6 online fundraising ideas that actually bring in money
You’ve got tons of online fundraising ideas floating around the internet, so here are the ones that consistently work without costing you much.
1. Try crowdfunding
A crowdfunding page is one of the most simple, cost-effective ways to collect donations. GoFundMe has helped raise over $40 billion by generating funds from its peer-to-peer fundraising, walk-a-thons, school fundraising efforts, and much, much more.
2. Start a social media contest
This is where online fundraising and creativity collide. You can follow a trend or start your own challenge — something silly, meaningful, or bold. Encourage people to post, tag you, and include a hashtag you create for the event. Social media challenges spread fast when they’re simple.
The Ice Bucket Challenge is the gold standard. It raised $115 million for ALS.
3. Run email outreach
Not flashy, but incredibly effective. And no, it doesn’t have to sound like a newsletter. A warm, honest note can do the heavy lifting. You can even use email templates if you’re stuck.
4. Build partnerships
Local businesses love to support community fundraisers when it helps everyone. Share their logo, tag them, give them a thank-you shout-out. Partnerships bring new people (and new donors) into your world.
5. Offer matching gifts
Matching gifts doubles donation amounts with almost no extra effort. This is one of the best fundraising opportunities when you’re trying to hit a milestone fast.
6. Sell merchandise
T-shirts, stickers, mugs, whatever fits your cause. Set up a simple online store and ship items out as you go. Some people even pair their merch sales with a gala later in the year.
You can also offer merch as an incentive, like “Donate $20 and get a free shirt.”
7 virtual fundraising event ideas
Virtual fundraising events save money, save energy, and are usually the most cost-effective way to bring people together without renting a space.
And if you’ve looked around online, you’ve probably noticed there are endless virtual fundraising ideas floating around.
It doesn’t matter what type of fundraiser you’re planning — there’s room for creativity.
1. Cooking class
Partner with a local restaurant or chef who’s willing to host a livestream cooking demo. Charge a small entry fee. Send out the ingredient list ahead of time. You can even email a recipe card afterward and gently remind people about your fundraising page.
2. Game night
Trivia night, online quizzes, Jackbox games, anything that brings out a bit of friendly competition. You can tag winners on social media with a link to the fundraiser. If you want to keep track of attendees, simple event ticketing tools can help. This is always a hit with high schools!
Some groups even fold a walk-a-thon into their virtual events, letting people track miles from home.
3. Talent show
It’s fun, chaotic, and full of personality. You can even have a pet or baby talent category. Add the donation link at the top of the screen and let people cheer from wherever they are.
4. Online auction
Collect donated items, create a slideshow, and run a live or timed virtual auction. You can auction off services too: babysitting, yard help, custom artwork. And if you want something calmer, you can run a silent auction instead.
5. Bake sale
A classic in-person event. Ask local businesses for gift cards or small items. Raise awareness by posting flyers in the community, and ask community members to donate their favorite baked goods. People love it.
6. Online tutorials
Makeup tutorials, watercolor painting, terrarium building, anything people can follow along with.
7. Movie night
Pick a movie, stream it through Zoom or Meet, and tell everyone to grab snacks. Charge a small fee to join. A virtual scavenger hunt also works surprisingly well. People love random challenges. And if your community is musical, a small virtual concert can bring in donations quickly.
Ready to start your online fundraiser?
GoFundMe gives you the tools to create a fundraiser that actually feels personal. In a few seconds, people can make an online donation with a credit card, which adds a layer of simplicity for everyone.
Once you’re set up, you’ll join a global community of fundraisers, volunteers, and good neighbors who show up for each other every single day.
Before you dive in, skim through our tips on what successful fundraisers avoid and explore more fundraising ideas to spark your creativity.