channels, such as social media, email newsletters, and local media outlets. When it’s over, remember to thank your community for all of their support.
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