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.
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 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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