We use cookies to improve your experience on our platform. By clicking “Accept all cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies required for basic website functionality.
Cookies used to deliver content most relevant to you and your needs.
Cookies used to deliver content most relevant to you and your needs.
Cookies that help understand the performance of the website, how users interact with it and to identify bugs.
How is Zeffy free?
How is Zeffy free?
Zeffy relies entirely on optional contributions from donors. At the payment confirmation step - we ask donors to leave an optional contribution to Zeffy.
Fundraising can be one of the most energizing (and challenging) parts of nonprofit work. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refresh your approach, the right idea can reignite momentum, rally supporters, and make a real impact for your cause.
That’s why we’ve gathered 50 inspiring and actionable fundraising event ideas designed to spark creativity and drive results. From tried-and-true classics like walkathons and silent auctions to fresh, virtual-friendly concepts and seasonal themes, there’s something here for every organization, no matter your size or mission.
Let’s dive in and find the idea that will energize your fundraising efforts and encourage supporters.
What Are Fundraising Events? Why Are They Important for Your Nonprofit?
A fundraising event is hosted to generate awareness and raise funds for a nonprofit organization’s (NPO) mission and encourage donors to get involved.
Nonprofits want community members and donors to engage with the organization rather than just donate as it offers a space to build long-lasting relationships and secure continued support.
Hosting a promoted fundraising event can draw media and public attention. This exposure will offer enhanced awareness and generate more funds for your organization.
Fundraising Event Ideas to Encourage Participation
This checklist will help you as you review the ideas below to plan your next fundraising event and solicit donations, while also focusing on donor experience.
Discover proven fundraising ideas broken down into categories to promote your cause, engage supporters, and craft memorable experiences while raising funds.
How to Take Innovative Approaches to Traditional Events
Design Hybrid Fundraising Experiences
Offer both in-person and virtual fundraiser options. Think livestreamed online auctions, QR codes for instant donations at live events, or digital peer-to-peer challenges for remote supporters. You’ll open new giving channels and grow your donor base.
Personalize Donor Journeys
Create moments where donors feel seen and encouraged to spread awareness. Offer different ticket or donation tiers with unique perks (like shoutouts, custom thank-you videos, or cause-specific updates) to build loyalty and increase giving.
Tie Every Moment Back to Impact
Connect every fundraising activity, from raffles to paddle raises, back to real-world outcomes. Use short videos, live testimonials, or visuals that show precisely how donations are making a difference in people's lives to invite donors in.
Partner Strategically for Fresh Appeal
Collaborate with businesses, creators, or local celebrities who can attract new audiences and bring excitement to your event. Co-host a live fundraiser, offer branded match donations, or have them run a mini campaign alongside your main event.
Gamify Giving to Build Energy
Introduce live donation trackers, fundraising challenges, and team competitions to enhance engagement. Celebrate milestones in real time with special prizes, surprise unlocks, or donor recognition, making giving feel fun, rewarding, and contagious.
Most Popular and Effective Fundraising Event Ideas to Raise Money
1. Silent Auction
Tap into your donors' competitive spirit by hosting silent auctions and giving your supporters a chance to engage in friendly competition, take home something valuable, and raise money for your nonprofits.
Tips to Engage Donors
Offer versatile auction items like themed gift baskets or vacation packages.
Encourage online bidding for broader participation.
Pair with other events like galas or golf tournaments.
Expected Outcomes
Increased donor engagement through friendly competition.
Lower overhead using in-kind donations.
Strong relationship-building opportunities through event mingling.
Potential Challenges
Securing high-value items may take time: Start outreach early and engage board members or local businesses to donate.
Requires a reliable auction platform: Use a trusted platform like Zeffy or test tech ahead of time to avoid glitches.
Needs strong promotion to attract active bidders: Leverage email lists and social media with sneak peeks of auction items.
As the warm weather beckons, why not seize the opportunity to get your donors outdoors and bask in the sunshine while raising funds for your worthy cause? A golf tournament is a great summer fundraising idea and promises a significant gift opportunity.
Tips to Engage Donors
Host at a high-end club to attract affluent donors.
Add contests and prizes for engagement.
Invite key stakeholders to build donor relationships.
Expected Outcomes
High donation potential from wealthy participants.
Strengthened donor loyalty through relaxed social interaction.
Opportunity for long-term relationship building.
Potential Challenges
Weather-related risks need backup planning: Secure a rain date or indoor alternatives in case of inclement weather.
High logistical coordination and planning: Create subcommittees to manage different aspects and lighten the load.
May require upfront investment or sponsorships: Approach sponsors early with clear benefits and packages.
Donors appreciate a night of glitz and glamor, making a charity gala the perfect fundraising event idea. A gala traditionally comprises a formal dinner, entertainment, and several activities to keep spirits high.
Tips to Engage Donors
Include entertainment like comedians or live music.
Use themed décor and storytelling moments to build emotional connection.
Mix funding channels: ticket sales, raffles, auctions, and pledges.
Expected Outcomes
Strong fundraising from multiple revenue streams.
Enhanced brand visibility and donor trust.
A high-touch experience that builds loyalty.
Potential Challenges
Labor-intensive planning process: Divide responsibilities among committees and start planning well in advance.
Finding sponsors and vendors can be time-consuming: Tap into personal and board networks to speed up connections.
Risk of low turnout if not marketed effectively: Promote across channels 6–8 weeks in advance with consistent messaging.
Pro tip:
Consider hosting a raffle alongside your gala to raise additional funds and engage attendees in friendly competition. Reach out to local businesses and supporters for exciting prize donations.
4. Walk-a-Thon
Walk-a-thons combine two of the best things - fitness and fun to raise money for your nonprofits. They appeal to many supporters and those who may not have heard of your organization.
Tips to Engage Donors
Motivate participants to gather pledges from family and friends.
Use signage and cheer stations to energize the route.
Incorporate peer-to-peer fundraising with fun incentives.
Expected Outcomes
Broad appeal to community members of all ages.
Consistent fundraising through pledge-based giving.
Visibility and momentum for your mission.
Potential Challenges
Requires permits and careful route planning: Work with local authorities early to avoid delays or denials.
Weather-dependent and may impact attendance: Have a rain date or plan for tents and shade structures.
Needs extensive outreach and follow-up to maximize success: Provide digital toolkits and shareable graphics for participants.
Pro Tip:
Launch a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign alongside your walk-a-thon. Provide participants with personal fundraising pages to easily collect donations from their networks. Offer incentives and prizes for top fundraisers to encourage friendly competition.
You can choose a fashion show as an event idea to raise money in a few ways:
Tips to Engage Donors
Partner with local designers or students to showcase their collections.
Charge admission fees and encourage donations during the show.
Auction the showcased outfits for higher donation potential.
Expected Outcomes
Exposure for local designers and increased community engagement.
Funds raised from ticket sales, donations, and auctions.
Interactive event that connects donors with creative local talent.
Potential Challenges
Sourcing models and outfits: Start early to establish collaborations.
Event coordination: Ensure smooth transitions and timing for the runway.
Case study: Association des Étudiants et Étudiantes en Administration de l’Université McGill
Amount raised: $5,680 | Saved in fees: $284
9. Obstacle Courses
Obstacle courses are gaining popularity as they attract adventure and thrill seekers.
Tips to Engage Donors
Host the course in a park or parking lot with minimal setup.
Launch a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign for participants.
Offer early-bird discounts to encourage early registration.
Expected Outcomes
Active participation from adventurers and donors.
Funds raised through registration fees and merchandise sales.
Community engagement with a fun, physical challenge.
Potential Challenges
Safety concerns: Plan carefully and implement effective safety measures.
Keeping participants motivated: Offer medals or certificates to participants who complete the course.
10. Battle of the Bands
Let the music ignite your mission with a live battle where local bands rock out for a cause.
Tips to Engage Donors
Invite local bands to compete for exposure and a charitable cause.
Charge entry fees for performers and audience members.
Live stream the event to expand reach and encourage online donations.
Expected Outcomes
Increased exposure for local artists and your nonprofit.
Funds raised through registration fees and donations.
Virtual reach via live streaming and social media sharing.
Potential Challenges
Technical logistics: Ensure smooth sound and live streaming setups.
Securing performers: Start early to recruit bands and spread the word.
Quick and Cheap Fundraising Event Ideas
11. Karaoke Night
Let your supporters sing their hearts out for your cause in a night full of fun and fundraising.
Tips to Engage Donors
Charge a small fee for song sign-ups and general admission.
Offer prizes for crowd favorites or best costumes.
Sell refreshments or themed cocktails to boost revenue.
Expected Outcomes
A casual, community-centered event that encourages participation.
Revenue from entry fees, food, and drink sales.
Sharable content that boosts visibility for your nonprofit.
Potential Challenges
Equipment needs: Secure a karaoke machine and sound system.
Venue acoustics: Choose a space suitable for live singing.
For example, the Canadian Armenian Alumni Association used Zeffy as its ticketing system and sold tickets for over $776 for its Karaoke night. Along with entry tickets, the price also included light snacks and soft drinks. Using Zeffy’s 100% free platform, they saved $39 in fees.
12. Community Potluck
Bring people together over home-cooked meals to foster connection and support your mission.
Tips to Engage Donors
Ask guests to bring a dish and a donation.
Incorporate a theme like “comfort food” or “dishes from around the world.”
Include a brief storytelling segment or mission moment.
Expected Outcomes
Deeper community bonds built around shared food and values.
Donations collected through RSVP or at the door.
New supporters introduced to your cause through invitees.
Potential Challenges
Food variety and dietary restrictions: Encourage labeling.
Event setup: Coordinate tables, serving utensils, and cleanup help.
13. Photo Contest
Harness creativity and community spirit with a themed photo contest that fuels donations.
Tips to Engage Donors
Charge a fee to enter and let people vote by donating.
Create categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Pet Photo.”
Display entries on your website or social media.
Expected Outcomes
Online engagement through voting and sharing.
Funds raised via entry fees and voting donations.
Content generated for future use or promotions.
Potential Challenges
Judging fairness: Be clear about public vs. panel judging.
Participation volume: Promote widely and early.
14. 50/50 Raffle
Add excitement to any event with a raffle where everyone wins—your nonprofit and one lucky donor.
Tips to Engage Donors
Sell tickets at a flat rate (e.g., $5 each or 5 for $20).
Promote the growing jackpot as more tickets are sold.
Draw the winner live to build excitement.
Expected Outcomes
Quick funds from ticket sales.
Enhanced energy at larger events.
Repeat participation if done regularly.
Potential Challenges
Compliance: Check local gambling and raffle laws.
Low turnout: Pair with a larger event for best results.
Challenge supporters to brave the cold in a unique and memorable fundraising experience.
Tips to Engage Donors
Charge a registration fee to participate.
Encourage peer-to-peer fundraising tied to the challenge.
Offer warm beverages and swag like branded towels.
Expected Outcomes
Donations tied to participation and sponsorships.
PR buzz from bold, photo-worthy moments.
Lasting engagement from brave participants.
Potential Challenges
Weather and safety concerns: Have medical support on-site.
Location logistics: Partner with a safe body of water or venue.
Virtual Fundraising Ideas
16. Online Workshops
Host a weekend workshop series that offers creativity and connection while supporting your cause.
Tips to Engage Donors
Offer sessions like painting, cooking, or journaling.
Charge a class fee and upsell supply kits or donation add-ons.
Feature local artists or experts to lead sessions.
Expected Outcomes
Revenue from ticket sales and optional donations.
Broader reach with accessible, virtual events.
Meaningful experiences tied to your mission.
Potential Challenges
Tech setup: Ensure strong internet and user-friendly platforms.
Engagement: Use breakout rooms or live Q&As to keep energy high.
17. Social Media Challenges
SCreate a viral-worthy challenge that drives donations and enhances your nonprofit’s online presence.
Tips to Engage Donors
Design a simple and fun activity, such as dancing, drawing, or performing kindness acts.
Ask participants to donate, share, and tag your org.
Reward top fundraisers or the most creative entries.
Expected Outcomes
Organic growth through shares and tags.
Increased donations from digital audiences.
Younger demographic engagement.
Potential Challenges
Trend timing: Launch when your audience is active online.
Instructions: Keep them simple and easy to replicate.
18. eCard Campaign
Invite supporters to send custom eCards for holidays, birthdays, or thank-yous—with a donation built in.
Tips to Engage Donors
Design seasonal or occasion-based cards with heartfelt messages.
Set suggested donation amounts tied to each card.
Tie this fundraising campaign with your holiday season events to give people a chance to wish their family and friends during Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and other occasions.
Expected Outcomes
Low-cost digital fundraising with high emotional impact.
New donor engagement through gift senders and recipients.
Easy promotion on email and social media.
Potential Challenges
Design needs: Invest in appealing, branded card templates.
Tech tools: Use platforms that support donation-linked eCards.
19. Virtual Book Clubs
Invite supporters to join a themed virtual book club where each read connects to your mission or values—and builds lasting community while raising funds.
Tips to Engage Donors
Choose a book that aligns with your mission or impact area
Invite donations to join or access exclusive discussions
Host virtual meetups with themed discussions or guest speakers
Expected Outcomes
Boosted donor engagement through shared learning
Recurring opportunities for connection and giving
Low-cost, high-impact virtual programming
Potential Challenges
Needs consistent moderation and engaging prompts: Recruit passionate volunteers or staff to guide discussions.
Book selection can feel exclusionary if not well-rounded: diversify picks and solicit input from diverse members for inclusive representation.
VHost a virtual lip sync contest where participants perform and viewers “vote” through donations.
Tips to Engage Donors
Encourage creative costumes, themes, or group acts with awards.
Let viewers donate to “vote” for their favorite performers.
Share short video clips on social media to drive more views and donations.
Expected Outcomes
High-energy, entertaining content with wide appeal.
Increased peer-to-peer fundraising through friendly competition.
Strong community connection and shareability.
Potential Challenges
Requires strong emcee and clear contest rules: Provide participants with a detailed toolkit and host rehearsals.
Video editing or livestream tech can be time-consuming: Use a simplified platform like Zoom or prerecorded uploads with a submission deadline.
Lip Sync Example From Open Hearts
21. Virtual Pet Fair
Celebrate pets while raising money for your mission through fun contests, demos, and virtual adoptions.
Tips to Engage Donors
Host themed pet contests (cutest pet, best costume, pet/owner lookalike).
Include donation-based entry fees and virtual vendor booths.
Offer virtual “pet sponsorships” or highlight adoptable animals.
Expected Outcomes
Strong engagement from animal lovers and families.
Increased donations through contest entries and sponsorships.
Uplifting content perfect for social sharing.
Potential Challenges
Tech platform may need customization for multiple booths or contests: Use simple tools like Facebook Live or Eventbrite + Zoom to manage flow.
Permissions and safety with animal features: Request photo/video release forms and give clear participation guidelines
A Pet Food Pantry Example From Pawsitivity Rescue Inc.
22. Virtal Escape Room
Create a mission-themed escape room experience where donors work together to solve clues.
Tips to Engage Donors
Partner with an escape room business or create your own using Zoom and digital clues.
Design puzzles based on your nonprofit’s story or cause.
Offer prizes for fastest completion or best teamwork with a donation-based team entry.
Expected Outcomes
Unique, immersive experience that connects donors to your mission.
Ideal for corporate teams or families looking for virtual fun.
High potential for repeat participation.
Potential Challenges
May be complex to build a DIY experience: Use free online escape room templates or partner with experienced game creators.
Tech hiccups can hurt the experience: Test in advance with a small group and assign a staff member as real-time support during the event.
23. Online Cook-Along Fundraiser
Host a virtual cooking session led by a chef or community figure, sharing recipes while raising funds.
Tips to Engage Donors
Send ingredient lists in advance or offer donation-based meal kits.
Weave in mission stories during cooking breaks.
Encourage guests to share photos with a branded hashtag.
Expected Outcomes
Interactive donor engagement that builds emotional connection.
Opportunities for partnerships with local chefs or restaurants.
Great for content creation and social sharing.
Potential Challenges
Technical coordination may be necessary for live streaming: pre-record parts of the session and utilize a moderator for seamless transitions.
Not all donors may feel confident cooking live: Offer a “watch only” option and provide recipe replays post-event.
24. "Un-Gala" Pajama Party
Replace the formal gala with a cozy, virtual night-in fundraiser, encouraging comfort, conversation, and generosity.
Tips to Engage Donors
Use playful language in invitations (“no tux, no shoes, just heart”).
Include donor gift boxes with tea, treats, or branded socks.
Feature impact stories, live music, or trivia to keep energy up.
Expected Outcomes
Lower-cost alternative to a traditional gala.
More intimate connection with supporters.
Strong appeal for year-end giving or donor appreciation.
Potential Challenges
Lacks the glamour of in-person events: Elevate the virtual atmosphere with creative visuals and heartfelt storytelling.
Screen fatigue may affect turnout: Keep it short (under 90 minutes) and offer replay access for convenience.
25. Cause-Inspired Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Host a virtual or hybrid scavenger hunt that ties challenges to your mission.
Tips to Engage Donors
Create a list of meaningful, creative prompts (e.g., “find something that represents hope”).
Use apps like GooseChase or social media check-ins for easy participation.
Charge entry fees for individuals or teams, and offer themed prizes.
Expected Outcomes
Fun, interactive way to get families, schools, and teams involved.
Boosts visibility and storytelling through user-generated content.
Great for kids and corporate teams alike.
Potential Challenges
Difficult to manage submissions manually: Use an app or Google Form to automate tracking and judging.
Participation may vary due to accessibility: Offer indoor-friendly tasks and adapt the hunt for different mobility levels.
Christmas Fundraising Ideas to Raise Money
26. Advent Calendar Countdown
A festive way to engage your community throughout December, the Advent Calendar Countdown can raise funds by connecting daily donations to the countdown.
Engage Your Donors:
Create a countdown starting from December 1st, asking donors to contribute a corresponding amount (e.g., $1 on December 1st, $5 on December 5th).
Use compelling imagery and text for your campaign, sharing it across communication channels.
Leverage an easy-to-use online donation system like Zeffy for a seamless donation experience.
Expected Outcomes:
A fun and festive way to raise money during the holiday season.
Easy to manage with minimal effort from both organizers and donors.
Increases community involvement through daily participation.
Potential Challenges:
Maintaining momentum as the countdown progresses: Keep your messaging exciting to sustain interest.
Managing donations across different platforms: Ensure your online donation system supports multiple methods without added fees.
With Zeffy's online donation platform, easily create a simple and fun donation form to share on different communication channels, embed it on your website, or host it on the platform. You can also accept donations securely from multiple methods without losing a penny to transaction or platform fees.
27. Gift Wrapping Service
This fundraising idea offers a practical and festive solution for community members looking to get their holiday gifts wrapped with a personal touch.
Engage Your Donors:
Set up a holiday gift-wrapping station where community members can pay a small fee per gift wrapped.
Enhance the experience with festive Christmas music, decorations, and hot cocoa to create a warm atmosphere.
Utilize leftover gift wrap donations from members or local stores to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Expected Outcomes:
A low-cost fundraiser that’s easy to set up and execute.
A fun way for people to contribute to the cause while tackling holiday gift wrapping.
Boosts community engagement through festive activities.
Potential Challenges:
Managing high volumes of customers: Organize a simple sign-up or payment process to reduce wait times.
Ensuring sufficient volunteers and materials: Prepare in advance and have a backup plan in place for high-traffic periods.
Charge a small fee for participants to carve pumpkins, providing carving materials and space to work.
Have friends and family vote for the best carved pumpkins and offer fun categories like "scariest" or "funniest."
Sell pumpkins or carving kits in advance to help raise more funds.
Expected Outcomes:
A low-cost, fun event that involves everyone in the Halloween spirit.
Encourages creativity while fundraising for a good cause.
Brings together families, schools, and community members for a memorable event.
Potential Challenges:
Ensuring enough pumpkins and carving materials: Pre-purchase supplies or offer pre-carved pumpkins for sale.
Maintaining a fair judging process: Use a voting system or panel of judges to avoid disputes.
33. Trick or Donate
This fundraising idea is a twist on the classic Halloween activity of trick-or-treating, offering a fun way for the community to contribute to your cause while celebrating the holiday.
Engage Your Donors:
Assemble a group of volunteers to go door-to-door and ask for donations with the phrase “trick or donation.”
Select a neighborhood with strong local ties to foster community engagement.
Offer small incentives to donors, such as a thank-you card or a festive treat.
Expected Outcomes:
A community-focused, interactive fundraiser that encourages participation.
Builds awareness for your organization in the local community.
Creates a sense of fun and excitement around the holiday season.
Potential Challenges:
Weather: Plan for rain or other unexpected factors that could affect participation.
Coverage: Ensure enough volunteers to visit many houses within the designated area.
Thanksgiving Fundraising Event Ideas
34. All-You-Can-Cook with Potato Competition
Potatoes are synonymous with Thanksgiving, making this a perfect fundraising idea that combines food, community, and holiday cheer.
Engage Your Donors:
Ask community members to prepare various potato-based dishes for a cooking competition.
Have local judges or guests vote for the best dishes, with a small prize for the winner.
Offer a Thanksgiving dinner afterward, including all the potato dishes, and charge a separate fee for attendees.
Expected Outcomes:
A fun and interactive way to engage the community while raising funds.
Encourages participation from local chefs and food enthusiasts.
Provides an opportunity for attendees to enjoy a delicious meal and support a cause.
Potential Challenges:
Logistics: Coordinate the number of dishes and participants to avoid overwhelming the kitchen.
Pricing: Keep track of the different fees for the competition and dinner to ensure a successful fundraising goal.
35. Turkey Trot
A Thanksgiving-themed fun walk brings people together to celebrate the holiday while staying active and raising money for your cause.
Engage Your Donors:
Organize a walk or run where participants dress in turkey costumes or Thanksgiving-themed attire.
Charge a registration fee and encourage participants to fundraise additionally through pledges or donations.
Reward winners with Thanksgiving-themed prizes like pumpkin pies or cinnamon rolls.
Expected Outcomes:
A healthy and fun way to raise money and bring the community together.
Participants will enjoy dressing up and contributing to a good cause while staying active.
Builds a festive atmosphere that appeals to people of all ages.
Potential Challenges:
Weather: Make sure to have a contingency plan if the weather is unfavorable.
Participation: Market the event early to ensure a good turnout and secure sponsorships.
36. Pie Eating Contest
A classic and competitive fundraiser that adds fun to your event with a challenge for all ages: a pie-eating contest!
Engage Your Donors:
Host a pie-eating contest featuring various types of pies, including pumpkin, apple, and pecan.
Charge a small entry fee and encourage participants to gather sponsors who will pledge based on their performance. Set clear rules for the contest, like eating with only your face and no hands.
Expected Outcomes:
A hilarious and entertaining fundraiser that encourages donations and community participation.
Opportunities for spectators to cheer on their friends and family.
Promotes a fun, light-hearted atmosphere that appeals to all ages.
Potential Challenges:
Contestant management: Implement a system to ensure that all participants have a fair opportunity to participate.
Clean-up: Ensure you have sufficient volunteers and resources to clean up promptly after the event.
37. Corn Maze
A corn maze is a fun and interactive fundraising idea that allows people to enjoy the outdoors while supporting your cause.
Engage Your Donors:
Partner with a local farm to offer a corn maze experience and direct a portion of the proceeds toward your nonprofit.
Promote the event to local families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Encourage participants to bring their families and make a day out of it by adding additional fun activities, such as hayrides or a pumpkin patch.
Expected Outcomes:
An outdoor adventure that appeals to families and outdoor lovers, raising awareness for your nonprofit.
A chance to partner with local businesses and farms to increase community support.
An opportunity for a seasonal fundraiser that draws in large crowds.
Potential Challenges:
Weather conditions: Ensure you have contingency plans in place in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Navigating logistics: Ensure clear signage to avoid confusion for maze-goers.
Fundraising Event Ideas Specific to Faith-Based Organizations
38. Stuff for Bucks
This fundraiser enables your faith-based organization to tap into the community’s excess belongings, raising funds while helping others declutter.
Engage Your Donors:
Collect gently used books, clothes, shoes, and home décor from your congregation and community.
Organize a sale at your church or online, offering both in-person and virtual payment options.
Encourage church members to donate and buy from the sale to keep the cycle going.
Expected Outcomes:
A sustainable way to raise funds while promoting community connection.
Helps people clean out their homes while supporting a meaningful cause.
Encourages community members to be involved by both donating and purchasing items.
Potential Challenges:
Managing donations: Ensure that you have clear guidelines for what can be accepted and how items will be sorted.
Volunteers: Organize enough volunteers to ensure the sale is managed efficiently.
A charity dinner or luncheon can provide a meaningful experience for your congregation while raising funds for specific church projects or causes.
Engage Your Donors:
Host a dinner or luncheon with a guest speaker or religious leader, offering tickets for sale.
Use the event to share the church’s mission and goals, providing an opportunity for people to connect with the cause.
Serve a meal that ties into the theme or mission of the event.
Expected Outcomes:
Provides a sense of fellowship and community while raising important funds.
Creates an opportunity for attendees to engage with the church’s mission and goals.
Promotes ongoing support and involvement in church activities.
Potential Challenges:
Catering: Ensure there is sufficient food and space to accommodate all attendees.
Attendance: Market the event well in advance to ensure ticket sales meet fundraising goals.
40. Church Calendar Sale
A church calendar sale provides a meaningful way to raise funds while offering a useful item to church members.
Engage Your Donors:
Sell a beautifully designed church calendar with Bible passages or essential church events.
Include high-quality images and themes that reflect your church's faith and mission.
Set up a stall outside services or at community events to sell the calendars.
Expected Outcomes:
A low-cost fundraiser that’s easy to execute and can raise funds throughout the year.
Provides a meaningful item for churchgoers to keep and use throughout the year.
Highlights church events, encouraging more participation and engagement with your congregation.
Potential Challenges:
Design and production costs: Ensure the calendar is cost-effective to produce.
Sales location: Make sure the calendar is visible to attendees at church services or other events.
41. Church Trivia Night
Host a fun and engaging trivia night to promote fellowship and raise funds.
Engage Your Donors:
Charge a registration fee per person or team.
Offer prizes like gift cards or handmade crafts.
Provide snacks and drinks to enhance the experience.
Expected Outcomes:
A lively, low-investment event.
Strengthens community ties.
Raises funds while engaging participants.
Potential Challenges:
Securing a venue for the event: Try hosting the event at your church or a nearby community center to minimize venue costs.
Promoting the event effectively: Try utilizing social media, church bulletin boards, and word of mouth to build awareness and excitement.
42. Healing and Wellness Fair
Promote holistic well-being while raising funds for church programs.
Engage Your Donors:
Partner with local wellness professionals.
Charge for individual sessions or general admission.
Offer activities like prayer or meditation sessions.
Expected Outcomes:
Raises funds while promoting health.
Provides a relaxing experience for the community.
Supports local wellness providers.
Potential Challenges:
Partnering with wellness providers: Try reaching out to local wellness practitioners and offering them visibility and exposure in exchange for their participation.
Ensuring sufficient space for activities: Consider organizing the fair at a venue that offers flexible space options, such as a community hall or a large outdoor area.
Fundraising Event Ideas Specific to Schools and Colleges
43. Read-a-Thon
Encourage children to read while raising funds through pledges.
Engage Your Donors:
Set reading goals and encourage sponsorships per book or page.
Use online platforms to collect donations.
Offer incentives, such as prizes, to top readers.
Expected Outcomes:
Promotes literacy and raises funds.
Engages the community in a fun way.
A low-cost, easy-to-organize event.
Potential Challenges:
Tracking reading progress: Try using a simple online tracker or spreadsheet for students to log their progress.
Ensuring participants actively fundraise: Try providing students with sample fundraising letters to send to friends and family for pledges.
An example of a Nonprofit Read-a-Thon
44. Talent Show
Host a talent show where students showcase their skills while raising funds.
Engage Your Donors:
Charge an entry fee for tickets.
Sell raffle tickets or merchandise.
Organize an exciting show with diverse performances.
Expected Outcomes:
Encourages student creativity.
Raises funds through ticket sales and raffles.
Creates a fun community event.
Potential Challenges:
Coordinating auditions and rehearsals: Try scheduling auditions in advance and using volunteers or staff to help with rehearsal management.
Promoting the event for good attendance: Try using social media, school newsletters, and student-created posters to spread the word.
45. School Carnival
Host a carnival full of games, food, and fun to raise funds for school programs.
Engage Your Donors:
Set up games and booths with affordable prices.
Sell raffle tickets, food, and school merchandise.
Partner with local businesses for sponsorships.
Expected Outcomes:
Fun and engaging event for the whole family.
Raises funds through activities and donations.
Encourages community participation.
Potential Challenges:
Managing the logistics of games and booths: Try organizing a team of volunteers to oversee specific games and booths for smooth operations.
Ensuring enough volunteers for support: Try recruiting volunteers early by promoting the event through school communication channels.
46. Scavenger Hunt
Organize a scavenger hunt that promotes teamwork and raises funds.
Engage Your Donors:
Charge entry fees per team.
Choose a fun theme for the hunt.
Offer small prizes for the winners.
Expected Outcomes:
A team-building event that raises funds.
Easy to organize with minimal resources.
Encourages community involvement.
Potential Challenges:
Planning clues and tasks: Try collaborating with students or volunteers to create creative clues or themes for the hunt.
Managing event logistics and safety: Try assigning adults or volunteers to specific areas of the hunt for oversight and safety.
47. Teachers in Jail
A fun event where students raise money to "jail" their teachers.
Engage Your Donors:
Set a fundraising goal for jailing teachers.
Offer students fun rewards for reaching fundraising targets.
Host the jailing event during school hours.
Expected Outcomes:
Fun and engaging for students.
Raises funds with lighthearted participation.
Encourages teamwork among students.
Potential Challenges:
Teacher buy-in for participation: Try making the event lighthearted and appealing by showing teachers the benefits (fun, student engagement).
Ensuring clear tracking of donations: Try using an online platform for students to track their donations and progress.
Fundraising Event Ideas Specific to Environmental Charities
48. Serve-a-Thon
Organize a community service event where participants volunteer to raise funds.
Engage Your Donors:
Participants raise pledges for hours volunteered.
Focus on environmental tasks like park clean-ups.
Partner with local environmental organizations for support.
Expected Outcomes:
Raises funds while serving the community.
Encourages volunteerism and environmental stewardship.
A meaningful event with lasting impact.
Potential Challenges:
Securing enough volunteers: Try reaching out to local schools, organizations, and faith groups for volunteer support.
Weather disruptions for outdoor events: Try having a backup indoor activity or rescheduling options in case of bad weather.
Example of a Nonprofit Serve-a-Thon
49. Farm-to-Table Fundraiser Dinner
Host a sustainable and delicious dinner to raise funds.
Engage Your Donors:
Sell tickets to the farm-to-table dinner event.
Partner with local farms for fresh ingredients.
Offer a unique dining experience with local food.
Expected Outcomes:
Raises funds through ticket sales.
Promotes sustainable practices.
Provides a memorable experience for the community.
Potential Challenges:
Securing local farm partnerships: Try reaching out to local farms or farmers’ markets early to build partnerships for food donations or discounts.
Organizing the logistics for catering and dining: Try partnering with a local restaurant or catering service to handle the food preparation, making it easier to manage the event.
50. Garden Tea Party
Host an elegant garden tea party to connect personally with major donors in a calm and beautiful setting.
Engage Your Donors:
Offer tea, scones, berries, biscuits, and sandwiches.
Include a short, heartfelt presentation about your cause.
Use coasters or napkins with conversation starters to spark dialogue.
Expected Outcomes:
Builds stronger, more personal relationships with key donors.
Raises awareness for a specific project or goal.
Creates a memorable, in-person donor experience.
Potential Challenges:
Unpredictable spring weather: Try having a backup indoor location or renting a tent to accommodate sudden weather changes.
Low donor attendance: Try sending personal invitations well in advance and offering RSVP reminders to boost turnout.
Food and beverage logistics: Consider partnering with a local caterer or skilled volunteers in hospitality to ensure refreshments are handled smoothly.
51. Zero-Waste Festival
Promote sustainability with a festival showcasing eco-friendly practices and local green businesses.
Engage Your Donors:
Host interactive workshops on composting, upcycling, and zero-waste living.
Invite local sustainable vendors and businesses to set up booths.
Charge an entry fee and offer donation boxes around the venue.
Expected Outcomes:
Raises funds while educating the public on sustainability.
Builds connections with environmentally conscious donors and partners.
Encourages community involvement and awareness.
Potential Challenges:
Managing waste effectively during the event: Consider setting up clearly labeled stations for compost, recycling, and refillable water to minimize confusion and ensure a successful outcome.
Coordinating multiple vendors and workshops: Consider using a schedule and map to organize vendors and attendees, and designate a point person to handle logistics.
Increasing attendance: Consider promoting through local eco-groups, schools, and social media channels with compelling visuals and messaging.
52. Wildlife Photography Safari
Offer a unique and immersive experience for donors interested in nature and photography.
Engage Your Donors:
Partner with wildlife sanctuaries and natural parks for guided tours.
Please provide a detailed itinerary, including meal and accommodation details.
Include opportunities for wildlife photography, birdwatching, and nature walks.
Expected Outcomes:
Raises significant funds through ticket sales or sponsorships.
Attracts donors passionate about nature and conservation.
Provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience linked to your mission.
Potential Challenges:
Securing permits and access to protected areas: Work closely with local environmental authorities well in advance to ensure all necessary permissions are granted.
Ensuring participant safety and comfort: Consider hiring experienced guides and providing clear safety briefings, along with essentials such as water, first-aid kits, and gear suggestions.
How Did Noelle’s Gift to Children Make the Most of Zeffy’s Free Platform to Plan Fundraising Events?
Noelle's Gift to Children has been committed to improving the lives of children in the Kent and Lambton countries of Ontario, Canada, since 2013. Every year, the nonprofit organization hosts a gala charity event, a 5K run, and a raffle to raise funds.
To address these issues of cost and features, they picked Zeffy's all-in-one fundraising platform with multiple features. From event ticketing to peer-to-peer fundraising and donor management, it made it easy for them to organize events and secure fundraising success.
Noelle's Gift to Children has raised over $325,208 while saving over $16,000 in platform and transaction fees. The nonprofit continues to make the most of Zeffy's fundraising platform for its event success.
Regardless of the fundraising event ideas you decide to pursue, Zeffy's platform offers a range of valuable tools and resources, all free of charge, to support you.
Fundraising events are one of the most exciting ways for nonprofits to generate revenue. They bring together your community, raise awareness for your cause, and ensure everyone has a good time, ultimately encouraging them to donate.
There are hundreds of profitable fundraising events, but a few work better than others:
Charity Golf Tournament: Unites golf enthusiasts and philanthropists and leverages the popularity of golf as a recreational activity.
Charity Auctions: Offers donors incentives in return for their contributions, which encourages them to participate and give.
Galas: Brings together people of high net worth who often are looking to contribute to charities as part of their philanthropy practices.
5K Fundraiser: A community-driven event attracting a lot of supporters and relatively low cost to plan.
The best type of fundraising event idea for a nonprofit will depend on its specific needs and goals. Before you decide to look for an event idea, ask yourself:
Why are you organizing the fundraising event?
How much funding do you plan to collect from the event?
How much is your budget for planning the event?
Who will be your attendees?
With the answers to these questions, you’ll be able to generate an event idea that is within your financial situation, attracts your target donor base, and helps achieve the fundraising goal.
To amplify your promotions, follow a multichannel marketing approach that involves:
Social Media: Craft compelling content across channels your donors frequently use, such as Instagram and Facebook. Focus on highlighting the need for fundraising and share relevant information related to registration and donation.
Emails: Highlight the event in your monthly email newsletter and include a strong call-to-action (CTA) to encourage recipients to register. Also, be sure to link your donation page to provide the option to contribute before the event.
Direct Mail: Include all of your event's logistical details, including date, time, and location, and add a QR code to your online event pages or forms so supporters can learn more online.
Local Media: Partner with your local newspaper or magazines to inform your community about the event. Write a compelling press release that focuses on your need for fundraising and the impact of your donor's support.
A fundraising event involves numerous moving parts - from conceiving an event idea to managing registrations, promotions, and more. With proper planning, you can host a successful event that runs smoothly.
Here are the steps that will help you get started with planning your fundraising event:
Determine the goals of the fundraising event.
Establish the budget for your fundraising event.
Assemble a team to organize and host the event.
Decide a venue and set a date and time.
Create a fundraising plan calendar and marketing collaterals.
Promote your event and share tickets with your participants.
Prepare for the big day by ensuring everything is in proper place.
Follow up by thanking your donors, supporters, and volunteers.
.jpeg)
