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.
VIP cushioned seats sale
24-hour marathon
Great livestream activity ideas include a poetry slam, gaming tournament, or virtual concert.
Thrifty fashion show
Improv night
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.
Pet costume contest
Desk plant sale
Concert for a cause
Want to make sure everyone can listen in and donate, no matter where they are? Livestream your concert to the masses and enable people to contribute to your campaign without leaving the stream.
Spaghetti dinner
Oktoberfest
This fall festival idea is a great way to raise funds for your cause and give your supporters an exciting day out.
The guessing game
Use scan-to-donate to send guessers directly to your donation page for easy on-the-spot giving. Print the QR code onto a poster, or display it on a tablet or screen on your stand.
Halloween costume run
At the end, award the winners of the race, the teams or individuals who raised the most, and, of course, the best dressed with special prizes.
Literary pub crawl
To take this fundraising event further, arrange to have each watering hole feature a special cocktail or brew (with some non-alcoholic beverages in the mix!) to match your theme.
Membership drive
One for one pledge
Showcase this cycle of generosity on your donation forms using custom labels and donation amounts to make it clear you’ll be making an in-kind donation for every monetary donation received.
Garage sale
Use our free email marketing software to send a big launch email with all the details, then send reminders closer to the day of the sale.
Sponsor a stud
Fantasy football draft festival
Farmer’s market
Swim-a-thon
Pumpkin Games
Pool volleyball tournament
March Madness
To take this fundraising idea online, take advantage of livestreaming tools, too!
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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