Top 15 Fundraiser Ideas for Nonprofits That Actually Work

Apr 13, 2023

Nonprofit organizations rely on fundraising to support their missions and make a positive impact in their communities. If you're looking for creative and effective ways to raise funds for your nonprofit, we've compiled a list of 15 successful fundraiser ideas to inspire you. From charity walks to online auctions, there's something for every organization and cause.

Charity Auctions

Charity auctions are a great way to raise funds for your nonprofit while also engaging your supporters. You can auction off items donated by local businesses or individuals, or even offer unique experiences like a dinner with a celebrity or a behind-the-scenes tour of a popular attraction.

Online auctions are also becoming increasingly popular, allowing supporters from all over the world to bid on items and support your cause. Just be sure to promote your auction well in advance and make it easy for supporters to participate.

Charity auctions can be a fun and exciting way to raise money for your nonprofit organization. Not only do they provide an opportunity for your supporters to bid on unique items or experiences, but they also create a sense of community and excitement around your cause.

To make your auction a success, start by reaching out to local businesses and individuals to see if they would be willing to donate items or experiences. You can also consider partnering with other organizations or influencers to help promote your auction and reach a wider audience. And don't forget to make it easy for supporters to participate, whether that means setting up an online bidding platform or providing clear instructions for how to place a bid.

With a little planning and promotion, a charity auction can be a great way to raise funds and engage your supporters.

Silent Auction Fundraisers

Silent auction fundraisers fall right into charity auctions and are growing in popularity! The best part about hosting a silent auction is you can double up on your events.

You can host a silent auction in conjunction with a charity gala and everyone has a great time whether they win a raffle basket or not. Yes, it's definitely more beneficial if you are able to secure enough auction baskets where most of your participants can secure a win, but it's not necessary.

Start planning your charity auction and watch your non-profit reach your fundraising goals in no time!

Walkathons and Fun Runs

Walkathons and fun runs are classic fundraising events that never go out of style. Participants can raise money by getting pledges from friends and family for each mile they walk or run. You can also charge a registration fee for participants to join the event.

To make it more fun, consider adding a theme or costume contest, or offering prizes for the top fundraisers. Don't forget to promote your event through social media and local media outlets to attract as many participants as possible.

Walkathons and fun runs are not only great ways to raise money for your nonprofit, but they also promote healthy living and community involvement. You can choose a route through a scenic area or a local park to make the event more enjoyable for participants.

Consider partnering with local businesses to provide refreshments or sponsor the event. You can also set up booths or tables to showcase your nonprofit's mission and goals. With a little planning and promotion, a walkathon or fun run can be a successful and fun fundraiser for your nonprofit.

One of the benefits of a walkathon or fun run is that it can be tailored to fit any budget or size of nonprofit. You can charge a registration fee or ask participants to fundraise on behalf of your organization.

You can also offer incentives for top fundraisers or have prizes for the fastest runners. To make the event more engaging, consider adding fun activities along the route, such as water balloon tosses or obstacle courses.

With the right planning and execution, a walkathon or fun run can be a memorable and effective way to raise funds for your nonprofit.

Charity Galas and Balls

Charity galas and balls are elegant events that can raise a significant amount of money for your nonprofit. Guests purchase tickets to attend the event, which typically includes dinner, entertainment, and a silent or live auction.

To make the event even more successful, consider partnering with local businesses to donate items for the auction or sponsor the event. It's important to promote the event well in advance and make sure guests feel appreciated and valued for their support.

Charity galas and balls are a great way to bring together supporters of your nonprofit for a night of fun and fundraising. These events can be tailored to fit any budget, from a small gathering at a local restaurant to a grand ballroom affair.

When deciding which local businesses to partner with you can really focus on the theme of your event or go big. If you live in a smaller town, try not to get to specific on your raffle baskets. The more baskets you have, the more money you stand to make. This not only helps to raise more money, but also builds relationships with the community.

Picking your theme can be daunting! Don't worry, the reality is whatever you pick will be great.

How to Plan Your Charity Event

It's important to promote the event well in advance and make sure guests feel appreciated and valued for their support. Consider sending personalized thank-you notes or offering special recognition to top donors. With careful planning and execution, a charity gala or ball can be a memorable and effective way to raise funds for your nonprofit.

Pick a theme for your charity ball that encourages everyone to participate. There are so many dance theme ideas out there to choose from. You could host a holiday themed gala, seasonal dance themed event or just choose a unique dance theme that your members or community will enjoy.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising.

peer to peer fundraising

Peer-to-peer fundraising is a great way to engage your supporters and expand your reach. This type of fundraising involves empowering your supporters to fundraise on your behalf, using their own networks and social media platforms.

You can create a campaign page on your website or through a platform like GoFundMe Charity, and encourage your supporters to set up their own fundraising pages to share with their friends and family. This can be especially effective for events like walks, runs, or bike rides, where participants can ask for donations based on their performance or completion of the event.

Sponsor a Day Calendar Fundraiser

Another option for peer-to-peer fundraising is hosting a pick a day to donate cash calendar fundraiser. Sponsor a day calendar fundraiser events are especially popular for sports but they work for any charity or non-profit group.

How it works is, you create calendar printouts by month and get donations for each day of the month. If they "sponsor" you for the 5th and the 15th they are donating $20 ($5 for the 5th and $15 for the 15th). You can read more about the details of running a calendar donation fundraising campaign here.

15 Fundraiser Ideas For Nonprofit Organizations

As you look for the perfect fundraiser idea for your non-profit consider how much planning is required for each event. Planning and running a fundraiser doesn't have to be tedious or frustrating. Just pick your fundraiser, pick your theme and be sure to pick a marketing and advertising bundle that has everything you need.

Things to look for when you're shopping for a flyer or marketing set for your charity event are:

Does the design include multiple sizes? You may want to have the ability to print half sheet flyers or take home flyers.

Is there a ticket template to match your flyer design?

Are you wanting to send out formal invitations that match the flyer you are using? Formal invitations are a great way to show board members, esteemed community members and high dollar donors your appreciation.

Is there a social media template that matches your chosen theme?

Having a cohesive theme throughout your event marketing will help your fundraiser feel more elegant and elevated. Here are some options to get you started on your search for the perfect nonprofit fundraiser idea!

PIN FUNDRAISING IDEAS FOR LATER!

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Looking for something specific and can't find the theme you need? Message us here to get it made for you at no extra cost! Happy fundraiser planning!

Remember that you good cause and all of the people, animals or community that are impacted may not know you by name... but they are so thankful for your dedication.

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