100 Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits and Charities

Organizing successful fundraising events is crucial for nonprofits and charities, but it can be daunting to keep ideas fresh and engaging. In a constantly changing world, staying current with your fundraising strategies is essential to attract and retain donors. 

That’s where we come in. 

In this blog post, we’ll share 100 innovative fundraising ideas to inspire and energize your efforts. We’ll also recommend the top tools to help you execute these events seamlessly, ensuring your fundraising campaigns are both effective and stress-free.

Tried-and-true fundraising ideas

1. Establish a recurring donation incentives program

Create fundraising pages dedicated specifically to recurring donations. Encourage supporters to join your special community of monthly donors for access to exclusive merchandise and other perks.

2. Launch Google Ad Grants

Take advantage of Google Ad Grants which offer up to $10,000 per month for eligible nonprofits to display ads alongside Google search results for keywords and geographic regions of your choice. If your organization meets the registration requirements, you can leverage the power of paid search advertising without touching your marketing budget.

3. Employ donation matching

Drive online fundraising by highlighting a matching gift on your donation site. According to research from Double the Donation, 84% of donors are more likely to give if their contributions get matched, and 1 in 3 say they’d make a larger donation if a match were available.

4. Take advantage of text-to-donate

Embrace the increasingly mobile world by offering text-to-donate, an easy fundraising tool for meeting supporters where they are. By texting a memorable keyword to a specific, short number, people can make a gift to your cause while on the go.

5. Run a 50/50 raffle

Bolster donations by selling 50/50 raffle tickets. Entry into the raffle is typically $1-$5 per ticket, and at the end of your event, the winner takes half the pot. The other half goes to your cause.

6. Sell branded swag

Let supporters donate to your cause while also spreading its message wherever they go by selling T-shirts, water bottles, and other items with your logo on them.

7. Provide naming opportunities

Offer opportunities for donors to associate their names with the results while you fundraise for a big project. You can name buildings, benches, playgrounds, or programs after donors or offer engraved bricks or plaques on-site at your organization’s main office for donors who give above a certain amount.

8. Host a silent auction

Plan a silent online charity auction using innovative nonprofit auction software or add one to an existing fundraising initiative as a supplementary revenue driver. Reach out to your network to start assembling items and appoint a committee of volunteers who can solicit their contacts for additional gifts.

9. Organize a gala

Invite supporters to an elegant evening of dinner, drinks, live entertainment, and ample fundraising opportunities to recognize the success of your organization and help attendees understand your impact better. Sell tickets to your gala event through a branded campaign page and leverage corporate partnerships to help offset costs.

10. Run an art auction

Encourage donors, supporters, and artists alike to create art they feel proud of and would like to share with your community. Invite attendees to support each artist while advancing your cause by bidding on their favorite items, either in a live or virtual fundraising environment.

11. Highlight a date-night auction

Create a deal with a local restaurant, spa, or hotel to offer an exclusive date-night prize to the winner of your next fundraising auction. Identify potential businesses in your area that donors have shown an interest in and highlight the incredible marketing opportunity those establishments will receive from this event.

12. Gather supporters for speed dating

Host a speed-dating fundraiser to get like-minded singles mingling over a shared interest in philanthropy in your community and create a welcoming atmosphere for connection. Charge a small fee for anyone interested in participating and auction off fun dates throughout the night. 

13. Showcase a battle of the bands

Recruit bands to put on a concert for your community. Performers can fundraise ahead of the event to earn their spot on stage, and attendees can pay an admission fee to join the fun.

14. Promote a casino night

Bring Vegas to your hometown by hosting a casino night with roulette, blackjack, and poker games. Invite guests to dress up and exchange their bets for donations.

15. Invite donors to a murder-mystery party

See who can piece together all the clues to solve the mystery at this classic fundraising event. Charge admission for attendees to reserve their spot in the game and remind them to invite friends and family members to join the fun.

16. Offer a wine tasting

Ask local wineries or restaurants to donate a bottle or two of wine for your event in exchange for free marketing. You can hire a sommelier to teach attendees how to taste each wine properly and educate the group on the history of each drink served. Collect a basket of fine wines, cheeses, wine glasses, and bottle openers to auction off for additional donations.

17. Run a fashion show

Partner with a local venue to host a fashion show where participants create sartorial masterpieces or reach out to local clothing shops and boutiques for donated outfits. Attendees can then purchase tickets to your exclusive event.

18. Donate a drink for a cause

Ask fundraisers to give up a daily beverage and donate the money they would’ve spent to your cause instead. Provide supporters with data showcasing the impact of $5, $10, and $20 donations, and encourage them to share their activity on social media to ask their networks to do the same.

Partnership-leveraged fundraising

19. Lean into corporate partnerships

Take advantage of the rise of corporate social responsibility programs benefiting nonprofits that adopt the right corporate giving software and establish a robust corporate partnership strategy. Through these collaborations, nonprofits gain access to financial support, resources, and expanded outreach, while corporations enhance their brand reputation by aligning with socially responsible causes.

20. Encourage a local business competition

Get creative by hosting a friendly competition with a local business, such as collaborating with a brewery to name their next beer. Encourage community involvement by having individuals cast votes, with each vote translating into a donation to your nonprofit.

21. Accept event sponsorships

Leverage corporate sponsors for events to contribute funds or resources to help your nonprofit reach its goals while gaining brand visibility and access to your target audience, typically through prominent sponsor logos and special recognition at events. You can offer tiered sponsorship levels that provide greater benefits to corporations that contribute larger amounts. 

22. Run a used book sales

Partner with a local bookstore looking to clean up its overstock inventory. They can host a weekend sale of used books they want to clear out at great prices, with a portion of the profits benefiting your nonprofit.

23. Entice supporters with a vacation auction

Explore connections with potential airlines, hotels, car services, and restaurants willing to support a weekend getaway for an online auction. Get creative with your nonprofit marketing materials to sell the experience with enticing photos and videos of the vacation package, plus a comprehensive list of the vacation details and perks the winner will receive.

24. Partner with restaurants

Create a restaurant fundraiser that allows supporters to eat at a local restaurant or bakery on a particular day, and the restaurant donates a percentage of its sales back to your cause. Set up a committee to identify potential partners, then arrange a meeting with those restaurant managers to explore your options.

25. Round up for a checkout fundraiser

Partner with a business willing to ask customers if they’d like to round up their purchase amount to the nearest whole dollar, with the change going to your cause. This offers individuals a low-cost and easy way to support your nonprofit, with the small donations adding up over time.

26. Offer waived entry fees

Bring attention to your cause by partnering with a local arcade, bowling alley, bounce house, or other amusement venue. The business can waive entrance fees for a day for customers who make a financial or in-kind donation to your cause.

27. Promote dog-walking services

Partner with dedicated volunteers or local boarding facilities to offer dog-walking or other pet-pampering services in exchange for donations to your organization. People love an opportunity to give back that can also benefit their fur babies.

28. Create coupon books

Offer an opportunity for supporters to save on various goods and services while also providing marketing and brand support to the included businesses with coupon books. Partner with local shops to offer exclusive deals or gift cards to supporters who purchase your coupon book.

Social media and digital fundraising opportunities

29. Encourage a peer-to-peer social media challenge

Encourage supporters to take part in an online peer-to-peer fundraising challenge where they can leverage the influence of one or multiple social media platforms to compete in raising funds for your mission. This dynamic community-driven initiative amplifies individual efforts into a collective force for good, making every contribution count.

30. Promote a “donate your Venmo balance” campaign

Ask your network to donate the remaining balances in their Venmo accounts to your cause. With this type of fundraiser, every modest contribution accumulates to make a significant impact, allowing a collective effort to transform idle dollars into meaningful action.

31. Leverage a photo contest

Identify a theme or subject for your contest, then invite supporters to share their photos on Instagram with the appropriate hashtags and photo tags. Upload entries to a central landing page and ask your community to vote for the prize winner by making a small monetary donation.

32. Recreate the ice bucket challenge

Invite donors to recreate the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to raise more money for your mission using social media. If the ice bucket challenge doesn’t align with or reflect your organization’s work, feel free to get creative with another social media challenge.

33. Run a giveaway

Share a photo and description of a unique prize on your organization’s Instagram, then give your followers step-by-step instructions on how to enter to win the item or experience. To generate revenue, invite supporters to purchase additional entries by donating to your nonprofit.

34. Partner for a Twitch video game fundraiser

Invite gamers to create a fundraising page they can share with viewers during their Twitch event. Provide them with the tools they need to promote their livestream and encourage them to recruit friends, family, and fellow gamers to tune in to support their efforts.

35. Host a virtual tailgate

Consider creating a virtual tailgate for an event between local sports teams if you’re looking for virtual fundraising ideas. Have your supporters purchase a virtual tailgate package, which they can pick up before the big game.

36. Grab attention with a head-shaving fundraiser

Bring attention to your cause and attract new audiences with a head-shaving fundraiser for brave supporters willing to go the extra mile for your nonprofit. Participants pledge to shave their heads (or beards) to raise money. In return, your nonprofit can offer an exclusive perk, prize, or public recognition on your website or social media platforms.

37. Start a TikTok challenge

Take advantage of the growing TikTok philanthropy that has taken off through the powerhouse social media platform. Partner with an influencer or create a viral challenge to help fuel your fundraising goals.

38. Sell e-cards

Offer supporters various e-cards that they can send to friends and family members for special occasions. They can also choose to make an additional donation to your cause in the recipient’s name and have that shared in the e-card.

Seasonal fundraising ideas

39. Gather an ice cream social

Set up an ice cream shop in the parking lot of your nonprofit or a high-traffic summer spot. Ask local businesses to donate supplies and charge per scoop or set a flat-ticket fee for an all-you-can-eat option.

40. Invite participants to a dunk tank

Identify volunteers, donors, partners, or board members willing to take a shift in the dunk tank and sell tickets to those interested in sending them for a swim. While getting an adult to sit in the tank might take a little convincing, this fundraising idea is an engaging weekend activity sure to leave everyone laughing.

41. Enjoy concerts in the park

Partner with a local park and recruit artists and food trucks to participate in a memorable outdoor show. Sell tickets for the event, collect donations throughout the evening, and livestream the performances for all donors to enjoy.

42. Organize a surf tournament

Draw beach-loving crowds and get people outside for the perfect fundraising idea if you’re near the ocean: a surf competition. Ask participants to create peer-to-peer campaigns with a fundraising minimum. Not near the coast? Lakes are perfect for athletic events too. Plan a kayak race or a swim relay to take advantage of the great outdoors.

43. Host a BBQ cook-off

Invite local chefs to cook their best barbecue plate and ask guests to donate, taste, and cast their votes for their top choice. Segment the competition even further to crown the winner of the best barbecue sauce, rolls, or side dishes.

44. Sell items at a craft fair

Gather talented friends, family members, volunteers, and staff to create and sell custom crafts, like bracelets, paintings, keychains, or hand-stitched blankets. As the holiday season approaches, supporters will look for gifts like this for their loved ones.

45. Have fun with a costume race

Encourage donors to dig out their Halloween boxes and have fun in a costumed race, whether it’s zombies, Star Wars, Harry Potter, or another theme. With all the different options to choose from, this funny fundraising twist on the classic 5K never gets old.

46. Energize donors with a polar plunge

Reenergize your nonprofit community by inviting them to jump into an ice-cold lake. A polar plunge is a perfect opportunity for peer-to-peer fundraising where supporters can tap into their networks to raise money on behalf of your organization.

47. Hold a holiday cooking competition

Round up supporters and foodies around a friendly culinary competition, such as a Christmas cookie dough bakeoff. Contestants create their best holiday dishes with a specific ingredient or other criteria, and people pay to taste each dish and cast their votes.

48. Promote a winter clothing drive

Host a clothing drive ahead of the onset of freezing winter temperatures to support and protect community members in need. Encourage donors to contribute a one-time or recurring donation on top of their in-kind contribution to help your organization sustain its critical work.

49. Offer a Super Bowl squares competition

Invite your community to play your version of football squares. Instead of awarding cash prizes for those that buy in to play, ask for donations per square and award donated prizes gathered from local sponsors.

50. Guide supporters on garden tours

Ask board members, staff, or volunteers who tend beautiful spring gardens if they’d be willing to host exclusive tours of the property. Supporters can make a donation to have access to the gardens for a fun outing and photo opportunities.

College and school fundraising ideas 

51. Elevate an art show

Tap on students’ and local artists’ creative talents to advance your cause and strengthen your nonprofit’s sense of community. Ask each artist to pay a nominal entrance fee to showcase their work, then set a flat ticket price for attendees to browse the collection.

52. Run a car wash

Help take a task off someone’s to-do list while simultaneously converting them into a supporter of your cause by hosting a car wash at the local high school. Ensure you have plenty of space to wash and dry cars and collect money from customers.

53. Fundraise for a spelling bee

Present a great opportunity for younger supporters that’s not only fun to watch but also show off their skills during the school year with a spelling bee. Charge a flat rate for tickets and consider adding a peer-to-peer fundraising element to bring in charitable donations from a wider audience.

54. Sell treats at a bake sale

Invite participants to compete for the title of most talented baker to make this fan-favorite event a little more interesting. People can donate for the chance to taste test and vote for their favorites, or you can abandon the competition idea and charge a flat rate for each baked good someone purchases.

55. Hold a school concert

Use a branded campaign page to sell tickets to a school concert and encourage attendees to make donations throughout the evening to support their loved ones. Provide a virtual option by livestreaming it with reliable fundraising event software, such as Classy Live. 

56. Provide opportunities to send coffee-grams

Invite supporters to give the gift of a morning coffee to a student, parent, or teacher in their life who could use the extra boost. Ask for a flat donation amount from each customer or invite supporters to upgrade their orders with specialty beverages, like a hot chocolate or an oat milk latte.

57. Have youth run candy sales

Ask students to sell candy bars to support your cause. Encourage participation by offering small prizes for reaching different sales goals.

58. Leverage read-a-thons

Partner with an elementary school to encourage students to read for a good cause. Students can pledge to read a certain number of books during the read-a-thon event and collect fixed or per-page donations from loved ones to support their goal.

59. Incorporate a concession stand fundraiser

Host a concession stand with refreshments and snacks at school events like plays, soccer games, or rallies, with proceeds donated to your cause.

Family-friendly fundraising events

60. Create recipe books

Crowdsource recipes from supporters, volunteers, and employees to compile a cookbook for sale. Ask contributors to submit recipes online and include a dedication, doodle, or note with each to make the book feel unique and personal to your organization.

61. Host a cooking class

Interact with your community in a relaxed, creative environment with a cooking class, whether gathering in person or online. Charge a flat registration fee or offer a fundraising minimum for supporters to earn their spot in class. Include an incentive for larger donations by offering time with the chef after class.

62. Hold an eating contest

Expand your fundraising opportunities with a food-forward event sure to draw in supporters of all ages. Whether you serve pies, doughnuts, or hot dogs, contestants will get excited to compete in a timed eating contest and fund your good work.

63. Cook up a pancake breakfast

Heat the skillets and recruit a team of passionate volunteers to serve endless stacks of hotcakes. Ask donors to purchase a ticket to your all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in advance or donate in exchange for a hot meal once they arrive.

64. Organize a game night

Put together a board games night that’s friendly for all ages, with options from Monopoly to Candy Land. Charge for entry and host miniature tournaments among sets of players with prizes to motivate participation.

65. Treat supporters to a movie night

Host a film screening or a movie marathon at a local park or auditorium. Sell tickets and snacks for suggested donations, then invite attendees to help determine which movie you’ll stream by donating a few dollars toward their favorite film on the list.

66. Get crafty with a tie-dye party

Pick up donated plain T-shirts from a local business to allow supporters to gather and create masterpieces. Charge an entrance fee and encourage attendees to bring a friend.

67. Plan a rollerskate night

Switch up the usual charity 5K run/walk with a roller-skating race. In addition to fundraising for entry, invite participants to dress up and participate in a costume contest.

68. Develop a scavenger hunt

Send participants on a classic scavenger hunt where they have to find and collect designated items. Or go digital and have individuals or teams take a picture of the items or locations on the list and submit them for approval. Charge a registration fee and offer a head start or hints in exchange for donations on the day of the hunt.

69. Host a talent show

Secure a venue, recruit your talent for the evening, and prepare attendees for a fundraising event to remember. Encourage supporters of all ages to take the stage to pursue the grand prize, whether that’s a coveted trophy or a custom T-shirt.

Fitness and sports fundraisers

70. Raise money with a dance marathon

Challenge participants to join a 24-hour dance marathon to raise money for your mission. Have dancers launch peer-to-peer campaigns with a minimum goal for participation and encourage attendees to create teams to see which group can raise the most. You could also invite supporters to request songs for the playlist for $5 to raise additional revenue.

71. Challenge supporters with a treadmill relay race

Partner with a local gym for this fundraiser. Ask supporters to sign up for a time slot (a minimum of 15 minutes) and collect pledges of specific gift amounts per mile their team completes. You can also encourage anyone with access to a treadmill at home to complete the challenge virtually.

72. Organize a dodgeball tournament

Ask teams to fundraise a certain amount to participate or give donors the option to join for a set registration fee. Whichever they choose, encourage attendees to spread the word and recruit their friends to come by and watch for some serious laughs.

73. Craft an Apple Watch or Strava challenge

Get donors involved from all over the world with a virtual fitness challenge using an Apple Watch or the Strava app. Invite people to reach a daily step goal, complete a running challenge, go through an indoor cycling course, or try an independent hike.

74. Offer exercise lessons

Host an afternoon where participants can donate to receive a lesson from a local expert, whether you focus on yoga, tennis, or self-defense. To find a qualified instructor, reach out to local gyms or workout studios to see who might want to donate their skills for a good cause.

75. Provide indoor cycling classes

Partner with a local gym or spin studio and ask your community to participate in exchange for a suggested donation amount. Recruit a local instructor to donate their time and lead the class through an energetic and fulfilling workout.

76. Host a 5K run

Raise big bucks for your cause with a 5K race, a year-round favorite. In addition to entry fees, launch a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign so participants can start raising money upon registration.

77. Develop a bike race

Connect fitness-minded supporters through a bike race. You can host a 10-mile ride, a century ride, or a multiday tour and require riders to fundraise a minimum amount to participate.

78. Add some flair with a color run

Put a creative spin on the traditional 5K by hosting a community-wide color run. As participants make their way through the course, they’ll get covered with water and color powder to help create memories that will last a lifetime.

79. Hold a walk-a-thon

Encourage supporters to fundraise on behalf of your cause through a walk-a-thon peer-to-peer fundraising event. Provide attendees with all the necessary fundraising and marketing materials they might need to solicit donations, like a fundraiser toolkit, and incentivize their participation with exclusive perks or prizes.

80. Reward marathon sponsorships

Reward top peer-to-peer fundraisers in your community with entry to exclusive marathons or running events, like the Boston Marathon. Become an official charity partner of the race of your choice and determine how many athlete spots you’ll be awarded. Reserve them for supporters who fundraise the most for your cause leading up to race day, saving them the race registration fee.

81. Play in a basketball tournament

Put a spin on the standard basketball tournament with other fun games like dunk contests, free-throw contests, or dribble challenges. Keep it simple with a flat registration fee or tap into the potential of your supporters’ networks through peer-to-peer fundraising.

82. Promote teams with a relay race

Turn the traditional 5K or 10K into a team relay race or obstacle course. Runners can solicit their networks for donations or ask their friends and family to purchase event tickets to come to watch.

83. Host a local Olympics

Put together an Olympics-style sporting event for locals and ask each participant to fundraise a minimum amount to help you reach a specific goal. Either stick with the classic Olympic events, like track and field, or get creative with more unique games, like bag toss or bocce ball.

84. Gather for a flag football tournament

Charge an entry fee per team or ask participants to fundraise for entry to your charitable flag football tournament. Consider how you could raise additional funds during the tournament, whether that’s an on-site concession stand or branded merchandise.

85. Gain support through a bowling tournament

Ask each team to fundraise a minimum amount to enter your bowling tournament as you would with all other tournaments. You could also recruit partners to sponsor lanes or uniforms where they can feature their logos.

86. Invite donors to a golf tournament

Offer another opportunity for supporters to fundraise by joining your tournament. Partner with a course that may typically only be open to club members to add some exclusivity to the event. 

Creative fundraising ideas

87. Organize a film festival

Host an amateur film festival where participants can enter their productions. You can even turn it into a contest where attendees donate $5 to cast votes for their favorite films. Leading up to the contest, create an email series with tips to show supporters how to create an impactful video.

88. Host a dinner party

Sell tickets and invite guests to a rented venue, a volunteer’s home, or your office for a delicious potluck harvest dinner or cocktail hour. Prepare your elevator pitch so guests will understand how meaningful this dinner and their contributions truly are.

89. Sing for a good cause with a karaoke night

Invite donors to loosen up and have some old-fashioned fun with a night of karaoke. Charge for entry, then encourage spectators to vote for their favorite performers through small monetary donations. The performer with the most donations at the end of the evening will be the winner.

90. Develop an afternoon tea time

Invite your community to relax, sip their favorite tea, and support your nonprofit’s mission. Attendees can secure their entry with a standard registration fee, then dress up for your classy high-tea fundraiser to make the most of the event.

91. Share laughs with a comedy night

Recruit community members, local performers, and up-and-coming comics to show off their talents at your comedy night event. Sell entry tickets, then encourage donors to show additional support through the form of food and beverage purchases for suggested donation amounts.

92. Hold a trivia night

Ask a local restaurant or bar to host your trivia night fundraising event and encourage participants to form teams in advance. Set a minimum fundraising amount that participants must meet to play. If registrants don’t meet the minimum, they can donate the remaining amount.

93. Gather items for a yard sale

Collect gently worn clothes and home goods for a yard sale your community won’t want to miss. If you have valuable items, like first-edition books or signed collectibles, hold an exclusive auction for these top-tier pieces at the end of the day.

94. Come together for a community potluck

Create a cheap and accessible fundraiser for donors who may be unable to afford a ticket to your annual gala or other large fundraisers but still want to get involved with your cause. Encourage donors to buy a ticket through your event page, then show up with an appetite and their favorite meal, dessert, or drink.

95. Partner with local teachers for a meditation night

Recruit a local yoga teacher or qualified volunteer to lead a meditation class for your supporters. Charge a registration fee to attend, then bolster your opportunities for donations by auctioning off a series of guided meditation sessions or a free one-year membership to popular meditation apps like Calm or Headspace.

96. Light up a community bonfire

Get donors together for a night of s’mores, hot chocolate, and campfire songs. Sell tickets to your event through a branded campaign page. Recruit donors, beneficiaries, or partners to speak at your bonfire to help clarify the impact of your mission.

97. Partner for a pub crawl

Host a pub (or restaurant) crawl as a great way to put a philanthropic twist on a fun Saturday night. Plan your route with local breweries that may offer discounts or ask participating bars and eateries to donate a portion of their profits to your cause. Charge for entry or invite registrants to make contributions at various stops along the crawl.

98. Incorporate tree planting

Do a good deed for the environment while simultaneously driving your mission forward. Sell or auction trees in partnership with your local native plant nursery or promote donations for memorial trees your organization will plant to remember loved ones.

99. Be artsy with a painting night

Partner with a local artist or painting studio to host an evening for friends to gather for a guided painting class along with light snacks and drinks. Sell tickets to the event in advance.

100. Promote a bingo night

Host a bingo night where participants pay an entrance fee and make donations to get additional bingo cards. Offer a range of donated prizes to encourage participation.

Inspire your next fundraising idea with the latest data 

Upgrade your next fundraising event with exclusive donor data from our Fundraising Event Attendee Insights Report. Discover how to deliver an event that offers meaningful value, strengthens donor relationships, and keeps your community engaged long after the closing ceremony.

Plus, Classy’s easy and flexible campaign builder, Classy Studio, helps streamline the creative process by empowering hyperpersonalized, connected experiences across various interactions to activate your community at scale. Bring your story and brand to life while respecting and serving supporters’ individuality.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien