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Fundraising is the backbone of nonprofit organizations, providing vital resources to drive change and impact communities. However, organizing a successful charity event requires more than great ideas—it hinges on finding the right event management platform. With so many options available, finding a platform that balances functionality, ease of use, and budget constraints is a challenge many nonprofits face. But with the right tools in hand, the focus can shift to what truly matters—creating a meaningful impact.
Once you’ve tackled the logistics, the exciting part begins—brainstorming effective fundraising ideas. Whether It’s an adventurous challenge, an elegant gala, or a community-focused event, the right approach can make all the difference.
This is why we’ve compiled over 100 large fundraising ideas for nonprofits tailored to inspire and engage your supporters. From activity-based challenges to family-friendly events, these ideas are designed to raise funds effectively while fostering community involvement.
But what exactly is a nonprofit fundraiser, and how does it work? Let’s dive in and explore the basics before we get to the ideas.
Nonprofit fundraisers are organized efforts designed to raise money for a specific cause or mission. They take various forms—events, campaigns, or activities—and unite individuals and organizations to support a shared goal. Fundraisers play a crucial role in helping nonprofits secure resources to address societal challenges and create meaningful change.
The process involves defining a cause, choosing the right activity, and engaging supporters through outreach or marketing. Donations can come through ticket sales, sponsorships, or direct contributions.
For example, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raised over $115 million, proving the power of creative fundraising. To make your planning easier, we’ve curated a range of fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations. These ideas are divided into categories for convenience and to cater to every possible interest.
Make a lasting impact with fundraising events that unite communities and drive meaningful support for your cause. These high-impact ideas are designed to create memorable experiences while delivering exceptional results.
Host a memorable evening with your own elegant gala featuring a unique theme like “Masquerade Ball” or “Roaring Twenties.” With fine dining, entertainment, and auctions, you’ll attract high-value donors and raise substantial funds.
Building on that theme of exclusivity, an art auction is a great next step. You can spotlight local artists by auctioning off unique works of art. Charge entry fees for access and invite prominent community members, art enthusiasts, and collectors to enhance the event’s profile. Consider partnering with local galleries or art schools to source artwork and increase credibility.
Turn up the volume with a Battle of the Bands competition, where local talent takes center stage to raise funds. To keep the audience engaged, make the event unique by introducing themed rounds, like acoustic-only performances or creative genre mash-ups. Offer exciting incentives like recording studio time, feature slots at larger concerts, or cash prizes to attract top talent.
For those who enjoy a bit of excitement, a casino night is a fantastic option. Set up poker, blackjack, and roulette tables and charge for participation. To add a unique touch, create themed gaming tables like "Vegas Glam" or "High Stakes for a Cause" to enhance the atmosphere. Guests will enjoy the thrill of the game, and you’ll raise funds with every bet made for a good cause.
Host a memorable fundraising dinner with a creative theme, such as a “Hollywood Glamour” evening or a “Mediterranean Feast.” Curate a special menu that aligns with the theme to offer a unique dining experience. Charge for tickets, and consider adding options like live entertainment, silent auctions, or raffles to boost the donations.
For a touch of sophistication, consider a black-tie masquerade ball. The elegant atmosphere, complete with dancing, entertainment, and auctions, will draw in high-profile supporters eager to contribute while enjoying a night of luxury and style.
Now, for a more interactive and delicious event, how about a celebrity chef cook-off? Invite a local chef to compete, and let your guests pay to taste and vote on dishes. It’s an enjoyable, hands-on way to raise funds, especially with food lovers in the crowd.
A more relaxed yet intimate fundraising idea could be a VIP brunch with local celebrities. Offering exclusive access allows guests to network and socialize in a cozy environment. Premium ticket prices will help you raise funds while building stronger donor relationships.
Roll out the red carpet for a Movie Premiere Night, complete with glamour, a themed screening, and a chance for guests to dress up. Charge an entry fee, and increase fundraising by offering pre-show or post-show experiences like Q&A sessions with filmmakers or movie trivia contests.
For those interested in a more stylish event, hosting a charity fashion show is a great way to engage your audience. Partner with local designers to showcase their collections, with proceeds from ticket sales and auctions supporting your cause. It’s a creative and engaging way to raise money while showcasing talent.
Rev up excitement with an antique car show featuring vintage and classic cars. Charge an entry fee for attendees to admire the unique collection of vehicles on display. You can make the event more engaging by offering guided tours, showcasing the history behind the cars, or even allowing guests to vote for their favorite vehicles. Consider adding a VIP experience with exclusive access to certain cars or a meet-and-greet with the owners.
For something more luxurious, host a high-end jewelry auction featuring rare and valuable pieces. Invite collectors to bid on these unique items, with proceeds supporting your cause. Include a private viewing for VIP guests and offer expert consultations during the event.
Host a trendy rooftop event with stunning skyline views, live music, and curated drinks. Charge premium tickets and offer VIP experiences such as networking lounges and themed entertainment for an unforgettable night.
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider organizing a luxury cruise fundraiser. Guests will enjoy gourmet dining, entertainment, and relaxation while supporting your cause. Ticket sales, onboard auctions, and exclusive experiences ensure that this fundraiser will raise substantial funds.
Use technology to connect with supporters no matter where they are. These virtual event fundraising ideas are practical, creative, and designed to help you reach your goals with ease.
Host a virtual DIY terrarium class where participants receive a terrarium starter kit in advance. During the live session, guide them step-by-step to create their own unique terrariums. Charge a fee for the kits and class, and consider offering a portion of the proceeds to your cause.
Now, if you want to add a bit of adventure, consider hosting a virtual escape room challenge. Teams pay to participate and work together to solve puzzles and complete missions within a set time. Offer different themes to keep it exciting and provide prizes for the winning teams. It’s an interactive and fun way to engage donors.
Looking for an online event that’s simple yet effective? A silent auction fits perfectly. Let supporters bid on exciting items from home, making it easy for them to contribute without leaving their seats.
A crowdfunding campaign can take your cause to the next level. Share compelling stories and goals online, encouraging donations from a wide network. It’s an excellent way to tap into the generosity of your community.
Building on that online buzz, host a virtual concert to engage your supporters further. Partner with local musicians or bands and stream live performances. Supporters can buy tickets, donate during the show, and even request songs or receive shoutouts in exchange for contributions—all while enjoying incredible music for a great cause.
Level up your fundraising efforts with an E-Gaming Tournament. that combines skill, strategy, and fundraising. Stream the event live and invite viewers to donate in real-time to influence gameplay—like choosing challenges or unlocking power-ups for players. Add fundraising tiers where milestones unlock special events, such as celebrity guest appearances or bonus rounds.
For a more interactive experience, why not host an online trivia night? Charge an entry fee and offer prizes for the top teams. You can customize the trivia questions to fit your cause or create themed rounds to keep things interesting. This fun, competitive event will engage supporters while raising funds through participation fees and donations.
Switch things up with a reverse raffle. Instead of the first ticket drawn winning, the last one drawn takes home the prize. Sell tickets and host the drawing virtually—it's a unique twist that adds excitement to your fundraiser.
To mix things up, let one of your clients or an influencer take over your social media for the day. They can promote donation drives, share their fundraising pages, and encourage their audience to support and make donations.
Tap into the power of your supporters with peer-to-peer fundraising. Encourage them to create their own pages, set personal goals, and fundraise within their networks. This allows your cause to reach even more people in a personal and meaningful way.
Celebrate the seasons and support your cause with themed fundraising events. These ideas allow you to tap into holiday spirit and seasonal traditions, making it easier to engage donors and inspire generosity.
Celebrate spring with a vibrant kite-flying festival. Charge entry fees, sell DIY kite kits, and host contests for the highest or most creative kites. Introduce a “kite repair station” for donations and auction off custom-designed kites by local artists to raise additional funds.
Host a Winter Wonderland Fair with holiday-themed games, seasonal treats, and festive activities. Charge entry fees and encourage donations at booths. The festive atmosphere will engage the community while raising funds for your cause.
Turn your holiday wrapping services into a fun, festive fundraiser by offering gift wrapping at local malls or events. Charge a fee per gift and offer personalized wrapping options for an additional donation.
Host a Fall Festival with a pumpkin carving contest, an apple bobbing competition, and a hay maze. Offer homemade fall treats, craft booths, and a "Spooky Storytelling" corner. Charge entry fees and sell tickets for activities like face painting or a pie-eating contest.
Why not host a BBQ cook-off this summer? Invite local chefs to compete, sell tickets for tastings, and let the crowd vote on their favorites for a fun and delicious fundraiser.
Ready for a chilly challenge? Organize a Polar Plunge where participants dip in icy waters for donations. You can encourage teams to fundraise and create a memorable winter event.
Make spring cleaning a charitable event by hosting a donation drive. Encourage the community to donate lightly used items, then organize a sale to raise funds while helping people declutter their homes.
Host a moonlit kayaking event at a local lake or river. Participants can rent kayaks or bring their own, and you can add a twist by incorporating themed challenges, such as a “most creative kayak decoration” contest. Offer light refreshments, live music by the water, and have a donation station for guests to support your cause.
Make a difference for both your cause and the planet with eco-friendly fundraisers. These ideas inspire sustainable giving while promoting environmental responsibility.
Encourage your community to recycle by organizing a drive. Collect cans, bottles, and electronics, and raise funds by selling recyclables to local recycling centers. You can also offer collection services to businesses to boost contributions.
Host a solar energy workshop where experts teach attendees about the benefits of solar power and how to implement it in their homes. Charge an entry fee and offer additional resources or consultations for donations. Attendees will gain practical knowledge to reduce energy costs and increase sustainability.
Invite supporters to sponsor and plant trees. Raise additional funds by partnering with local businesses to sponsor planting zones and offering customized plaques for donors.
Engage your audience by sharing practical zero-waste tips and encouraging sustainable habits. Fund your nonprofit through entry fees, selling reusable kits, and offering eco-friendly products. Host a paid awards event to recognize individuals who have made the biggest impact in reducing waste.
Host a market featuring sustainable goods, such as handmade crafts, organic produce, natural beauty products, and eco-friendly home goods. Charge vendor fees and sell tickets for entry to support your nonprofit's mission.
Offer custom-made gardening kits for sale, including seeds, soil, and instructions. Each kit sold contributes directly to funding your nonprofit’s work. You can also host gardening workshops to raise additional funds for your cause.
Host a hands-on workshop teaching participants how to build compost bins. Monetize it through ticket sales and offering pre-made kits or materials as a secondary revenue stream.
Organize a used book sale where people can donate or buy pre-loved books. Offer a wide variety of genres, from fiction to non-fiction, and create themed bundles for added appeal. All proceeds from the sale will support your cause while promoting sustainable reading habits.
Host a Sustainable Fashion Show showcasing eco-friendly, upcycled, or ethically sourced clothing. Charge entry fees and offer a VIP section for exclusive seating. Include a live auction for eco-conscious accessories and promote local sustainable fashion brands.
Bring people together with fundraisers that foster community spirit and family involvement. These ideas are engaging, inclusive, and perfect for creating memories while supporting a cause.
Organize a community scavenger hunt where participants pay an entry fee to join the fun. Create clues about local landmarks or your cause, and offer prizes for those who complete the hunt. You can also add sponsor booths along the route to raise additional funds.
Get your community moving with a 5K run or walk. Charge entry fees, partner with local sponsors, and sell merchandise to create a high-energy fundraiser everyone can enjoy.
Transform your school into a carnival wonderland with ticketed games, food stalls, and rides. Boost fundraising by hosting themed photo booths, a silent auction of student art, and eco-friendly craft stations with donation-based participation.
Invite everyone to join a walk-a-thon for a cause. Collect donations per mile walked and offer branded water bottles for sale. Create a lively atmosphere with music and refreshments to keep participants motivated and engaged.
Set up cheerful lemonade stands at events or high-traffic areas. Sell refreshing drinks with fun customizations, like flavored syrups, and let this simple setup generate significant contributions to your cause.
Offer exclusive tours of local landmarks and trails with donation-based entry. Include themed walks, expert talks, and scavenger hunts. Raise extra funds with souvenir sales, refreshment stands, and a “passport” challenge for donations at each location.
Host a parade where participants dress up their pets. Charge entry fees, sell pet-themed merchandise, and partner with local pet shops for sponsorships to make it paw-sitively successful.
Organize a toy drive where community members can donate new or gently used toys. Encourage local businesses to host collection bins and offer incentives like raffle tickets for donors. All collected toys can be distributed to children in need while raising awareness and support for your cause.
Plan a cozy neighborhood potluck. Ask for a small donation per plate, hold raffles during the meal, and create a welcoming environment that brings everyone together for a good cause.
Work with local artists and community members to create a mural that represents your cause. Sell tickets for people to participate in painting sections of the mural. This gives everyone a chance to leave their mark on a lasting piece of art while contributing to the cause.
Think outside the box with creative fundraising ideas that capture attention and spark excitement. These unique approaches help you stand out while inspiring donors to support your mission.
Host an exciting bingo night filled with fun and prizes. Charge entry fees, sell game cards, and secure donated prizes to keep costs low. Introduce themed rounds with special prizes or donation-based upgrades for extra game cards. People love bingo—let them play for a cause!
Start the day with a warm, community pancake breakfast. Sell tickets, offer delicious toppings as paid extras, and include a donation jar for spontaneous generosity. Include a “pay-it-forward” option where attendees can sponsor meals for others to boost contributions.
Organize a silent auction featuring unique items or experiences. Generate funds through competitive bids and partner with local businesses to donate premium packages. Incorporate a “mystery box” element where donors bid blind on surprise items for added intrigue and funds.
Create a memorable music festival with local talent. Sell tickets, rent vendor spots, and include food stalls for extra income. It’s a fantastic way to support your cause while celebrating the arts.
Bring your community together for a bustling car boot sale. Charge a fee per car, sell refreshments, and organize a special raffle for additional excitement. Add a creative upcycling contest where attendees donate to vote for the best-repurposed item.
Turn your community into a competitive kitchen with a bake-off. Charge participant fees, sell samples to attendees, and auction the winning entries. Let everyone’s sweet tooth support your nonprofit.
Host a cooking class led by a local chef where participants learn and taste. Charge fees for the experience, sell recipe kits and share tips during the session. Introduce a live Q&A session where donors can ask for personalized tips in exchange for contributions.
Elevate your fundraising with a classy wine-tasting event. Sell tickets, offer food pairings, and partner with local wineries. Incorporate a live auction for premium wines or exclusive vineyard tours to maximize contributions.
Celebrate diversity with a cultural food fair showcasing global cuisines. Sell entry tickets, rent vendor booths, and encourage donations. Include cooking demonstrations or workshops, allowing attendees to donate to learn recipes and culinary techniques.
Host an interactive murder mystery dinner where guests pay to participate in solving the mystery while enjoying a delicious meal. Offer prizes for the best detectives and include opportunities to donate for “hints” or additional clues during the event.
Short on time? These quick and easy fundraising ideas let you raise funds efficiently without extensive planning, ensuring your efforts stay impactful and hassle-free.
Start things off with a creative pop-up photo booth at your next event. Charge for photo sessions, sell prints, and offer themed props to make it extra memorable.
Kickstart a wave of generosity with a Spend-Nothing Challenge. Participants set aside the money they would have spent and donated it to a meaningful cause. Track progress with leaderboards, adding a touch of friendly competition to inspire collective impact.
Organize an engaging art sale that highlights local talent and creativity. Include live painting sessions, artist Q&As, and even an art raffle to make it more interactive and profitable. You could also feature a community art wall where attendees contribute, creating a unique piece to auction for additional funds.
Host a lip sync competition that brings out everyone’s inner performer. Add an audience vote-by-donation option for extra fun and an engaging fundraising boost.
To cool things down, why not reinvent the ice bucket challenge? Create themed twists like costumes or surprise nominations to keep donations flowing and the excitement alive. Include warm beverages or snacks as a treat afterward to enhance participation.
Partner with local businesses to create a discount booklet. Sell it at events, online, or in bulk, with all proceeds supporting your nonprofit. Get volunteers involved and use promotions to boost sales and make a bigger impact.
Volunteers auction services like gardening, babysitting, or tutoring. Maximise funds by promoting high-demand skills, offering group packages, or creating a premium tier for unique services such as professional coaching or home organizing.
End the day with a comedy night featuring local comedians. Sell tickets, serve refreshments, and include a mini-auction to combine laughter and generosity into one successful evening.
Finally, for a competitive twist, launch dollar wars. Let groups vie for the most single-dollar donations and spark energy with challenges like “double donation hours” to maximize the fun and funds.
Turn festive celebrations into opportunities to support your cause. These holiday-themed ideas add a charitable twist to cherished traditions, making them fun and meaningful.
After the energy of dollar wars, host a Halloween costume party. Charge an entry fee, sell themed snacks, and organize a haunted house experience for added excitement. Offer prizes for the best costumes to keep attendees engaged.
From costumes to comfort food, plan a Thanksgiving potluck where everyone contributes a dish. Collect donations for each plate served, and include a mini silent auction for holiday-themed items. You can even add a “thankfulness wall” for a personal touch.
Keep the festive spirit alive with a Christmas caroling contest. Teams can pay to enter, and spectators can vote for their favorites through donations. Include warm drinks for sale to add to the seasonal cheer.
When the holidays roll on, a New Year’s Eve party is the perfect way to celebrate. Sell tickets, offer a champagne toast add-on, and add a raffle for a midnight prize. Collaborate with local vendors for food or decor sponsorships.
Continue the family celebration with a Mother’s Day brunch. Raise funds through ticket sales and premium dessert tables, and sell customized keepsakes like photo frames or flowers for mums. Include live music to elevate the experience.
Fire up the grill for a Father’s Day BBQ. Charge for meals, set up a donation-based grilling competition, and sell family photo packages for attendees. Offer a “dad’s corner” with fun lawn games to make it more special.
Host a Fourth of July fireworks show and raise funds by charging entry fees. Partner with local vendors for food and drinks, offer VIP seating for premium donations, and include family-friendly activities like games or live music.
Keep the momentum going with a St. Patrick’s Day fun run. Earn through registrations, sell themed merchandise, and offer green snacks for a healthy yet festive twist. A prize for the most creative green outfit can boost engagement.
As summer winds down, organize a Labour Day picnic. Offer ticketed entry, sell refreshments, and include a small silent auction to create a family-friendly fundraising afternoon. Set up a “kids zone” with activities to attract families.
Finally, honor Memorial Day with a flag sale. Sell flags for display in homes or community spaces, and include a portion of proceeds for a patriotic nonprofit tie-in. Offer bundle deals with smaller keepsakes like pins or magnets.
Involve the next generation with creative fundraising activities designed for kids and teens. These ideas not only inspire young supporters but also teach them the importance of giving back in a fun and meaningful way.
Organize a day of fun with simple carnival games like ring toss, beanbag throws, and face painting. Charge per game, offer affordable snack tickets and provide small prizes. Bundle game tickets for families to make participation easy and enjoyable.
Let kids showcase their creativity in a costume contest. Charge an entry fee, sell themed snacks, and add fun categories like “most original” or “funniest” costumes. Include a photo booth to capture the excitement.
Plan a lively, fun run with a kid-friendly theme. Collect registration fees, encourage sponsorships per lap, and give finishers medals to make them feel accomplished. Offer branded water bottles for extra fundraising opportunities.
Host a cozy storytime event at a local library or bookstore featuring readings by local authors or community leaders. Charge a small entry fee, sell books or snacks, and use themed decor to create a memorable experience.
Host a talent show where kids can sing, dance, or perform. Charge participation and audience fees, sell refreshments, and give fun awards for every performer to keep spirits high.
Plan a fun apple-picking festival where kids can pick apples, enjoy hayrides, and participate in apple-themed games. Charge entry fees, sell apple treats like cider and pies, and include craft stations to keep the event engaging for young supporters.
Host a creative sock puppet workshop for kids and families. Provide supplies like socks, buttons, and fabric, and guide participants in making their own puppets. Charge a small entry fee and consider selling crafting kits for additional funds. End the event with a fun puppet show to showcase their creations.
Inspire curiosity with a kids’ science fair. Charge entry fees for participants, sell tickets for spectators, and collaborate with local STEM organizations for sponsorships or support. Set up a discovery zone with hands-on experiments for everyone.
Host a fun competition where kids use toys and crafts to design miniature dorm rooms. Charge a small entry fee and let attendees vote for their favorites. Offer prizes for creativity and sell crafting kits for extra funds.
Set up a fun obstacle course for pets to navigate with their owners. Charge entry fees, sell spectator tickets, and offer prizes for the fastest times or funniest attempts. Include a pet-friendly vendor fair.
Combine healthy habits with charitable giving through fitness and activity-based fundraisers. These events energize your supporters and turn every move into a step toward your mission.
If you are looking to raise funds while engaging your community, a charity walk is a great way to start. Charge registration fees, secure sponsors, and sell refreshments or branded merchandise to boost donations.
Partner with local yoga instructors and host classes in scenic outdoor locations or unique venues. Offer tiered pricing for different session lengths and include add-ons like post-class wellness talks or meditation guides for a donation.
Take a high-energy approach by hosting a fitness boot camp. Participants pay a class fee, and you can partner with fitness brands for equipment sponsorships or giveaways to add value.
Add some friendly competition with a CrossFit challenge. Raise funds through entry fees, sell healthy snacks, and invite local gyms to sponsor the event or donate their space.
Host an energetic Zumba-thon fundraiser with multiple instructors leading back-to-back sessions. Charge an entry fee and sell refreshments or Zumba merchandise. Add fun themes, like neon night or tropical vibes, to keep participants excited and engaged.
Switch things up with a fun hula hoop contest for all ages. Charge an entry fee and offer small prizes for categories like longest spin, most creative trick, or group routines. Include a hula hoop decorating station for added fun.
Host a dance marathon where participants raise funds through sponsorships for every hour they dance. Include themed hours, live DJs, and snack stations to keep the energy high. Offer prizes for the best dancers, costumes, or endurance to make it exciting.
For cycling enthusiasts, organize charity spin classes. Charge for bike reservations, sell branded gym towels, and partner with local fitness centers to co-host the event.
Challenge your supporters with an obstacle course race. Charge entry fees, provide team registration discounts, and include a spectator zone with refreshments for additional fundraising.
Lastly, consider a scenic hiking challenge. Collect registration fees, sell trail snacks or maps, and offer milestone rewards or certificates to keep participants motivated throughout the journey.
Fundraising success lies in creativity, strategic planning, and engaging events that resonate with your supporters. This list has highlighted diverse fundraising ideas—whether themed, eco-friendly, or family-focused—that can make a meaningful impact on your nonprofit.
The key takeaway? Tailoring the right idea to your audience and mission can inspire donations, build community, and create unforgettable experiences.
Hosting a charity event can be challenging, but Eventcombo makes it effortless for nonprofits. As an all-in-one event management platform, Eventcombo streamlines registrations, marketing, and engagement, helping you host seamless events while saving valuable time. Its user-friendly interface simplifies even the most complex events, making them easy to execute and manage.
Ready to see how Eventcombo can transform your events? Book a Demo today!
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