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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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Take a stroll


Host an inclusive fun run event that’s a little more leisurely. Set a time window for participants to complete their stroll and encourage them to collect donations through peer-to-peer fundraising pages. Be sure to showcase their achievements on social media! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/take-a-stroll
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Autographed jersey auction

Connected to the right people? Procure and auction off autographed jerseys (or other memorabilia) to your supporters. You’d be surprised how willing athletes are to offer their signature for a good cause! Take advantage of intuitive auction software for simple and easy bidding, custom item descriptions, and more—no matter if your auction is in-person or completely virtual.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/autographed-jersey-auction
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Auctions

Pet picture day


Ask a photographer in your area to volunteer to take pictures of pets and their owners at a local park. Customize your fundraising event page with time-slotted tickets to make the day run smoothly.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-picture-day
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Events
Pages & forms

Tag 3

Ask donors to tag three friends when they give. This fun, no-cost challenge turns every donation into an instant ripple effect, sparking new connections and spreading your campaign further.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/tag-3
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Pages & forms
Peer-to-peer

Shoe-decorating

Source an array of paints and art supplies and invite community members to make a donation and bring a pair of sneakers to paint together for your good cause. 

To create a seamless event experience, set up custom ticket types, like an upsell ticket that provides a pair of shoes. Make sure to add a custom question to get the right shoe size!
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/shoe-decorating
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Events
Auctions

Grill-off

At your next BBQ, invite hobby chefs to compete in a grill-off, where they’ll be judged by a panel of experts—your supporters!

Set up team fundraising pages where everyone can make a donation to vote for their favorite chef. They can also see a live leaderboard and watch the votes land in real time!
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/grill-off
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Virtual gala


Showcase live or pre-recorded presentations and guest speakers, host an auction, and solicit donations—all livestreamed from your event registration page.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-gala
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Events
Auctions

Church camp dessert bake-off

Challenge your church camp attendees to a bake-off to raise money for your next big project or trip. Bakers offer samples of their treats in exchange for donations from parishioners and community members, and a panel of judges can award prizes for the best s’mores, cupcakes, and ice cream sundaes. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/church-camp-dessert-bake-off
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Events

Lend a helping hand

Let donors "purchase" 2-5 hours of extra help from students or volunteers (think raking leaves or mowing the lawn). 

In order to streamline the process and keep track of contributions, create custom labels for different donation amounts on a special fundraising page or donation form (e.g. $50 = 2 volunteer hours).
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/lend-a-helping-hand
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Auctions
Pages & forms

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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Pages & forms

Back-to-school sale


Get everyone set up for the new school year with a back-to-school sale. Sell items like stationery, backpacks, water bottles, and other accessories for kids of all ages.

Customize online tickets with the name and image of each product, so your supporters can easily choose between the items on sale.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/back-to-school-sale
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Events
Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Kiss the pig


Invite supporters to donate for your good cause with a creative twist—the top fundraiser earns the honor of kissing a pig!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/kiss-the-pig
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Events
Peer-to-peer
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

Smash it!

Ask your local junkyard to donate totaled cars and invite supporters to make a donation to take a sledgehammer to them. 

Sell different kinds of tickets online for smashers and audience members and offer food and drinks to raise even more during the fun. Don’t forget the safety goggles! 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/car-smashing
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Events

Farmer’s market


Approach a local farmer’s market with a sponsorship proposal and see if they can host a special fundraising event for your cause or dedicate a certain percentage of their Saturday morning profits to your campaign. Be sure to outline all of the perks that vendors can expect from the collaboration, like free publicity.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/farmer-s-market
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Events
Pages & forms

Virtual fun run

Take your fundraising run online—or create a hybrid event—by encouraging participants to complete a designated distance anytime, anywhere! Be sure to use peer-to-peer fundraising to spread the word and bring in some major funds.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-fun-run
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Raise for rescues


Create a giving day or online fundraising campaign to raise awareness for your shelter program. Share photos and stories that highlight your impact and offer multiple giving levels so everyone can take part in making a difference. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/raise-for-rescues
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Pages & forms

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

“Celebrity” breakfast

Charge an entrance fee for a special family breakfast with a beloved children’s character like Elmo! Check-in attendees and accept in-person donations with Tap to Pay as guests arrive, ask volunteers to whip up scrambled eggs and pancakes, and arrange a corner of the room for family photos and selfies. 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/celebrity-breakfast
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Events

Animal sanctuary


Create a fundraising page to spotlight your animal sanctuary and share the stories of the animals you help. Highlight volunteer roles and other opportunities for the community to get involved. You could even host an open house, where supporters can stop by to meet the animals you care for.  
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/animal-sanctuary
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Events
Pages & forms

Auction your time or skills


Ask supporters to volunteer their special skills, then auction their time and expertise to the highest bidder!

Streamline the whole experience with the help of free auction software. Add and categorize items, manage bids, and your bidders can get real-time updates on what’s happening.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/auction-your-time-or-skills
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Auctions
Events

Holiday performance

Put on a special holiday performance for your dance group’s friends and family members. Encourage everyone to make a donation to your chosen cause, or raise money by selling refreshments and dance-themed holiday decorations.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/holiday-performance
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Events

Touchdown sponsorships

Ask local businesses to sponsor your team for the entire season! Create a sponsorship proposal that outlines exactly what donors will get in return—like featuring their signage or logo each time you score! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/touchdown-sponsorships
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Pages & forms

24-hour marathon


Host a 24-hour livestream fundraiser for a high-energy day of fun and fundraising.

Great livestream activity ideas include a poetry slam, gaming tournament, or virtual concert.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/24-hour-marathon
All
Events
Peer-to-peer
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