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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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By organization
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Additional lists
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All fundraising ideas
Cookie-decorating extravaganza
Volunteers bake batches of cookies to contribute to a decorating contest! Participants pay a small fee to enter and use frosting and other edible flare you provide to compete for the best cookie design.
To make your fundraising event even sweeter, bring in a cookie-decorating expert to show off some sweet tips and tricks.
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Date auction
Brave individuals offer themselves up for your auction to go on a date with the highest bidders. This idea is a little bit dated, but with the right planning, you can have a lot of fun with it.
Ask sponsoring restaurants to donate gift certificates to bring in more bids for these “items” and make for an easy, in-public location for each date.
Mascot showdown
Join forces with your rival team for a good cause. Organize a race or other competition between your mascots during halftime at a big game, and ask supporters to vote for their mascot by donating on a team fundraising page. Use text-to-donate or a QR code to bring in even more funds from the stands during the event.
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Multicultural fair
Caroling
Embrace the holiday spirit and spread joy by going caroling around town or at a seasonal event. Pass the hat for cash donations and display a large QR code or text-to-donate number for easy mobile giving.
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Secret supper
Sell tickets to a dining experience where guests purchase tickets to a "secret" location revealed only hours before the event. Use a texting software to send updates to attendees and inform them of the location.
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Adopt-a-room
Encourage donors to sponsor specific furniture peices and appliances so they can see how their contributions directly support families in need. The easiest way to do this is to set up custom labels for different donation amounts on your donation form that correspond with the items you need. For example, “$25 provides a toaster,” “$50 provides a dinnerware set,” and so on.
Speed dating
Find a venue, write up some icebreaker cards, and set a time limit for each date. Charge an entrance fee to this fundraising event and watch the sparks fly.
Encourage extra donations if participants find a special someone!
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Arts for animals
Whether you’re hosting an animal art auction or a concert to promote environmental awareness, animals and the arts go hand in hand when it comes to fundraising.
Dedicate time during your event for a “mission moment” to remind supporters why they’re essential to your work—and highlight the positive impact their donations make.
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Virtual food/wine tasting
Partner with local eateries and provide tasting kits for participants to enjoy at home for a small fee. Then, host a livestream tasting experience.
Three point contest
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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.
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Photo contest
Raise even more by turning the top photos into a deck of cards or a calendar.
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Teacher spelling bee
To make this event virtual or hybrid, livestream it from your event page for attendees to watch from home.
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Kick out cancer
Rally soccer fans to raise money for cancer research and care. Charge a small team registration fee, then spark friendly competition by encouraging peer-to-peer or team fundraising.
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Earth Day
Charge an entrance fee and make your fundraising event move smoothly with mobile app check-in and easy scan-to-donate payment options.
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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.
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March Madness
Raise money while cheering on your favorite NCAA players with a bracket competition culminating in a ticketed March Madness watch party.
To take this fundraising idea online, take advantage of livestreaming tools, too!
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24-hour relay race
Create the ultimate relay race to raise funds for your cause. Participants create individual or team fundraising pages where friends and family can show their support with donations and progress toward their goal in real time.
Oscars fundraiser
Sell tickets to an extra special Oscars viewing party—or create your very own awards program fundraiser that’s as glamorous and exciting as the real thing.
Animal allies
Encourage recurring donors by launching an animal ally monthly giving program. Your monthly supporters will receive exclusive updates about the animals their money is helping, plus access to special events and volunteer opportunities.
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Postcard drive
Handwritten messages can make a huge impact on your fundraising by helping donors feel seen and appreciated. During your next campaign, have volunteers write and mail postcards to your contacts asking for support.
Add a modern twist by including a short URL that links directly to your fundraising page.
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That’s a wrap
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Oktoberfest
Take inspiration from the popular German event and host your own Oktoberfest with carnival games, a haunted house, and plenty of beer and non-alcoholic drinks.
This fall festival idea is a great way to raise funds for your cause and give your supporters an exciting day out.
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