Copied!
All fundraising ideas

Arts and culture fundraising ideas

From gallery openings to youth music programs, fundraising for the arts is all about connection—and a touch of creative magic. These campaigns don’t just raise money; they tell stories, spark emotion, and invite supporters into something bigger.

Whether you're looking for theatre-specific ideas or fresh ways to fund your arts and culture organizations, these arts and culture fundraising ideas inspire creativity and help your mission take center stage.

Featured campaign
Tuck Everlasting Ad & Patron Drive flyer
Filter
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Kiss the pig


Invite supporters to donate for your good cause with a creative twist—the top fundraiser earns the honor of kissing a pig!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/kiss-the-pig
All
Events
Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Feast of ideas


Celebrate the knowledge and passion of your school or learning community with a gala or dinner event centered on sharing ideas, insights, and wisdom.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/feast-of-ideas
All
Events
Auctions
Pages & forms

Beach bingo


Give the traditional game of bingo a summer twist by hosting it on or near the beach. Set the vibe with upbeat music, tropical decorations, and beachside snacks and drinks.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/beach-bingo
All
Events
Pages & forms

Pottery or clay experiences


Encourage your community to try clay sculpting or pottery painting—or host a clay shooting experience to raise funds for your cause. Perfect for those who enjoy hands-on activities or the great outdoors.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pottery-or-clay-experiences
All
Events
Pages & forms

Shamrock festival


Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a shamrock-themed live event or auction in support of a good cause. Go all out with a green color scheme, traditional live music, and Irish-inspired activities.
Cost:
3
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/shamrock-festival
All
Events
Pages & forms

Jump-a-thon


Organize a jump-a-thon where participants collect pledges for every jump—or every minute they keep jumping. It’s a fun, high-energy way to raise money while fostering community and a little friendly competition.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/jump-a-thon
All
Peer-to-peer
Events
Pages & forms

Summer camp fundraiser


Organize paid day or week-long camps filled with favorite summertime activities like arts, sports, and outdoor adventures. Parents receive childcare and kids build new skills—creating a win-win event that raises money while strengthening community ties.
Cost:
3
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/summer-camp-fundraiser
All
Events
Pages & forms

Historic home tour


Open up the doors to your historic home or local landmark and invite the public inside for an exclusive look. Sell tickets, tell its story, and raise much-needed funds for your cause or a restoration project.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/historic-home-tour
All
Events
Pages & forms

Queen brunch or dinner


Invite supporters to dress up for a classy brunch or dinner party. This event is all about elegance, with every ticket helping raise money for a good cause.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/queen-brunch-or-dinner
All
Events
Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Take a stroll


Host an inclusive fun run event that’s a little more leisurely. Set a time window for participants to complete their stroll and encourage them to collect donations through peer-to-peer fundraising pages. Be sure to showcase their achievements on social media! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/take-a-stroll
All
Events
Peer-to-peer

Boardwalk bash


Host a boardwalk get-together complete with carnival games and treats. You can also use the event to introduce a renovation project for your beachside community and rally support for your cause.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/boardwalk-bash
All
Events
Pages & forms

Books and bubbly event


Host a literary-themed silent auction or raffle—think signed books, gift cards, and book-related tech. Perfect for libraries and community projects.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/books-and-bubbly-event
All
Auctions
Events

Arts for animals


Whether you’re hosting an animal art auction or a concert to promote environmental awareness, animals and the arts go hand in hand when it comes to fundraising. 

Dedicate time during your event for a “mission moment” to remind supporters why they’re essential to your work—and highlight the positive impact their donations make.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/arts-for-animals
All
Events
Auctions

Pet portraits


Pet owners love having portraits of their pets—even if they’re not made by professionals! Host a fun pet portrait fundraiser where volunteers draw or paint pictures of supporters’ furry friends. Ask donors to bring a photo of their pet or upload one when they make a donation online. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-portraits
All
Events
Auctions
Pages & forms

Creative design workshop


Host a paid workshop that teaches hands-on skills like painting, design thinking, or advanced crafting. Ask instructors to volunteer their time, and keep supply costs low by partnering with local business sponsors to maximize profit margins.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/creative-design-workshop
All
Events
Pages & forms

Chords for Cancer gala


Invite your community to an evening of music, dance, and entertainment in support of cancer research. Host one large gala event or a series of smaller shows throughout the year.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/chords-for-cancer-gala
All
Events
Auctions
Pages & forms

DIY workshop


Host a DIY workshop where attendees pay to learn new skills—like crafting, home repair, or cooking—while supporting your cause. Charge an entry fee for each class, and use donated materials and volunteer instructors to lower costs and boost revenue.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/diy-workshop
All
Events
Pages & forms

Themed run


Make your peer-to-peer fundraising run truly memorable with a standout theme! Ask participants to dress up and choose a route relevant to the theme. Encourage participants to create teams to build community and boost the competitive spirit! 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/themed-run
All
Events
Peer-to-peer

Outdoor education class


Invite your community to explore the world around you with an outdoor education experience. Determine your target age group(s) and create an out-of-classroom adventure they’ll treasure.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/outdoor-education-class
All
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
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/taco-making-contest
All
Events
Pages & forms

Calendar fundraiser

Design a calendar featuring fun or themed photos from your community, event participants, or volunteers. Sell it for a set donation amount, or use it as an auction item or giveaway prize.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/calendar-fundraiser
All
Pages & forms

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
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/candle-making
All
Events
Auctions

Cutest pet contest

Who has the cutest pet in your community? Host a photo contest to find out! Invite participants to submit a photo of their four-legged (or feathered or scaly!) friend for a set donation amount. Then, open up voting to the public—each vote can be a small donation. Crown a winner, raise funds, and flood everyone’s feed with cuteness.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/cutest-pet-contest
All
Events
Pages & forms

Paint and sip

Get creative juices flowing with a fundraising paint and sip! Sell tickets, and provide snacks and art materials. Add an element of friendly competition and ask participants to vote on their favorite painting at the end. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/paint-and-sip
All
Events
Pages & forms

Pop-up clothing shop


Ask community members to purge their wardrobes and donate sell-worthy items to your cause. Host a pop-up clothing shop at a local venue and sell tickets for entry!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
Link copied!
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pop-up-clothing-shop
All
Events
Pages & forms
Looks like we don’t have any fundraising ideas matching that criteria 🔎
We're always cooking up new ideas, so check back soon for fresh picks!
Dive into our list of best fundraising ideas in the meantime 

Frequently asked questions

Choose a format that highlights your art—like a gallery opening, student showcase, or interactive class. Set a fundraising goal, recruit volunteers, promote widely, and include donation options like ticket sales, raffles, or an online donation page.

The most profitable fundraising campaigns typically have low costs, high engagement, and the potential for recurring support. Some top-performing fundraising activities include:

  • Peer-to-peer fundraising 🤝 Empower supporters to fundraise on your behalf by creating and sharing personal donation pages with their friends and family.
  • Silent auctions 🎟️ Secure donated auction items and experiences, then award them to the highest bidders in a silent or live auction.
  • Matching gift campaigns 💰 Partner with businesses to match donations and reach your fundraising goals faster than ever.
  • Recurring giving programs 🔄 Offer the option for monthly or yearly donations directly on your fundraiser page.

Fundraising for arts and culture programs can take many forms, from selling artwork to hosting one-of-a-kind events that bring together artists and the local community. Here are some engaging ideas:

  • Art auctions 🎨 An art auction is the fundraising idea to top them all! Collect donated artwork from local artists and auction them off in-person or online.
  • Community mural projects 🏙️ Allow donors to sponsor sections of a mural to fund community arts programs.
  • Crowdfunding 🚀 Use Givebutter to create a donation page and tell your story with compelling images and videos.
  • Art shows 🖼️  Sell tickets or ask for donations to showcase local talent.
  • Workshops and classes ✏️ People love to learn! Raise funds by teaching art techniques or offering exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences.
  • Shows 🎭 One of the best ways to nail performing arts fundraising is by hosting a live performance for supporters to attend! Shows make a fantastic theater fundraising idea, too.

Subscribe to
The Butter Brief

Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox

Subscribed! Your fundraising journey just got a whole lot butter. 🧈
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Givebutter helps you turn ideas into impact

Subscribe to
The Butter Brief

Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox

Subscribed! Your fundraising journey just got a whole lot butter. 🧈
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

The most-loved fundraising platform