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Fundraising ideas for Scouts

Generate fresh ideas for your next fundraising campaigns. Describe your nonprofit to receive personalized suggestions that match your fundraising goals and audience.

Generate fundraising ideas in 3 easy steps

01

Generate fundraising ideas

Tell us about your nonprofit and your goals — our 100% free, AI-powered tool will instantly generate tailored fundraising ideas.

02

Pick your favorite

Browse through personalized suggestions and choose the ideas that best match your mission.

03

Start fundraising

Bring your idea to life with Zeffy — create your fundraising form and start raising funds today.

How to find the perfect fundraising idea for your Scouts

Step 1: Assess Your Organization's Capacity

Before diving into fundraising, it's essential to evaluate your Scouts nonprofit's capacity. Use this self-assessment questionnaire as a starting point:

  • Staffing: Do you have dedicated staff or volunteers for fundraising? How many?
  • Skills: What specific fundraising skills do your team members possess?
  • Time: How much time can your team dedicate to fundraising activities?
  • Network: What existing relationships does your nonprofit have with community members and local businesses?
  • Mission Alignment: How does fundraising align with your organization's mission and values?

Step 2: Explore Fundraising Ideas

Once you've assessed your organization's capacity, consider these fundraising ideas tailored for Scouts nonprofits:

1. Scout Cooking Contest

  • Host a cooking contest where scouts and their families prepare dishes for a nominal entry fee.
  • Invite the community to judge and pay for tasting tickets to raise additional funds.

2. Campout Experience Auction

  • Organize a day or weekend campout for families, auctioning off spots to the highest bidders.
  • Include special activities like crafts, nature hikes, and outdoor games to enhance the experience.

3. Scout Merchandise Sale

  • Sell Scout-branded merchandise, such as badges, shirts, and camping gear, either online or at community events.
  • Use the opportunity to promote your mission and engage the community.

4. Community Clean-Up Day

  • Organize a community clean-up event where participants raise sponsorship funds for their efforts.
  • Partner with local businesses that may contribute supplies or matching donations.

Step 3: Decision Matrix Template

Fundraising IdeaFeasibilityCommunity EngagementPotential RevenueScout Cooking ContestHighHighMediumCampout Experience AuctionMediumMediumHighScout Merchandise SaleHighMediumMediumCommunity Clean-Up DayMediumHighLow

Step 4: Create an Implementation Timeline

Develop a clear timeline to keep your fundraising efforts on track. Here’s a sample timeline for a Scout Cooking Contest:

  • 6 Weeks Before: Set a date and secure a venue.
  • 5 Weeks Before: Begin promoting the contest and opening up registrations.
  • 3 Weeks Before: Organize judges and finalize event details.
  • 1 Week Before: Confirm all registrations and send reminders to participants.
  • Event Day: Execute the event, handling logistics smoothly.

Step 5: Budget Considerations

Budget planning is crucial for fundraising success. Here’s how to break it down:

  • Fixed Costs: Venue rental (if needed), marketing materials, and any permits.
  • Variable Costs: Ingredients and supplies for the cooking contest or auction items.
  • Target Revenue: Set a goal based on your budget and expected attendance.

Step 6: Conduct a Risk Assessment

Understanding the potential risks involved in your fundraising efforts can help you prepare better:

  • Financial Risks: Analyze break-even points and potential losses if turnout is lower than expected.
  • Reputation Risks: Consider how failure to deliver on promises may affect your nonprofit’s reputation.
  • Logistical Risks: Plan for unforeseen issues, such as weather challenges or supply shortages.

By following these steps, you can find a fundraising idea that not only suits your Scouts nonprofit's mission but also engages your community effectively. Good luck!

Browse fundraising ideas by nonprofit category

Top fundraising ideas for Scouts

Online Badge Sponsorship

Allow donors to sponsor specific badges for Scouts, with their names featured on the organization's website and in newsletters.

Create fundraiser
Virtual Campfire Nights

Host live-streamed campfire storytelling or music events where viewers donate to access premium content or join interactive activities.

Create fundraiser
Scouting Calendar Sales

Create and sell a calendar featuring Scout activities and photos, with profits supporting Scout programs and adventures.

Create fundraiser
Corporate Matching Program

Partner with local businesses for matching donations, encouraging employees to contribute to Scouts with enhanced impact.

Create fundraiser
Community Clean-Up Challenge

Organize a community clean-up where participants raise funds through sponsorships for completing designated environmental tasks.

Create fundraiser
Virtual Scouting Workshops

Offer online workshops on skills like knot tying or outdoor cooking, charging a fee while providing valuable lessons to participants.

Create fundraiser
Scout-Designed Merchandise

Sell T-shirts, mugs, or other items designed by Scouts, engaging youth creativity while raising funds for troop activities.

Create fundraiser
Outdoor Movie Night Fundraiser

Host a family-friendly outdoor movie night with entry fees, popcorn sales, and local sponsorships to raise funds for Scout programs.

Create fundraiser
Seasonal Craft Fair

Organize a fair featuring handmade crafts by Scouts and local artisans, charging booth fees and selling tickets to attendees.

Create fundraiser
Social Media Awareness Campaign

Launch a month-long campaign where Scouts share their experiences, driving online donations through personal fundraising pages.

Create fundraiser
Local Adventure Race

Host a fun run or adventure race in the community with registration fees and sponsorships to support Scout activities.

Create fundraiser
Food Truck Fundraiser

Partner with food trucks to donate a percentage of sales on a designated day, turning meals into a fundraising opportunity for Scouts.

Create fundraiser

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<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are some unique fundraising ideas for Scouts that engage the community?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">One creative approach is organizing a community scavenger hunt. Scouts can create a list of items or landmarks in your local area, and participants pay an entry fee to join the hunt. Scouts can collaborate with local businesses to provide prizes or discounts for those who complete the hunt, enhancing community involvement. To implement this idea, start by mapping out the hunt route, setting clear rules, and promoting your event via social media and local news outlets. Aim to attract at least 50 participants for a successful event. Success can be measured by the number of participants, funds raised, and community engagement, typically yielding an average ROI of 150-200%. This event can work year-round, but spring or early fall may offer the best conditions.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">Which creative fundraising ideas generate the highest ROI for Scouts?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">Hosting a 'Scout's Got Talent' show can be an effective way to raise funds. Participants, including Scout members and community members, can showcase their talents for an entry fee, while the event itself can include local sponsorships or merchandise sales. Promote the event through social media channels, local schools, and community boards. To execute this idea, scout out a venue (like a school auditorium), arrange for judges or prizes, and sell tickets in advance. Tracking ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships will help measure success, with average ROI expectable at 120-180%. This event can be held in the spring or summer, aligning with school schedules.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are innovative seasonal fundraising opportunities for Scouts?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">A 'Scout Craft Fair' during the holiday season is an innovative fundraising opportunity. Scouts can create unique crafts and items that can be sold at a local fair, charging vendors' fees as well. This approach not only raises funds but also showcases the skills and creativity of the Scouts. Planning involves sourcing materials, marketing the crafts, securing a venue, and promoting the event through social media and local advertising. Success is measured by total sales and vendor participation rates, typically seeing returns of about 140-180%. This idea is best suited for winter, capitalizing on holiday shopping.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How can Scouts effectively leverage online platforms for fundraising?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">Creating a virtual run/walk challenge is an excellent online fundraising idea. Participants can register with a fee, track their mileage using apps, and share their progress on social media. Scouts can also offer incentives for top fundraisers or those who complete their distances. To execute this, set up an easy-to-navigate registration page, create engaging promotional content, and maintain communication with participants. Measure participation rates, funds collected, and social shares as success indicators, with average ROI typically reaching 150-250%. This can be launched at any time, but especially popular in spring or fall.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What creative campaigns can Scout groups implement for year-round fundraising?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Launching a 'Membership Challenge' can foster engagement and generate funds. Encourage current Scouts and their families to recruit new members for a defined period, rewarding both the recruiter and the new member with a small incentive (like a badge or discount). The recruitment fee could act as a fundraiser as well. Planning should involve setting clear recruitment goals, promotional strategies, and a tracking system for referrals. Success can be measured by the number of new members and funds raised, generally yielding an ROI of 100-160%. This challenge can occur any time of year, providing continual engagement.</div>