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.
.png)
%201.png)
By organization
Additional lists
%201.png)
All fundraising ideas
Chords for Cancer gala
Invite your community to an evening of music, dance, and entertainment in support of cancer research. Host one large gala event or a series of smaller shows throughout the year.









Plant sale
Ask your green-thumbed community members to grow their best seedlings and plants for a future plant sale to raise much-needed funds. Or, send a sponsorship proposal to a local plant nursery to sign on as your event sponsor or partner.









Silent auction
Swap your traditional auction for a silent one, where supporters or live audience members can bid any time before the auction ends. With a silent auction, your supporters are able to bid on items online or with their phones via QR code, making it easy and accessible for all.









Pet expo
Partner with local vendors to bring your animal-loving community together for an exciting day out. Pets and their people can visit various tents, participate in activities, and learn about your organization’s impact. Sell tickets for general admission, and for a larger donation, offer VIP tent access with catered treats for both humans and furry friends.









Virtual concert
Ask local musicians or bands to perform for a livestreaming audience and invite viewers to make donations or purchase tickets to attend virtually right on your event page.
Make sure to feature a donation thermometer on your page to encourage viewers to make extra donations and get you closer to your goal as they enjoy the music.









Fix the felines
Launch a trap-neuter-return fundraising campaign to help reduce the number of stray cats and kittens in your community.
Make your fundraising goal visible with a fundraising thermometer, so supporters can see how their contributions are moving you one step closer to your goal.









Pool or beach volleyball tournament









Flag football tournament
Bring fans onto the field for some football fun! Teams register and pay to play and fans buy tickets to cheer them on.









Sell merch
Branded t-shirts, hoodies, totes, or water bottles are a tried-and-true way to raise money and spread the word about your organization. Set up an online store and sell merch at community events to increase visibility and donations.









Team apparel sale









Drag show
Sell tickets for a night of performances by local drag artists and musicians (with food and drinks available, too!).
Manage your event ticketing, check in your attendees, and accept additional donations in person with easy fundraisng event software.









Bowl-a-thon
Reserve lanes at a bowling alley, ask participants to gather pledges for an all-you-can-bowl night, and watch the donations roll in on team fundraising pages.
Offer special prizes for the team with the highest score, most creative name, or even the best uniforms.









Dodgeball tournament
Put teams together and face off to see who truly is the best when it comes to dodgeball. Charge teams an entry fee, sell tickets to watch the games, and sell refreshments to raise even more funds.
Invite participants to set up team fundraising pages so they can also compete to see who can raise the most funds for your cause.









Food fight
This isn’t your typical cafeteria food fight. This cleverly named event raises awareness and funds to fight food insecurity and help keep your community fed.









Cold water plunge









Comedy roast









Dance silent auction









Game night
Sell custom event ticket types and group tickets that offer unlimited access to games—or charge a certain number of tickets per game.









Reverse raffle
Before you start planning, be sure to check for any state regulations on raffles where you live!









Golf tournament
Golf tournaments are an incredible way to build relationships and raise funds for your cause. Charge teams an entry fee, secure sponsorships, and enjoy a day on the green with your community.
Check out our guide to discover how to make your next golf tournament even more profitable.









Scary movie marathon
Pick a series of spooky films to show every Friday night in October. Sell Halloween-themed concessions and display a QR code to encourage donations before the show begins!









Concert for a cause
Work with popular local musicians and performers to host a benefit concert with a percentage of the proceeds going towards your cause.
Want to make sure everyone can listen in and donate, no matter where they are? Livestream your concert to the masses and enable people to contribute to your campaign without leaving the stream.









Art festival
Secure a large space, reach out to local artists, and charge an entrance fee to your very own art festival. Check-in attendees and accept payments at the door and use scan-to-donate to encourage additional in-person donations throughout the event.









Used book sale
Reserve a space and ask your community to donate their gently used books for a cause. Set a price for each book and use scan-to-donate or Venmo to easily accept payments on the spot.









Subscribe to
The Butter Brief
Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox

Givebutter helps you turn ideas into impact
.webp)
Subscribe to
The Butter Brief
Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox

The most-loved fundraising platform
.png)
%201.png)


.png)
.png)








.png)
.png)
.png)


.webp)






.webp)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)

.png)


.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)



.png)
.png)
%20(2).png)
.png)
.png)




.png)
.png)


.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)


.png)
.png)