For many organisations, such as nonprofits, schools, and churches, fundraising is essential. Fortunately, there have never been so many fundraising options available, with traditional avenues like auctions and raffles joined by crowdsourcing and social media. That gives you more tools than ever to attract the funding you need to make the difference your organisation is striving to achieve.
To help you narrow your options down, we’ve put together a list of fundraising ideas so you can quickly find the ones that meet your needs. Look for these handy ratings to quickly and easily judge whether a particular type of event fits your organisation:
1) Fundraising potential from ★ to ★★★★
2) Overhead cost from $ to $$$$
3) Event complexity from + to ++++
Fundraising potential assesses how much, comparatively, an event might be expected to raise. Overhead cost estimates the level of funding you’ll first need to put on the event. And, event complexity measures the many moving parts and variables an event contains.
Table of contents
Community charity fundraising ideas
Arts and crafts fundraising ideas
Social fundraising ideas
1. Fashion show
Got a catwalk? Got models? You actually don’t need either to pull off a fundraising fashion show. At the Cancer Warrior Fashion Show & Brunch Charity Event in Powder Springs, Georgia, put on by Bald Nation Rocks Against Cancer, the catwalk featured cancer survivors while live music, spoken word, and a silent auction added to the fun.
When and where?
Piggyback onto the four major fashion weeks of New York, London, Milan and Paris – held twice a year on successive weekends typically in February and September, or counterprogram and host yours in summer and winter. Host it indoors or outdoors – set up tents and heaters if rain or cold temperatures threaten.
Challenges to consider
Designers and models tend to be the stars of a fashion show; finding stars to make your event stand out takes persistence and a keen eye.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity ++
2. Auction a date
This idea works great if the date in question is someone well-known or beloved in the community. Think outside the box on this one. Maybe it’s your CEO – dressed up for the date as the winner’s choice character from history?
When and where?
Although romance is a year-long affair, an event around Valentine’s Day might attract additional interest.
Challenges to consider
Keep this event fun and lighthearted as a strategy to avoid any unseemly overtones.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★
2) Overhead cost $
3) Event complexity +
3. Silent auction
Get creative with the auction items. Think about experiences instead of things. Perhaps you have a donor willing to grant access to their vacation home for the weekend, for instance.
When and where?
If your event is tax-deductible, an end-of-financial-year event might inspire additional donations from those seeking to meet certain charitable giving thresholds. Host it in a dining hall, ballroom, or similar indoor venue, which can have better acoustics than outdoor settings.
Challenges to consider
Procuring donations that people will want to bid on is key.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity ++
4. Carnival
Skip the antique carousels and make up your own games with homemade booths and costumes for a lower cost and more personalised event experience.
When and where?
Since much of the event occurs outdoors, warm weather might be preferred. You’ll need plenty of space, so set up in an expansive parking lot, large park, or empty field.
Challenges to consider
Along with rides and attractions, carnivals typically include food and drink booths, souvenir booths, and similar features, so there are a wide variety of vendors to accommodate.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★
2) Overhead cost $$$
3) Event complexity ++++
5. Treasure hunt
Use an app like Actionbound to set up a treasure hunt that combines an IRL experience with augmented reality.
When and where?
Choose a place with plenty of features that can help conceal your treasures. Hold it outdoors in good weather or, if rain, snow, or cold threaten, rent out an indoor playground or similar facility for more comfortable hunting.
Challenges to consider
Some less-tech-savvy guests may be inexperienced with augmented reality features, so be ready to provide an assist.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity +++
Simple fundraising ideas
6. Neighbourhood street party
This is a great way to make money for a local cause or a recent calamity. Have neighbours donate food and drinks and loan out lawn chairs.
When and where?
Hold it in a neighbourhood park or set it up on front yards and driveways. Because it’s outdoors, hold it in spring or summer when the weather permits, or set up outdoor heaters for chillier temps.
Challenges to consider
The more neighbours that partake in the event, the more fun your event will be. Choose a cause that your neighbours will be likely to support.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity +
7. Community garage sale
Help people declutter and benefit a worthy cause simultaneously by donating to a neighbourhood sale, with the proceeds going to your charity.
When and where?
A garage sale can be held any time of year, so long as the weather won’t prevent setting up your goods in the neighbourhood’s open garages.
Challenges to consider
A successful fundraiser depends on the quantity – and quality – of the goods. Separating out your big-ticket items from the more everyday items can help draw attention to them so they don’t get lost among smaller-value stuff.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity +
8. Car wash
This classic isn’t just for high school sports teams. Have the higher-ups in your organisation wash the cars to really appeal to the community.
When and where?
Set up anywhere with access to a hose and tap – and a lot of traffic.
Challenges to consider
Some automobile paints are sensitive to certain soaps, so be careful to use only approved suds.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $
3) Event complexity ++
9. Dog wash
Invite the public to come and get their pooch sudsed up.
When and where?
You might be especially busy during holiday periods when families want their dogs to look their best. Set up in a garage or yard, where access to an outdoor tap is likely.
Challenges to consider
Animals can be unpredictable, so be careful to protect against dog bites and require proof of vaccination.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity ++
10. Clothing swap
Hang everyone’s hand-me-downs on retail racks, and let participants “shop” and swap for one new piece of apparel. Donate all the rest to charity.
When and where?
Calendar your swap near the beginning of spring or fall, when people’s attentions turn to a change of wardrobe. Set up your racks anywhere with good lighting, so people can see the colours and designs clearly.
Challenges to consider
Be sure to bring baskets or hampers to carry leftover goods to charity.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★
2) Overhead cost $
3) Event complexity ++
Quirky fundraising ideas
11. Charity Dips
Organise your fundraiser around a polar bear plunge in a chilly lake or ocean.
When and where?
These are commonly set in wintertime, often on New Year’s Day.
Challenges to consider
Safety is always a concern when dealing with the elements, especially in cold weather. Be sure to bring life jackets for those who need them and consider hiring medics to be on hand in case of emergency.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★
2) Overhead cost $
3) Event complexity ++
12. Gaming tournament
Grab some retro consoles, borrow some TVs, and you’ve got yourself a gaming event. Go all night, and you’ve got a marathon. This fundraising event is great for the whole family.
When and where?
Set it on a Saturday or Sunday when more kids will be able to participate. Choose an online game or stream on Twitch for an online/hybrid event.
Challenges to consider
Test your A/V equipment and internet connections in advance of the event so you don’t experience technical problems mid-event.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★
2) Overhead cost $
3) Event complexity ++
13. Paint jam
Charity street art events – often called “paint jams” – bring together several street artists to paint live, reeling in fans to watch the artists in action, either in-person or by live streaming. You can also sell art supplies beforehand so your audience can join in on the fun.
When and where?
You’ll want good weather, so rain or snow doesn’t damage the art. Or set up in a gym or community centre where the weather won’t threaten the art.
Challenges to consider
Paint can easily stain floors and other surfaces, so be sure to bring a protective cover.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity ++
14. Open mic night
Let donors explore their stand-up comedy aspirations with an open mic night. Invite a professional comedian to emcee and keep the night moving.
When and where?
An open mic night can be held any time of year, but to create that unique comedy club ambience, you’ll want to find a venue with a stage and sound system.
Challenges to consider
A spotlight helps the audience see the performer and creates a sense of excitement.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity +++
15. Powder play
Use winter flurries as a fun way to fundraise. Have a snowball fight, a snowman-making contest, or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try dog-sledding.
When and where?
You’ll need to be in a region with reasonable snowfall. This one’s strictly an outdoors-in-deepest-winter affair, so encourage attendees to bring a heavy jacket and gloves!
Challenges to consider
Ensuring participants stay warm in freezing temperatures is essential, so encourage extra jackets, gloves, hats, and blankets.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity ++
Extreme fundraising ideas
16. Murder mystery
Murder mystery nights are a great way to bring some theatre to regular dinner parties, and can easily be held virtually as well as IRL. Include the likes of props and beverages in the ticket price for an effective way to upsell.
When and where?
An autumn evening strikes us as appropriately haunting. Rent out an old mansion or a similarly spooky locale for the evening.
Challenges to consider
These events require a certain level of creativity to pull off well, particularly in building a sufficiently mysterious narrative, so be sure to involve your most artistic colleagues.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity +++
17. Muddy obstacle course
Create your own version of Tough Mudder by reserving a field for the day and putting together an obstacle course. People can enter as teams or solo. The fundraising opportunities are twofold as participants both pay to enter and also ask for friends and family sponsorship.
When and where?
Since part of the appeal of an obstacle course is challenging oneself physically, set yours any time of year – though depending on what part of the country you live in, the heart of winter might discourage participants.
Challenges to consider
The courses can require significant acreage, so be sure you have access to a large park or field.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★★
2) Overhead cost $$$
3) Event complexity +++
18. Eating challenge
For those hardy souls always willing to try adventurous foods, now’s your chance to put them to a real test. But instead of haggis or sautéed snails, challenge your contestants to eat “interesting” foods that you can find at home. Think hot dog smoothies or chocolate and cheese pizza. Have people pledge money, and as the cash rolls in, ask your at-home challengers to eat the next strange food combination on the list.
When and where?
A restaurant or dining hall makes a good setting for a food-based event.
Challenges to consider
Food events may require compliance with health regulations, so be sure to check your local rules.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity +++
Community charity fundraising ideas
19. Chilli cook-off
Gather neighbours and friends together at a park or church to see whose Texas red or chile verde takes the prize.
When and where?
The heat from red and green chilis might be especially tasty when the weather turns chilly. Hold it in a park if the sun is shining or duck into a community centre or church hall if temperatures drop.
Challenges to consider
Food safety is paramount, so check with local authorities about what regulations are in effect.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★
2) Overhead cost $
3) Event complexity ++
20. Seedling sale
Raising houseplants from seed can be extremely rewarding. So set up a plant sale where local green thumbs can sell cuttings from their favourite plants to raise money for your chosen charity.
When and where?
A seedling sale should be held in the spring, naturally. Choose a setting somewhere verdant such as a yard or park.
Challenges to consider
Avoid excess plastic waste by encouraging attendees to bring their own seedling pots or to repurpose yoghurt cups, soda cans, and even folded newsprint.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $
3) Event complexity +
Sports fundraising ideas
21. Softball home run competition
Invite local sluggers to see who can hit the most home runs. Ask participants to obtain pledges for the number of home runs they hit.
When and where?
Baseball season starts in spring and continues through the summer into early fall. Reserve a community oval in your city or county, or set up a makeshift fence in a field and set up home plate at a distance opposite.
Challenges to consider
Be sure to bring extra gloves, bats, and balls in case attendees forget to bring their own.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity +++
22. H-O-R-S-E competition
Challenge participants to this classic game, where two or more participants must match each other’s basketball shots, from wherever on the court they decide to shoot. Ask for donations per shot made.
When and where?
This event can be held throughout the year, either at an outdoor basketball court at a park or, if the weather’s cold, head indoors at a high school or city court.
Challenges to consider
Be sure to publish official rules so the competitors know the rules. You may want to include a referee to make rulings on any questions of fair play that may arise.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity ++
23. Beach volleyball tournament
Team up in twos for fun in the sun and sand. Invite registrants to sign up as teams or put random teams together by picking names randomly. Ask for donations from participants and attendees, with the collected funds donated to the tournament winner’s favourite charity.
When and where?
Set this for when the sun will be out. If you don’t live near a sandy shore, try setting up a temporary sandbox in a park.
Challenges to consider
For people to be able to watch the competition live, consider setting up folding beach chairs for that summer feel, or, if your budget allows, renting – and setting up – grandstands.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $$
3) Event complexity +++
24. Golf tournament
Play a full 18-hole tournament, or simply make it a putting tournament to include those daunted by a longer event. Or make it a miniature golf tournament for a kid-friendly affair. Charge green fees as donations to your charity.
When and where?
Set your day on the greens in spring or summer on your municipal course. Or partner with a country club for access to additional courses (and benefactors).
Challenges to consider
Rain can delay or even prevent your tournament from finishing, so pay attention to the latest reports. Make sure registrants provide contact information in case you need to inform them of any scheduling changes.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★★
2) Overhead cost $$$
3) Event complexity +++
Arts and crafts fundraising ideas
25. Collaging classes
Invite a local art instructor to teach principles of composition, colour design, and collage. Use old newspapers and magazines to create unique works – since no drawing skills are necessary, collage can be especially attractive to a wide range of people. As a bonus, they can be themed around your charity’s goals and shared on social media – with the creator’s permission, of course.
When and where?
Art instructors might be most available when school is out, such as during the summer and winter holidays. This should be held indoors, so the wind won’t blow photos and other materials away.
Challenges to consider
Stock up on magazines, newspapers, posters, and other art that can be used by your participants in their collages.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $
3) Event complexity +
26. Tie-dye workshop
Show participants how to create the perfect psychedelic tie-dyed t-shirt with a workshop that’s perfect for families and art kids alike. Stock up on T-shirts to sell for additional revenues.
When and where?
Use an art studio or garage, where spilt dyes won’t cause damage.
Challenges to consider
For family-friendly events, choose dyes that can be easily washed off the skin, so parents can quickly clean off their kids.
Expert opinion
1) Fundraising potential ★★
2) Overhead cost $
3) Event complexity +
Get started on your next fundraiser
When you use Eventbrite’s platform for your fundraising events, you put a host of intuitive tools and leading-edge technology at your fingertips. Start achieving your fundraising goals and continue making a difference for your cause.
