YMCA fundraising ideas
From movie nights to membership drives, we've got a variety of creative strategies to help you raise funds to support those critical YMCA programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility—all while bringing your beloved Y community closer together.
Earth Day
Charge an entrance fee and make your fundraising event move smoothly with mobile app check-in and easy scan-to-donate payment options.
Baseball hit-a-thon
Themed auction
Asking for items to sell at your auction can feel daunting at first, so use this silent auction donation request guide to help you build relationships and attract amazing donations.
CEO challenge
Trike-a-thon
Parents’ night out
Mini-golf tournament
Photo contest
Raise even more by turning the top photos into a deck of cards or a calendar.
Raffle
Just be sure to check your state laws regarding raffles before you start planning!
Outdoor adventure day
Sponsor a stud
Alumni night
Street painting competition
Ask a local business to donate painting supplies, and then invite the community to vote for the best-painted square by making a donation ($1 = 1 vote) with an easy scan-to-donate QR code.
Peer-to-peer fundraising
Create teams to add some fun competition into the mix—and bring in more donations!
Holiday card campaign
Use Givebutter’s built-in Canva integration to add a little extra cheer to your letters or emails in just a few clicks.
Pet run/walk
Pump-a-thon
You name it
Home decor workshop
Dance-a-thon
Supporters can donate, leave messages of support for the dancers, and purchase tickets to join in the fun all in one place.
Count the jellybeans
Food truck Friday
In exchange for driving more business their way, use a sponsorship proposal to negotiate a percentage of profits for your good cause.
Guest speaker event
Raise funds for your livestream by selling tickets and include upgrades like signed copies of books to bring in even more donations.
Swim-a-thon
Donation drive
Frequently asked questions
How can I raise money fast for my YMCA?
To raise money fast for your local YMCA, start an online fundraising campaign, leverage social media to reach a wider audience, and make direct appeals to your supporters through email newsletters and personal outreach. Check out our $1K in 30 Days toolkit for more tips!
What are the best YMCA fundraisers?
Popular YMCA fundraisers include galas featuring guest speakers, family-friendly events, and online auctions. Peer-to-peer fundraisers, in which supporters create their own fundraising pages and ask their friends and family to contribute online donations to the cause are also a fun, cost-effective way to spread the word and reach your goal.
How do I promote my YMCA fundraising events?
Spread the word about your YMCA fundraising events through social media, via email newsletters, and on your YMCA's website to engage your community and maximize attendance and donations.
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