118 Top Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

Coming up with fresh fundraising ideas for nonprofits isn’t always easy. After years of staging events, you may feel like there’s nothing you haven’t covered, from art auctions to wine tastings to trivia nights. But there’s always a new twist on an old idea—or even an old idea you haven’t thought of before! 

So, which fundraiser is the one that’s gonna make your donors jump for joy? We don’t know! But we can help find it. That’s why we created this list of 118 fundraising ideas that work for nonprofits, associations, and any other org that’s looking for a financial boost.

That’s a lot of fundraising ideas! So we broke them down into the following categories. Just click the link to skip to that section. Enjoy, and good luck with your fundraiser! 

• Best Fundraising Ideas
• Seasonal & Holiday Ideas
• Virtual Ideas
• Creative Ideas
• Ideas for Schools
• Ideas for Kids & Families
• Ideas for Grown-Ups

The Best Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

We’ve labeled the following 19 fundraising ideas for nonprofits as “the best” because they’re go-to fundraising staples. However, you’ll find that what makes a given fundraiser the “best” one for your nonprofit will depend on your mission, your donors, and your staff capacity, etc. These are just ideas, after all, you’ll figure out what works best for you! 

• Auctions
• Galas
• Raffles
• Pancake Breakfasts
• 5K Runs & Walkathons
• Benefit Concert
• Karaoke
• Trivia Nights
• Yard Sales
• Theater Night
• Potlucks
• Casino Nights
• Exercise Class
• Bike Races
• Car Show
• Book Sales
• Exercise Competitions
• Pet Adoption Events
• Hybrid Supply/Food Drives

1. Auctions

Auctions are a major source of funding for a lot of nonprofit associations because they engage the competitive spirits of supporters. Of course, they’re also challenging to manage as you’re handling the donations of items on one end and funds on the other. Using a theme can make this a little easier. Here are some to consider:

• Art: Art auctions serve a valuable purpose because they don’t just raise funds, they also spread awareness and appreciation of the works being auctioned. 
• Silent: Silent auctions take the anxiety out of participating for some by allowing them to write their bids down on their own time. It’s also much easier to track the hammer price, as it’s written down by the bidder. 
• Vacation/Trip: Vacation/trip auctions can make for a great capstone at other events. For instance, a nonprofit may hold a gala for fundraising and during that gala also allow individuals to bid on a vacation package and announce the winner at the end of the evening. 
• Virtual: Online auctions are a category in and of themselves, allowing attendees to view items remotely using live streaming or images while they place online bids. Virtual events are much easier to run as they create a complete digital footprint in real-time.   
• Hybrid: A hybrid auction takes the tools used in the virtual environment and brings them to the physical world. For example, instead of using sheets of paper to track bids at a silent auction, users could enter their bids on a tablet or via an app on their phone. Touchless opportunities are always appreciated in a post-COVID-19 world!

If you want to learn a bit more about hosting a silent auction, check out our blog post on the eight steps to running a stellar silent auction event. 

2. Galas

For some organizations, an annual gala is their primary fundraising event for the year and the point where they bring in most of their revenue. While a gala may reference just about any type of festive celebration, it’s most often used to refer to more extravagant events that feature entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, meals, open bars, and auctions. As galas are often expensive, it’s critical to carefully curate your donor list to ensure the best results.

3. Raffles

Raffles are a tried-and-true fundraising favorite for a reason—they’re easy to set up, fun for supporters, and offer a clear incentive to give. Whether you’re raffling off a donated gift basket, a restaurant gift card, or even a big-ticket item like a vacation package, you can sell tickets online or in person and draw the winner at a live event or via livestream. Just make sure to check your local regulations around raffle fundraising—some areas may require a permit or limit online participation.

4. Pancake Breakfasts

A pancake breakfast is on the opposite end of the spectrum from a gala when it comes to upfront investments. Pancakes are cheap and easy to make and can be made in bulk. It’s also easy to address vegan or gluten-free guests with a few tweaks to the recipe.

5. 5K Runs & Walkathons 

5K runs and walkathons both operate in the same way, though at different levels of intensity. 5Ks are a great option as they’re relatively short but still challenging enough for more seasoned runners. Walkathons are a bit more approachable and casual than the 5k, which encourages greater participation. They can even be run in conjunction with a 5k. 

Organizations can gain funds through entry fees and individual pledges. So, a participant may pay $12 to participate and then have friends or family pledge a certain amount for every mile they complete. This way, even individuals who don’t compete in the event can still support the cause. 

6. Benefit Concert

Organize a benefit concert featuring local bands, school ensembles, or up-and-coming artists in your area. Sell tickets online and at the door, and consider adding merch sales, food trucks, or a raffle to boost revenue. Partner with a local venue that shares your mission or offers discounted rates for nonprofits.

7. Karaoke

Karaoke is more than a fun bar night activity—it can be a nonprofit event with multiple revenue streams. You can charge a door fee, set up concessions with snacks and drinks, and even have individual contests with their own entry fees. It’s also very easy for just about anyone to put on due to modern portable karaoke technology. 

8. Trivia Nights

Trivia nights are typically team-focused events that allow you to charge higher entry fees. A portion of those fees goes to the winning team while the rest goes to the nonprofit. For a fun twist, nonprofits can design some of the trivia around their own causes and values, reiterating their impact on supporters. 

9. Yard Sales

A yard sale is a fun way to get to know your supporters while also raising funds for a cause. One huge benefit of technology is that these are no longer cash-only events. You can easily set up virtual payments and even inventory tools for items using tablets with CRM software and event-specific websites. 

10. Theater Night

For an elegant and accessible fundraiser, consider partnering with a local theater company to host a special performance. Work with them to reserve a night where a portion of the ticket sales will benefit your organization. You can add a pre-show reception, VIP seating, or a behind-the-scenes tour to create a more exclusive donor experience.

11. Potlucks 

Potlucks are another great way to build a sense of community as you raise funds for your cause. Have your supporters bring in their favorite dishes and try other people’s favorites. Like the pancake breakfast, this is a low-cost and easy-to-put-together event that just about all nonprofits can manage. 

12. Casino Nights

Most nonprofits have considered a casino night for an event at one time or another. These run the gamut from bingo and slot machine games to full-scale events with all the traditional favorites like blackjack and roulette. Of course, this one can put you at odds with the law if you’re not careful, so make sure to get legal advice on any laws or local ordinances you need to follow. 

13. Exercise Class 

You can hold a regular exercise class with a volunteer instructor—like a boot camp-style fitness program—for long-term fundraising. Or you can hold a unique one-off event and gain a lot of publicity, like goat yoga or cardio drumming! Make sure to stay safe and work with a qualified fitness instructor when you’re building your event. 

14. Bike Races

Bike races are used by a lot of nonprofits because it’s another way you can charge an entry fee or raise funds by a pledge for miles, or both. You can also choose a nice leisurely scenic ride or a more intense, high-speed one with prizes awarded.It may be helpful to use some kind of map on a mobile app to help guide participants and allow them to reach out for help if needed while providing their exact position. 

15. Car Show

From vintage classics to muscle cars and custom builds, car shows are crowd-pleasers for all ages. Invite car enthusiasts to register their vehicles for a fee, and open the event to the public with paid admission or suggested donations. Offer awards in fun categories, sell concessions, and reach out to local auto shops or dealerships for sponsorships.

16. Book Sales 

Collect and sell donated books at a book sale event, with proceeds supporting your nonprofit. Any Millennial who remembers the pure literary pleasures of the Scholastic Book Fair will jump at the chance to participate. 

17. Exercise Competitions

This is the perfect fundraiser for your fitness-loving supporters! Participants track their workouts—runs, cycling, yoga, strength training, even dance parties—using apps like Strava, Apple Health, or MyFitnessPal. Sponsors pledge a donation for each mile completed, workout logged, or even calories burned. 

18. Pet Adoption Events 

Collaborate with local animal shelters for pet adoption events where a portion of adoption fees goes to your cause. You can also bring in other local businesses like pet stores and trainers for a fair-like atmosphere that will get people even more excited about their new furry friends.

19. Hybrid Supply/Food Drives

The hybrid supply/food drive is one that’s emerged thanks to the digital space, and it’s particularly useful during times of high need. During the war in Ukraine, for example, dozens of nonprofits ran hybrid programs where they collected both food and supplies in the real world, while simultaneously taking monetary donations online. The online donations allow the nonprofits to supplement gaps in their physical donations. Everyone who’s run a food drive knows they can expect about 5000 cans of beets, but next to no dry rice or pasta, which goes further and can be used for more. The additional online donations allow the nonprofits to buy those goods, sometimes at bulk pricing.

Seasonal & Holiday Fundraising Ideas

Seasonal and holiday fundraisers are excellent opportunities for donations because people are usually on the lookout for events that speak to that time of year. Theming events around those seasonal good feelings can encourage giving. As we continue this list of 118 nonprofit fundraising ideas, numbers 20 through 41 will help inspire your holiday and seasonal events.

• Holiday Cooking Competitions
• Wine Tastings
• Gift Wrapping Service
• Winter Clothing Drives
• Summer Picnics
• Valentine’s Day Flower Sale
• Pub Crawls
• Summer Carnival
• Craft Fairs
• New Year’s Eve Gala
• Ice Cream Socials
• Golf Tournaments
• Beach Bonfires
• Easter Egg Decorating Workshop
• Easter Egg Hunts
• Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser
• Halloween Costume Contest
• Haunted House Tours
• Winter Wonderland Ball
• Summer BBQ Cook-Off
• Spring Plant Sale
• Mother’s Day Brunch

20. Holiday Cooking Competitions

Just about every holiday you can think of has a food associated with it that’s fit for a competition: Pig roasts or chili cook-offs are great options during the spring and summer; candy-making competitions can be a fun addition for Halloween; and Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to fight for the title of best stuffing. These are simple events that get your donors involved and allow you to boost funds through entry fees. 

21. Wine Tastings

Summer is a popular season for wine-tasting tours, and it can be an equally good opportunity for fundraising events. There’s another option for hybrid events here, as you can also hold raffles or auctions for bottles of wine. 

22. Gift Wrapping Service

During the busy holiday season, shoppers are looking for any way to save time—and that’s where you come in. Set up a gift-wrapping station at a local mall, retail store, or community center and offer professional-looking wrap jobs in exchange for donations. You’ll raise money, spread cheer, and provide a useful service all at once. Just make sure your community of supporters has the gift-wrapping talent to support this venture in the first place. 

23. Winter Clothing Drives

Winter clothing is always a necessity in the colder months, so clothing drives are a great idea. However, this is one where you’d likely want to run an online fundraiser in conjunction with your in-person fundraiser, as the clothing types and sizes needed will vary greatly. 

24. Summer Picnics 

If you don’t want to deal with the mechanics of cooking, take a picnic basket approach. You can fill a picnic basket with sandwiches and sides for a family and sell it along with a spot on a blanket at your outdoor event. 

25. Valentine’s Day Flower Sale

Partner with a local florist or buy wholesale flowers to sell bouquets or single stems in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day. You can pre-sell orders online, set up a booth at local schools or offices, or even offer delivery for a small extra donation. Include handwritten notes with each order as a donor perk!

26. Pub Crawls

Pub crawls are a fun way to raise funds and build camaraderie amongst your supporters, but don’t be fooled—they require a fair amount of planning to pull off. After all, you’ll be going to multiple locations and drinking alcohol with a large group. You’ll need to plan out your venues in advance as well as arrange transportation and minimize driving, which means planning out your routes accordingly, too. To do that, you’ll need to coordinate with the pubs you want to visit well in advance and set up a partnership. 

If you want to know more about how to approach a local brewery to participate in a pub crawl (or host a standalone fundraiser), here’s an article from Neon One with tons of tips and insight.

27. Summer Carnival

Host a fair complete with games, food trucks, music, and maybe even a dunk tank or inflatable slide. Charge for admission or for individual activities, and offer sponsorship opportunities to local businesses. Recruit volunteers to run booths and sell advance tickets online for better planning—and that all-important buzz.

28. Craft Fairs

This can be a wonderful choice, especially if your supporter base has a lot of crafters, whether they make jewelry, knit scarves, or weld intricate metal sculptures. You can organize a craft fair for all these individuals to rent booths, showcase their work, and donate to the cause. 

29. New Year’s Eve Gala

Toast the end of the year in style! A formal New Year’s Eve gala gives supporters a reason to dress up, celebrate, and give generously. Offer dinner, dancing, live music, and a champagne toast at midnight. Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, and silent auctions can all support your mission.

30. Ice Cream Socials

While ice cream socials can technically be held year-round, they tend to be most popular in summer. These typically feature a make-your-own sundae bar, though they’ve evolved to include much more extravagant events, including unique ice cream flavors like wasabi or truffle.  The ice cream social is also part of our nation’s history—the first occurred in the White House in 1802 during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency.

31. Golf Tournaments

Golf tournaments are a country club staple, and they’re also a great option for nonprofits that want to raise funds and gain connections. With the US Golf Foundation reporting that 37.5 million people play the sport in the US every year, it’s also excellent for donor sourcing. 

32. Beach Bonfires 

No summer is complete without a beach bonfire, provided you’re in an appropriate area. This can also be a fun addition to a picnic or barbecue event, making it more appealing to your potential participants. 

33. Easter Egg Decorating Workshop

Host an Easter egg decorating workshop complete with eggs, paints, stickers, and other crafty materials. Charge a small participation fee per child (or family), and consider hosting it at a local church, school, or community center. Kids love it, parents love it, and your nonprofit will love the impact! (Everyone will be mid on the stained hands, but that comes with the territory.) 

34. Easter Egg Hunts

Can spring really start without an Easter Egg hunt? Of course, these events don’t have to be just for kids. You can also host hunts that hide prizes for adult supporters, like vacation or event tickets, small cash rewards, or other fun items. You can either use a pay-to-enter model or turn it into a bit more of a gamble, where participants get a basket of eggs that may or may not contain a valuable prize. 

35. Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser

Create a pumpkin patch and offer pumpkins for sale during the fall season. Alternately, you can sponsor a trip to a local pumpkin patch, with entry fees going towards your nonprofit. You can also set up carving stations that people can use once they have their pumpkins picked out.

36. Halloween Costume Contest

Invite ghosts, goblins, and ghouls to strut their stuff in a community costume contest! Charge a small entry fee and offer prizes for categories like “Best DIY Costume,” “Cutest Kid,” “Scariest Overall,” or “Best Group Look.” You can also let people vote with donations, turning the contest into a mini crowdfunding campaign!

37. Haunted House Tours

There are a couple of different ways to go about this. If there are historical haunted houses in your area, you can host tours. You can also build your own haunted house, but that’s a big commitment. Lastly, you can partner with an established haunted house to get a cut of the proceeds. Maybe your nonprofit gathers volunteers to partially staff the attraction, saving the company money on salaries. Get creative!

38. Winter Wonderland Ball

When winter rolls in, turn your venue into a cozy, elegant escape. The Winter Wonderland Ball is a family-friendly or semi-formal dance event featuring music, photo ops, seasonal treats, and decor that makes guests feel like they’ve stepped into a snow globe. Charge for tickets and add extras like raffles or donation stations to boost fundraising.

39. Summer BBQ Cook-Off

Organize a barbecue cook-off competition during the summer months, with entry fees and food sales. If you live in a part of the country that prides itself on its specific barbecue style and sauces, there will likely be a high level of interest in such an event. You can even host two tiers: one for professional pitmasters and another for amateur enthusiasts.

40. Spring Plant Sale

Sell potted plants, flowers, or garden supplies during the early spring months. Look into bringing in several local garden shops to offer a wide variety of plants. If you’re planning a community clean-up event, this sale could pair very nicely with it.

41. Mother’s Day Brunch

Celebrate moms with a warm and welcoming brunch event—think flowers on the tables, a short program with a speaker or performer, and a meal shared with loved ones. Host it at a local venue or partner with a restaurant to manage the catering. Sell tickets in advance and consider offering “sponsor a mom” options for families in need.

Virtual Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

Nonprofit fundraising ideas 42 through 63 all take place entirely on your computer, phone, or tablet. That includes 100% virtual events as well as some digital best practices that you can use to boost donations and—even better—foster stronger relationships with your donors.

• Segmented Impact Stories
• Masterclass Webinars
• Giving Anniversary Emails
• Abandoned Donation Follow-Up
• Photo Contest
• Influencer Takeover
• Recurring Donor Upgrade Campaign
• Wish List Supply Drive
• Time-based “Challenges”
• Virtual Volunteer-A-Thon
• “Before & After” Email Series
• Online Gaming Tournaments
• One-Day Flash Match
• Instagram Reels Fundraiser
• Run a “Sprint” on LinkedIn
• Virtual Pet Show
• Unsubscribe Challenge
• Online Fitness Challenges
• GivingTuesday Countdown Series
• 24-Hour Livestream Challenge
• Virtual Escape Room
• “Why I Give” Video Series

42. Segmented Impact Stories

Personalization makes all the difference. Instead of a generic email blast, send segmented impact stories based on supporter type: volunteers, first-time donors, monthly givers, and more. Highlight the specific outcomes their contributions made possible, then close with a relevant, soft ask. Use merge fields and personalization tokens in your email builder to speak directly to each segment’s experience.

43. Masterclass Webinars

Have an expert in your network? Turn their knowledge into a fundraising event! Whether it’s a cooking demo, leadership seminar, yoga flow, or creative writing class, you can host a live or recorded session and charge a donation-based entry fee. As a bonus, you can also repurpose recordings for future evergreen fundraising content or use them as donor perks.

44. Giving Anniversary Emails

Use your CRM to automatically trigger anniversary emails that celebrate when a donor first gave to your organization. Keep it warm and grateful, and gently invite them to give again to mark the occasion. “You first gave to us one year ago today—thank you! Will you help us do even more this year?”This will create a sense of tradition and recognition without a hard sell.

45. Abandoned Donation Follow-Up

Life gets busy, and sometimes donors don’t make it to the finish line. If your donation form supports it, trigger a friendly reminder email if someone starts to donate but doesn’t complete the process. Use simple language like: “Hey, something interrupted your donation. Need help finishing it?” Include a direct link to their in-progress donation or make the form as short as possible to reduce friction.

46. Photo Contest

Photo costs are incredibly diverse. You can hold professional-level photographer events complete with art gallery displays, or you can offer simple online slideshows that allow viewers to vote on their favorite works. Either can be accomplished in a fully digital environment. 

47. Influencer Takeover

Let a local influencer or mission-aligned creator “take over” your Instagram or TikTok for a day. During their takeover, they can go live, share behind-the-scenes content, highlight your impact, and encourage donations. This is especially effective when they have a loyal, niche following. Pair it with a goal like “help us raise $5K in 24 hours” to create urgency and track results in real time.

48. Recurring Donor Upgrade Campaign

Your monthly donors are already loyal—now’s the time to invite them to level up. Send a targeted email encouraging a small increase in their recurring gift (“Just $5 more can feed an extra family each week”) and offer a small reward like a thank-you note, a pin, or early access to your next event. It’s low effort (aka “easy”) for donors, but has big potential returns for your organization.

49. Wish List Supply Drive

Using Amazon or another e-commerce site, nonprofits can set up wish lists that donors can buy directly from and have it shipped. This is a great way to give people an opportunity to support your nonprofit during a common activity—shopping online.

50. Time-based “Challenges”

Time-based crowdfunding campaigns are a proven way to generate excitement and quick support. Launch a 72-hour (or 7-day) challenge with a specific financial goal, theme, or project in mind. Use real-time progress bars, updates, and testimonials to keep the momentum going. Include peer-to-peer options so your biggest fans can fundraise for you and expand your reach.

51. Virtual Volunteer-A-Thon

For supporters who prefer giving their time over money (though often they do both!), a virtual volunteer-a-thon is a great option. Participants pledge a certain number of hours to virtual service (tutoring, phone banking, translation, mentoring), and they recruit sponsors to donate per hour volunteered. You can recognize your top volunteers in a public “honor roll” email or social media post to boost engagement.

52. “Before & After” Email Series

This two-part email series is a storytelling win. In the first email, introduce a challenge or problem your organization is tackling. In the second, show the resolution—how donors helped, what changed, and what impact was made. Finish with a prompt for readers to fund the next success story. Include photos or a short video in the “after” email to drive home the transformation.

53. Online Gaming Tournaments

Organize online gaming tournaments with entry fees and prizes for winners. Look for any local leagues or gaming cafes that might be willing to partner or at least signal boost. You can also use peer-to-peer sponsorships to raise more funds. 

54.  One-Day Flash Match

This is a one-day-only campaign with high energy and even higher urgency. Send a short, punchy email in the morning announcing a matching gift: “All donations made today will be doubled—but only until midnight!” Once you secure a major donor to match donations (oh yeah, make sure you do that first), you can then create a brigade of supporters who donate early and post about it to give you some momentum. 

55. Instagram Reels Fundraiser

Meet your supporters where they already are—on social media. For this fundraiser, challenge followers to create a Reel or TikTok video showing what your mission means to them. This could be a creative skit, a heartfelt message, or even a dance trend with a custom twist. For every video submitted, ask creators to include a donation link in their bio and tag your nonprofit.

56. Run a “Sprint” on LinkedIn

Tap into your supporters’ professional networks with a LinkedIn sprint! Participants commit to posting once a day for five days about your mission, their connection to the cause, and a call to donate. Provide a toolkit with banners, post templates, and suggested hashtags to make it easy. It’s authentic, peer-driven, and perfectly suited for mission-aligned corporate giving campaigns.

57. Virtual Pet Show

Host an online pet show where participants can showcase their pets, and viewers can donate to vote for the cutest pet. This will be a great event for social media promotion and engagement. 

58. Unsubscribe Challenge

Invite your audience to do a little digital spring cleaning—and turn it into impact. Ask them to unsubscribe from a non-essential paid service (streaming, unused app, online subscription) and donate that monthly amount to your nonprofit instead. Getting someone to cancel their Paramount+ subscription and start giving your $5 a month is a great way to get them in the door, so you can grow their giving over time. 

59. Online Fitness Challenges

Create virtual fitness challenges, like seeing who can jog the most miles or lift the most weight in a single month, with participants collecting peer-to-peer pledges based on their progress. The more you challenge participants, the more driven they’ll be to succeed!

60. GivingTuesday Countdown Series

Build momentum with a GivingTuesday email series starting seven days before the big day. Each message should focus on a different hook—impact story, donor spotlight, match announcement, countdown, and the final “go time” ask. Include consistent branding, a clear CTA, and donation buttons in every email. Send a thank-you and final results email after the day ends to close the loop.

61. 24-Hour Livestream Challenge

This idea taps into the massive reach of livestream platforms like Twitch, YouTube Live, or Instagram Live. Host a 24-hour streaming event where a gamer, musician, artist, or even a group of staff or volunteers stays live for a full day, hitting donation milestones, completing challenges, or performing dares submitted by donors. It’s high-energy, interactive, and perfect for younger audiences or creative communities. Just make sure you all shower beforehand. 

62. Virtual Escape Room

Bring people together (without actually bringing them together) with a virtual escape room fundraiser! Participants form teams, pay an entry fee, and work together over Zoom to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and “escape” within a set time limit. You can use existing platforms that offer hosted escape experiences, or design your own with a story that ties into your mission.

63. “Why I Give” Video Series

Ask donors, volunteers, or board members to record short, heartfelt videos about why they support your mission. Then share these across email, social media, and your website as part of a digital giving campaign. Each video should include a donation link and a call to action for viewers to join in.

Creative Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

One of the best ways to raise money and build a sense of belonging is by harnessing the creative talents of your supporters and the surrounding community! Ideas 64 through 77 do just that. 

• Live Music Battles
• Fashion Shows
• Comedy Nights
• Painting & Cooking Classes
• Talent Shows
• Art Shows
• Short Story & Poetry Contests
• Community Mural Fundraiser
• DIY Terrarium Workshop
• Craft Night
• Open Mic Night
• Design a Sticker or T-Shirt Contest
• Custom Poem or Song Commissions
• Creative Writing Marathon

64. Live Music Battles

Live music battles make for great events because most communities, all across the country, have musical talents who want to get their names out there (or just put on a fun show). For nonprofits that aren’t specifically music-focused, you can typically tackle the challenge of building your lineup through sponsorships and partnerships. You can have fun promoting the show and stoking “rivalries” between the acts while also encouraging people to donate to support their favorite one.

65. Fashion Shows

Who doesn’t love strutting their stuff on the runway?! (Okay, lots of people, arguably most of them, let’s move on.) By partnering with local stores or boutiques that can act as sponsors and show off their collections, your nonprofit can throw a fun fashion show, with tickets and possibly some auction pieces bringing in revenue. 

66. Comedy Nights

Comedy nights are a good way to bring some lighthearted fun to your organization. This is another door-entry event with multiple revenue streams and relatively low overhead. Nonprofits in larger cities will usually have an easier time finding a local stand-up community to tap into. You can also make it more of an open mic, but that also makes it harder to vet your acts.

67. Painting & Cooking Classes

People love painting classes, and they love cooking classes. The main difference between the two is that the quality of the finished product matters a little bit more for cooking than it does for painting. But, either way, the point is for people to have fun (and possibly get a little tipsy)! Look for local chefs and artists/instructors who can guide your event. 

68. Talent Shows

Talent shows can be very casual, with everyone welcome to take the stage and perform. They can also follow a more formal process involving auditions and rehearsals. While the first option is easier, the second tends to run a bit smoother in the long run because you’ve worked out any unexpected kinks between (or within) your acts. 

69. Art Shows

Sponsoring an art show for local artists might be the first time that these fine folks have to share their art with the community!. By giving them a chance to showcase their work in an exclusive, curated collection, you can also raise funds through bids, entry fees, or both. Look to local high schools and colleges to find emerging talent. 

70. Short Story & Poetry Contests

Hold a contest for local writers and/or poets to create a work on themes that resonate with your mission. Once you have all your entries, promote them to your supporters, paired with an appeal, of course, and have them vote on their favorite. Once the contest is done, you can compile the works created into an anthology that you can sell physical copies of.

71. Community Mural Fundraiser

A mural can do more than beautify a wall—it can bring your community together and tell a powerful story. In this fundraiser, supporters “sponsor a square” or section of a larger mural, which is then painted by a local artist, staff member, or volunteers. You can recognize donors with their names or dedications incorporated into the art. 

72. DIY Terrarium Workshop

Terrariums are like little ecosystems in a jar—and people love them! This fundraiser is perfect for eco-focused organizations or anyone hosting a springtime or Earth Day-themed event. Participants make a donation to register for the workshop, and, in return, they get the supplies and instruction they need to build their own mini-garden. You can also offer in-person and virtual options with mailed kits for remote participants.

73. Craft Night

From scrapbooking to knitting to holiday card-making, a themed craft night is a low-cost, high-engagement fundraiser. Supporters buy tickets (or donate to join), then gather to create something fun—either in person or virtually. You can supply the materials or provide a list and let participants gather their own. If you know any crafters, you know they can get pretty hardcore about this pastime, so don’t be surprised if they go above and beyond. 

74. Open Mic Night

Let your community’s creativity shine with an open mic night. Invite poets, singers, comedians, and storytellers to take the stage and perform for a good cause. You can host this in a local café, library, school auditorium, or even virtually via Zoom. Consider adding a “tip jar” for each performer where audience members can donate to vote for their favorites! Oh, and make sure you have some rules for what can and cannot be done or said prominently posted. 

75. Design a Sticker or T-Shirt Contest

Put the power of design in your supporters’ hands! Host a contest where your community submits sticker or t-shirt designs inspired by your mission. Then let people vote on their favorites by donating—each dollar equals one vote. The design with the most donations wins and gets produced! You can then sell the final product through your website or at future events.

76. Custom Poem or Song Commissions

If you’ve got a writer or musician on your team—or among your supporters—this is a creative and personal way to raise funds. Donors can request a personalized poem, haiku, or song written just for them or in honor of someone they love. Set donation levels based on complexity or turnaround time. These one-of-a-kind gifts are especially great around holidays, birthdays, or giving campaigns!

77. Creative Writing Marathon

Organize a writing marathon where participants pledge to write a certain number of words (say, 5,000) in a weekend—or a full novel in a month, NaNoWriMo-style. Friends and family donate per word, page, or completed project. This is a fun way to engage introverts, creatives, and book-lovers, all while raising funds and generating some seriously cool stories.

Fundraising Ideas for Schools

Scholastic events can be held for K-12 students or for major alumni associations. Regardless of the organization they support, they focus on education and the academic community. Numbers 78 through 90 can give you some ideas for school-based fundraisers. 

• Relay Races
• Car Washes
• Debate Tournament
• Lip-Sync Contests
• Sports Events
• Code-A-Thons
• School Play
• Reading Marathons
• Science Fair
• Music Recital
• Math Olympics
• Spelling Bee
• Geography Bee

78. Relay Races

Relay races don’t have to be the traditional “running with a baton” event you think of. You can turn these into themed dress-up events, obstacle course races, or even tie them into scavenger hunts. 

79. Car Washes

Car washes are another high school staple for raising funds for causes. This may actually be completed as a peer-to-peer-style fundraiser, where a group of students holds a car wash on behalf of the organization without direct oversight. They then collect the funds and turn them over once the car wash is complete, sometimes in an assembly or other big event. 

80. Debate Tournament

Turn student smarts into community impact with a debate tournament fundraiser. Invite schools or local clubs to participate, charge entry fees for teams, and open the event to spectators with suggested donations. You can hold it in person or virtually, and even invite guest judges from local media, government, or academia to boost credibility and turnout.

81. Lip-Sync Contests

Lip-syncing contests are particularly popular in K-12 events where students can put together their own groups and perform songs. Setting up prizes for the best acts and using a panel of judges is also a fun way to get the audience involved. 

82. Sports Events

Sports competitions don’t just bring communities together, they also give you a chance to form friendly rivalries with your neighbors. While basketball, football, and baseball are obvious staples, think beyond those traditional sports. You have a lot of different levels of athletic ability within your organization. Sports tournaments for games like cornhole, horseshoes, bowling, or billiards are fun and a bit more inclusive. 

83. Code-A-Thons

For tech-focused organizations, code-a-thons are becoming the new go-to event. During this event, a group of developers works together to create an application. The apps are typically designed around the needs of the cause, like creating a pet-finding app for an animal shelter or a library app for an English literature association. Teams are typically expected to raise funds for the nonprofit to enter the event. 

84. School Play

All the world’s a stage—especially when ticket sales support educational programs. Whether it’s a beloved musical, Shakespearean comedy, or a student-written play, school productions offer a creative and impactful way to raise money. You can boost fundraising by selling concessions, offering “backstage passes,” or hosting a themed costume night.

85. Reading Marathons 

Reading marathons are often pledge-based events where individuals commit to reading a certain number of books over some time. This is an excellent option for getting young people involved in their community while encouraging literacy. It’s also a great segue into our final category of nonprofit fundraising ideas: events for kids.

86. Science Fair

Organize a science fair with entry fees and concessions, and put the call out for local kids to come and showcase their scientific experiments. You could also organize this fair as the final event of a science-themed summer camp, where the kids spend a week learning about science and then spend the final day showing off their new skills. 

87. Music Recital

Shine a spotlight on your student musicians with a recital fundraiser. Whether it’s solo piano pieces, small ensembles, or full band performances, this is a great way to showcase talent and raise money for your school’s music program. Sell tickets, livestream the event for virtual attendees, and include a donation appeal between sets. Offer recorded performances as donor thank-you gifts or downloadable keepsakes.

88. Math Olympics

Hosting a math competition for local arithmetic and algebra whizzes can raise money via entry fees and from peer-to-peer sponsorships. If you live in an area with multiple high schools or middle schools, you could turn this into a team competition, with different schools competing against each other for local mathletics bragging rights. 

89. Spelling Bee

Similar to the Math Olympics idea listed above, a spelling bee offers peer-to-peer fundraising opportunities and can be held as either an individual competition or a team tournament. For nonprofits whose mission is science-based (environmental groups, for example), you can make this a themed competition featuring tons of knotty scientific terms like “hydrofluorocarbons.”

90. Geography Bee

Double bees! In a geography bee, students compete to name countries, capitals, and cultural landmarks. Charge a small registration fee, open it up to families and community members, and offer prizes or medals for top performers. This event can be held in person or virtually using quiz platforms. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between an “isthmus” and a “peninsula”, this is the fundraiser for you.

Fundraising Ideas for Kids & Families

Not every event for your nonprofit will be for adults. You’ll always need some kid-focused events. Ideas 91 through 106 can help you make a plan.  

• Movie Nights
• Papier Mâché Parties
• Toy Drive
• Make Your Own Tie-Dye T-Shirt
• Drawing Contests
• Obstacle Course Races
• Scavenger Hunts
• Game Nights
• Kids’ Art Sale
• Face Painting Booths 
• Carnivals
• Bake Sales
• Dog Walking
• Storytime Sessions
• Eating Contest
• Chalk Art Festival

91. Movie Nights

Movie nights are family-friendly ways to support a cause, especially one in the theater or the arts. A local movie theater may be willing to host a special viewing of a family-friendly film. You can even put it on yourself with rental projectors, pull-down movie screens, and downloaded films.  

92. Papier Mâché Parties

A papier mâché party is a bit of a group project. Paper mâché is very easy to make, and when using a model, pretty easy to work with too. The entire family can work on a papier mâché sculpture together and even participate in a contest for a grand prize. 

93. Toy Drive

A toy drive is a heartwarming and tangible way for children to get involved in giving. Encourage kids to donate new or gently used toys to be redistributed to families in need—especially during the holidays. You can turn this into a larger community event by partnering with schools, churches, or businesses as collection points. For busy donors on the go, offer the option to sponsor a toy with a monetary donation.

94. Make Your Own Tie-Dye T-Shirt

Kids love to make messes, and tie-dye parties certainly are messy! All you need are some large buckets of different color dye baths and white t-shirts. Let the kids twist their shirts into knots, dip them in the water, and create their own designs. You can sell entries with t-shirts to cut back on waste. 

95. Drawing Contests

Lots of young, budding artists would love the opportunity to show off their drawing skills. Establish a theme, break it down by age group, and let the kids get creative! You can round it out with an art show or even an auction. 

96. Obstacle Course Races

Create a kid-friendly obstacle course and let little adventurers raise pledges to participate. From tire runs to tunnel crawls and water balloon tosses, these events are a blast for participants and spectators alike. Charge entry fees or set up peer-to-peer fundraising pages where each child collects donations for your cause.

97. Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are another event with big digital improvements. Now you can send clues via an app and help keep track of kids as they play, ensuring a safe, fun experience. 

98. Game Nights

Game nights are fun, casual evenings where kids or families can get together to play board games, win small prizes, and even participate in tournaments. For a digital twist, nonprofits can add video games to the mix and allow people to play remotely. 

99. Kids’ Art Sale

Let your youngest artists lead the charge! Organize an art show where children’s paintings, drawings, or crafts are displayed gallery-style and sold to raise money for child-focused programs. Parents and community members will love the chance to support both the cause and the little artists. This is one of those rare kid-centric options that can also work well for teenagers.

100. Face Painting Booths 

Face painting booths are a staple of just about all summer events, where volunteer artists work for a small donation. Of course, face painting is a difficult skill to master, so make sure you have volunteers with some great creative abilities. 

101. Carnivals

Charity carnivals can fit into a lot of categories here, but really, they’re all about the kids. Rides, games, and concessions all become streams of donations as families enjoy the day. Including raffles, auctions, and other entertainment is also a great way to make it a memorable experience. 

102. Bake Sales

Bake sales are great for kids because they can either run the booth and collect donations or help in the kitchen by preparing something to sell. 

103. Dog Walking

Dog walking is one of the first jobs lots of kids will have, and it can also be their first contribution to a cause. They can volunteer to walk dogs for donations or participate in dog walking marathons where they get pledged support from family and friends. 

104. Storytime Sessions

Host regular storytime events where kids can enjoy read-alouds from volunteers, staff, or even local authors. These sessions can take place in schools, libraries, or virtually, and you can ask for small donations per session or offer “reading memberships.” This is especially effective for literacy-focused nonprofits or school fundraisers.

105. Eating Contest

Kids love a good eating contest, whether it’s participating or just watching it. Just remember that these events can be a safety hazard if not managed properly, so ensure oversight and safe food preparation ahead of time.

106. Chalk Art Festival

Organize a chalk art festival where kids can create sidewalk art, with friends and family giving them peer-to-peer donations to support their participation. You can have a judging panel with prizes for the best creations, or you can just let the kids follow their bliss.

Fundraising Ideas for Grown-Ups

There’s only one thing parents love more than an event for the whole family, and it’s an event that’s just for grown-ups. And adults without kids are pretty big fans of them, too! Here are ideas 107 through 118—no kids allowed. 

• Cocktail Mixology Classes
• Mystery Dinner Theater
• Outdoor Adventure Challenges
• Food & Wine Pairing Dinner
• Art & Wine Painting Night
• Poker Tournament
• Fantasy Football League
• Adult Prom
• VIP Movie Screenings
• Gourmet Cooking Classes
• Themed Costume Balls
• Whiskey or Bourbon Tasting

107. Cocktail Mixology Classes

Organize cocktail mixology classes where adults can learn to make their favorite drinks. If you’re looking to partner with a local restaurant for catering your gala events or major fundraisers, teaming up for this mixology class could be a great first step. Consider including a non-alcoholic “mocktail” option (or maybe a whole different class) to include your sober supporters.

108. Mystery Dinner Theater

Arrange a mystery dinner theater night where attendees can enjoy a meal while trying to solve a fictional mystery. This is a great event for theater companies, obviously, but it could also be a joint partnership with another nonprofit. You could even pair this with a silent auction held before the show and during intermission. 

109. Outdoor Adventure Challenges

Create challenges like hiking, rock climbing, or kayaking events for adventure enthusiasts, with participants raising funds through peer-to-peer sponsorships. You can also create a version of this fundraiser that’s geared towards kids!

110. Food & Wine Pairing Dinner

Collaborate with local restaurants to host food and wine pairing dinners. As we mentioned in the mixology class section, this type of collaboration could be a good first step towards a longer-lasting partnership that benefits your other events. 

111. Art & Wine Painting Night

Organize painting events where participants can create art while enjoying wine, otherwise known as a “Paint and Sip.”  Like with any other event where alcohol is a core part of the appeal, you should have a plan in place to help class attendees get home if they find themselves too tipsy to drive. 

112. Poker Tournament

Host a poker tournament with an entry fee, and offer prizes for the top players. Ensure that a portion of the buy-ins goes to your nonprofit. Treat this like an auction event and solicit prizes from local businesses and major donors.

113. Fantasy Football League

Sponsor a fantasy football league (or several leagues) where entry fees go towards your nonprofit while you secure in-kind donations from local businesses as prizes. Beyond scoring participants and prizes, this option is pretty low maintenance. 

114. Adult Prom

Organize an adult-themed prom night with a DJ, dance floor, and nostalgic prom atmosphere. Charge for tickets and offer prom-themed activities like photo booths, limo rides, etc. Whether you want to serve alcohol is up to you, but playing Chumbawamba is non-negotiable. 

115. VIP Movie Screenings

Partner with a local movie theater for exclusive movie screenings with VIP treatment, including pre-movie cocktails and snacks. If there’s a movie that ties into your nonprofit’s mission, that’s great—but you should probably prioritize a fun evening (and movie) over a thematically appropriate one. 

116. Gourmet Cooking Classes

Offer gourmet cooking classes led by professional chefs. Participants can pay to learn new culinary skills and enjoy a fine dining experience. You can work with the chefs to create a menu that has some pairing or resonance with your mission and programming. 

117. Themed Costume Balls

Host themed costume balls, like a masquerade or a 20s-themed gala, with live entertainment and a dress code. Charge for entry and offer prizes for the best costumes. This is the kind of evening-type event where offering a childcare option for parents will be much appreciated. 

118. Whiskey or Bourbon Tasting

Organize tasting events focused on whiskey or bourbon, with experts guiding participants through the tasting process. See if any of your board members or major donors have connections with local spirits suppliers who would be willing to sponsor!

Get Your (Free!) Fundraiser’s KPI Worksheet  

No matter which one of the 118 fundraising ideas from this list you pick, you’ll need a way to measure your fundraiser’s success. Sure, you can just look at your topline “total dollars raised” figure, but that doesn’t tell you much about why your event was successful (or not successful).

What you need are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that let you dig into your fundraiser’s performance and unearth the critical findings you can use to hone your overall strategy. Our free Fundraiser’s KPI Worksheet has 8 high-level metrics, plus the formulas you can use to track them. 

Click below to download the worksheet, no email address required! 

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