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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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Share “tails” of impact


Bring your supporters together for an event to showcase the stories of animals you’ve helped—or tell your “tails” of impact directly on your fundraising page. Share stories that tug at your donors’ heartstrings and show the impact of their generosity.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/share-tails-of-impact
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Volleyball tournament

Sell tournament tickets, and spread the word on social media to get your team and wider community involved. Sell concessions, and consider finding a corporate sponsor. 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/volleyball-tournament
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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
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/online-bake-sale
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Auctions
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Dance marathon

See how long your dance group’s members can dance for by hosting a dance marathon. Set challenges throughout the experience, and use livestreaming to not only bring the experience to a wider group but add more interactivity and fun to the day.
Cost:
1
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/dance-marathon
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Peer-to-peer

Video challenge

Launch a video challenge that invites followers to do something fun, challenging, or unexpected. Have them share their videos on social media and tag their friends.

Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/video-challenge
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Events

Rent your space

Rent your field, venue, office, or community space to other groups and organizations to make the most of any time it isn't in use.

Spread the word that your space is available for rent with your email marketing software. Don’t forget to include photos of the space to encourage interest! 
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/rent-your-space
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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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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-concert
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Sledding course

Embrace the winter wonderland and assemble your own sledding course for all to enjoy. Encourage participants to bring their own sleds and contribute to your cause in exchange for a thrilling ride. Simplify donations with scan-to-donate and raise additional funds by selling cozy treats like hot chocolate or soup.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/sledding-course
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CEO challenge

Challenge company leaders to undertake fun or silly activities if you reach your fundraising goal. For example, the CEO could agree to wear a superhero costume for a day if your office reaches its fundraising target by a certain date. Use a custom donation page with a goal bar so everyone can watch donations roll in—and make sure you hit your goal.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/ceo-challenge
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Desk decorating contest


Choose a theme and invite participants to decorate their workspace, door, etc! Let others donate $5 to vote for the best “dressed” desk through each participant’s peer-to-peer fundraising page. Track the leaderboard in real time to see who’s in the lead.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
1
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/desk-decorating-contest
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Peer-to-peer

Pros vs. Joes

Invite a local celebrity or sports expert to join you for the day. Sell tickets for guests to compete against the expert—whether it’s beating their score, time, or performance. You raise funds, they get a fun challenge, and you can offer a prize if anyone manages to win.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/pros-vs-joes
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Peer-to-peer

Online quiz

Involve your supporters beyond donations by hosting an interactive, online quiz. Bonus points for including a round connected to your mission.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/online-quiz
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Events

Virtual tournament

Skip the traditional in-person event and go virtual to attract even more participants. Plan your digital tournament around any sport or skill, and livestream the action to boost engagement, support, and donations from anywhere.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-tournament
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Peer-to-peer

Rah-rah raffle

Raffle or auction off donated spirit-related items or experiences like a spot at a cheer clinic and private cheer lessons. 

To attract the right audience, host a silent auction at your next spirited event with these experiences included!
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/rah-rah-raffle
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Auctions

Livestream donation challenge

Livestream an event like a concert, film, or informational session related to your mission. Set a clear donation goal to reach by the end of the event.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/livestream-donation-challenge
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Events

Charity golf day

Combine two or more golf-themed events into your own charity or nonprofit golf day. Host a golf tournament, hand out sponsored awards, and end the day with an evening gala and an auction.
Cost:
3
Effort:
3
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/charity-golf-day
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Virtual scavenger hunt


For this totally remote fundraising event, charge a registration fee and ask participants to use their computer or mobile device to complete various challenges. Share instructions and updates and announce winners from a livestream hosted right on your event page.
Cost:
1
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/virtual-scavenger-hunt
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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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Naming rights


Offer supporters the chance to name a bench, tree, sculpture, or pathway in recognition of their gift.

Create custom labels on your donation form for different naming tiers (e.g., $100 = named brick in a sidewalk).
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/naming-rights
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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:
2
Impact:
3
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/legacy-giving
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House party

Host a house party and charge a small entrance fee to gain entry. Choose a theme to match your audience or fundraising campaign goal.

Sell event tickets online in advance, check guests in with our mobile app, and use Tap to Pay and Venmo donations to accept latecomers on the spot.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/house-party
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Beach Games

Plan an exciting beach competition including an Olympics-style championship for events like volleyball, surfing, and sandcastle making. 

Ask participants to pay a small fee to register and raise even more funds by selling cold drinks and ice cream.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Share idea
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/beach-games
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Birthday fundraiser


Instead of birthday gifts, ask friends and family to make a donation to your nonprofit cause!

Givebutter’s fundraising pages make it easy to share your story, upload photos and videos, and let supporters leave comments as they give.
Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/birthday-fundraiser
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Peer-to-peer
Pages & forms

Bake sale


Everyone loves sweet treats! Whip up some cookies, cakes, or donuts and host a bake sale to raise funds for your good cause. Supporters don’t have cash? No problem! With Givebutter, you can accept mobile payments via Cash App, Venmo, Apple Pay, and more.

Cost:
1
Effort:
1
Impact:
2
Share idea
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https://givebutter.com/fundraising-idea/bake-sale
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