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All fundraising ideas
Creative fundraising ideas
While bake sales and car washes are tried-and-true strategies for raising funds, it’s smart to mix things up and keep your supporters on their toes with innovative fundraising ideas.
To get inspired, check out these unique fundraiser ideas that put a fresh spin on traditional events, whether by flipping them entirely on their head or introducing bold new themes.
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/kiss-the-pig
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/feast-of-ideas
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pottery-or-clay-experiences
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/shamrock-festival
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/historic-home-tour
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/queen-brunch-or-dinner
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Fur a good paws
Host the ulti-mutt fundraiser your animal charity or veterinary nonprofit with this pun-tastic theme. Rally your community in support of their four-legged friends for a day of celebration and giving.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/fur-a-good-paws
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Food fight
This isn’t your typical cafeteria food fight. This cleverly named event raises awareness and funds to fight food insecurity and help keep your community fed.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/food-fight
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Elect an animal
Nominate some of the animals in your care to be “election candidates.” Create fundraising pages for the nominees and have supporters cast their vote by donating. Be sure to spotlight each animal’s story and how your organization has helped them thrive.
The winning animal receives some extra treats—and social media recognition!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/elect-an-animal
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/books-and-bubbly-event
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/arts-for-animals
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-portraits
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/creative-design-workshop
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/movement-challenge
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/chords-for-cancer-gala
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/diy-workshop
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/themed-run
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/taco-making-contest
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Sell merch
Branded t-shirts, hoodies, totes, or water bottles are a tried-and-true way to raise money and spread the word about your organization. Set up an online store and sell merch at community events to increase visibility and donations.
Cost:
2
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sell-merch
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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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/calendar-fundraiser
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Singing telegram
Unleash your inner performer with a singing telegram! Cast willing team members to be singers, and and sell performances for a set donation amount.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/singing-telegram
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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
Examples
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/cutest-pet-contest
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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
Examples
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/paint-and-sip
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Church trivia nights
Put your knowledge to the test with a faith-filled trivia night! Pick a lively host, sell team tickets, and let the friendly competition begin.
Want to reach an even bigger audience? Go hybrid or virtual so everyone can join in on the fun!
Want to reach an even bigger audience? Go hybrid or virtual so everyone can join in on the fun!
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/church-trivia-nights
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Costume contest
Throw a themed costume party to match the season or holiday and award prizes for the best costumes! Sell tickets to your fundraising event online and partner with local sponsors to offset costs and spread the word.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/costume-contest
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Frequently asked questions
How can I be creative in fundraising?
Creativity in fundraising means thinking outside the box and finding unique ways to entice donors. Try hosting themed events, leveraging social media challenges, or tapping into the specific interests of your local community. When you put a creative twist on a classic, easy fundraising idea, your supporters will love it—and you’ll be one step closer to your fundraising goal.
Why are unusual fundraising ideas important?
Alternative fundraising ideas keep donors engaged and excited. They generate buzz around your cause with existing supporters—and can help you bring in new ones, especially through peer-to-peer fundraising. The right theme can make all the difference when it comes to selling tickets, attracting sponsors, or driving donations.
How do I get supporters excited about a different fundraising idea?
If your audience is used to the same predictable ways of raising money, new, creative ideas for fundraising might be an adjustment. Partner with local businesses to help spread the word and offer fun prizes for the winners. That support builds excitement and can boost your fundraising efforts significantly.
Why try a creative fundraising idea instead of a traditional one?
An out-of-the-box fundraising idea can motivate donors in ways a traditional one can’t. Whether you host a cat-themed soirée for your animal charity or an ugly sweater contest in collaboration with local businesses, a creative fundraising idea will get people talking—and donating.
How do I choose the right creative fundraising idea for my group?
When choosing a fundraising idea, consider your mission, resources, and what motivates your supporters. A family event at a local park where you charge an entry fee works great for a community group. For a church group, try a faith-themed trivia night with baked goods for sale. A creatively themed silent auction is always a hit—people love the chance to win without the pressure of traditional paddle-raising.
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