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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.

Givebutter fundraising progress graphic showing $45,000 raised out of a $50,000 goal (90% complete), with a smiling yellow character holding a light bulb and a green 'Support Now!' button.

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Thrifty fashion show

Host a fashion show featuring only second-hand clothes, which will then be on sale after the show! Charge an entrance fee, sell food and drinks, and remember to send a big thank you to everyone when your fundraising event is all over. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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Bake sale


Everyone loves sweet treats! Whip up some cookies, cakes, or donuts and host a bake sale to raise funds for your good cause.

Supporters don’t have cash? No problem! With Givebutter, you can accept mobile payments through a range of modern methods, including Venmo.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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Fashion show


Host a fashion show that showcases talented local designers, fashion students, or both! Make it inclusive and invite people of all sizes and abilities to be your models.

At this fundraising event, you can bring in donations by charging entrance fees, selling food and drinks, and adding a silent auction.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/fashion-show
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Events
Peer-to-peer
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Gift basket showdown

Using peer-to-peer fundraising, participants compete to raise the most money for your campaign. The winner gets the first pick from a selection of gift baskets.  
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/gift-basket-showdown
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Jeans day


Sell passes for a day out of uniform or a day in jeans. You can even turn it into a friendly competition to see which grade has the highest participation. For easy payments, use scan-to-donate, Venmo, or other convenient methods. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/jeans-day-out-of-uniform-day
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Peer-to-peer

Disc golf fundraiser

Swap traditional golf for disc golf and attract a new crowd to help you raise money. Sell tickets for people to take part, and livestream the event so your community can cheer on participants and donate from wherever they are.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/disc-golf-fundraiser
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Peer-to-peer

Calendar fundraiser

Design a calendar featuring fun or themed photos from your community, event participants, or volunteers. Sell it for a set donation amount, or use it as an auction item or giveaway prize.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/calendar-fundraiser
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Feast of ideas


Celebrate the knowledge and passion of your school or learning community with a gala or dinner event centered on sharing ideas, insights, and wisdom.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/feast-of-ideas
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Flower bouquets

Partner with a local florist to set up a stall where volunteers make, wrap, and sell flower bouquets for Mother's Day, Easter, or any other spring celebration.

Create a fundraising page with custom donation amounts featuring a photo of each kind of bouquet and the number available so donors can reserve bouquets online or purchase in person.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/flower-bouquets
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Reverse raffle

Unlike a traditional raffle, the last ticket holder gets the grand prize in a reverse raffle. Offer custom ticket types to feature various raffle items so participants have lots of options. 

Before you start planning, be sure to check for any state regulations on raffles where you live! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/reverse-raffle
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Golf advice clinic

If you know your stuff, set up a golf advice clinic where new and would-be golfers can come along and ask questions. Host this at your club, or invite an expert or celebrity to come in for the day. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/golf-advice-clinic
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More money, no problems


Instead of hosting an event, ask your supporters to donate a specific amount for the entire year. Create a donation form or fundraising page with photos, videos, and a compelling story in order to encourage gifts. Be sure to customize your donation amounts and add descriptions that are specific to your needs and impact.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/more-money-no-problems
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Fan Combine

Invite family, friends, and fans to this ultimate sports fundraising event. Participants join in a series of challenges, such as football tosses, 50-yard dashes, and obstacle courses.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/fan-combine
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Elect an animal


Nominate some of the animals in your care to be “election candidates.” Create fundraising pages for the nominees and have supporters cast their vote by donating. Be sure to spotlight each animal’s story and how your organization has helped them thrive. 
 
The winning animal receives some extra treats—and social media recognition! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/elect-an-animal
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Peer-to-peer
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Pie-eating contest

Ask local bakeries and volunteers to contribute pies, then host a pie-eating contest with a ticket price for entry. Sell refreshments (including slices of pie!) to raise extra funds.

Use a range of fundraising event features, such as online registration, on-the-spot payments, and seamless check-ins.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pie-eating-contest
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Peer-to-peer
Events

BBQ cookout

Host a BBQ cookout featuring grilled meats, sides, and desserts. Charge entrance fees and ask for donations at this fundraising event, too. Make this fundraising event even tastier by sharing sponsorship proposals and inviting local restaurants to sponsor your event (or even compete!). 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/bbq-cookout
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Virtual book club


Host a virtual book club and charge a small registration fee or ask for donations to join. Hold regular discussions via Zoom or another video conferencing platform to keep the community engaged.

Set up recurring donations as a simple way to collect membership fees for ongoing gatherings.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-book-club
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50-yard-line movie night

Hang a projector screen (or large, white sheet) from the goalposts at the football field. Charge a small entrance fee, sell popcorn, and enjoy an outdoor movie night together—football-themed film or not! 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/50-yard-line-movie-night
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Bail out the pastor

Lock your pastor or church leader away behind closed doors and ask congregation members to donate towards their freedom. This is a fun and fast-paced way to raise funds quickly! 

Create excitement by displaying a live goal bar on your fundraising page so supporters can watch the total rise in real time. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/bail-out-the-pastor
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Fur a good paws


Host the ulti-mutt fundraiser your animal charity or veterinary nonprofit with this pun-tastic theme. Rally your community in support of their four-legged friends for a day of celebration and giving.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/fur-a-good-paws
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Auctions
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One-day giving event


Take part in Giving Tuesday or create your own giving day in which you mobilize your community to reach your fundraising goal in one day.

Keep your supporters invested in your progress with a goal bar and campaign updates that highlight milestones, matching gifts, and special shout-outs throughout the day.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/one-day-giving-event
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Color run


Spray participants with brightly colored powder along the course of your charity fun run. By the end, runners will be rainbow-ed! Set up a photo booth at the finish line for selfies, and encourage donations on social media via a scan-to-donate code.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/color-run
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Peer-to-peer

Pool party


Charge an entry fee for a fun day in the sun—think pool floats, squirt guns, and water balloons!

To make this fundraising event even more of a hit, sell summery snacks and drinks, too. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pool-party
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Celebrity guest appearance


Invite minor or major league players or other celebrity guests to your fundraising event to make a general appearance, offer a meet-and-greet session for VIPs, or participate in the event themselves! You cansell ticketsand offer food and drink at an additional cost to make this fundraising event a big win for your cause.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/celebrity-guest-appearance
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