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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By organization
Additional lists
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All fundraising ideas
Gift basket auction
Go big with your silent auction baskets! Ask local businesses to donate goods to help you fill hampers with items that fit different themes. Wrap them up nicely to entice bidders and bring in more dollars for your cause.









Improv night
Invite community members to try their hand at comedy while earning money—and a few good laughs—for a cause. Sell tickets and raise even more at your event with snacks and drinks.









Student art auction
Auction off student art projects online, in person, or both! Add photos and descriptions of each masterpiece using auction software for easy bidding and sharing.









Speakeasy night
Sell tickets to a prohibition-era-themed night that features poker, themed cocktails, live music, and more. Sell tickets to this fundraising event ahead of time, and accept donations from latecomers on the spot, too.









Virtual auction
Use auction software that makes the bidding process smooth and simple for you and your donors.









Book sale
Partner with a publisher or local book store and host a book sale to raise money. Sell books of all kinds or organize the event around a theme—romance novels, religious books, or children's literature—whatever will resonate with your community.
Make sure to spread the word about your sale and send reminders using free email marketing software!









Parents’ night out
This fundraising event can be a fun gathering for parents—or a chance for grownups to drop off their kids for a few hours in exchange for a donation to your cause. Charge an hourly rate or flat “entrance fee” and give caregivers some priceless peace and quiet.









Basketball tournament
Step things up by challenging each team to see who can raise the most. Encourage them to create team fundraising pages to track their impact and build momentum toward game day.









Carve for cancer
Grab your snowboards and support a good cause with this fun winter fundraising idea. Combine slope-side competitions with live music, refreshments, and vendors.









Field day
Invite participants to register for a day of fun outdoor games and friendly competitions, like relay races, a water balloon toss, and tug-of-war.
Make your fundraising event a success with sponsorships from local businesses to help offset costs and bring in more participants.









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.









LGBTQ+ trivia night
Charge a registration fee for a fun night of testing your LGBTQ+ knowledge. To raise additional funds at this fundraising event, sell pride-themed merch, drinks, and snacks, too!









Autographed jersey auction









Movies in the park
Invite your community to enjoy a summer movie series in the park. Screen a classic or trending film somewhere scenic, and sell popcorn, drinks, and other refreshments.
Sell tickets online, check guests in with your mobile app, and offer easy payment options like scan-to-donate for on-the-spot donations.









Pajama party
Raise money for a good cause and create an unforgettable, cozy experience by turning any fundraising event into a pajama party.









Kiss the pig
Invite supporters to donate to your good cause—with a creative twist. The top fundraiser earns the honor of kissing a pig!









Pet spa day
Recruit volunteers to perform various pet grooming services like bathing and nail trimming. Charge a fee for each “treatment” at this fundraising event by offering tiered ticket types for different services and combinations.









Beach ball
Swap the traditional venue for a sunset gala on the beach. With catering, live music, and an auction, you’ll have the perfect recipe for a memorable summer fundraiser.









Comedy night
Sell tickets to join your organization for an evening of laughter, drinks, and fundraising! Partner with a local venue and ask other businesses for corporate sponsorships to offset costs and bring in even more dollars for your cause.









Social media challenge
Choose a theme and hashtag, then encourage supporters to post a video or photo, tag others to join in, and donate!
Explore more social media fundraising tips to take your efforts to the next level.









Holiday cookie sale
Whip up some sweet treats to sell at your next fundraising event, group gathering, or around town. Consider setting up a station for supporters to decorate their own cookies or create kits for families to bring home in exchange for a donation.
Streamline the buying process with scan-to-donate—which guest can use to make their payment instantly right from their phones!









Town hall event









Jump-a-thon
Organize a jump-a-thon where participants collect pledges for every jump—or every minute they keep jumping. It’s a fun, high-energy way to raise money while fostering community and a little friendly competition.









Recycling drive
Ask supporters to collect recyclable materials like cans, bottles, or even old tech, then use a local service to turn these items into funds.
Recycling drives work great for long-term fundraising. Keep your supporters engaged and remind them when and where they can drop off materials via your email marketing software.









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