1. Crowdfunding

One of the most popular fundraising methods today is crowdfunding, thanks to the power of the internet. Crowdfunding is when you simply ask for financial contributions for a specific project or cause on the internet, normally through crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe and JustGiving. This is a popular and successful tactic because the internet allows us to reach thousands of people quickly and efficiently, and it’s even possible for you to target people who might specifically be interested in the cause you’re fundraising for.

2. Talent Show

Crowdsource entertainment with this fun fundraising idea and put on a talent show. This event can be as high-end or as lowkey as you’d like, so decide on your vibe right off the bat. Are you simply looking to provide supporters with a fun night while also expanding your reach? Get a permit and hold the talent show in a local park. If you want to establish a cornerstone fundraising event then kick it up a notch. Hold auditions for the show, request that performers fundraise, and ask a local theater to host. In addition to an entry fee, attendees can donate to cast votes. Ask local vendors to provide prizes and create different award categories for supporters to vote on. To shift this to a virtual event, ask participants to pre-record and submit their acts online so your team can then assemble the performances for a live broadcast on a later date. Ask attendees to purchase a ticket or fundraise to gain access to the livestream showing, and consider incentivizing the ticket holders with the option to cast votes during the livestream to crown a winner.

3. Community classes

This idea relies on finding some empathetic and talented volunteers to help you out, it might not be too difficult! Especially if you have any friends or family who could get involved. Essentially, you get people from your community to volunteer and teach something that they’re an expert in. This could include anything including dance, painting, coding and gardening. If they’re a professional, this could even be a good way for them to advertise their business, but if they’re not, it could still be a fun opportunity. People attending the classes will pay a fee, but this fee will go into the fundraising pot and end up being donated to your chosen cause or project for GRONET. Often, people are more willing to invest in themselves and learn something new rather than invest in a product that they may not use.

4. Build an email campaign or write letters

If you’re not so interested in event organizing but you’re good with words, you might be interested in trying your hand at building an email campaign. If you like the idea of approaching people through your writing, but you don’t have time or the necessity to set up a full email campaign, why not try writing letters? This could work well if you’re approaching a smaller amount of people in the community. Additionally, the more personal touch could work in your favor and help you achieve more donations.

5. Movie Night

Host a film screening or movie marathon at a local park or auditorium and sell tickets and snacks for suggested donations. Another twist to this familiar fundraising event is to ask friends and family to each host their own mini-film screenings on behalf of your cause and invite their networks. They can then speak about your mission afterward and take note of those who want to learn more.

6. Research and contact major donors

Donor research involves finding and contacting wealthy individuals who are interested in the issues surrounding your fundraising project, and asking them to make a donation. If you manage to find donors who are truly passionate about what you do, and persuade them to donate a large sum, this can be one of the most effective tactics out there.

7. Hold a Neighborhood clean

This is another great fundraising idea that has huge benefits for everyone involved. You can start off by bringing your community together and choosing a day to do a big neighborhood cleanup. Then, you can ask for donations from local businesses and individuals who will be happy that you’re making improvements to the place where they live. The easiest thing for people to do is litter picking, sweeping, collecting garbage, and this can be especially beneficial in areas where there’s a lot of litter on the streets or in the countryside. However, you may even be able to contact local supermarkets or cleaning companies who might lend you cleaning equipment for free, or for a small fee. You can collect donations on the day, by having people holding collection buckets as you clean up the neighborhood, but it’s probably a good idea to also set up a social media or fundraising page. That way, people can find out about the cleanup online and make donations that way.

8. Scavenger Hunt

Organize a scavenger hunt and send participants running all around town. You can stick to the classic scavenger hunt where people have to find and collect items or you could go digital and have individuals or teams simply take a picture of an item or location. Each person or team will need a camera, pen and paper (to write their names to prove they aren’t using a fake photo), and a garbage bag. Charge a registration fee in advance and offer a head start or hints in exchange for donations on the day of the hunt. Assign bonus points for the individual or team who collects the most trash and recyclables as they explore.

9. Yard Sale Fundraiser

Collect gently worn clothes, home goods, or collectibles and host a yard sale. If you have valuable items like first-edition books or signed collector’s items, you can hold an auction for the top-tier items at the end of the day. In addition to opening up donations to your staff, supporters, and collective networks reach out to local celebrities or philanthropists for those high-ticket items. To generate buzz around the event, take pictures of the items and post them on social media. You never know who could see a social post and you might just find your next corporate sponsor while drumming up excitement around the event.

10. Art Show

Local artists and supporters can pay a nominal registration fee to have their pieces showcased, and attendees can pay a registration fee to browse the collection. Afterward, artists can choose to auction off their pieces for charity.

11. Fashion Show

To launch this idea to raise money for your mission, partner with a local venue and sell event tickets. Ask participants to create their own sartorial masterpieces, or reach out to local clothing shops and boutiques for donated outfits. You can also ask makeup artists to donate their services and recruit community members to volunteer as models.

12. Set a Run or a Bike Race

A classic fundraising event idea, the idea is a year-round favorite that can raise big bucks for your cause. Rather than rely solely on entry fees, implement peer-to-peer fundraising so participants can start raising money upon registration. Throw out a suggested fundraising goal, prepare incentives, and send participants tips on how to reach out to their networks. Charge registration in the form of a donation and then encourage the athlete to complete the distance on their own.

13. Exercise Lessons

Whether you focus on yoga, tennis, or self-defense, host an afternoon where participants can donate to receive a lesson from a local expert. To find a qualified instructor, reach out to local gyms or workout studios to see who might be interested in donating their skills for a good cause.

14. Dance Marathon Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser

Host a dance-a-thon and challenge participants to dance for as long as they can. This fun peer-to-peer event keeps participants and donors on their toes—literally. Have dancers create peer-to-peer campaigns and set a minimum goal for participation. Fundraisers will tap into their networks to raise money before the event, but donations will flow until the last dancer standing receives a prize! Supporters can also request songs or dedicate for a small fee.

15. Local Concert or Battle of the Bands

This idea for you is for all the live music junkies out there. Partner with a local venue and recruit local artists into your show. They can even start fundraising pages leading up to the event so that fans, friends, and family can donate even if they can’t attend. You can also make this an online event by asking bands to perform for your virtual audience in a closed venue. Sell tickets for the event, collect donations throughout the evening, and livestream for all donors.

16. Fundraiser Dinner Party

This fundraising event idea can turn into a themed party for any occasion. Whether you host a potluck harvest dinner or a cocktail hour, sell tickets and invite guests over to a rented venue, a volunteered home, or your office for a delicious meal. Prepare your elevator pitch so that guests will understand how meaningful this dinner, and their contributions, truly are.

17. Eating Contests

Open up your fundraiser to all types of eating contests. Whether you serve pies, doughnuts, or hot dogs, contestants can pay an entry fee to compete. Solicit local shops or bakeries to donate the food that will be devoured at your tasty fundraiser.

18. Sell coupon books

Coupon books can be an excellent way to work with your community and make some money. The idea is to work with restaurants, cafes and shops in the area and create a book of coupons that you can sell to customers. With the money made from selling the books, you can donate to your chosen cause. This fundraising idea has tangible benefits for everyone involved. You make money for your cause, customers get discounts at local businesses, and businesses potentially get an increased number of customers.

19. Matchmaker

It’s more than likely that you have singles among your constituency looking for new ways to get out there and meet people. For these supporters, try having a matchmaker fundraiser. You can sell tickets to a dating event and then pair the attendees based on their personalities and interests. Think of this like an old-fashioned version of a dating website or app. If members of your community are tired of 21st century dating, this could be the change of pace they need. Be sure to set up an event page for this activity and accept payments through it. You can share the link with single members of your community, or call on other community members to share it with their single friends and family.

20. Restaurant Night

Finding new ways to secure sponsorships from local businesses can be tough. For your next sponsorship, give a restaurant night a try. For this fundraising idea to work, you’ll need to find the right local restaurant to be your partner. You’ll work together to pick a night (or a recurring evening) that works for both of your teams. Then, on that evening the restaurant will provide a percentage of their profits to your cause. In return, contact us to promote the restaurant night to your community on all our media networks. This way, you drum up business for them and they raise money for your chosen cause.

21. Teen Night

Want an inexpensive way to encourage younger members of your community to get involved with your cause? Host a teen night! Teen nights are essentially just gatherings for teens held at a local hangout spot like a restaurant, local park, or your nonprofit’s headquarters. Charge attendees a nominal ticket fee and bring board games, karaoke machines, music, or other fun elements to get kids excited about the event. Your young supporters will love having a fun way to get involved without breaking the bank, and their parents will be happy to know they have a safe, positive environment for socialization.

22. Place a Donation Jar

In most offices, employers offer their employees free coffee throughout the day. A quick way to raise funds is to recruit businesses to place a donation jar by their free coffee. Then, employees have the option of making a small gift every time they grab a coffee. Not only does this build a steady revenue source, but it also introduces new people to your cause. As an added incentive to donors, you can commit to treating participating offices to a round of premium coffee once you reach your fundraising goal. Alternatively, you can have offices compete against one another to reach your goal the fastest. At the end of the contest, you can award the winning office a gift card to a local coffee house.