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Fundraising event ideas
Looking to host virtual, in-person, or hybrid fundraising experiences this year? Whether you’re planning your first event or seeking fresh tactics to re-engage your community, we’ve got plenty of easy, fun, and budget-friendly event fundraising ideas to consider.
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Turkey Trot
Give your community a good reason to break out their jogging shoes on Turkey Day! Offer a one-stop shop for runner signups and donations with registration fundraising tools.
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Scary movie marathon
Pick a series of spooky films to show every Friday night in October. Sell Halloween-themed concessions and display a QR code to encourage donations before the show begins!
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Monster Mash
Throw a rockin’ Halloween party for a good cause! Sell tickets and sponsorships, use Tap to Pay for drinks and snacks, and celebrate the best costumes with special prizes.
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Trunk or treat
Ask local businesses to sponsor this non-traditional trick-or-treating experience. Families and volunteers decorate their cars and hand out candy to kids in a designated parking lot for a safe, fun-filled event.
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Thanksgiving dinner
Host a big Thanksgiving meal to bring your entire community together. Sell tickets on a sliding scale so everyone can join in the fun.
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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.
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Online quiz
Involve your supporters beyond donations by hosting an interactive, online quiz. Bonus points for including a round connected to your mission.
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Livestream donation challenge
Livestream an event like a concert, film, or informational session related to your mission. Set a clear donation goal to reach by the end of the event.
Social media takeover
Let a supporter, influencer, or volunteer run your socials for a day! A takeover brings fresh energy, authentic voices, and new eyes to your fundraiser.
Social media bingo
Create a bingo card of fun tasks—like donating, sharing, or tagging friends—and challenge supporters to complete a row. Engagement meets friendly competition!
Pet expo
Partner with local vendors to bring your animal-loving community together for an exciting day out. Pets and their people can visit various tents, participate in activities, and learn about your organization’s impact. Sell tickets for general admission, and for a larger donation, offer VIP tent access with catered treats for both humans and furry friends.
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Dinner dance
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Pros vs. Joes
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Virtual tournament
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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!
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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!
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Silent disco
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Three point contest
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Trash-a-thon
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Cornhole tournament
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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.
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3-v-3 tournament
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Calendar fundraiser
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Volleyball tournament
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Baseball bingo
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Get top features for your fundraising events
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Frequently asked questions
What is a fundraising event?
A fundraising event is a planned gathering to raise money for a nonprofit organization or other charitable project. These events create opportunities for supporters to contribute financially while engaging with the organization's cause in a meaningful, enjoyable way.
What is an example of a fundraising event?
A charity run or walk is a classic type of fundraiser where participants gain sponsors and raise funds to support an organization's work. Participants typically collect pledges based on the distance they complete, bringing together community support and financial contributions.
What are the most profitable fundraising events?
The most profitable fundraising event ideas include:
- Selling tickets and charging entry fees for large events like galas
- Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns that engage friends and family with personal fundraising pages
- Virtual and in-person charity golf tournaments
- Annual giving days with donation matching opportunities, livestreams, and more
To ensure that your fundraising event is a success, use Givebutter’s free event planning checklist!
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