Top Nine Fundraising Event Ideas

1. Art exhibit fundraisers



Ask friends and community members who are artists—for example, painters, photographers, sculptors, or jewelry makers—to donate a piece to the cause. 

• All artwork available for sale at the event can be sold in exchange, or through a silent auction, for donations. 


2. Bicycling, running, or walking event

With these events, participants usually ask donors to give a certain amount based on total number of miles completed. It is a great opportunity for a little friendly competition.

• Make sure to have sponsors make their donations directly to your fundraising page. 
• Participants can set up teams, issuing challenges or competitions between participants.
• Partner with a local businesses to match donations, or contribute a portion of proceeds to the cause for a period of time.


3. Party or banquet

Hosting a dinner party or charity banquet is a great fundraising idea to gather a large group of people together, enjoy a good meal, and gather donations. 

• Invite your friends, family, and neighbors. 
• Parties and banquets can be hosted at a home, clubhouse, or banquet hall.
• Have a jar set up so that attendees can make a donation to your cause at the party.
• Hold a trivia night at your party and sell tickets to participants to raise money.

Hosting a benefit dance (or better yet, a themed benefit dance) is a fun way for adults and kids to come together and raise funds.

• Share the link to your fundraiser on social media, and encourage anyone who wants to attend to make an optional donation to your fundraiser.
• Encourage peer-to-peer fundraising before the dance.
• Hold a silent auction the night of the dance as an additional way to raise funds.
• Have attendees show off their style and host a mini fashion show. A fashion show is a great way to break up the night and encourage donations.

5. Charity sports event


Host a charity sporting event—maybe a baseball game, basketball game, or a golf tournament. 

• Ask friends and family to make their donation in the for of an entry fee as a way to raise money.
• Have a booth set up at the event where you can accept donations to your cause.
• Ask local sports organizations and teams if any of the coaches would be willing to help coordinate the event.
• Partner with a local amateur leagues, who may already have a following that you can tap into on social media.
• Create an obstacle course as a great way to get others involved before or after the big game.

6. Skate-a-thon



If you’re raising funds for a child (or an adult) who loves skateboarding, throw a fundraising skate-a-thon at your local skate park where kids and adults can skate for a good cause.

• Try reaching out to pro skaters—maybe they’d be willing to sign a few skateboards that you can sell at your event for help raising money.
• As always, have a booth or table set up where attendees can make donations to your cause.

7. Customized promotional items


Create and sell T-shirts, bags, cups, and other items for your fundraising event. This is a great gay to increase awareness amongst community members and a great way to raise money.

• Look for companies that sell customized marketing and promotional items or custom corporate gifts. 
• You can customize all kinds of items with the name and image of the beneficiary, or a design that seems fitting for your campaign. 
• Include the fundraiser name and URL somewhere in the design. That way, anyone wearing your merchandise becomes a walking promotion for your campaign.
• Partner with a local business or multiple local businesses to sell your items out of.

8. Car wash

Car washes have long been a popular way to drum up support for a good cause and raise money.

• Advertise your car wash on your fundraiser page and on social media. 
• Let donors know they can receive a car wash on a certain date. 
• Provide a way to accept donations at the event from patrons getting their car washed.
• Get out in the community and spread word of your campaign. Washing cars can also help your fundraising team bond while working together.

9. Barbecue night



Host a summer evening barbecue, add a dash of music and entertainment, and you’ve got yourself a fundraising event. 

• Ask volunteers to help out by bringing side dishes such as potato salad, fruit, vegetables, dessert, chips, baked goods, and drinks. 
• See if you can find a local band or musician open to donating a performance. 
• Toss in outdoor games—maybe cornhole, three-legged races, bocce, croquet, or horseshoes. 
• Ask guests to make a suggested donation in lieu of paying to attend the event.