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Fundraising ideas for individuals on behalf of nonprofits

Whether you’re a passionate individual supporter or a nonprofit organization eager to engage more people in your fundraising efforts, we’ve pulled together a slew of individual fundraising ideas that are sure to make an impact. 

From birthday donations and crowdfunding campaigns to baked goods sales and social media challenges, this list of easy fundraising ideas for individuals will help you find the inspiration you need to start raising funds for your favorite organization.

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Home exercise classes

Invite local fitness instructors and coaches to donate their skills and invite community members to join you for at-home exercise classes in exchange for a donation.

Manage everything in one place by broadcasting your classes with a livestream right on your event registration page.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Events

Lip sync competition

Invite community members to sign up and submit their songs for an unforgettable lip-sync battle. Recruit a volunteer panel of judges to select the winners—and don’t forget prizes for the winners!

Sell tickets for this fundraising event online, streamline check-in, and accept extra donations with the same easy platform.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Cooking competition

Take inspiration from the TV show “Chopped” and challenge teams to a culinary showdown!

You can get even more spectators in on the fun by livestreaming the event and asking for donations throughout the program.

Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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Peer-to-peer

Peer-to-peer fundraising

Multiply your reach with a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign in which individuals reach out to their own networks of family, friends, and coworkers to solicit donations for your cause.

Create teams to add some fun competition into the mix—and bring in more donations!

Cost:
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Effort:
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Impact:
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Peer-to-peer

Festive volunteers

Rally volunteers to act as festive little helpers to put up holiday decorations for others in your community in exchange for donations.

Set up a donation form and use custom labels to create fun options, like a $50 donation = putting up your roof lights.

Cost:
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Effort:
2
Impact:
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Speed dating

Find a venue, write up some icebreaker cards, and set a time limit for each date. Charge an entrance fee to this fundraising event and watch the sparks fly.

Encourage extra donations if participants find a special someone!

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Toy drive

Set up a toy drive to allow your community members to turn their generosity into thoughtful gifts for kids over the holiday season. Ask for toy and cash donations, then distribute toys to those most in need and use funds to buy extra gifts.

Let everyone know when, where, and what to donate with the help of email marketing software.

Cost:
1
Effort:
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Impact:
2
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Postcard drive

Handwritten, personalized messages can have a huge impact on your fundraising efforts. During your next campaign, ask volunteers to write and address postcards to your contacts to ask for donations. 

Add a modern twist to this old-school tactic and have volunteers include an easy-to-read, short URL that goes right to your fundraising page. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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Garage sale

Host a garage sale to transform your old belongings into funds for your mission. Your buyers will get some new treasures, and you will reach your fundraising goal.

Use our free email marketing software to send a big launch email with all the details, then send reminders closer to the day of the sale.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Golf tournament

Golf tournaments are an incredible way to build relationships and raise funds for your cause. Charge teams an entry fee, secure sponsorships, and enjoy a day on the green with your community.

Check out our guide to discover how to make your next golf tournament even more profitable.

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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Auctions
Peer-to-peer

Street painting competition

Choose a theme and secure a paved area where supporters can register to paint their own parking space or designated square.

Ask a local business to donate painting supplies, then invite the community to vote for their favorite design by making a donation ($1 = 1 vote) using a scan-to-donate QR code.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Virtual concert

Ask local musicians or bands to perform for a livestreaming audience and invite viewers to make donations or purchase tickets to attend virtually right on your event page.

Make sure to feature a donation thermometer on your page to encourage viewers to make extra donations and get you closer to your goal as they enjoy the music.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Events

Virtual auction

Take the bidding online by allowing participants to browse your silent auction catalog, place bids, and win from anywhere!

Use auction software that makes the bidding process smooth and simple for you and your donors.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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Fundraising page

Count the jellybeans

Fill a big jar with jellybeans or other individual pieces of candy and have guessers write their number estimation next to their name. Use scan-to-donate and other easy mobile payment options to accept donations for guesses on the spot, and offer a worthwhile prize to the person that comes closest!

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
1
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Donation forms

Mystery art show

Invite local artists, students, and other enthusiastic community members to contribute small paintings or other works for an anonymous community art sale.

Charge an entrance fee and invite supporters to purchase pieces all at the same price—without knowing who their artist is until the end of the event!

Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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Pride flag decoration party

Charge attendees a small fee to attend this crafty gathering and then sell or auction off your creations at an upcoming event.

Make the silent auction process as smooth as possible with mobile bidding tools that enable supporters to participate right from their phones.

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Events
Auctions
Donation forms

Legacy giving

Encourage supporters to make a planned gift to your organization (e.g., bequests, charitable trusts, or beneficiary designations) to leave a lasting legacy. Wealth screening software can help you identify the best donors to reach out to right in your CRM.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
3
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Donation forms

Spring cleaning

Rally volunteers together for a spring cleaning of your community space or a street in your neighborhood. Reach out to local businesses to sponsor the event and offer supplies. Then, invite donations from your local community with scan-to-donate signage as you work!

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Fourth of July party

Celebrate our nation’s independence with a red, white, and blue fundraiser! Work with businesses to secure sponsorships and an amazing venue, then sell tickets to your fundraising event, filled with food, music, and activities.

Cost:
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Effort:
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Impact:
2
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Auctions
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Events
Fundraising page

Movies in the park

Ask your community members to join you for a series of movies in the park this summer. Screen a classic or trending movie somewhere scenic, and sell popcorn, drinks, and other refreshments.

Sell tickets online, check guests in with your mobile app, and offer easy payment methods like scan-to-donate for on-the-spot donations.

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Hot chocolate stall

Set up a hot chocolate or coffee stand and sell hot drinks to warm up your community! Have coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and plenty of syrups and toppings that they can add for an extra fee. Don’t forget marshmallows! Make it easy for supporters to pay for their drinks as you make them with scan-to-donate, Venmo, and other seamless payment options.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
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Give $5, grab 5 friends

Ask your supporters to donate $5 to your cause. Then, each donor has to tag at least five people via social media. The goal is that each person who gets tagged matches that $5 gift to your campaign—and then tags five others.

This is a great social media fundraising idea that can spread quickly within your community, helping you raise funds fast.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Donation forms
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Peer-to-peer

Drag bingo

Sell bingo cards for a night of drag entertainment and competition! Winners receive donated prizes. To raise even more at this memorable fundraising event, offer drink specials and sell eye-catching merch.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Events

LGBTQ+ trivia night

Charge a registration fee for a fun night of testing your LGBTQ+ knowledge. To raise additional funds at this fundraising event, sell pride-themed merch, drinks, and snacks, too!

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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Events

Pride-themed merch sale

Design and sell pride-themed merchandise such as t-shirts, buttons, stickers, and flags. To drum up excitement, create a custom donation form, event, or fundraising page that includes images of the available items.

Cost:
1
Effort:
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Impact:
1
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Donation forms
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Frequently asked questions

When it comes to raising funds solo, there are plenty of effective personal fundraising ideas that don't require the support of a large team or organization. Once you choose a nonprofit you want to support, take advantage of online fundraising by creating a personal fundraising page, asking friends and family to contribute to your donation page in lieu of gifts on your birthday, or even running a race and asking for small donations.

There are numerous ways to ask for donations, but be sure to keep a few best practices to keep in mind. Instead of sending generic messages, personalize your outreach to each potential donor. Share why the cause is meaningful to you and how their contribution can truly make a difference. And don't forget to express genuine gratitude for their support, no matter the size of their donation.

While birthday donations and crowdfunding are classic single-person fundraising ideas, larger-scale fundraising campaigns and events are more likely to bring in higher donations with greater speed. Whether you charge an entry fee for a concert, ask local businesses to sponsor a car wash, or sell tickets for a block party, exciting events have the potential to attract a large audience and help you reach your fundraising goal more quickly.

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