30+ Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits (2024)

The success of nonprofit organizations hinges on their ability to cultivate strong donor relationships and secure funding. To achieve such goals, coming up with creative and fun fundraising ideas for nonprofits is crucial. This curated list caters to a diverse range of nonprofits, from classic nonprofit fundraising ideas to fresh, new ones. Read on to explore the successful fundraising ideas for nonprofits best fit for you.

Evergreen Organization Fundraising Ideas

1. Walk-a-Thons

Walk-a-Thons are among the classic organization fundraising ideas. Not only can it help in raising funds for your nonprofit, but also promote healthy living. Want to add a twist? Choose a theme like a “Glow in the Dark Night Walk” or a “Decades Dash” where participants get to dress up in their favorite era attire. Organize pit stops for refreshments and photo booths to keep the energy up.

2. Volunteer Grants

Volunteer grants are not just about saying “thank you”, but also empowering your volunteers to become mini-advocates. With this fundraiser, volunteers with commendable efforts can “earn” grant money they can use for relevant projects in their community or area.
Hence, creating a deeper connection to your cause and the impact they’re helping to achieve. They may share their experiences and encourage more volunteers to donate, expanding your nonprofit’s reach.

3. Donation Matching

Partnering with companies that offer matching gifts can help incentivize your supporters (to give even more). You can also approach local businesses known for philanthropy to leverage that matching gift program and ask for their help to spread the word. Another way to promote the fundraiser is by posting about it on your organization’s social media channels, website, or through email newsletters.

4. Unique Raffles

Raffles are a timeless choice, but adding a wow factor is a surefire way to grab attention. Instead of the usual gift basket, partner with local restaurants to offer a VIP dining experience for the raffle winner. Or, something more fun like a hot air balloon ride or tickets to sold-out concerts. The more unique the prize, the bigger the buzz!

5. Run For A Cause

Running events are amazing, but consider a more inclusive option. You can cater to runners of all abilities by offering a variety of distances, such as a competitive 5K or 10K race or a shorter fun run for families with children. You can also set up accessible routes for participants with physical limitations, making the event inclusive for all. These can create a sense of community and encourage more donors or volunteers to join your nonprofit.

6. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Peer-to-peer fundraising campaign is a powerful tool for nonprofits. This type of fundraising is about encouraging your supporters to organize custom campaigns to collect donations from family, friends, and colleagues. Make it more exciting with a leaderboard to track fundraising progress, and offer incentives for the top individual or team.
Some creative ways to do this fundraiser include challenge campaigns (e.g. receipt contest, photography competition), cause-based online sales, and volunteer fundraising teams (e.g. bake sales, car washes, community clean-up events).

7. Donation Incentives Program

Go beyond the traditional “thank you” gift by giving creative incentives that keep donors coming back. You can offer exclusive content like early access to events for higher donation tiers. Or, partner with local businesses for coupons and discounts as donation incentives.

8. Charity Gala

Benefit galas are a traditional fundraising event. To attract more guests, you can move beyond the traditional black-tie affair. Pick a theme that aligns with your mission or sparks excitement, such as “A Night in Paris” or “Under the Sea Extravaganza”. You can also offer early bird specials and ticket tiers, or special discounts for guests brought in by your current volunteers.

9. Merchandise Fundraisers

One key to successful merchandise fundraising is creating quality products that people will actually use. Hold design contests or collaborate with local artists to create unique and appealing items. Besides the “traditional” t-shirts, you can have tote bags, water bottles, or phone cases.

10. Tree Planting

One of the amazing ways to give back is tree planting. Plus, you can always expand on this idea. For one, you can partner with local gardening centers to give discounts on plants for supporters or donors. You can also host a seed-bomb-making workshop where participants create seed balls filled with native flowers.

Arts & Culture Nonprofit Fundraising Ideas

11. Cultural Festival

If your nonprofit has a passion for cultural events, this is the perfect choice. You can collaborate with local cultural groups, and have them showcase their traditions through performances or food. This type of festival is ideal if you want to raise awareness about your mission while supporting cultural groups in your community.

12. Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands is a perfect choice if you want to create a fun, high-energy fundraising event. Have local bands compete for the champion title. They can fundraise ahead of the event to earn their registration, while the audience can buy tickets to watch the show.

13. Skill Share Workshops

If you’re looking to spread artistic wealth, you can offer a variety of workshops. They can be online or in-person. Some fundraising classes to opt for are pottery, writing, photography, painting, or even theater. Recruit talented instructors or artists to lead the workshops and cater to a variety of skill levels.

14. Local Art Exhibition

You can never go wrong with an art exhibition. Invite both new and well-known artists to attract more people. You can then charge an entry fee, offer artist talks or demonstrations, and host an opening night reception. To generate additional revenue, consider having an auction for some featured, unique pieces.

15. Film Screening

Organize a fundraising film screening with a local cinema. If you want something more unique, having an outdoor movie screening would be amazing. Choose a classic film, cult favorite, or independent documentary to appeal to a broad audience. You can raise funds by selling tickets, movie snacks, and themed concessions.

16. Fun Dance Fundraiser

A dance-a-thon is a fantastic fundraiser for nonprofits, where your supporters can have some fun. This type of pledge fundraiser works by having your donors pledge a monetary amount based on the time the participants dance. You can have some bonus performances from professional dancers to keep the energy going.

17. Food Festival

If you want to get the attention of a bigger crowd, a food festival is a top choice. Feature different cuisines, local delicacies, and culinary delights by partnering with vendors. Have them set up booths or food trucks, and you can sell tickets to the festival. If vendors are open to it, consider asking for a portion of the proceeds as a fundraiser.

18. Volunteer Fair

Hosting a volunteer fair is the perfect choice to showcase volunteer opportunities within your organization. You can announce upcoming projects and events, and connect with potential volunteers who want to support your cause. Talk to local civic groups or schools to spread the word about your fundraising campaigns and other volunteer programs.

19. Holiday Bazaar

Most holidays are a season of giving, and what better way to do it than a festive bazaar? Plus, it’s a great platform to promote your nonprofit campaigns or attract potential supporters. Invite local artisans, crafters, or vendors to sell their unique handmade creations (e.g. baked goods, pottery, jewelry).

20. Photo Exhibition

Photo exhibitions are a great event to promote your cause or raise funds. You can negotiate with photographers to feature their works while a portion of sales will go towards your cause. Invite both new and celebrated photographers to create more buzz.

Community Fundraisers for Nonprofits

21. Bake Sale

Who can resist a sweet homemade brownie or freshly baked cookies? Organize a community-wide bake sale to raise money for your cause. Besides individual volunteers, you can approach local bakeries that want to support your nonprofit. A bake sale, however, is more ideal for small communities or if you’re opting to raise modest funds.

22. Yard Sale

Yard sales are a community-based fundraiser. Proceeds from sales (or a portion of it) can go to your nonprofit’s cause. Open up donations to your supporters, staff, and community members. You can get high-ticket items by reaching out to philanthropists or celebrities who want to contribute to your cause.

23. Charity Auction

Auction fundraisers for nonprofits are a tried-and-tested strategy to opt for. Curate a unique selection of items such as sports memorabilia or antiques. If you want to raise more funds, consider having a bidding war. In case you’re looking to mark up the prices, make sure to explain to the customers that it’s for your fundraising campaign.

24. Local Pub Crawl

Charity pub crawls are perfect for socializing and philanthropy while having a slightly boozy event. Partners with local pubs or bars to offer drink specials and themed activities for the evening. It’s also better to offer non-alcoholic options for the guests who opt not to drink. You can sell tickets with a portion of the proceeds going to your cause.

25. Pet Day

A fundraising event for furry companions is a great chance to generate funds while raising awareness about responsible pet ownership. You can host a pet costume contest, tricks demonstrations, or even a “pawsome” pet talent show. Collaborate with pet stores and animal shelters to provide pet-related products and services.

26. BBQ Cook-off

A community BBQ cook-off is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a smoky way to raise funds. Invite some grill masters to showcase their culinary skills and offer prizes for the best brisket or people’s choice. You can charge an entry fee or ask for donations from participants and spectators.

Fun Nonprofit Events

27. Scavenger Hunt

Organize a scavenger hunt and have participants run around the city. You can host a classic scavenger hunt where individuals have to find and collect special items. Create a list of clever clues that lead participants to iconic landmarks or hidden gems. If you can connect the theme to your cause, that would be better. Charge a registration fee or offer hints in exchange for small donations.

28. Trivia Night

Trivia night is among the best fundraisers for nonprofits to kick off a friendly competition. Host a themed trivia night wherein teams pay for registration, get access to complimentary drinks, and of course, win amazing prizes. Maybe even throw in a bonus round with questions related to your organization’s mission or cause.

29. Talent Shows

A talent show is an amazing platform for your supporters to showcase their unique talents. You can invite all kinds of performers, from singers, comedians, or anyone with hidden abilities. Invite local celebrities to be judges. Such an event not only celebrates community spirit but also a good chance to raise funds.

You can charge an entry fee for both performers and audience, set up concessions stands and fundraising merchandise sales, or partner with businesses for sponsorship with potential events and on-stage recognition (e.g. business logo placement on event materials).

Virtual Fundraisers for Nonprofits

30. Charity eSports Tournament

If you’re nonprofit is up for some game, tap into the ever-growing world of competitive online gaming. Host a charity eSports tournament featuring popular games such as Fortnite or League of Legends. You can have a registration fee for players or teams, or seek donations. You can also do a livestream of the event to generate extra buzz. Plus, it’s a fun way to engage and promote your cause to a younger demographic.

31. Virtual Escape Room Challenge

Organizing an online escape room themed around your nonprofit’s mission can most definitely get some attention. Seek help from a game development company to create the escape room. This is a fantastic way to connect with supporters remotely while raising funds for your cause.

32. Live Streamathon Fundraiser

Consider hosting a themed live stream and encourage viewers to donate throughout the broadcast. It could be a cooking demonstration, a virtual talent show, or a gaming marathon. Invite some influencers or celebrities to add excitement to the event. This allows your nonprofit to connect with a wider audience and raise funds in real-time.

33. Google Ad Grants

If you didn’t know yet, Google offers nonprofits free advertising through Google Ad Grants. Qualified organizations can promote their cause and fundraising campaigns online using this program. The free monthly advertising credits can reach up to $10,000. Take advantage of Google Ads to increase your website traffic and reach more potential supporters or donors. The best part? It’s one of the most excellent choices for free fundraising ideas!

34. Crowdfunding Campaigns

Crowdfunding campaigns give your nonprofit a dynamic way to tap into the generosity of a global audience. Take advantage of crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter. To better inspire your supporters, consider offering tiered donation incentives such as early access to events and exclusive merchandise. Lastly, don’t forget to craft a compelling story for your crowdfunding campaign.

35. Social Media Campaigns

Social media platforms can be a powerful tool for fundraisers. Create content that resonates with your target supporters. You can include inspiring stories about your beneficiaries or impactful testimonials. Also, you can host live fundraising events on Facebook or Instagram. It could be a Q&A session with a celebrity ambassador, a virtual talent show featuring supporters, or a behind-the-scenes look at your nonprofit’s work. Promote the events in advance and encourage viewers to donate throughout the broadcast.

Your Nonprofit Fundraising FAQs Answered!

1. How can nonprofits promote their fundraising events?

Nonprofit organizations can utilize a multi-pronged approach to maximize visibility for their events. This can be done through:

• Digital marketing: Create a dedicated event website and social media campaign to share updates about the event.
• Traditional media: Issue press releases to local media outlets to spread awareness.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses for cross-promotion opportunities.
• Targeted email marketing: Segment your nonprofit’s email list and send invitations to potential supporters based on past event participation or interests.

2. What are the nonprofit board’s roles in fundraising events?

Board members are generally tasked to provide guidance and approve the fundraising plans. Some may actively participate in the planning, assisting with logistics, or specific event aspects. In addition, board members also act as ambassadors for the nonprofit, which means they can also promote the events to their networks.

3. How can nonprofits manage donor data securely?

Protecting donor data is essential for nonprofits to maintain credibility and donor trust. First off, it is critical to only collect the information necessary to manage donor relationships (names, contact details, giving history). Next, restrict access to donor data to authorized personnel who need it for their specific roles.

Last but not least, it’s better to have a donor database management system with security features like access control or encryption. Ideally, it should also comply with relevant data protection regulations regarding data collection, storage, and usage.

Plan Your Next Nonprofit Fundraising Event with Convene

Fundraising events are the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations. But let’s be honest, it can be a very complex undertaking. You’ll need to brainstorm creative ideas, coordinate logistics, manage volunteers, and track RSVPs. The sheer number of moving parts can feel overwhelming. This is where a board management software like Convene can be your fundraising superhero!

Look no further than Convene to streamline your fundraising planning process. Here are a few ways Convene empowers nonprofits to host successful events:

• Effortless Event Planning: Centralize your fundraising brainstorming and planning tasks within one user-friendly platform. Collaborate with your team, assign tasks, and track deadlines with ease.
• Powerful Reporting and Analytics: With Convene’s customizable dashboards, you can track key metrics like RSVPs, donor engagement, and sponsorship venue. The platform also allows you to measure the success of your fundraising efforts, giving you insights on how to maximize your impact for future events.

Ditch the event planning headaches with the help of Convene. Request a demo today to know more!