Finding creative ways to fundraise is the path to a nonprofit’s success. Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to reach a big goal, the right fundraising strategy will make all the difference. And you don’t need a giant budget or a professional development team. All you need is a mix of creativity and smart planning!
In this guide, we’re sharing 20 different ways to fundraise for your cause with some helpful tips along the way.
Here are 20 fun, practical, and effective ideas to help your organization raise money and connect with your supporters.
This is a classic fundraising activity that never goes out of style. Ask supporters to contribute home-baked treats or ask local bakeries to donate goodies. Bake sales bring community members together and give your supporters something delicious to enjoy while supporting your cause.
Pro tip: Choose a theme. This can be seasonal or associated with a festive celebration.
In an online fundraiser, supporters can donate securely online through a digital fundraising platform. These campaigns can be shared on social media so use your online presence to spread the word!
Online campaigns are also one of the best ways to fundraise if your supporters live in different locations.
Pro tip: In our experience, showing the real impact of donations builds trust and inspires people to keep giving in the future. Digital fundraising platforms allow you to track the campaign's progress in real time so you can update your supporters as you reach milestones and get closer to your target.
Auctions are exciting and interactive. Ask local businesses to donate goods or services, and set up an auction event where people can bid. Check out our live auction ideas for inspiration.
Pro tip: Make sure to include items at different price points so everyone can participate.
These events are a fun way to get people to be more active. This is not only great for their health, but also great for your good cause. Participants collect pledges based on how far they walk or run.
Pro tip: Keep it low-cost by using a local park or school track.
Everyone loves merch, so incorporate this in your fundraising strategy. Selling shirts, mugs, or tote bags with your organization’s logo on them not only raises funds but also builds awareness for your organization.
Pro tip: Include a leaflet describing what you’re raising funds for with each merch purchase.
People love showing off their knowledge. But they love it even more if they stand a chance of winning a prize! Partner with a local community center to host a themed trivia night with an entry fee.
Pro tip: Include trivia questions related to your cause. This will raise awareness even further. For example, if you run an organization that cares for animals, include some pet-related trivia questions.
Sometimes people want to give back to their communities, but just don’t know how. Make it easy for them. Create a regular giving program and encourage supporters to donate a small amount every month.
Raise awareness of the program in your newsletter and encourage readers to share a link to the program so you can spread your reach even further.
Pro tip: Advertise this new giving program on social media and community Facebook groups, or ask local businesses to collaborate for greater exposure. As the donations start rolling in, use donor management software to streamline donor communications and fund management.
Ask members of your group or community to donate items they no longer need for a giant community yard sale. It’s low-cost, community-driven, and great for recycling too.
Pro tip: This can lead to ongoing giving for future yard sales, raffles, and auctions. Establish a drop-off schedule for unwanted items. Wherever you can’t use them can be recycled, so that they still serve a need.
Reach out to local celebrities or musicians in your area. They might be thrilled to perform at a benefit concert for a good cause. By selling tickets to the show (and refreshments), you will raise vital funds for your cause.
Pro tip: If a celebrity expects remuneration, ask another until you find someone willing to participate free of charge. It is in their best interests, as community and nonprofit involvement is good for their public image.
There may still be a wealth of talent just waiting for an opportunity in the spotlight. Advertise a community talent show. Encourage local amateur musicians, dancers, comedians, and entertainers to participate. You will also be serving another cause, giving community members a chance to showcase their talents.
Pro tip: Keep in touch with your local talented community members. They may be willing to provide entertainment at future events at no cost, in return for the continued free exposure.
Does someone on your team have a skill to share? Host a virtual or in-person class based around cooking, yoga, art, or anything else you think people may like. Ask for a small financial donation to attend.
Don’t have any stand-out skills? Then go for something simple like a car wash fundraiser.
A donation drive doesn’t have to be just about collecting money. You can collect food, clothes, books, or supplies that your organization can use or distribute. It’s a great way to engage people who might not be able to give cash.
Pro tip: Use a vehicle that is branded with your organization’s name to do the rounds and collect the items. When others in the community see it, their curiosity will be piqued. You may acquire many more supporters in this way.
In a donation-matching challenge, a sponsor agrees to match donations up to a set amount and/or within a certain timeframe. This encourages more people to donate and, of course, doubles the impact. Find a sponsor willing to do this, and encourage donors to give, explaining how contributions will go twice as far.
Pro tip: Remember to thank donors and share updates to keep the momentum going.
The average time spent daily on a mobile phone has increased in recent years. And much of that time is spent on special media. So, create a social media challenge to raise funds. Ask supporters to post videos or photos, use a hashtag, and donate as part of the fun.
Invite local artists to display and sell their work, with a portion of the proceeds going to your organization. You will support creativity and help struggling artists make a living. And you’ll raise money at the same time.
Pro tip: Invite the artists to paint or sketch (or whatever medium they prefer) a topic or theme that relates to your cause.
Board games, card games, or even video games can bring people together. Indeed, board games are experiencing a revival. Ask for an entrance fee and sell refreshments to raise funds.
Pro tip: Games are more fun when prizes are up for grabs. Offer small prizes (these can be donated by local businesses) to add excitement.
Some restaurants are happy to donate a portion of their sales on a certain night to a worthy cause. And, it’s never difficult to get people interested in good food! All you have to do is promote the event and show up with your supporters.
Pro tip: This could also become a regular event. Restaurant owners may be willing to negotiate continued support in exchange for ongoing publicity.
Encourage supporters to celebrate their birthdays by asking their friends to donate to your cause instead of buying gifts. It’s a personal and meaningful way to give.
Pro tip: Create cards that their friends can receive in return for such a donation. These cards can then be presented instead of a gift.
Ask people to give up a small luxury (like coffee or takeout) for a week or month and donate what they would have spent. It’s a simple thing to do and, in volume, can raise a lot of funds for your cause.
Use a trusted platform to tell your organization’s story and share your mission, cause, and goals. Let people know what you're aiming for and how they can help. A great sales pitch hinges on a compelling story, and this is true even in fundraising.
Pro tip: People respond more to visual elements. Use photos or videos for more engagement.
The best fundraisers are often the simplest. Think about what your community enjoys, what resources you have, and how you can turn those things into support.
Start with one or two of the above ideas, test what works best, and build from there. Over time, you’ll learn what your supporters respond to, from bake sales and yard sales to online giving and auctions.
Bidding Owl auction and fundraising software is the leading resource for nonprofits and charities. You can use it to organize auctions, sell admission tickets, and manage all types of fundraising campaigns. Get started today.
Mo-Fri 9 am to 5 pm Eastern Time
24/7 critical emergency support
All currencies supported