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All fundraising ideas
United Way fundraising ideas
Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the game, we’ve got a whole spread of creative fundraising ideas tailored to supporting United Way’s efforts. From community events to workplace initiatives, these United Way campaign fundraising ideas will inspire more supporters to get in on the action.
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Escape Room Challenge
Charge a participation fee and challenge teams to solve puzzles and clues to "escape” from various spaces in this exciting, community-building fundraising event.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/escape-room-challenge
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Raise some dough with cookie dough
Buy wholesale cookie dough for volunteers to sell during peak cookie-baking season. To gamify your efforts, use peer-to-peer fundraising so participants can compete to see who sold the most!
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/raise-some-dough-with-cookie-dough
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Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms
Corporate matching gift drive
Create a special awareness campaign and fundraiser that highlights the matching donation programs that many companies offer.
Feature matching gifts on your fundraising page and encourage corporate staffers to explore employer matching via Double the Donation.
Feature matching gifts on your fundraising page and encourage corporate staffers to explore employer matching via Double the Donation.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Examples
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/corporate-matching-gift-drive
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Events
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Community potluck dinner
Invite each person to contribute a dish and invite at least two people to join your dinner. To keep everything organized, customize your fundraising page or donation form so participants can note what dish they’re bringing when they RSVP—and make a contribution to your campaign.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/community-potluck-dinner
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Art festival
Secure a large space, reach out to local artists, and charge an entrance fee to your very own art festival. Check-in attendees and accept payments at the door and use scan-to-donate to encourage additional in-person donations throughout the event.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Examples
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/art-festival
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Events
Community service day
Organize volunteers to participate in a day of community care—tackling local projects and tasks in exchange for donations from your community members.
Showcase every project or fundraiser you’re working on using a central giving hub, so supporters can see all your amazing work in one place.
Showcase every project or fundraiser you’re working on using a central giving hub, so supporters can see all your amazing work in one place.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/community-service-day
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Events
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International Women's Day fundraiser
Highlight the power, strength, and talent of women in your community today and throughout history with a special fundraising event.
Whether it’s in-person, virtual, or hybrid, raise more and stress less with easy online registration, mobile app check-ins, and live display
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/international-women-s-day-fundraiser
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Auctions
Events
Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms
Bingo night
Sell bingo cards and offer exciting prizes to keep everyone engaged all night long—either virtually or in person!
In the lead-up to your fundraising event, entice attendees with campaign updates featuring teasers of some of the prizes at stake to build anticipation.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/bingo-night
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Events
Night at the museum
Secure a sponsorship from a local museum and invite families and community members to make a donation to enjoy a crowd-free evening of fun.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/night-at-the-museum
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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:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/peer-to-peer-fundraising
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Peer-to-peer
24-hour marathon
Host a 24-hour livestream fundraiser for a high-energy day of fun and fundraising.
Great livestream activity ideas include a poetry slam, gaming tournament, or virtual concert.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/24-hour-marathon
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Events
Peer-to-peer
Battle of the food trucks
Host a showdown between some of your favorite food trucks. Ask each truck to donate a percentage of sales towards your good cause, and award a fun prize to the truck that makes the most sales that day.
Partnering with food trucks is a great way to reach your fundraising target. Discover how to secure corporate sponsorships.
Partnering with food trucks is a great way to reach your fundraising target. Discover how to secure corporate sponsorships.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/battle-of-the-food-trucks
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Events
Engraved bricks
Allow supporters to “buy” a brick for your next construction project that will have their name or dedication engraved on it for all to see.
Use custom fields on your donation form to capture essential details for donors’ bricks—and be sure to set a word count limit so they don’t go over!
Cost:
2
Effort:
1
Impact:
3
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/engraved-bricks
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Pages & forms
Themed auction
Partner with local businesses to source items for a themed auction with a variety of attractive packages, exciting products, and alluring getaways.
Asking for items to sell at your auction can feel daunting at first, so use this silent auction donation request guide to help you build relationships and attract amazing donations.
Asking for items to sell at your auction can feel daunting at first, so use this silent auction donation request guide to help you build relationships and attract amazing donations.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/themed-auction
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Auctions
Donation matching
Build relationships with local businesses and major donors that can offer matching donations to feature during your next campaign.
Matching gifts create an enormous incentive for supporters who understand that they can automatically double (or even triple or quadruple!) their impact for your cause.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/donation-matching
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Pages & forms
Text-to-donate
With text-to-donate, raising funds is as easy as sending a text. Display your shortcode at fundraising events, share it on social media, or add it to signs so your supporters give using their mobile devices right on the spot—no matter where they are.
See for yourself how easy it is! Text “DEMO” to 53-555.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
3
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/text-to-donate
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Pages & forms
Virtual gala
Showcase live or pre-recorded presentations and guest speakers, host an auction, and solicit donations—all livestreamed from your event registration page.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-gala
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Events
Auctions
Telethon
Livestream an engaging program from your fundraising page with information, entertainment, and impact stories to inspire viewers to donate. Task volunteers with accepting gifts over the phone and replying to comments and gifts on your supporter feed. Don’t forget to display a live thermometer so everyone can watch donations come in in real time!
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/telethon
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Events
Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms
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
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/golf-tournament
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Events
Auctions
Peer-to-peer
Online bake sale
Sell homemade or donated treats through a donation form, event page, or buy-now auction, and organize volunteers to make deliveries after purchase! For some additional funds, allow recipients to make a donation alongside their purchase.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-bake-sale
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Auctions
Pages & forms
Networking night
Find a suitable space, charge an entry fee, and check in attendees as they arrive at your networking event! Get creative by inviting food trucks and hosting hands-on activities.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
Examples
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/networking-night
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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.
Use auction software that makes the bidding process smooth and simple for you and your donors.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-auction
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Auctions
Pages & forms
Pancake breakfast
There’s nothing like pancakes to bring a community together. Charge an entry fee for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, or ask a local restaurant to sponsor the event to make it even sweeter.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pancake-breakfast
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Events
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Holiday card campaign
Send a festive holiday card—by mail or email—to share season’s greetings, thank your supporters, and invite them to contribute toward your year-end fundraising goals.
Use Givebutter’s built-in Canva integration to add extra cheer to your letters or emails in just a few clicks.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
Examples
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/holiday-card-campaign
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Pages & forms
Annual holiday party
Throw a big annual holiday party to finish the year in style. Make this a VIP event and raise funds through ticket sales or partner up with sponsors to help offset costs and reach more supporters.
With Givebutter you can create unlimited custom event ticket types—allowing you to create fun VIP packages to offer to your partygoers.
With Givebutter you can create unlimited custom event ticket types—allowing you to create fun VIP packages to offer to your partygoers.
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
Examples
https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/annual-holiday-party
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Events
Looks like we don’t have any fundraising ideas matching that criteria 🔎
We're always cooking up new ideas, so check back soon for fresh picks!
Dive into our list of best fundraising ideas in the meantime
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Frequently asked questions
How can I raise money fast for my United Way?
To raise money quickly for United Way, focus on digital fundraising initiatives like online campaigns and leveraging social media for maximum reach. Encourage people to donate right on your website, or even through text-to-donate! Virtual fundraising events are another low-cost way to involve more supporters and engage donors remotely.
What are the best United Way fundraisers?
Some of the best United Way fundraising event ideas include community events like 5k races or charity walks, virtual galas or auctions, and peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns.
Additionally, there are many popular United Way office fundraising ideas to encourage corporate giving. Matching gift programs and sponsorships are among the top United Way fundraiser ideas for the workplace.
How do I plan my United fundraising events?
To plan your United Way fundraising events, you’ll need to sort out a few logistics. Start by setting clear goals and objectives, and determine your target audience and budget. Consider venue selection, event timeline, and necessary permits or permissions, too. You might want to use an event planning checklist to keep track of everything!
Then, promote your event through various channels, such as social media, email newsletters, and local media outlets. When it’s over, remember to thank your community for all of their support.
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