Fundraising takes a lot of work and dedication to raise the money your nonprofit needs to make a difference. In 2023, Americans donated $557.16 billion, with the largest source of donations coming from individuals. 

Your organization can get in on those donations by hosting impactful events that gather like-minded supporters, excite them, and spread awareness about your cause. This guide explores the top fundraising ideas to maximize your donations. 

Creative and Unique Fundraising Ideas

There are many ways beyond traditional fundraising to raise money for your nonprofit. Here are the top creative fundraising ideas and how to maximize your donations. 

Charity Auction

A charity auction is a great way to raise funds for your cause. You can auction donated items or experiences, where the proceeds go toward your charity. There are many ways to be creative in the auction you host. For instance, you can use a unique theme or focus on specific items or experiences. 

Movie Night Under the Stars

Host a movie night under the stars for your fundraising campaign and sell tickets to raise money for your charity. Consider a family-friendly or romantic movie to target families and couples, and hosting the event during a warm season. To increase your earnings, you can also charge attendees for snacks and themed movie packages. 

Karaoke Night

Karaoke night is a fun and creative way to gather people to support your cause. You can sell tickets to attend the karaoke night or have attendees pay for song requests. There are many ways to market this event, including your local community, family and friends, or local businesses. Ensure you host your event at a venue accessible to your target audience and at a time they can attend. 

DIY Craft Sale

Encourage your supporters to create and donate crafts to sell to local community members. A DIY craft sale is one of the top fundraising efforts that a broader target audience can participate in. Encourage participants to tell their friends and families to raise awareness of your event. You can also sell beverages and homemade goods to raise additional funds during the craft sale. 

DIY Spa Day

Everybody loves a spa day; nonprofit organizations can leverage this idea to raise funds for their cause. Consider hosting this event at your local community centre and offering services like massages, manicures, and pedicures. Attendees can pay for these services, helping raise money for your cause. 

Pet Photo Contest

Gather pet owners and have them participate in a pet photo contest. You can use a theme to make this fun and sell entry tickets. For prizes in fundraising contests like these, speak to your local businesses about making in-kind donations that you can use as prizes. For pet photo content, you could offer prizes like vouchers for pet grooming or pet accessories. 

Reverse Raffle

In a reverse raffle, participants buy raffle tickets, but instead of winning a prize, they are eliminated at each draw. The last participant whose ticket has not been drawn wins the raffle. Hosting a reverse raffle is a creative approach to traditional raffles. 

Silent Disco

A silent disco is a perfect fundraising idea if you want to spread awareness about your cause and have fun with your supporters. Organise a silent disco where people gather and dance, listening to their music through wireless headphones. Attendees can pay a fee to attend, and you can raise money through food, beverages, and even merch! 

Charity Sports Tournament

Organize a charity sports tournament, such as a soccer, basketball, or volleyball competition. Teams pay an entry fee, and you can offer sponsorship opportunities for local businesses to have their names featured on uniforms or banners. Incorporate fun activities like raffles, food trucks, and live music to attract families and community members, turning it into a day of entertainment while raising money for your nonprofit.

Autographed Memorabilia Auction

Host an Autographed Memorabilia Auction featuring signed items from athletes, celebrities, or other notable figures. Secure donations of autographed jerseys, sports equipment, movie posters, or music records and auction them off to the highest bidder. This unique event attracts collectors and fans; all proceeds support your nonprofit’s cause.

Quick and Easy Fundraising Ideas

Do you need a quick and straightforward way to raise money for your organization? Here are many strategies to get started!

Photo Contest

If you’d like to target professional photographers or partner with a local art gallery, create a themed photo contest where participants pay an entry fee to submit their best photo. However, if you’d prefer this fundraising event to be more fun and target the broader community, speak to local restaurants or venues to host your event. 

Giveaway Raffles

Sell raffle tickets and allow participants to win donated gifts and services. Ensure your prize resonates with your target audience and is easy to understand and claim. Encourage community members and other supporters in your network to join and spread the word. 

Pledge Drive

A pledge drive is a quick and easy way to grow recurring donations. Donors will commit to a fixed donation over a period, such as monthly or quarterly. Starting a pledge drive allows you to collect donations regularly and more accurately predict revenue from your fundraising efforts. 

Makeover Auction

So many people would love a makeover, making this one of the best fundraising ideas. Network with beauticians, makeup artists, and hairstylists willing to volunteer their time and auction off haircuts, spa treatments, and wardrobe consultations. 

Donation Jar

Place donation jars at local businesses, events, or community centers. Ask for spare change to support your nonprofit. A donation jar is an easy, low-effort way to raise funds and create awareness about your cause. Remember to record all the donations from your jar to determine your revenue accurately. 

Match Donations

Find a donor or organization willing to match the donations you receive. This can motivate donors to contribute more, knowing their gift will be doubled. You can approach local businesses and donors interested in making a difference. 

Lunch for a Cause

Invite people to donate to your cause in exchange for lunch. You could prepare the lunch yourself or partner with a local restaurant to donate a portion of their proceeds. This is a fantastic way to collaborate with restaurants in your area and have them help market your nonprofit. 

“No Spend” Week

Another easy fundraising idea is a “No Spend” week. This is a challenge in which participants pledge not to spend money on non-essentials for a week. Ask them to donate the money they would have paid to your cause. You can make this competitive and reward the top donors and members with prizes.

In-Kind Donations

Reach out to supporters to donate goods or services your nonprofit can use. For example, you can ask for office supplies, event space, or food for upcoming events. Be sure to thank these donors through a tailored email newsletter.

Unsure how to write an email newsletter? Follow these best practices for the best ROI. 

Balloon Pop Fundraiser

Organize a Balloon-Pop Fundraiser in which participants purchase a balloon for a chance to win a prize. Each balloon contains a surprise, ranging from small items like gift cards to larger prizes. Set up a booth at an event or high-traffic area and encourage people to pop balloons for a good cause.

Family-Friendly Fundraising Ideas

Raise money and awareness for your charitable organization through family-oriented ideas. Here are different ways to get families involved in your cause. 

Family Car Wash

A family car wash is an excellent way to get families involved in helping your cause. Have families volunteer their time to wash cars and create a friendly competition, allowing families to clean the most cars and rack up the most donations. To show appreciation, you can offer the winning family a donated service or gift. 

Dinner Party Fundraiser

Host a themed dinner party for families where attendees pay for tickets. Offer a wide selection of foods and beverages for different tastes and age groups. Also, consider having designated areas in the venue for kids, allowing adults to relax and build connections with each other, strengthening your donor community. 

Puzzle Race

Set up a puzzle race where families work together to complete a large puzzle. Charge a small fee to participate, and offer a prize for the fastest team to complete the puzzle. You can host this event at your local park or community centre. 

Treasure Hunt or Scavenger Hunt

Host a family-friendly treasure hunt or scavenger hunt in a local park. Provide a list of items for families to find and offer a prize for the winning team. Make your scavenger hunt themed for extra fun and use fun clues and quizzes that your audience can relate to. 

Penny Drive

A penny drive is another innovative fundraising idea for families. Get families to collect pennies and other loose change; the family with the most pennies wins. Starting a penny drive is a great, low-cost fundraiser that gets everyone involved.

Family Fun Run/Walk

Host a family run or walk accessible to individuals of all ages. Encourage participants to raise pledges or donations for every mile they complete. A family run or walk is a great way to raise funds if your community has families who love to get active. 

Geocaching Fundraiser

A geocaching fundraiser is perfect for families who love to collect interesting items. Create a geocaching event where participants donate to get clues to find hidden treasures. Ensure your clues are accessible, take enough time to plan this event to work well, and meticulously and strategically plan your clues.

DIY T-Shirt Printing

Set up a DIY t-shirt printing station where kids and families can design shirts with fun slogans or images. Charge a small admission fee to create the t-shirts; the proceeds will benefit your cause. What’s fun about this event is that families will have something to take home with them afterwards.

Family Game Night

Host a game night with board games, card games, and fun activities for all ages. Charge an entry fee, and offer snacks or a concession stand for additional donations. Ensure you have enough space to accommodate all your families, so consider contacting your local coffee shop, restaurants, or community centre to host your family game night. 

Family Dance Party

Organize a family-friendly dance party with music, games, and light refreshments. A family dance party is a fantastic way to gather families from your local community and entertain them. You can also have a competition for the best dancers and have families compete against each other. Charge an entry fee or sell tickets for the event.

Seasonal and Holiday Fundraising Events

The holiday season is a great time to get people involved in your cause and raise money for your organization. These are a few effective seasonal and holiday fundraisers to get started with. 

Themed Costume Party

You can host a themed costume party for every seasonal or holiday event. For example, you can organise these parties for Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or St. Patrick’s Day or use a curated theme for Summer break. Charge an entry fee for supporters to attend this party, and use it to spread awareness about your cause and showcase the value of donations. 

Seasonal Pop-up Shop

Open a temporary store featuring donated goods, crafts, or artwork, with all proceeds going to your cause. You can tailor your pop-up shop to celebratory days or holidays, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Thanksgiving. Ensure you sell items that your target audience would find value in and create excitement for your pop-up before launching. 

Easter Egg Hunt

Host an Easter egg hunt at a local park where families pay an entry fee. Hide eggs filled with candy, small prizes, and tickets for larger prizes. To target different age groups, you can set various easter egg hunts for specific times and offer age-appropriate prizes. For instance, you may start the event with an egg hunt for toddlers and end it with one for the adults. 

Christmas Caroling Fundraiser

Assemble a group of carolers to visit neighbourhoods, nursing homes, or local businesses. Ask for donations for each carol or performance and offer small holiday tokens to donors. You can find carolers by contacting your donor and membership community, requesting volunteers, or creating a social media campaign. 

New Year’s Eve Gala

Host an elegant New Year’s Eve gala, where tickets include dinner, dancing, and entertainment. Consider holding a silent auction or raffle to raise additional funds during the event. Unlike many fundraising events, you can price the tickets high to create exclusivity and let attendees know they’ll have a curated experience. 

Christmas Tree Sale

Host a Christmas tree sale where people can buy real or artificial trees. To increase sales, offer personalized decorations or tree stands. Proceeds benefit your nonprofit. You can also double up and offer gift wrapping services in exchange for a small fee.

Thanksgiving Meal Drive

Thanksgiving is a day to express gratitude, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by providing Thanksgiving meals to families in need. Encourage families and businesses to donate funds or canned goods and host a community meal, with donations for your cause.

Valentine’s Day Dinner or Dance

Organize a romantic dinner or dance for couples and families to celebrate Valentine’s Day. As part of the event, offer ticket sales, auctions, or raffles. Ensure you provide dinner options that cater to different dietary preferences and decorate your event to create a romantic atmosphere. 

Back-to-School Drive

Set up a fundraiser to collect backpacks, supplies, or funds for underprivileged students—partner with local businesses to host collection events or hold a back-to-school-themed party where donations are encouraged. 

Winter Coat Drive

Host a winter coat drive, where families donate new or gently used coats. Charge a small entry fee for the event and offer a discount for those who donate coats. Starting a winter coat drive is an excellent opportunity to collect attendees’ email addresses to grow your email list and let donors know how donating their pre-loved coats made a difference. 

Online and Virtual Fundraising Strategies

If you want to host online fundraising events, here are some of the best strategies for maximizing your donations. 

Online Trivia Night

This is perfect if you’re looking for a fun and competitive online fundraising idea. Organize a virtual trivia night where participants pay an entry fee, and the winning team gets a prize. You can use a trivia theme or general knowledge!

Virtual Fitness Challenge

Encourage people to participate in a fitness challenge, such as a month-long yoga or run challenge. Charge participants entry fees, which will benefit your cause, and announce the challenge winner to add excitement and gratitude. 

Online Shopping Fundraiser

Partner with online retailers or platforms like Amazon or eBay through affiliate programs. Promote a special shopping event where shoppers can use your custom links and donate a percentage of the sales made to your nonprofit. Share the event across your website and social media channels, encouraging supporters to shop and give back.

Digital Art Auction

Looking for an online fundraising idea targeted at artists? Host an online art auction featuring local artists and charge for bids or sell art pieces, donating the proceeds to your cause. Remember to mention the artists’ names and express appreciation for their contributions. 

Text-to-Give Campaign

Set up a text-to-give service where supporters can donate by sending a text. A text-to-give campaign lets people give instantly from their phones, making it quick and easy. Ensure your campaign is actionable and easy to understand to remove any points of friction donors or members may experience. 

Fundraising Through Amazon Smile

Start an Amazon Smile account for your nonprofit. Encourage your supporters to shop through Amazon Smile, where a percentage of eligible purchases will be donated to your cause. With so many Amazon shoppers worldwide, this is a great and easy online fundraising strategy. 

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Organize a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, where your supporters create fundraising pages to raise money for your cause. They can reach out to their network to collect donations. This idea will work if you have an existing donor community engaged in your nonprofit and are more likely to share your fundraiser. 

Online T-Shirt Sale

Design custom t-shirts related to your cause and sell them online. Use platforms like Teespring or Bonfire, which handle production and shipping, making raising money with no upfront costs easy. 

Virtual Raffle

Host a virtual raffle where participants purchase tickets for a chance to win a prize. Use online platforms to sell tickets and broadcast the raffle drawing live. Offer attractive prizes donated by local businesses, and encourage your supporters to share the raffle link for broader participation.

Facebook Fundraiser

Create a Facebook fundraiser to ask your social media followers to contribute. By leveraging Facebook’s tools, you can set a fundraising goal, share it with your network, and motivate people to donate directly through the platform, making it quick and seamless for supporters.

Community and Local Fundraising Activities

Connect with your community and get them to help raise money for your cause. Whether bringing along their family members or friends, your community is a great way to build your donor and membership network. These are top community fundraising activities that work. 

Volunteer-a-thon

A volunteer-a-thon works through volunteers and their friends and family, who show interest in your cause. Have volunteers pledge to complete a certain number of service hours and ask their friends and family to donate per hour worked.

Silent Auction at an Event

The next fundraising event for communities is a silent auction. Host a silent auction with donated items, where attendees can bid quietly. To raise more money through an event like this, consider selling food and beverages after the auction ends or before it begins. 

Lawn Sale or Flea Market

Host a community lawn sale or flea market where people donate items that others can purchase. This market is a great way to unite your community and network with the people around you to extend your donor base.

Memory Wall

Set up a memory wall at an event or virtually. People pay to add their names or memories as a tribute or in honor of someone special. A memory wall is a fantastic idea to promote to people from all walks of life, as it’s sentimental. 

Dog Wash Fundraiser

Host a dog wash fundraiser where volunteers wash dogs for donations. Set up a station at a local park or business and invite pet owners to bring their dogs for a wash in exchange for a donation. This fundraiser event is a fun, community-driven way to raise funds and support your cause.

Petting Zoo Fundraiser

Organize a petting zoo fundraiser featuring adorable animals that families can interact with—partner with a local animal shelter or farm to bring in goats, bunnies, and lambs. Charge a small entrance fee and offer additional activities, such as pony rides or feeding stations, with proceeds benefiting your nonprofit.

Walk-a-thon

Start a walk-a-thon where participants walk a set distance and raise money through sponsorships. Encourage participants to seek donations from friends, family, and coworkers. Offer incentives for top fundraisers and create a festive atmosphere with music, snacks, and a celebratory finish line to encourage participation and build community support.

Carnival

Host a carnival fundraiser with classic games, food stalls, and entertainment. Charge an entrance fee, sell tickets for games and rides, and offer prizes for winners. Add live performances or a talent show to increase excitement. Hosting a carnival is a community-oriented event that brings people together while raising money for your nonprofit’s mission.

Scavenger Hunt

Organize a community scavenger hunt where participants pay to join and find hidden items or complete challenges. Ensure your scavenger hunt is well thought out and that your clues and hidden items coincide.

Plant Sale

A plant sale is another way to gather your community and raise funds for your cause. Work with local businesses and community members to have them donate plants you can sell to raise money for your cause. 

Corporate and Workplace Fundraising Ideas

Corporate businesses may be interested in motivating employees to contribute to your cause. Here are workplace fundraising ideas and tips for raising money. 

Charity Golf Tournament

Hold a golf tournament for corporate employees. Teams pay an entry fee, and winners receive prizes. It is a great idea to target companies with employees who are passionate about golfing or affiliated with it in some way. 

Travel Raffle

Offer a raffle with a grand vacation or travel experience prize. A travel raffle is an exciting way to get workplace employees involved in your cause. Ensure your prize is accessible and aligns with their work schedule. For instance, teachers are typically off during the school holidays, making it ideal for them to travel around that time. 

Employee Donation Matching Program

Offer a donation matching program to encourage employees to donate to your nonprofit. For every dollar an employee donates, the company matches it. These programs incentivize donations and increase overall contributions while fostering a culture of philanthropy within the workplace. 

Office Raffle

Start an office raffle with exciting prizes such as gift cards, extra time off, or donated items from local businesses. Employees can purchase raffle tickets, and the proceeds will support your nonprofit. Offer a variety of prizes to increase participation and excitement.

Lunch-and-Learn Fundraiser

Host a Lunch-and-Learn Fundraiser where employees attend a lunch presentation about the nonprofit’s work. Charge a small fee for lunch or ask for voluntary donations. This event provides an opportunity to educate the team about your cause while raising money through meal sales or ticket purchases.

Corporate Volunteer Day

Organize a corporate volunteer day, during which employees volunteer for your nonprofit’s activities during work hours. Encourage employees to raise sponsorships for their time spent volunteering. A corporate volunteer day combines philanthropy with team-building, and the company can match employee volunteer hours with a donation to the nonprofit.

Company-Wide Walk/Run

Host a company-wide walk/run to raise funds for your nonprofit. Employees can participate by raising pledges or paying an entry fee. Offer prizes for top fundraisers or best times. It’s a great way to encourage employee health, team spirit, and charitable giving. 

Charity Auction

Hold a charity auction where employees can bid on donated items or services, such as a homemade lunch or a coffee date with the CEO. Auction items are sold to the highest bidder, and the proceeds support your nonprofit’s mission. Make it a fun, competitive event.

Silent Auction or Donation Station

Set up a silent auction or donation station in the office with items or experiences donated by employees or local businesses. During the week, employees can bid on items, and the highest bidder wins. A silent auction or donation station can run over several days, creating anticipation while raising funds.

Office Talent Show

An office talent show is another innovative idea for corporate fundraising. Employees can showcase their skills, such as singing, dancing, comedy, or magic tricks. Charge an entry fee for participants and sell tickets for spectators to attend the event. This fun and engaging fundraiser fosters creativity and community spirit while raising money for your nonprofit’s cause.

School and University Fundraising Suggestions

Looking for school fundraising ideas? Here are excellent strategies to help you increase donations. 

Pyjama Day at School

Who doesn’t love going to school in pajamas? Host a pajama day at school, where students pay a small fee to wear their pajamas to class. Make the day even more fun with themed activities like reading cozy stories or hosting a movie break. This simple event encourages participation while raising money for your cause.

Host a “Battle of the Bands”

Get students to showcase their talents by organizing a local music competition. Attendees can pay an entry fee or vote for their favorite band with donations. Encourage students to spread the word about this competition and invite their friends, family, and their local community to attend and make donations. 

Back-to-School Supply Drive

Start a donation drive for school supplies and offer them to needy families. Remember to begin this fundraiser before school ends for the year, so students can gather school supplies to donate throughout the holidays.

Dress Down Day

Encourage schools to host a “dress down” or “casual day,” where students pay a small fee to wear casual clothes for a day. To maximize your earning potential, combine this fundraiser with a fun event like a bake sale or a talent show.

Dress Up Day

Organize a dress-up day, where students pay to wear costumes or themed outfits. You can create a fun theme, such as “Superhero Day” or “Decades Day,” and encourage creativity. Reward the most creative outfits with prizes to boost participation and increase donations.

School Talent Show

Host a school talent show, where students perform acts like singing, dancing, or comedy. Charge an entry fee for audience members and allow students to pay for a “VIP” seat. For added fundraising opportunities, you can also include an auction or raffle.

Bake Sale

Set up a bake sale at school and get students, parents, and teachers to contribute baked goods to sell. Offer treats such as cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. It’s a sweet and easy way for students to participate in fundraising while enjoying delicious homemade goods.

Teacher for a Day

Run a Teacher for a Day auction, where students can bid to become teachers for a day. The winning students get to lead a class or choose the lesson plan. An idea like this brings excitement and engagement; all proceeds support your nonprofit.

Make-a-Snake

Host a Make-a-Snake event where students create their own “snakes” using craft materials such as paper, beads, fabric, or clay. Charge a small fee for materials, and let students get creative by designing their unique snake creations. Offer a prize for the most creative snake!

Puppy Meet-Up

Another fun and easy fundraiser for schools is a Puppy Meet-Up, where students can interact with adorable puppies. You can partner with local shelters or pet stores to bring puppies for a fun and educational experience. Charge an admission fee and offer donation opportunities to support the shelter or your nonprofit’s mission.

Fitness and Sports-Based Fundraisers

Fitness fundraisers are popular, especially if sports enthusiasts are in your support network and community. Here are fitness-based fundraisers to spread awareness about your nonprofit. 

Charity Run or Walk

A charity  5K run or walk is a popular fitness fundraising idea! Participants will raise pledges to participate, and you can also get businesses to sponsor each participant and donate a specific amount for each mile they complete. 

Obstacle Course

An obstacle course is a fun and interactive way to get fitness enthusiasts involved in your nonprofit. Organize a fun and challenging obstacle course where participants raise pledges to compete. Ensure your obstacle course is safe to avoid injuries. 

Charity Sports Tournament

Another great way to gather sports enthusiasts and raise money for your nonprofit is through a local sports tournament (basketball, soccer, etc.). Teams will play to participate and compete against each other, and spectators can donate.

Fitness Class Fundraiser

Partner with local gyms or fitness instructors to offer fitness classes. Participants can pay a fee to attend, and all the proceeds will go toward your organization. You can use a theme, such as yoga or strength training, to drive engagement. 

Paddleboarding or Kayaking Event

Host a fun day of paddleboarding or kayaking and charge for participation or gear rentals. This event will work in a community where these activities are accessible and popular. 

Arts, Culture, and Talent Fundraising Events

Fundraising events for arts, culture, and talent are a fun way to get people creative and donate money to your cause. Here are some excellent examples of art fundraising events.

Book Swap

A book swap event is a quick and easy cultural fundraising idea. Attendees donate a book and pay a fee to take home a new one. Your donation and book collection processes should be easy, and attendees should be able to sort through book genres and authors seamlessly to achieve fundraising success. 

Paint-and-Sip Event

A paint-and-sip event is popular for families, couples, and friend groups who are passionate about art and want to create something memorable. Offer attendees the opportunity to purchase packages including tickets to the event, drinks, and snacks, and the process supports your mission. 

Cooking Class Fundraiser

Want to get your supporters in the kitchen? Organize a cooking class fundraiser where participants pay to attend your classes. To raise more money, you can host a series of cooking classes and use different themes for each class. For example, you may have a class for beginners and other classes teaching participants how to cook various cuisines. 

Art Show Fundraiser

Gather local artists and have them donate their creations to your art show. Sell the artwork, with the proceeds going to your nonprofit. You can also take this event a step further and tailor it to young students in art school who need exposure or to artists who create artwork showcasing social and environmental issues. 

Talent Show 

Host a talent show where kids and families can showcase their talents, from singing to magic tricks. Charge an entry fee or request donations to participate in or watch the show.  Speak to your local community center about a venue to host this event. 

Personalized Poem Fundraiser

Invite local poets, teachers, or talented students to create personalized poems for donors in exchange for a contribution. Your supporters will provide details or themes, and the poet crafts a unique piece for them. This heartfelt fundraiser combines creativity and personalization, making donors feel genuinely appreciated.

Door-to-Door Singing

Organize a door-to-door singing fundraiser where students or volunteers perform songs in neighborhoods in exchange for donations. Choose popular or holiday-themed songs to engage the community. This lively fundraiser spreads cheer and raises money, increasing awareness of your cause.

Community Cookbook Fundraiser

Create a community cookbook featuring favorite recipes from students, parents, teachers, and local chefs. Sell printed or digital copies to families and the wider community. This fundraiser encourages participation from all ages and promotes sharing culture and culinary traditions while supporting your nonprofit.

Sandcastle Contest Fundraiser

Host a sandcastle contest at a local beach or sand area, inviting families and students to compete. Charge an entry fee per team or participant. Offer prizes for creativity, size, and teamwork. A sandcastle contest is a fun, outdoor event that brings the community together for a memorable day of friendly competition and fundraising.

Fashion Show

Set up a fashion show fundraiser showcasing student-designed outfits, local designers, or themed costumes. Charge admission and offer sponsorship opportunities. Include a raffle or silent auction for added fundraising. Starting a fashion show highlights creativity and style while engaging the community to support your cause.

Food and Drink-Themed Fundraising Ideas

There are so many easy food and drink-themed fundraising ideas to choose from! Here are some of the best.

Charity Bake Sale

Organize a bake sale for your community, offering homemade goods. Reach out to your donor network for contributions for your bake sale and offer a variety of sweets, treats, and goods to tailor to everyone’s preferences. 

Cook-Off Challenge

Invite supporters to a cooking competition where attendees pay to taste and vote for their favorite dishes. A cook-off challenge is a fantastic way to create a fundraising event that promotes culinary art and gathers cooking enthusiasts. 

Ice Cream Social

Everybody loves ice cream, and that’s your opportunity to raise money for your nonprofit. Host an ice cream social where people pay for ice cream toppings. Offer a wide range of traditional and fun toppings!

Pizza Party

Host a Pizza Party fundraiser where participants buy tickets to enjoy unlimited pizza slices—partner with a local pizzeria to donate pizzas or offer a discounted rate. Add fun activities like pizza-making contests or trivia to keep the event lively and engaging while raising money for your cause.

Hot Dog Eating Contest

Organize a Hot Dog Eating Contest. Participants compete to see who can eat the most hot dogs in a set time. Charge an entry fee and offer prizes for the winners. A hot dog eating contest is a fun, competitive event that attracts spectators and participants alike, creating a lively atmosphere for fundraising.

Doughnut-on-a-String Contest

Set up a Doughnut-on-a-String Contest, in which participants try to eat a hanging doughnut without using their hands. Charge an entry fee and provide small prizes for winners. This silly, entertaining challenge is excellent for all ages and community or school fundraisers.

Pie Throwing Fundraiser

Host a Pie-Throwing Fundraiser, where participants pay to throw whipped cream pies at volunteers, teachers, or local community members. Set up a booth at an event or school fair and encourage friendly competition. Hosting a pie-throwing fundraiser is a messy and fun activity that is sure to draw crowds and donations.

Breakfast in Bed

Start a Breakfast in Bed fundraiser where students or volunteers prepare and deliver breakfast trays to donors at home or work. Offer themed breakfast packages and take orders in advance. This personalized service fundraiser combines kindness and convenience to raise money.

Fairy Tea Party

Host a whimsical Fairy Tea Party fundraiser with tea, finger sandwiches, and sweets, decorated with fairy-themed décor. Charge admission and encourage participants to dress up. A Fairy Tea Party is a charming event perfect for families and children, offering a magical atmosphere while raising funds.

Backyard Barbecue

Organize a Backyard Barbecue fundraiser featuring grilled favorites, games, and music. Sell tickets for entry or food plates, and invite local businesses to sponsor or donate supplies. This casual, community-focused event is a great way to bring people together and raise money in a relaxed setting.

Eco-Friendly and Purpose-Driven Fundraising Options

Your supporters likely value eco-friendly and purpose-driven initiatives. Capitalize on this and host fundraisers with these themes. 

Sleep-in-a-Box Fundraiser

Challenge participants to spend a night sleeping in a simple cardboard box to raise awareness about homelessness. Supporters collect pledges for every hour or night spent “in the box.” This influential, immersive fundraiser encourages empathy and generates funds while highlighting a critical social issue.

Trash Cleanup Fundraiser

Organize a community trash cleanup day where volunteers gather to clean parks, streets, or beaches. Participants collect sponsorships or donations for their hours of service. This eco-friendly fundraiser improves the environment and builds community spirit while raising money for your cause.

Earth Day Flower Planting Event

Host a flower-planting event on Earth Day. Participants pay a fee to plant flowers in a community garden or public space. Provide seedlings and tools, and offer educational sessions about environmental stewardship.

Can and Bottle Return Fundraiser

Collect refundable cans and bottles from your community and organize a collection drive. Supporters can bring their recyclables and donate the refund value to your nonprofit. This fundraiser is great if you’re looking for an easy, eco-conscious fundraiser that encourages recycling while generating funds.

Used Book Sale

Host a used book sale. Community members donate books to be sold at a local venue or online. Offer a wide selection for all ages and interests. A used book sale fundraiser promotes literacy and recycling while raising money to support your nonprofit’s mission.

Bike-a-thon for Health Awareness

Host a sponsored bike ride to raise funds and awareness for health-related causes, such as cancer research or mental health. Participants collect pledges for miles cycled, promoting healthy lifestyles and community solidarity.

Craft Workshop Supporting Veterans

Organize craft workshops where proceeds support veteran rehabilitation or mental health services. Participants learn new skills while contributing to a cause that aids those who served.

Walk for Water Campaign

Organize a sponsored walk where participants raise funds to support clean water projects in underserved communities. The event highlights the global water crisis and encourages donors to contribute toward sustainable water solutions while engaging the community in meaningful action.

Warm Clothing Drive and Sale

Host a fundraiser where donated warm clothing is collected, cleaned, and sold at a community event. Proceeds support homeless shelters or families in need during the winter months. This initiative raises awareness about cold-weather hardships while providing essential resources and funding.

How to Choose the Right Fundraising Ideas

Choosing the right fundraising idea depends on your organization’s target audience, the location of your nonprofit, and your cause. 

For example, if your organization works with younger children, opting for school fundraising strategies may be fitting. On the other hand, if your donor community loves art and fitness, consider fundraisers that align with those interests.

Do you need expert digital marketing and media services specific to nonprofit marketing? Contact NextGen Fundraising today and let our team of experts help you!