Innovative fundraising ideas can to get started on long-term projects, get over an unpopular mid-campaign phase or swiftly collect funds to meet an unexpected crisis. The success of your fundraising ideas will depend on how they can engage donors, increase participation, inspire immediate action and entice supporters to commit to the recurring gift.
We’ve put together the following list of 77 fundraising ideas that will surely rally supporters in support of your cause. Explore new ways to raise money for anything from fundraising ideas for children to endurance events, fashion shows and shows. Find your favorite events or browse through each category for the possibility of sparking a new virtual, in-person or hybrid event that you’ve not thought of yet.
Creative Fundraising Ideas that can be used by Schools and Colleges
1. Art Exhibition
Utilize students’ artistic talents to further your worthy cause and build your non-profit’s feeling of belonging. Request that Creative Fundraising Ideas artist pay a small fee to exhibit their work. You can then establish an affordable price for guests to browse through the exhibit. Think about asking local artists to participate too. The feature on Classy makes it simple to market tickets to prospective supporters.
2. Car Wash
Car washes are usually not thought of however they are an excellent way to get the task off of someone’s list, while also turning them into a fan to your campaign. The event should be held in the location that’s easily visible and accessible from busy areas. It is also important to ensure that you have enough space to dry, wash and take money from your customers.
Find ways to advertise your upcoming car wash, so people can incorporate in it to their schedules. Social media and emails are good places to start however word-of-mouth can be just as effective.
3. Spelling Bee
Spelling bees aren’t just enjoyable to watch but offer a wonderful chance for young supporters to showcase their talents. Make sure to promote your spelling bee event at local gyms, schools and churches as well as at restaurants. You can also promote your event online through a series posts on social media prior towards the competition.
Set a fixed price for tickets, and think about including a peer-to-peer Creative Fundraising Ideas component to attract donations from a larger crowd. Participants can easily set up an online fundraising page and request for donations prior to the competition in order to meet their objectives. In addition, participants can show their appreciation throughout the competition by donating individual funds to family or friends who are competing in every round.
4. Bake Sale
Be prepared for some delicious smells thanks to this traditional idea of fundraising. To make this cult event even more intriguing have participants take on the challenge of baking the most delicious dessert.
The participants can give a donation for the opportunity to taste test and then vote on their favorite or simply abandon the contest idea and charge a flat fee for every baked item someone buys. Be sure to read the food laws prior to making your table.
Dance Marathon
Participants are challenged to take part in an all-day dance marathon for 24 hours to raise funds for your cause. Let dancers start peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns that have a minimum amount to participate and invite participants to form teams and see which one raises the most.
This enjoyable fundraising exercise keeps people moving and provides many opportunities for interaction in-person. You can also ask supporters to request their favourite songs for $5, to generate additional money.
(NUDM) is a major fundraiser that has raised over $22million to support more than 30 charitable organizations, including those who support the Chicago Youth Programs and The Evanston Community Foundation. It is a testament to the capacity of fundraising the dance marathon and confirms the power of peer-to-peer fundraising.
Join forces with a gym in your area to get this fundraiser concept up and running (pun meant). Invite community members and supporters to register for a time period (minimum time of fifteen minutes) and then collect pledges in specific amounts for each mile their team runs.
If you’re seeking new and innovative ideas for fundraising via virtual channels the event could be conducted online for anyone with access treadmills at home. Invite fundraisers to get supporters from their networks and make a pledge of money for every mile they cover or for every milestone they meet in terms of time (e.g. make a commit to donating $50 for every 5 miles).