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Fundraising ideas

We’ve got the best fundraising ideas for good causes of all shapes and sizes! Check out our curated lists or browse all fundraising ideas below by cost, effort, and impact.

Givebutter fundraising progress graphic showing $45,000 raised out of a $50,000 goal (90% complete), with a smiling yellow character holding a light bulb and a green 'Support Now!' button.

All fundraising ideas

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Text-to-donate


With text-to-donate, raising funds is as easy as sending a text. Display your shortcode at fundraising events, share it on social media, or add it to signs so your supporters give using their mobile devices right on the spot—no matter where they are.

See for yourself how easy it is! Text “DEMO” to 53-555.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/text-to-donate
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Thrifty fashion show

Host a fashion show featuring only second-hand clothes, which will then be on sale after the show! Charge an entrance fee, sell food and drinks, and remember to send a big thank you to everyone when your fundraising event is all over. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/thrifty-fashion-show
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Events

Giving Tuesday campaign

Create a special campaign for Giving Tuesday and get your supporters to join in the action with peer-to-peer fundraising pages, social media, and more.

Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/giving-tuesday-campaign
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Events
Pages & forms
Peer-to-peer

Donut fundraiser


Some bakeries like Krispy Kreme sell their doughnuts at a discounted price to individuals and groups raising money for a good cause.

Create a fundraising page or donation form to promote your efforts and make it easier to sell your sweet treats with multiple payment options wherever you are.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/donut-fundraiser
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Events
Pages & forms

Carnival night


Host a magical fundraising event with traditional carnival games, rides, and booths. Charge an all-inclusive admission or use QR codes for each activity to create a smoother pay-as-you-go experience.
Cost:
3
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/carnival-night
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Events

LGBTQ+ trivia night


Charge a registration fee for a fun night of testing your LGBTQ+ knowledge. To raise additional funds at this fundraising event, sell pride-themed merch, drinks, and snacks, too!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/lgbtq-trivia-night
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Events

Virtual scavenger hunt


For this totally remote fundraising event, charge a registration fee and ask participants to use their computer or mobile device to complete various challenges. Share instructions and updates and announce winners from a livestream hosted right on your event page.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-scavenger-hunt
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Events

Pet adoption extravaganza


Partner with a local shelter for an all-day pet adoption palooza. Make it an event to remember and attract more guests with music, games, food, and plenty of furry companions.

You never know—the person who came by for a hot dog might just leave with their forever friend!
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-adoption-extravaganza
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Events

Maze for a cause

Find a large outdoor space where you can build a corn maze from hay bales and turn it into a fundraiser!

Charge an entrance fee to walk the maze and make transactions simple with scan-to-donate and Tap to Pay options. 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/maze-for-a-cause
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Events
Pages & forms

Online quiz

Involve your supporters beyond donations by hosting an interactive, online quiz. Bonus points for including a round connected to your mission.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/online-quiz
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Events

Naming rights


Offer supporters the chance to name a bench, tree, sculpture, or pathway in recognition of their gift.

Create custom labels on your donation form for different naming tiers (e.g., $100 = named brick in a sidewalk).
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/naming-rights
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Parents’ night out


This fundraising event can be a fun gathering for parents—or a chance for grownups to drop off their kids for a few hours in exchange for a donation to your cause. Charge an hourly rate or flat “entrance fee” and give caregivers some priceless peace and quiet.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/parents-night-out
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Events

Candle Making

Host a creative candle building workshop for your team and their family. You’ll raise money, and your guests get to take home their very own candle! 
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/candle-making
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Events
Auctions

Beach ball


Swap the traditional venue for a sunset gala on the beach. With catering, live music, and an auction, you’ll have the perfect recipe for a memorable summer fundraiser.
Cost:
3
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/beach-ball
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Auctions
Events
Pages & forms

T-shirt design contest

Encourage supporters to submit their best t-shirt designs to enter a competition. Set up team fundraising pages for each design and have supporters donate to vote for their favorite. Each donation will appear on a leaderboard so everyone can watch the votes (and donations!) come in.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/t-shirt-design-contest
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Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Family dance


Give the classic “father-daughter” or “mother-son” dance an inclusive update. Invite families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy a fun night of cutting a rug together for a good cause. Choose a theme, sell tickets for your fundraising event online, and raise even more by setting up a photo booth with silly props!

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/family-dance
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Events

Celebrity guest appearance


Invite minor or major league players or other celebrity guests to your fundraising event to make a general appearance, offer a meet-and-greet session for VIPs, or participate in the event themselves! You cansell ticketsand offer food and drink at an additional cost to make this fundraising event a big win for your cause.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/celebrity-guest-appearance
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Events

Dance taster class

Host a ballet, jazz, contemporary, or other dance class for the community. Create a fundraising page and ask for a donation in exchange for a spot, or sell tickets for your taster classes instead.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/dance-taster-class
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Events

Movement challenge


Go solo or form a team to complete a chosen movement challenge in support of your cause. Great for health-related organizations or any group that wants to raise funds through physical activity.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/movement-challenge
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Peer-to-peer
Events
Pages & forms

Taco-Making Contest


Put your culinary skills to the test! Charge an entry fee per team, and provide everyone with the same ingredients. The winner is the team with the tastiest tacos. Ready, set, cook!
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/taco-making-contest
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Events
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Influencer collaboration

Partner with local celebrities, influencers, or experts to amplify your campaign on social. Ask them to donate, match contributions, share your campaign with their followers.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/influencer-collaboration
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Pages & forms
Peer-to-peer

Volleyball tournament

Sell tournament tickets, and spread the word on social media to get your team and wider community involved. Sell concessions, and consider finding a corporate sponsor. 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Share idea
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/volleyball-tournament
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Events
Pages & forms

Day at the zoo


Rally your supporters for an unforgettable fundraising field trip to the zoo. Partner with a local zoo to offer discounted admission that includes a donation to your organization. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/day-at-the-zoo
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Events
Auctions

Speed dating

Find a venue, write up some icebreaker cards, and set a time limit for each date. Charge an entrance fee to this fundraising event and watch the sparks fly.

Encourage extra donations if participants find a special someone!

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/speed-dating
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Events
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