So, you have decided what you want to fundraise for, and now you are faced with how you are going to do it. Fortunately, there are many creative fundraising event ideas that can help you meet your goal and interact with your community at the same time.
Simple and Easy Fundraising Ideas
Bake sales and food-related events
They say the way to a person’s heart is food; it is also a great way to raise funds! Bake sales and food-related events are a great way to raise funds, as they allow people to indulge in homemade treats while contributing to a worthy cause. You can host your fundraising event at schools, community centers, or local markets. You may even consider a theme like chili-cook off. Don’t forget to include QR codes to your GoFundMe to collect extra donations.
Yard sales and community markets
Another great fundraising event idea is to throw a yard sale or host a community market. Get your community together to sell their old stuff, with a portion or all of the funds going towards your cause. It is a sustainable and fun way to raise funds and get to know your community.
Car wash
Car washes and other service-based fundraisers, such as mowing a lawn or dog walking, can provide practical assistance to people who need it while generating funds. These events not only raise money but are also a great way to help out your neighbors, friends, and less-abled people in your community.
Unique and interactive events
Another great way to fundraise is to do something a little different and invite others to get involved. From talent shows to DIY craft events like a paint night, once you let your creative juices flow, you will be surprised by how many people want to participate.
Talent shows and performances
Talent shows and performances allow individuals to showcase their skills while drawing an audience eager to support a cause. Dig out your party tricks, don your best outfit, and prepare to dazzle your audience. Charge $5 for entry and include a QR code for your GoFundMe fundraiser in the program so that donations can flood in!
Game nights and trivia contests
Appeal to the competitive-minded among us by hosting a game night or trivia contest. They are a fun way to get to know your peers and can be an excellent way to drive donations when you charge competitors a fee for entry. Bingo is a low-cost, widely appealing option.
DIY craft and art workshops
DIY craft and art workshops cater to those with a creative streak. It is a great way to raise funds and get to know your community. Charge a participation fee and choose something practical to create that people will want to make. Potential ideas could be terrarium workshops or even wreath-making.
Seasonal and Holiday Events
Holiday-themed fundraisers (e.g., Halloween, Christmas)
Holiday-themed fundraisers, such as Halloween parties or Christmas fairs, can be a reliable fundraising method. Leverage the festive spirit and gather community support to meet your fundraising goals. These events can include activities like costume contests, holiday markets, and themed games. People are often more generous during the holiday season, so why not make the most of it?
Spring and summer festivals and fairs
Spring and summer festivals and fairs are ideal for outdoor fundraising. Why not set up a summer festival and include attractions like food stalls, live music, and craft booths? These can draw large crowds and boost your fundraiser!
School carnivals and field days
School carnivals and field days offer a great mix of entertainment and fundraising opportunities, with activities such as games, rides, and talent shows. These events not only raise funds, but they also leave your customers with memories that last a lifetime.
Product-Based Fundraising Ideas
Selling baked goods and homemade treats is a great way to raise funds. But it doesn’t have to be all about food. You can also sell other homemade crafts and even consider eco-friendly and sustainable products. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Food and Beverage Products
Cookie dough and popcorn sales
Cookie dough and popcorn sales are firm favorites when it comes to fundraising, as they are a convenient and delicious way for supporters to contribute to your cause. Bake up a batch of cookies or bag up some popcorn and ask if you can sell them at local community events.
Gourmet coffee and tea fundraisers
Gourmet coffee and tea fundraisers cater to the refined tastes of caffeine aficionados, offering high-quality products that are perfect for everyday enjoyment or gifting. Go one step further and sell mugs alongside the coffee to create a mini hamper.
Homemade treats and snack boxes
Homemade treats and snack boxes add a personal touch when it comes to fundraising. Choose something you are confident in making and bake up a storm. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; customers will love the authenticity of a homemade treat.
Non-Food Products
Custom merchandise (e.g., t-shirts, mugs)
Custom merchandise is also a great way to raise funds and raise awareness of your cause. Why not create a T-shirt featuring catchy slogans related to your fundraiser or get your message printed on a mug and sell it to people looking to contribute? This is also a sneaky way to spread the word about your fundraiser.
Discount cards and coupon books
Discount cards and coupon books are excellent fundraising tools. You can create a coupon book by partnering with local businesses so that you can offer your customers exclusive discounts and special offers for restaurants, retail stores, and service providers. Supporters benefit from significant savings, and you benefit by getting closer to your fundraising goal. Encourage businesses to get involved by highlighting what is in it for them. These programs increase visibility and attract new customers to their establishment.
Craft items and handmade goods
Craft items and handmade goods appeal to those who appreciate unique and artisanal products and can add a personal touch to your fundraising efforts. Turn your hand to painting, sewing, crocheting, and even pottery-making. The opportunities are endless.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Products
Eco-friendly and sustainable products are increasingly popular for fundraisers as the need to fight climate change becomes more pressing. Flower bulbs and plant sales are a great way to encourage people to get to know their green-finger side. Selling reusable products, such as water bottles and bags, encourages sustainable habits and reduces waste.
Digital and Online Fundraising Strategies
Social Media Campaigns
Utilizing platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can significantly boost your fundraising efforts. Be sure to create engaging content that is shareable, as this is key to bringing in donations. Do not underestimate the power of going viral and how this can translate to donations. Leverage the power of social media influencers and online communities by partnering with them to spread your message and reach a wider audience. Their endorsement can add credibility and drive more supporters to your cause.
Email and Direct Mail campaigns
People often forget about email. But it is important. Crafting compelling fundraising emails is essential for engaging your audience and motivating them to donate. Use your email lists to reach a broader audience. An email is a great way to reach those who prefer a more traditional form of communication. The main thing to remember is to keep it short and sweet and get to your point early.
Online Events and Challenges
Online events and challenges are a fun way to get more people involved in your fundraising efforts. Hosting virtual walk-a-thons and marathons allows supporters to participate from anywhere, which is extremely convenient. Create a crowdfunding challenge to inspire supporters to raise funds on your behalf while tapping into their networks along the way. Ideas for a crowdfunding challenge could include asking people to run 5K, donate $5, and ask 5 others to take part.
Engaging the Community
Involving local businesses
When fundraising, it is important to consider everything. One idea you may not have considered is enlisting the help of local businesses.
Partnerships with local businesses for mutual support
Asking local businesses to get behind your cause can be a mutually beneficial experience. They can help you promote your fundraiser in their business and also get behind a cause that means something to their brand. Ask local businesses to put up posters with a QR code on them that send people to your fundraiser, or consider asking whether they would consider donating their tip money to your cause.
Sponsorships and in-kind donations
Local businesses can support your cause through sponsorships and in-kind donations, such as goods or services that can be used in auctions or raffles. These partnerships not only provide valuable resources for your fundraiser but also give businesses positive exposure and the opportunity to demonstrate their community involvement. In some cases, it can even introduce new people to the business you are partnering with, which will hopefully increase their customer base.
Organizing fundraising nights at local venues
Want to raise funds quickly? Why not try organizing a fundraising night at a local venue? You can ask restaurants, cafes, or entertainment centers if you can use their space and arrange for a portion of the evening’s sales to be donated to your cause. This approach benefits both the fundraiser and the venue, driving business and creating a festive atmosphere. Potential ideas for events can include: a chef’s creating a brand new menu based on a theme related to your cause; hosting a talent show; or a club night.
Volunteer Involvement
When you look at the most successful fundraising campaigns, they all have one thing in common: an army of dedicated volunteers. While you might be operating on a smaller level, it is still a good idea to think about how you can utilize volunteers.
Recruiting and managing volunteers
To recruit volunteers, start with your close circle. Enlist your friends and family to help you get word of your fundraiser out there. Beyond that, it is important to find individuals who are passionate about your cause. You can use social media, local community boards, and word-of-mouth to reach potential volunteers. Clearly communicate the mission of your cause and the impact their involvement will have. Once recruited, managing volunteers involves providing clear instructions, training, and support. Use tools like scheduling apps and regular meetings to ensure everyone is informed and engaged.
Volunteer roles and responsibilities
Once you have the volunteers, what do you do with them? It is important to make sure you have clearly defined roles so everyone knows what is required of them. This is crucial for a well-organized fundraising effort. Volunteers can take on various tasks such as event planning, marketing, fundraising, and logistics, with roles tailored to their strengths. Remember to take time to acknowledge your volunteer’s hard work; these people are giving you their time for free. You can send thank-you notes and post appreciation posts on social media to show how much their help means to you.
Building a Support Network
Building a strong support network is incredibly important. It starts with actively engaging the community through events, regular updates, and transparent communication about your goals and achievements. Hosting events and providing consistent updates will keep your supporters informed and involved. Maintaining long-term relationships is crucial; show appreciation through personalized messages, special acknowledgments, and exclusive updates. Making people feel part of something important is the key to successful fundraising.
Maximizing Fundraising Impact
Setting Clear Goals
Setting specific and achievable goals is essential for successful fundraising. Clear objectives help potential donors understand what you aim to accomplish and how their contributions will make a difference.
Effective Storytelling
Crafting a compelling narrative is key to engaging donors. Share a powerful story that illustrates the importance of your cause, incorporating personal experiences and testimonies to make it relatable and impactful. On GoFundMe, you can bring your story to life by including video and photos. A good story that strikes a chord with the reader can inspire them to donate.
Tracking and Celebrating Progress
Tracking and celebrating progress is essential for maintaining enthusiasm and momentum in a fundraising campaign. You can use thermometers and progress trackers to keep on top of where your fundraising efforts are at. They are a great visual way of seeing how close you are to your goals. Another important part of fundraising is celebrating milestones and achievements. For every tiny win, every big donation, and every meaningful message, make sure you celebrate them and let others know about them. This is a great way to build momentum. Finally, you must remember to thank donors and provide updates on the impact of their contributions. Donors like to know where their money has gone and the impact it has had. You can post regular updates and send thank-you notes with a click of a button on GoFundMe.
Tips for a Successful Fundraiser
There are three main things to keep in mind that will lead to a successful fundraiser: planning, promotion, and follow-up.
Planning and Preparation
A successful fundraiser takes planning and organization. Make sure you have thought through the goal you want to achieve, the events you are going to have, and the milestones you need to meet in certain timeframes. Create a timeline and a checklist, and work toward that to keep yourself on track. Be sure to involve key stakeholders in the planning process. If you are fundraising for a charity, work with them to see how they can help with events. Approach the local businesses you want to work with early to ensure that you have time to create a meaningful fundraising moment.
Promotion
Like any good campaign, you will need to get the word out about your fundraiser.. GoFundMe has made this easier for you by creating easy-to-use fundraising tools in your dashboard. You can utilize multiple channels for promotion, such as social media, email, community bulletin boards, and good old-fashioned posters, to get word out about your fundraiser. Consider sharing your story with the press. Post videos and photos to your page to tell the story behind your fundraiser. Sometimes a picture or video can get your message across to others in a more meaningful way than text on a page.
Follow-up and Appreciation
An important part of fundraising is thanking people who have donated to your cause. You can do this by sending individual thank-you notes and acknowledgments. You can also provide updates on how funds are being used and speak to all your supporters at once. If someone donates a particularly large amount or leaves a moving message, reach out and tell them how much their support means to you. It is important to build lasting relationships with donors, as you never know when you may need their help again.
Popular Fundraising Categories
With so much going on in the world, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to fundraising. There are so many worthy causes. From schools to nonprofits to sports teams and personal causes, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular fundraising categories.
Schools and Education
For schools and education, fundraisers can support elementary, middle, and high school projects, as well as college and university initiatives. Educational fundraisers are often focused on classroom supplies, extracurricular activities, and scholarship funds. The best thing about schools and education fundraisers is that you already have a ready-made community to support your cause. Students, parents, and faculty members can all be mobilized to get involved with the fundraiser.
Nonprofits and Community Groups
Local nonprofits and community groups are another popular category when it comes to fundraising. These campaigns often support essential community projects and services. Community fundraising is a great way to bring people together. Organize charity walks or local festivals and utilize the collective effort of your community.
Sports Teams and Clubs
Another popular fundraising category is sports teams and clubs. People often raise funds for necessary expenses like equipment, travel, and uniforms for their club or team. Sports teams often come together to organize team-based events such as car washes and bake sales, which are effective fundraising activities.
Medical and Personal Causes
Medical and personal causes are often a popular fundraising category, as fundraisers for individuals and families facing unexpected challenges often resonate deeply with donors.
Faith organizations and churches
Faith organizations and churches are a popular crowdfunding category due to their strong sense of community and shared purpose among members. Whether raising funds for building renovations, mission trips, community outreach programs, or emergency assistance, the close connections faith organizations have with their communities helps them reach their fundraising goals easily. Additionally, the widespread use of social media and online platforms allows these organizations to extend their reach beyond their immediate circles, engaging a broader audience and increasing the potential for successful fundraising campaigns.
Ready to start your Fundraising Journey?
You can start your online fundraiser on GoFundMe. It is easy to get started, and you can be up and running in minutes. GoFundMe has a number of built-in features to help make your fundraising a success, including posting videos and photos, updates, and thank-you notes. You can also share your fundraiser with your network on your social media platforms. GoFundMe wants your donors to feel confident when supporting your fundraiser, and that’s why we offer the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, which means that in the rare case that something isn’t right, donors are entitled to their money back.
Start fundraising today.