Cancer fundraising ideas
Raising awareness for cancer—and supporting those whose lives are impacted by the disease—is a meaningful way to bring your local community together.
Whether you’re fundraising in memory of a loved one or raising much-needed funds for ongoing research, these fundraising ideas for cancer can help you rally support and inspire donations.
%201.png)
T-shirt design contest
Shave for the cause
Create a peer to peer fundraising campaign and invite participants to create their own pages and compete to raise the most funds. Watch the leaderboard for live updates on who’s in the lead. The person with the highest amount raised or the most individual donations will shave their head—or nominate someone else to shave their own!
Concert for a cause
Work with popular local musicians and performers to host a benefit concert with a percentage of the proceeds going towards your cause.
Want to make sure everyone can listen in and donate, no matter where they are? Livestream your concert to the masses and enable people to contribute to your campaign without leaving the stream.
Crowdfunding campaign
Collect online donations from friends, family, and community members by creating a fundraising page that lays out your needs and the impact that you will make with the money you raise. Use photos and videos to make your story more engaging, and use a goal bar to showcase your progress.
Be sure to follow crowdfunding best practices in order to make your campaign an even bigger success!
Donation matching
Build relationships with local businesses and major donors that can offer matching donations to feature during your next campaign.
Matching gifts create an enormous incentive for supporters who understand that they can automatically double (or even triple or quadruple!) their impact for your cause.
Telethon
Livestream an engaging program from your fundraising page with information, entertainment, and impact stories to inspire viewers to donate. Task volunteers with accepting gifts over the phone and replying to comments and gifts on your supporter feed. Don’t forget to display a live thermometer so everyone can watch donations come in in real time!
Frequently asked questions
What is a cancer fundraiser?
A cancer fundraiser is a campaign or event designed to raise money for a cancer charity, nonprofit, or individuals impacted by the disease. These fundraising efforts may support ongoing research, cancer awareness, or provide care for those undergoing cancer treatment. Many breast cancer fundraisers are held in memory of a loved one or to help cover a friend or family member’s medical expenses.
What are the best cancer fundraising ideas?
The best cancer fundraising ideas align with your cause and inspire your community members to get involved. Top fundraisers for cancer patients include a fun run, trivia or karaoke night, bike ride, gala, bake sale, or picnic in the park. A t-shirt design contest is another popular fundraising idea for breast cancer.
How much does it cost to do a cancer fundraiser?
The cost of a fundraiser for cancer depends on the event type and whether you have sponsors. Some fundraisers—like a community picnic or online fundraiser—are more affordable to host than others, like a gala or auction.
How can I raise money for cancer?
To successfully fundraise for cancer research or care, start by choosing a fundraising activity that fits your audience and goals. Will you charge an entry fee for a large event or raise funds with a car wash? Once you’ve decided, organize your fundraiser, set up a donation page, and promote it through social media, word of mouth, and partnerships with local businesses.
%201.png)
Subscribe to
The Butter Brief
Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox

Givebutter helps you turn ideas into impact
.webp)
Subscribe to
The Butter Brief
Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox

The most-loved fundraising platform
.png)
%201.png)



%201.png)
.webp)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)