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Fundraising ideas

We’ve got the best fundraising ideas for good causes of all shapes and sizes! Check out our curated lists or browse all fundraising ideas below by cost, effort, and impact.

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Donate or dare

Pledge to do something wild, exciting, or newsworthy if your fundraising campaign hits or exceeds its target.

Share regular campaign updates and add a goal bar to your fundraising page to keep the momentum going and encourage more donations.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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Fundraising page
Peer-to-peer

Pajama day

For a small donation, students can come to school in their pajamas and enjoy a cozy day. Grownups can organize a pajama day fundraiser at work, too! Accept donations in advance or on the day of via multiple payment methods like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Venmo.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pajama-day
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Events
Donation forms

Color run

Spray participants with brightly colored powder along the course of your charity fun run. By the end, runners will be rainbow-ed! Set up a photo booth at the finish line for selfies, and encourage donations on social media via a scan-to-donate code.

Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/color-run
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Holiday wreath sale

Partner with a local nursery to sell holiday wreaths made of fresh greenery. Create a fundraising page where supporters can purchase them with ease.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/holiday-wreath-sale
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Fundraising page
Donation forms

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:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/fourth-of-july-party
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Auctions
Donation forms
Events
Fundraising page

Autographed jersey auction

Connected to the right people? Procure and auction off autographed jerseys (or other memorabilia) to your supporters. You’d be surprised how willing athletes are to offer their signature for a good cause! Take advantage of intuitive auction software for simple and easy bidding, custom item descriptions, and more—no matter if your auction is in-person or completely virtual.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/autographed-jersey-auction
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Auctions

Pet run/walk

Invite community members to bring their furry friends along to walk in a charity 5K. Encourage participants to create individual fundraising pages that feature their pets, set a donation goal, and help spread the word about the cause.

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-run-walk
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Events
Peer-to-peer

Sports clinic

Host a sports clinic or skills camp for participants to learn from top coaches, pro players, or other notable experts. Depending on the scale of your clinic, you can sell several tickets to the public or offer just a few spots as a big-ticket silent auction item at a fundraising event.

Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sports-clinic
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Events
Auctions

Battle of the bands

Host a battle of the bands with local musicians. Change the audience a small ticket fee, or raise funds by selling drinks and snacks.

Raise even more money by livestreaming the show. Encourage your supporters to tune in, support the event, and donate what they can towards your goal.

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/battle-of-the-bands
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Events

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
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/24-hour-marathon
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Events

Valet parking

Create and sell custom VIP event tickets that offer parking perks to donors who'd appreciate the convenience of getting dropped off right at the game entrance.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/valet-parking
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Events

Oktoberfest

Take inspiration from the popular German event and host your own Oktoberfest with carnival games, a haunted house, and plenty of beer and non-alcoholic drinks.

This fall festival idea is a great way to raise funds for your cause and give your supporters an exciting day out.

Cost:
3
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/oktoberfest
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Events
Donation forms
Fundraising page

Trike-a-thon

Create a race course and encourage family and friends to sponsor your little big-wheel racers by making a donation on their behalf on your fundraising page.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/trike-a-thon
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Events
Fundraising page

Sponsor my uniform fundraiser

Bring your A-game to a uniform sponsorship drive!

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).

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sponsor-my-uniform-fundraiser
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Fundraising page
Peer-to-peer

3-v-3 tournament

Whether it’s soccer, volleyball, or basketball, organize a fast-paced 3v3 tournament where teams compete to hit a set score or time limit. Require a minimum donation to enter and sell tickets for spectators to cheer them on.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/3-v-3-tournament
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Events
Fundraising page

Holiday cookie sale

Whip up some sweet treats to sell at your next fundraising event, group gathering, or around town. Consider setting up a station for supporters to decorate their own cookies or create kits for families to bring home in exchange for a donation.

Streamline the buying process with scan-to-donate—which guest can use to make their payment instantly right from their phones!

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/holiday-cookie-sale
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Events
Donation forms

Used book sale

Reserve a space and have your community donate their used books for the cause. Set a price for each book and use scan-to-donate or Venmo to easily accept payments on the spot.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/used-book-sale
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Events
Donation forms

Pet therapy

Invite local animal shelters to bring adoptable dogs and cats to campus during midterms or finals to reduce student stress and raise money for a good cause.

Charge an entry fee and sell inexpensive extras like dog and cat treats. Be sure to offer multiple ways to purchase treats in-person like scan-to-donate and Venmo!

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-therapy
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Events

Neighborhood tailgate party

Swap the stadium for your local streets and host a neighborhood tailgate party. Clear a block or two and set up food stalls, carnival games, and plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.

You can make the event free and charge for activities or create a ticketed event—whichever you choose, our fundraising event features can help.

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/neighborhood-tailgate-party
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Events
Donation forms

Storybook Character Dress-Up Day

Invite students to come to school dressed as their favorite storybook characters. Charge a small participation fee and organize storytimes throughout the day.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/storybook-character-dress-up-day
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Events
Donation forms
Fundraising page

Pet spa day

Recruit volunteers to perform various pet grooming services like bathing and nail trimming. Charge a fee for every “treatment” at this fundraising event by offering tiered ticket types for various services and combinations.

Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pet-spa-day
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Events

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
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/international-women-s-day-fundraiser
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Auctions
Donation forms
Events
Fundraising page
Peer-to-peer

Bring your pet to work day

Let employees bring their furry friends to work for the day in an exchange for a donation to your local animal shelter. Organize pet-themed activities and competitions to raise additional funds. To get remote employees involved, livestream some of the activities and invite coworkers to tune in!

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/bring-your-pet-to-work-day
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Events
Fundraising page
Donation forms

Caroling

Embrace the holiday spirit and spread joy by going caroling around town or at an event. Pass the hat for cash donations AND hold a big QR code or text-to-donate number for easy mobile giving!

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/caroling
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Donation forms
Events
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