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.
Speed dating
Encourage extra donations if participants find a special someone!
Count the jellybeans
Pet run/walk
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!
Comedy roast
Church camp dessert bake-off
Raffle
Just be sure to check your state laws regarding raffles before you start planning!
Trike-a-thon
Speakeasy night
Raise some dough with cookie dough
Ale tasting
Spring cleaning
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!
Jersey auction
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.
Maze for a cause
Charge an entrance fee to walk the maze, and make transactions easy with scan-to-donate and Tap to Pay options.
Crafts night
Cookie-decorating extravaganza
To make your fundraising event even sweeter, bring in a cookie-decorating expert to show off some sweet tips and tricks.
Expert lecture series
Sell tickets to in-person attendees and offer a livestreaming option to increase donations and reach interested supporters from anywhere.
Skate-a-thon
Leading up to your event, encourage your participants to create their own peer-to-peer fundraising pages, which they can personalize with their own stories and updates.
Gift basket auction
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.
PTA mimosa breakfast
Valet parking
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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