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Fundraising ideas

We’ve got the best fundraising ideas for good causes of all shapes and sizes! Check out our curated lists or browse all fundraising ideas below by cost, effort, and impact.

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Pet photo calendar


Create a pet photo calendar featuring adorable photos of shelter animals. Sell the calendars online using a donation form or fundraising page, and at local events too!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-photo-calendar
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Candle Making

Host a creative candle building workshop for your team and their family. You’ll raise money, and your guests get to take home their very own candle! 
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/candle-making
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Events
Auctions

Pet run/walk


Invite community members to bring their furry friends along to walk in a charity 5K. Encourage participants to create individual fundraising pages that feature their pets, set a donation goal, and help spread the word about the cause.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-run-walk
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Hole sponsorship

Ask a local company or big brand to sponsor a hole at your next golf tournament. Write a stellar sponsorship proposal that’ll impress them enough to not only sponsor your event but become a long-term partner.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/hole-sponsorship
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Church trivia nights

Put your knowledge to the test with a faith-filled trivia night! Pick a lively host, sell team tickets, and let the friendly competition begin. 

Want to reach an even bigger audience? Go hybrid or virtual so everyone can join in on the fun!
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/church-trivia-nights
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Events
Pages & forms

Harvest dinner party

Host a grand harvest or Thanksgiving dinner party for special guests. Raise money through exclusive ticket sales, and use corporate sponsorship best practices to secure a partnership with a local restaurant or catering company.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/harvest-dinner-party
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Events

Taco-Making Contest


Put your culinary skills to the test! Charge an entry fee per team, and provide everyone with the same ingredients. The winner is the team with the tastiest tacos. Ready, set, cook!
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/taco-making-contest
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Events
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Dance marathon

See how long your dance group’s members can dance for by hosting a dance marathon. Set challenges throughout the experience, and use livestreaming to not only bring the experience to a wider group but add more interactivity and fun to the day.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/dance-marathon
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Puppy party


Team up with your local animal shelter to host an event to raise awareness and funds for both the shelter and your organization or campaign. Attendees get bonus puppy snuggles!

At the event, highlight the different mobile giving options your supporters can choose from with live display.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/puppy-party
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Events

Camp experience auction


Auction off camp spots, exclusive experiences, or premium camp gear to the highest bidders. This event builds excitement and encourages friendly competition while raising funds for beloved camp programs.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/camp-experience-auction
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Auctions

Zookeeper


Create individual pages for the animals you care for and invite your supporters to donate to become a “Zookeeper” for a group or specific animal. Zookeepers receive regular updates on their animals and special access to events and volunteer opportunities. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/zookeeper
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Naming rights


Offer supporters the chance to name a bench, tree, sculpture, or pathway in recognition of their gift.

Create custom labels on your donation form for different naming tiers (e.g., $100 = named brick in a sidewalk).
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/naming-rights
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Best seat in the house


Auction off tickets to the best seats at an upcoming performance, sports game, gala, live concert, or other experience your group is hosting.

Use Givebutter to create unlimited types of event tickets—perfect for customizing your VIP packages.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/best-seat-in-the-house
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Events
Auctions

Pajama party


Raise money for a good cause and create an unforgettable, cozy experience by turning any fundraising event into a pajama party.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pajama-party
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Events
Pages & forms

Virtual bike-a-thon


Set a distance and have your bikers pay a registration fee to join in. Then, foster some friendly competition by encouraging supporters to start or join a team, raise funds, and set off wherever they are.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-bike-a-thon
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Peer-to-peer
Events

Tool drive

Rather than requesting a financial gift, ask supporters to donate new or gently used tools and construction equipment for your programs and services. Or, sell them in an annual community tool sale. Don’t forget to send friendly reminders and guidelines on what kinds of tools can be donated using free email marketing software!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/tool-drive
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Events
Pages & forms

Student battle of the bands

Invite student-run bands to rock out for a prize! Charge entry fees and offer rad, donated prizes for the winners. Have each band create a team fundraising page, and encourage attendees to cast their votes for their favorites bands with a donation! 
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/student-battle-of-the-bands
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Culture day

Introduce the wider community to your club or group by hosting a themed culture day. Offer workshops, food, and activities in exchange for small donations using easy fundraising event tools like ticketing and mobile payment options.  
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/culture-day
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Sports team car wash

Host a car wash where team members do the washing in their uniforms! Schedule players in shifts and offer premium wash packages for higher donations.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sports-team-car-wash
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Events
Pages & forms

Kids vs. grownups field day


Organize an afternoon of hilarious games and exciting dual-team events, like tug-of-war, that are sure to get the competitive spirit going.

Charge entrance fees for this fundraising event, sell snacks and drinks, and don’t forget prizes for the champs!
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/kids-vs-grownups-field-day
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Events

Pet yoga


Ask a local yoga teacher to lead a class with adoptable animals—or invite participants bring their pets along for some zen!

Make this fundraising event even better by asking a local yoga studio to be a sponsor.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-yoga
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Events

Spring cleaning

Rally volunteers together for a spring cleaning of your community space or a street in your neighborhood. Reach out to local businesses to sponsor the event and offer supplies. Then, invite donations from your local community with scan-to-donate signage as you work!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/spring-cleaning
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Events
Pages & forms

Fantasy football draft festival

Turn a fantasy football draft into an exciting fundraising event! Sell tickets and offer tailgate games, food, and entertainment. 
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/fantasy-football-draft-festival
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Events
Looks like we don’t have any fundraising ideas matching that criteria 🔎
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Dive into our list of best fundraising ideas in the meantime 

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