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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.

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A group a cute pets
Leaders of Impact - American Heart Association
Cutest Pet Contest!
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Photography walk

Invite a photographer to host a tour around the local area, taking in the sights of the season. Sell tickets in advance and use an easy mobile app to check in guests and take any last-minute payments on the day of. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Examples
518 Film Network
Portraits with Pride
518 Film Network
Portraits with Pride
Lumberyard Arts Center
Photography Basics
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Pumpkin carving contest


See who can carve or decorate the best pumpkin while raising funds for your group or cause. Award prizes in different categories like kids, families, and most talented adults.

Make it easy as pumpkin pie to vote for the winners with a small donation using text-to-donate.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Examples
Huntington Children’s Museum
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Huntington Children’s Museum
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Starland Animal Sanctuary
Happy Hen-O-Ween!
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Peer-to-peer

Dodgeball tournament


Put teams together and face off to see who truly is the best when it comes to dodgeball. Charge teams an entry fee, sell tickets to watch the games, and sell refreshments to raise even more funds.

Invite participants to set up team fundraising pages so they can also compete to see who can raise the most funds for your cause.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Examples
Heroes 4 Kids
Dodgeball Tournament
Heroes 4 Kids
Dodgeball Tournament
SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW MEXICO
LETR Dodgeball Tournament
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Apple bobbing


Set up a stall where people can try apple bobbing in exchange for a small donation. This activity works especially well as part of a fall festival or Halloween event with a range of seasonal activities for families to enjoy.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Examples
Tipp Hill Country Fair & BBQ flyer
SS Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
Tipp Hill Country Fair and BBQ
Tipp Hill Country Fair & BBQ flyer
SS Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
Tipp Hill Country Fair and BBQ
Man and young girl pulling a rope in a tug of war game
Central Park East 1 Parents Association
CPE1 2024 Fall Festival
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Date auction


Brave individuals offer themselves up for your auction to go on a date with the highest bidders. This idea is a little bit dated, but with the right planning, you can have a lot of fun with it.

Ask sponsoring restaurants to donate gift certificates to bring in more bids for these “items”and make for an easy, in-public location for each date.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
Safe Place for Our Tribe
Date Auction
Safe Place for Our Tribe
Date Auction
Mountain View Montessori
Valentine's Date Night Package Virtual Auction
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Holiday movie marathon

Create a lineup of classic holiday movies for a community movie marathon. Sell tickets, popcorn, hot chocolate, and other treats to create a delightful (and profitable!) experience. 

With user-friendly fundraising event features for online ticket sales and in-person donations, organizing this event can be as easy as hitting play on your favorite festive film.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
Wilco Montessori Partners DBA Goodwater Montessori School
Holiday Movie Parent's Night Out
Wilco Montessori Partners DBA Goodwater Montessori School
Holiday Movie Parent's Night Out
Echo Theater Company
FILMathon
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Gift basket auction

Go big with your silent auction baskets! Ask local businesses to donate goods to help you fill hampers with items that fit different themes. Wrap them up nicely to entice bidders and bring in more dollars for your cause. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
Rochester Civic Theatre
Holiday Gift Basket Silent Auction
Rochester Civic Theatre
Holiday Gift Basket Silent Auction
Gift basket
Mirror Ministries
Breakfast Fundraiser
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Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

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.  

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