Fundraising has always been a great way to engage an audience while helping you build a sense of community to inspire and spark creativity. Perhaps you’re an entrepreneur looking to raise funds for a non-profit organization or an individual whose heart goes into giving back to a community. No matter the cause, knowing the right fundraising idea to kick start your goals and dreams is the key to achieving success.
Getting creative through compelling fundraiser ideas puts the ‘fun’ in a fundraiser while adding new, impactful, and unique elements to your brand’s pursuit. There are hundreds of ideas for you to choose from; we’ve made it simple by creating a list of fundraising ideas that can be tailored-fit to your ultimate purpose and big ideas. Here’s a slew of 200 ideas that will help you lead, give you a clearer picture of your objective, grab the attention of donors, and inspire your audience to take part in your mission.
Events
1. Marathon/Relay
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 2/5
Hosting a marathon or relay is a fantastic way to get your community involved while giving them a fun reason to dive into physical activity for a cause. Many individuals love the excitement of the challenge! It can be done as a triathlon, running, biking, or even kayaking. It’s best to consider your demographic and your preferred area. 5k or 10k Fundraisers work great to drive your goals.
Challenges to consider: Marathons or relays naturally occupy large areas, whether you host at an indoor event space, gymnasium, or local park. To create visibility for your event, you may need to work with local authorities to block off roads or rent a local area where you can hold your event.
The best time to do this: Large outdoor marathons/relays are ideal in warmer weather. Consider spring or summer seasons.
2. Art Auctions
Overhead Costs: $$-$$$
Expected Return: $$$-$$$$
Planning Complexity: 4/5
Art auctions put the spotlight on the artist community in your region. There’s always room to involve young budding artists such as children from schools or other talented individuals to showcase their unique talents. You can feature installations, pottery, paintings and auction them off to a community of art-lovers. To liven things up and get your guests involved, you can include activities such as painting and wine night, creative dress codes, and concessions. You can also consider partnering with a local art gallery to get proceeds from their sales for an opening; this initiative can put your local art gallery on the map. The possibilities are endless with art and creative concepts.
Challenges to consider: The time spent finding and contacting local artists in your community to support your art auction. Consider a local artist with recognition and feature them in your marketing material to boost sales.
The best time to do this: Anytime
3. Car Wash
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 1
Car washes have always been a staple in traditional fundraising because cars always need to get cleaned. People love the idea of suds, sponges, and buckets with upbeat tunes playing in the background. Classic car washes are a great way to recruit volunteers in your community while giving you a chance to talk to your customers about your cause. In terms of location, you can partner with a local gas station or automobile shop to use their space as a lot for cleaning. This partnership provides visibility to their existing clientele while giving you less clean-up post-event!
Challenges to Consider: A reliable water source is something to consider. Holding it in large areas such as a big-box corporation parking lot can help with visibility while reeling in new supporters.
Best time to do this: You don’t want your volunteers or supporters to get cold; spring and summer is the best time for this event!
4. Movie Night (Indoor or Outdoor)
Overhead Costs: $$
Expected Return: $$$
Planning Complexity: 3
No matter where you are, anybody loves to wind down and destress from their daily routines with an old-fashioned movie night, and it’s a terrific way to catch up with friends, family, dates, or loved ones. Various location ideas are to host a movie night, depending on your demographic, audience size, budget, or event theme. A few examples are; hosting a drive-in movie screening in a vacant parking lot, a movie night below the stars at a park (using a projector screen), or a make-shift movie theatre in a large event space. Raising funds can come from the admission; you can include concession stands from local vendors for an extra boost.
Challenges to consider: There are several factors to consider when planning a movie night event, the location, movie licensing, renting a projector, screen, and audio components. Choosing a convenient, comfortable, and spacious location is essential.
Best time to this: Indoor movie screenings can be done anytime, whereas outdoor movie events should be hosted during spring or summer.
5. Community yard sale
Overhead costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning complexity: 2
Out with the old and in with the new, especially if it’s going towards an impactful cause. You’re guaranteed to find neighbors in your community who need decluttering; this is the perfect place to give pre-loved items new homes for a decent profit! A big bonus is while you are raising profits for your organization, your community is also doing its part to reduce its carbon footprint by recycling and reusing treasures.
Challenges to consider: Two crucial aspects for a yard sale are a location where donations can be dropped off and organized accordingly before the event; another is the event location. You will need a spacious event space for more oversized items, such as furniture, appliances, or home decor.
The best time for this: Spring is the time for cleaning and fresh starts; consider April or summer before the fall season when everybody is getting ready to go back to work or school and looking for a wardrobe refresh!
6. Bake Sales
Overhead costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 1
If you’re a sweet tooth lover or want to unleash your inner pastry chef, a bake sale is a perfect way to bring your community together and put their cooking skills to the test. There’s no better feeling than satisfying empty tummies with delectable, mouth-watering treats and refreshments while raising funds for a good cause. If you’re looking for partners, you might want to consider farmers’ markets or food bazaars.
Challenges to consider: Before you plan your bake sale, you must consider mandatory health codes, proper food handling, and making sure each volunteer indicates the ingredients of each baked good on an index card for food and nut allergies. Organize a list of who’s bring specific baked treats so you’re aware of duplicates and particular foods that might not be safe for your guests. Another aspect is location, you want to avoid overcrowding, but you also want to consider a place with high foot traffic to make successful sales. Try scouting locations such as food halls, community centers, or school gymnasiums.
The best time for this: Anytime; however, if you’re looking to partner up with food bazaars or farmer’s markets, consider hosting your bake sale during warmer seasons.
7. Dog and pet parent meetup!
Overhead costs: $-$$ (Depending on location)
Expected return: $$-$$$
Planning Complexity: 3
Every community is guaranteed to have like-minded dog lovers! Hosting a dog pet-parent meetup allows the pet’s in the community to interact and play with other furry companions. It’s an excellent way for animal lovers to socialize. Make it fun and interactive by including dog costume contests, photo booths, partnering with local pet stores (where they can set up booths to sell their products), concessions that carry treats for your pup or snacks, and refreshments for pet-parent! The event’s admission tickets or vendors can go towards your cause.
Challenges to consider: It’s essential to consider a spacious location and guest list for your event to avoid overcrowding; the last thing you want is an overstimulated dog that can be problematic for other pets and pet parents. Ensure there’s enough space and specific areas for dogs to play with without obstructions or tricky obstacles.
Best time for this: It’s best to host this event in the summer; the last thing you want is rain on your dog parade and wet dogs!
8. Dance Marathon
Overhead costs: $$
Expected return: $$$
Planning complexity: 3
Can you keep up with the beat? Welcome a community of music lovers and dancers to bring their dancing shoes to a dance marathon. Paying homage to Sandy and Johnny in Grease, a classic dance marathon allows sponsors to bring out pledges for every hour you’re on your feet. To keep the engagement and excitement going, you can opt to live stream the whole event for online viewers to tune in and watch their favorite dancers, grooving to the beat for a good cause.
Challenges to consider: The longer the dance marathon, the more pledges; consider renting out a large arena or a community center with room to move without time restraints. Ensure there’s a wide selection of music genres to satisfy all of your supporters.
Best time to this: Anytime!
9. Local Clothing Swap
Do you need a wardrobe refresh or want to include unique pieces to elevate your style? Many people have clothes they want to get rid of, and many are looking for new pieces. Sustainable fashion is all the rage, and a “clothing meetup” allows you to shop slow with a purpose. To participate, you can change a monetary fee to go towards donations or have participants donate for every article of clothing exchanged. The best part of this event is networking, raising awareness about your cause, and of course, the diverse fashion styles you’ll encounter. Talk about clothes encounter!
Challenges to Consider: The more clothes, the merrier! Find a large pool of participants with clothing pieces ready to donate to keep the clothing swap going. The organization is essential a few days before sorting out the clothes into categories, making it easier for guests to swap and look for volunteers to assist in sorting out the clothing categories. Regarding location and the number of participants, it’s best to consider spacious areas. You’ll need to include tables and clothing racks.
Best time to this: Anytime.
10. Greenhouse pop up (Plants and garden sale)
Sustainable living and gardening are hobbies for individuals who have a knack for gardening with a green thumb. Partner with flower stores, greenhouses, and local farmers to support your cause; all sales proceeds can go towards your cause. This initiative is great for activists, eco-friendly and sustainable businesses that want to do better for the community and planet. If there’s an active local garden club, have members donate their seedlings that can be up for grabs for the participants.
Challenges to consider: Round up partners willing to sell their products; it’s essential to consider an open-air location and the local weather forecast so the plants, seedlings, or flowers won’t get damaged when organizing the event. There is also space to set up concessions with refreshments, booths for garden tools, and other garden-related items.
Best time for this: Consider the spring season or early summer months, where your community is thinking about their gardens and when different plans or products are in season.
11. Pool Party
Overhead costs: $$-$$$ (depending on location and event suppliers)
Expected Return: $$$- $$$$
Planning Complexity: 3-4
Beat the heat and welcome the summer months with a pool party! Adults, children, or families in your community will enjoy soaking in the sun pool or have a blast splashing around in a refreshing pool. The possibilities with pool party themes are endless. You can consider hiring a DJ, opening up concession stands for refreshments, and including photobooths for your guests to capture priceless summer memories. Consider partnering with a local pool or a community center. If you’re opting for an adult event that includes alcoholic beverages, you can consider partnering with a hotel. Partnerships can assist you with rental and marketing costs. Proceeds of admission fees can go towards your cause.
Challenges to consider: A vital element of a pool party is the health and safety of your guests; ensure that lifeguards and first aid kits are present for a safe and seamless event. If you include food and beverages, you will consider applying for an alcohol and food permit.
Best time to this: Summer months gives everybody a compelling reason to take a plunge into a refreshing pool!
12. Trivia night
Overhead costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 3
Over the years, there’s been an increase in popularity for trivia nights or game nights hosted at bars and restaurants. It’s a fun way for guests to get quizzical, competitive, and put their knowledge to the test for a good cause. You can consider partnering with a local bar or restaurant to support your event, or you can hold your event at a library or a local community center. The participation or entrance fee can go towards your cause. Depending on your participants or your community, you can consider making questions specific to their interests, your community, or their niche.
Challenges to consider: The tedious part of a trivia night is handpicking questions that will keep your audience engaged and excited. Trivia rental suppliers can help you save time to allocate more time in the planning portion.
Best time for this: Anytime
13. Host A Discussion or a Fireside Talk
Overhead costs: $$-$$$ (Depending on the speaker)
Expected Return: $$$-$$$$
Planning Complexity: 3-4
Everybody has a story to tell, whether inspiring, motivational, or humorous. Host an event by partnering with a thought leader in society or a notable public figure to host an intimate discussion with your community. Discussion sparks inspiration, networking with other members in the community while allowing your audience to engage with the speaker if you include a Q & A panel. The event’s success can lead to a series of discussions that can increase the revenue for your cause with its entrance fee.
Challenges to consider: It’s important to scout a great venue to comfortably sit a large audience (Theatres, conference halls). Think of a local cafe or book store if you consider a more intimate setting. The critical element is a moderator to guide the discussions, and a reputable host will empower your audience to sign up for your cause. If your host isn’t local, you will have to consider their travel expenses and hosting fees.
Best time for this: Anytime
14. Scavenger Hunt
Overhead costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 3
Planning and organizing a scavenger hunt can be a tedious task, but if it goes smoothly, it can be a lot of fun while unleashing your inner competitive streak. With technology and social media at your fingertips, you can ditch the paper and upload the scavenger hunt lists and photos on a social media platform, using a unique hashtag to track your participants. Proceeds will come from the participant fee, but it’s always great to include a prize or incentive that will get your supporters motivated and excited for the hunt.
Challenges to consider: Strategically planning a route for your guests to set foot on ahead of time will help you save time so you can allocate your time towards the items on the scavenger list. If your list includes items from local shops in your community, you may want to propose a collaboration to help them support your fundraiser.
Best time for this: Anytime! It’s best if you check your local weather forecast beforehand for any critical weather conditions that might put a damper on your hunt.
15. Community Hiking Day
Overhead costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 1
Hikes are ideal for active individuals in your community who enjoy the great outdoors challenges and love to meet new people. Hosting a community hiking day for a cause in your local national park or mountains for a small fee would be a fantastic but simple way to bring your community together to enjoy fresh air and nature’s offerings.
Challenges to consider: The best way to lead a successful hike is to partner with a wildlife expert, environmentalist, or expert guide to lead the walk. Finding a strategic route with the help of a guide can inform you and your participants on the potential dangers of wildlife and surroundings during the hike. Your participant’s safety is your number one priority. Hiring a guide to lead your event is always a great way to educate your guests about nature, wildlife, and the chosen area. You may want to give your supporters hiking packs beforehand with snacks or water bottles to keep them refreshed and energized during their adventure!
Best time for this: If you’re opting for a scenic winter hike, consult a wildlife expert on routes that don’t have dangerous slippery slopes. Host your event on a cool summer day to avoid heatstroke or dehydration if you prefer warmer weather.
16. Themed Fun Run
Overhead costs: $-$$$
Expected Return: $$-$$$$
Planning Complexity: 3-4
Fun runs put a twist on a usual marathon because the ultimate goal is to get silly and creative while giving your participants an interactive reason to exercise. Fun runs can come in all sizes and themes; it’s best to choose a fun run theme that fits your demographic and the time of the year. Examples are colored fun runs, costumes (ugly Christmas sweaters or Zombie runs), or runs for specific food or drinks. The proceeds from the entrance fees can go towards your event. Depending on the location of your choice, successful fun runs usually include an MC or a DJ to keep the energy going during the event.
Challenges to consider: A large location is vital; don’t forget to coordinate with city or park officials on the availability of your fun run course. You will need to ensure you have the proper permits for water and refreshments. As well as having volunteers and paramedics present to ensure the safety of the participants.
Best time for this: Fun runs can happen all year round since it’s theme-specific, but it’s best to avoid critical weather conditions to keep your participants safe and comfortable.
17. Beer Garden Night
Overhead Costs: $$
Expected Return: $$$
Planning Complexity: 2
Globally, there are millions of beer lovers. Whether you’re an experimental drinker, a social drinker, or somebody who loves to unwind after a long day of work, for many, there’s always a reason to have a beer in hand. Partner up with your local bar or restaurant to co-host a beer garden happy hour, where a portion of your sales goes towards your cause. There’s an opportunity to incorporate fun drinking games; you can hire a DJ to set the mood or include specific drink specials or beer flights for a unique and engaging night to remember.
Challenges to consider: It’s essential to view the number of attendees participating in your event to avoid overcapacity creating a social media group where guests can RSVP. If you’re worried about the drink’s running out because of a happy hour, you can set a specific time frame for the happy hour and include drink discounts, where an amount of every drink sold will go towards your event; this tactic can help you boost your amount of sales.
Best time for this: Anytime
18. Eating for a Cause
Overhead Costs: $-$$ (Depending on location)
Expected Return: $$-$$$
Planning Complexity: 2-3
If there’s a local restaurant that you want your community to recognize or wish to support, you can consider partnering with them for a good cause. Depending on the restaurant, you can include a one-off special set menu, a buffet, or special promotions explicitly made to raise money for your event, where half the proceeds go towards your organization.
Challenges to Consider: If your event strays away from its regular business operations and its stock of food and ingredients, you may want to consider having a limited number of attendees pitch your idea to the restaurant. E.g., the First 200 participants can avail of this promo to support the cause.
Best time for this: Anytime
19. Bingo Night
Overhead Costs: $$
Expected return: $$$
Planning Complexity: 2
BINGO night is a classic fundraiser idea that is simple and straight to the point. Bingo is made for all ages, and if there’s an exciting prize, it gives your community a more significant reason to join. Participants can purchase bingo cards, and the proceeds can go towards your cause!
Challenges to consider: BINGO falls under the gambling legislation; you might need to apply for a gambling license before planning your event. If you’re opting for a more intimate bingo night with your community, you won’t need one. Hiring a volunteer or host is also essential to keep the night exciting!
Best time for this: Anytime
20. Pop-up Picnic
Overhead Costs: $$
Expected return: $$$
Planning Complexity: 4
When it comes to traditional picnics, attendees expect it to be in a park under shady trees. A creative way to put a twist to your average picnic is to find a location in a non-picnic area. You can find a spacious room in the city, with a view of your city sky-scrapers or a location underneath the stars. It can be unexpected, unpredictable, and a surprise, keeping your guests on your toes. To kick-start a pop-up picnic, you can create an event on Facebook without telling your guests the location a few hours or a day before. Participants can pay a participation/entrance fee, where the proceeds will go towards your cause. It’s essential to serve comforting meals and beverages because, after all, what’s a picnic without comfort food?
Challenges to consider: If you’re hosting this event in a high foot traffic area, contact local authorities to ensure the safety of your participants. Don’t forget to obtain the proper permits for a successful event.
Best time for this: Over the summer, when the weather permits outdoor activities.
21. Local Food Trip (Traveling Dinner)
Overhead Costs: $$$
Expected return: $$$$
Planning Complexity: 4-5
Local food trips mean moving around your local area to explore various cuisines with a group of like-minded ‘foodies.’ Create an itinerary and travel in packs to give your guests an immersive gastronomy experience. To save costs and boost profits for your cause, consider partnering up with the restaurants or bars in your area to propose special promotions catered to your food-trip group, where all meals are included in the participation fee. It’s a fun way to put local restaurants on the map while giving your participants a chance to network over tasty meals.
Challenges To Consider: Large groups might be a challenge to oversee; you may want to consider separating groups and hiring volunteers with different time slots for a seamless event. It’s essential to inform the restaurants beforehand to accommodate tables for your groups.
Best Time for This: Food trips are ideal for the summer months; if you’re worried about the
heat, it’s best to organize an evening food trip.
22. Local Bar Hopping Trip
Overhead Costs: $$-$$$
Expected Return: $$$-$$$$
Planning Complexity: 4-5
For the experimental drinker, bar hopping is a great way to capture the ambiance and unique, different menus in your local area. Like a food trip event, you can consider partnering with your local bars to build your bar-hopping itinerary and map. The partnered bars might want to include special drinks to support your event.
Challenges to consider: The objective is to have your guests experiment with a wide variety of drinks keep drinks to a minimum for each stopover. You don’t want your guests to get too boozy that they won’t be able to enjoy the rest of the bars on the itinerary.
Best Time for This: Summertime is when patios open up, and it gives your group room to network and connects with other participants in the event.
23. Backyard BBQ
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 3
The summer months are a great time to hold classic BBQs. You can have one at the comfort of your own home or a member of your community who’s willing to host for a cause. To raise funds for your event, you can ask guests to pitch in monetary donations in your invitations, or you can include an entrance fee. There’s nothing like good company, comfort food, and great weather with a purpose.
Best Time for This: You can welcome the summer months or host your bbq before summer ends.
24. Singles Mixer (Singles Charity Night)
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 3
A singles mixer or traditional speed dating with a cause gives your community a reason to meet their match; supporting a cause already gives your potential date plus points! Proceeds of your event can come from entrance fees.
Challenges to consider: You will need a high volume of singles to make your event engaging and profitable.
Best time for this: Anytime.
25. Pet Wash
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 4
A pet wash is similar to a car wash fundraiser, this initiative can be ideal for charities and organizations that support the animal community, such as animal rescue programs. Consider partnering up with dog grooming boutiques or veterinarians willing to offer their professional services for a cause.
Challenges to consider: Hiring a professional groomer is essential for this fundraiser idea; some animals may be sensitive to new people or overstimulated. Liability forms are needed for this event, and groomers should be allowed to reject pets that may cause them to feel unsafe.
Best time for this: Anytime
26. Stand up Poetry
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 3
There’s a niche market for poets and poetry lovers alike; creating a stand-up poetry event in your community for a cause can put a spotlight on poets who are passionate about their craft. Live poetry can be enjoyed over finger foods and alcoholic beverages; consider partnering with a local restaurant or a bar for an event space while bringing them in new clientele.
Best time for this: Anytime
27. Standup Comedy Show
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 3
Stand-up comedy is a hilarious way to raise money for a cause! Whether you’re putting a spotlight on local comedians who have a knack for making people laugh or planning to host a celebrity comedian to take the spotlight, you’ll have guests eager to donate money towards your cause. The best locations for a comedy night are a community center, arena, bars, and restaurants. Revenue streams for your cause can come from food, drink, or entrance fees.
Challenges to consider: If you decide to go local, you’ll have to consider the challenges of rounding up comedians in your area who are willing to participate and create a program schedule to keep the night of laughs going.
Best time for this: Anytime
28. Cooking Class
Overhead Costs: $-$$
Expected Return: $$-$$$
Planning Complexity: 3
You don’t have to be a professional chef to host a cooking class; there’s a variety of instructional YouTube videos and cookbooks for you and a group to follow. You may want to consider hiring a professional chef if you want your event to be more tailored and organized. A participation fee would be a great way to source revenue for your cause. Ideal locations would need appliances, sources of water for easy clean-ups, and spacious counter space for your group.
Challenges to consider: Depending on the size of your location, the number of participants may be limited. You’ll have to consider the costs of the ingredients used and the kitchen supplies.
Best time for this: Anytime
29. Baking Class
Overhead Costs: $-$$
Expected Return: $$-$$$
Planning Complexity: 3
For many individuals baking cakes is a therapeutic way to unwind from a busy day or to help you learn a new skill or hobby. The best part about a baking class is delectable desserts that you’re able to bring home and enjoy! Similar to the mechanics of a cooking class, you don’t need to be an expert pastry chef to host this fundraiser activity. You may want to hire professional bakers or those with a knack for cooking to teach your group for a more guided class. Proceeds from the participation fee can go towards your cause.
Challenges to consider: Depending on the size of your location, the number of participants may be limited. You’ll have to consider the costs of the ingredients used and the kitchen supplies.
Best time to this: Anytime.
30. Paint and Sip! (Wine and paint night)
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 3
The concept of paint and sip classes has increased in popularity over the past years, especially on social media. It’s a great date idea or a night out with a group of friends, with a glass of wine in hand. No painting experience is required! It’s an excellent and therapeutic way to put your painting skills to the test while comparing the finished results with your peers. Who knows, you might be the next Vincent Van Gogh? Revenue from this event can come from the participation fee.
Challenges to consider: Depending on the number of guests you’re expecting, you will need to consider the location space that can hold painting materials and a space to serve bottles of wine or preferred beverages. If you have a larger budget, you may want to consider renting out a bar or a restaurant to accommodate your event for a night.
Best time: Anytime.
31. Karaoke
Overhead Costs: $-$$ (Depending on the equipment, location, host fees)
Expected Return: $$-$$$
Planning Complexity: 3
Put your shower singing skills to the test by hosting a karaoke fundraiser for your community! Karaoke nights are an excellent ice breaker to bring a community together over refreshments and snacks. Revenue streams for your cause can come from participation fees, or purchase of food or beverages can go towards a song selection, where the proceeds of sales go towards your cause. The mechanics are entirely up to you; you can host an open mic night or a karaoke competition. Hire an engaging MC to moderate and keep the event going all night!
Challenges to consider: Depending on your demographic and audience size, you’ll have to consider the size of the menu and whether you’ll be using an at-home karaoke set up for smaller crowds or a higher-quality sound system for larger groups. You can rent a commercial karaoke setup from party providers, or you may want to partner with a local bar to rent their space and karaoke machine for the night. A moderator, MC, or DJ is crucial to keep the event streamlined and organized, especially if there are many song requests!
Best time for this: Anytime
32. Museum After Dark
Overhead Costs: $$$-$$$$
Expected Return: $$$$-$$$$
Planning Complexity: 4
Museums love to support fundraisers and charities! Pitching your cause for a partnership for a “museum after dark” is a great way to bring your community together through an immersive experience with food, drinks, and ancient artifacts. Since these events are after-hours and include alcoholic beverages, your demographic must be adults only. The proceeds can support your foundation with an entrance fee while allowing your guests to embrace their inner-child and curiosity.
Challenges to consider: If you’re opting for a fancy setup, you may have to consider the costs of hiring a DJ, a caterer, and obtaining liquor or food permitted.
Best time for this: Anytime.
33. Step Challenge
Overhead costs: $
Expected return: $$$$
Planning Complexity: 2
With fitness trackers on our devices, a step challenge is a simple way to encourage your community to achieve their fitness goals for a great cause. Get supporters to pledge to walk a certain amount per day in exchange for donations, or you can have your community pledge donations for an x amount of steps! You can organize meetups for individuals to network while they achieve their objectives!
Challenges to consider: Tracking the number of steps and pledges may be challenging, but creating a social media thread, group chat, or Google form can help you keep track of the amount raised and the steps per participant. Encourage the participants to download a free pedometer app, Apple Health, or Google fit to join!
Best time to this: Anytime or after the holiday’s when individuals want to get back on a health kick to achieve their fitness goals.
32. Bowl for a cause
Overhead costs: $$
Expected return: $$$
Planning Complexity: 2
A “Bowling for a Cause” fundraiser appeals to all audiences. It’s an exciting way to put people up for a challenge while networking with other community members with a common end goal in mind. There are two excellent fundraiser ideas for a bowl-a-thon:
- Before the bowling event, you can collect pledges to play a certain amount of pins or pay a certain amount per pin knocked down.
- Partner with your local bowling alley ahead of time, so you can charge a flat fee to your bowlers. For every entrance fee and shoe rental, a proceed of the bowling alley’s sales can go towards your event!
Challenges to consider: Bowling is always in season; it’s best to contact your local bowling alley ahead of time to pitch your big idea and rent out lanes for your event to accommodate bigger groups.
Best time to this: Anytime
33. Community Clean Up
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Complexity to Plan: 2
The sustainable way to support a cause is through a community clean-up. Members of your community can ask for pledges for every bag collected in the area. Depending on your audience size, you can put participants into teams to make this activity engaging and exciting. You may want to offer prizes for the team that’s collected the most trash.
Challenges to consider: If it’s an all-ages event, you want to ensure the safety of your participants. Allocate some event costs to cleaning equipment, gloves, or trash bags. Educate and help the audience understand (especially children) what is NOT okay to pick up.
Best time to this: Earth day would be an excellent day for this event or the spring season when the snow melts; you’ll be able to see the garbage accumulated during the colder months.
34. Yoga at the park
Overhead Costs: $
Expected Return: $$-$$$
Complexity to Plan: 2
Yoga and meditation are powerful tools that anybody can use to strengthen your mind, body, and soul—partner with a local yoga teacher or a yoga center to guide your outdoor yoga class. The proceeds of the participation fee can go towards your cause. All you need is to show up with your yoga mat and a water bottle.
Challenges to Consider: For outdoor physical exercise, you don’t need to require a permit, but if there is a large number of participants where you need a bigger space, you might want to consult with park officials for the proper permits.
Best time to this: Summer mornings when it’s not too hot and breezy under a shady tree is an ideal time. Monitor your local weather forecast for any signs of rain.
Kid-friendly fundraisers
1. Petting Zoo
Overhead Costs: $$
Expected Return: $$$
Complexity to Plan: 4
Create an interactive and safe experience for the children in your community by hosting a petting zoo pop-up to raise money for a cause! Children adore animals, and with the right experts to guide and monitor the event, this initiative can be appealing for families and children in your community. This initiative might be tricky if you live in the city, but many farms are willing to participate in causes and organizations. To boost more revenues, you can consider partnering with local businesses in your community and adding small concession stands that sell refreshments, snacks, or merchandise for the children to enjoy while waiting in line for their turn!
Challenges to consider: If you’re in the city, finding an appropriate place to hold this event can be challenging since animals are involved. You may want to consult with the local farm you’re partnering with on the best location for the petting zoo to ensure the safety of the children, animals, and the community around.
Best time to do this: Summer!
2. Read-A-Thon
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Complexity to Plan: 2
A Read-A-Thon encourages the children in your community to minimize screen time dive into different worlds through reading while teaching them about philanthropy. You can offer prizes to motivate them to reach their reading goals to make it exciting and challenging. The friendly competition will empower children to increase the number of books on their reading list. Children can ask sponsors or family members to support the cause by pledging for every book they read.
There is an opportunity to partner with bookstores, libraries, and publishing houses such as Scholastic to support your cause.
Best time for this: Summer vacation is the best time for children to read in their spare time when school is out, and March 2 is “Read Across American Day” in the United States.
3. Lego Day Night
Overhead Costs: $$
Expected Return: $$$
Planning Complexity: 2
Unleash the creativity of the little architects in your community by hosting a classic lego night! Locations to consider are community centers, school libraries, play places, or public gymnasiums. Kids of all ages can build their unique creations and win prizes for a small entrance fee. To boost your revenue, you may want to include concessions with snacks and refreshments for the families participating.
The best time to do this: Anytime
Online Events
1. Benefit Virtual Concert/Virtual Open-Mic Night
Overhead Costs: $$-$$$
Expected Return: $$$-$$$$
Complexity to Plan: 3-4
In the past years, we’ve learned to adapt to the virtual world to connect. Virtual events are a way to save production costs, but it also has a way to create an interactive experience in the comfort of your own home. A great way to bring individuals together to support your cause is to look for common ground, and that’s music! You can opt to host a virtual open mic night to support local talents or hire a professional talent that your demographic would love. Revenue streams can come from virtual event tickets.
Challenges to consider: To ensure a seamless and immersive experience, you’ll need to consider the audio and visuals with no delays. You’ll also want to consider an interactive, engaging host or MC to lead the concert. Marketing your event correctly and the performers while highlighting the importance of your cause will help you boost the number of guests or viewers. Gift packs with snacks or merchandise can be distributed pre-event to the participants to capture being at a real concert.
Best time for this: Anytime!
2. Text -To-Give
Overhead Costs: $$-$$$
Expected Return: $$$-$$$$
Complexity to Plan: 3-4
Multiple platforms offer texting services to support your cause. The idea behind it is to think of a memorable phrase or word that encourages you to start texting in. Revenue streams come from text messages; one text triggers donations. Make it simple, sweet, and impactful.
Challenges To Consider: Texting service platforms can charge service fees ranging from low to high; it can be in the form of a monthly subscription service, a small agency fee per donation, or a one-off payment for a specific campaign. It’s important to factor in the costs.
The best time to do this: Anytime
3. Social Media Challenge
Overhead Costs: $
Expected Return: $$$-$$$
Planning Complexity: 2
The Ice Bucket Challenge became a big hit on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube social media platforms several years ago. Online challenges are an exciting way to get a large group of people to support a cause rather than just within your community. Online audiences love to join trending challenges, especially if there’s a purpose behind the messaging.
Challenges to Consider: When it comes to social media challenges, it’s hard to track revenue for your cause. Sometimes participants don’t donate but want to join in on the fun challenge. Be clear and concise with the call-to-action, including the right messaging, unique hashtags, and links where participants can donate. It’s still a great way to garner views and awareness towards your cause.
Best time to this: Anytime
4. Online Game Shows
Overhead Costs: $-$$
Expected Return: $$-$$$
Planning Complexity: 3-4
If you want to reach a broader audience to support your cause, hosting an online game show is a compelling way to get your supporters to test out their knowledge while supporting a good cause, all in the comfort of their own homes. The great idea is to model your game show after a popular game show on television or make it your own; you can gear the game show towards a particular theme, your cause, or the demographic. Revenue streams can come from entrance fees, and in return, you can gift the winning team with a prize.
Challenges to consider: Online events can be challenging when monitoring and moderating your events. It’s essential to:
- Hire a moderator to keep track of the teams, rules, and scores.
- Hire a personable host that will keep the audience on their toes.
- Organize the game in a way where several people can participate at once.
- If you want to make it an event to remember, with an extra budget, you may want to hire a PR or event agency that has audio/video setup packages.
Best time for this: Anytime.
5. Virtual Mixology Sessions
Overhead Costs: $
Expected return: $$
Planning Complexity: 3-4
Host a virtual mixology event at home, where your participants can craft creative cocktails and get boozy in the comfort of their own home. Partner with a local bartender to help guide your participants in the group and lead the session. If you want to take an extra step, you can create a bartender start-up kit that contains shakers and bartending tools for the participants. Proceeds for your cause can come from the event participation fees. If the event goes well, you can make the mixology session a series to boost sales!
Challenges to consider: Ensure the filming setup is clear, with a stable internet connection and high-quality audio for a seamless experience.
Best time to this: Anytime