Cheap fundraising ideas
Making an impact doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Changemakers looking to raise funds without burning a hole in their pockets can choose from hundreds of inexpensive fundraising ideas. This list of lower-cost and free fundraising ideas will help you reach your goal without breaking the bank.
%201.png)
Team mission trip fundraiser









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.









Animal allies
Encourage recurring donors by launching an animal ally monthly giving program. Your monthly supporters will receive exclusive updates about the animals their money is helping, plus access to special events and volunteer opportunities.









Jog-a-thon
Host a family friendly jog-a-thon at your local running track. Participants can collect pledges for the number of laps they jog, walk, or run. Recruit volunteers to tally the number of laps each participant completes.









Dance taster class









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!









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!









Dance workshop









Fix the felines
Launch a trap-neuter-return fundraising campaign to help reduce the number of stray cats and kittens in your community.
Make your fundraising goal visible with a fundraising thermometer, so supporters can see how their contributions are moving you one step closer to your goal.









Zookeeper
Create individual pages for the animals you care for and invite your supporters to donate to become a “Zookeeper” for a group or specific animal. Zookeepers receive regular updates on their animals and special access to events and volunteer opportunities.









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.









Camp experience auction
Auction off camp spots, exclusive experiences, or premium camp gear to the highest bidders. This event builds excitement and encourages friendly competition while raising funds for beloved camp programs.









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.









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.









Raise for rescues
Create a giving day or online fundraising campaign to raise awareness for your shelter program. Share photos and stories that highlight your impact and offer multiple giving levels so everyone can take part in making a difference.









Marathon
A marathon is a classic fun run fundraising event—perfect for your most ambitious supporters! You can host your own fundraising event, or give supporters the resources they need to raise money for your organization by running in an existing race.









Trash-a-thon









Cornhole tournament









Singing telegram









Cutest pet contest









Church trivia nights
Want to reach an even bigger audience? Go hybrid or virtual so everyone can join in on the fun!









Sponsor my uniform fundraiser
Create a fun, easy sponsorship form so players can rally support from friends and family to help cover uniform costs——because looking sharp on the field starts with a little team spirit (and a lot of love from your biggest fans).









Baseball bingo









Home run derby
Have participants create personal peer-to-peer fundraising pages and collect pledges from friends and family based on the number of home runs they hit. Sell tickets to watch the game and award prizes to the winners.









Baseball hit-a-thon
Collect pledges or donations from supporters based on the number of hits they make during a designated period of time. Have each participant create a personal peer-to-peer fundraising page and reach out to friends and family for donations!









Frequently asked questions
What is the most affordable fundraising idea?
The most affordable, low-cost fundraising ideas typically utilize existing resources and free tools. Many nonprofits launch online fundraising campaigns with free fundraising software or organize events with low overhead, such as car washes, bake sales, or virtual talent shows in which participants donate their time and artistry for the cause.
Is there a free fundraising platform?
Yes! Givebutter is an all-in-one fundraising platform that is completely free to use. Unlike other fundraising websites, Givebutter pricing doesn’t include hefty subscriptions or hidden fees. Instead, it’s funded by optional tips from donors.
How do I start a free fundraiser?
If you want to start a free fundraiser, the best tool you can use is an online fundraising page where you can easily collect donations and spread the word about your efforts.
It takes just a few minutes to create a free Givebutter account and launch any campaign, whether it’s a donation form, a peer-to-peer fundraiser, or a livestream event. Plus, don’t forget to take advantage of Givebutter’s full suite of CRM and engagement tools to streamline your efforts for fundraising that’s free and easy.
%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)