Hosting a fundraising event can be an impactful way to raise money for your organization’s important cause. From tournaments and races to raffles and auctions, there are so many different ways to raise money through a fundraiser. If you’re looking for your next fundraiser hit, check out these 10 unique fundraising ideas for inspiration.
Who doesn’t love a good old game of Scrabble? In this age of all things digital—Words with Friends mania, we’re looking at you—participants will feel nostalgic when playing an old-fashioned board game to raise money for your cause. Charge for entry and entice participants with fun prizes. By presenting a variety of game options, the tournament will be friendly for people of all ages.
Another creative way to raise money via friendly competition is to host a football tournament. Flag football is a fun, active fundraising event idea for which the upfront cost can be low, and entry fees can be charged per team.
A silent auction has proved to be an engaging way to raise money for your cause. It can be planned as a stand-alone fundraiser, or added to an existing fundraising initiative as a supplemental revenue driver. Ask local businesses and residents to donate items that participants can bid on during the auction.
A classic gala is a great fundraising idea for which people can dress up, dine out, network with others who share an interest in a common cause, and generously donate to your organization. Raise money by both charging per ticket and presenting additional sponsorship opportunities. You can also supplement funds raised by including a raffle or silent auction.
Take advantage of the season with a food-focused fundraising event. A cook-off could be perfect during peak barbecue season in the summer, and a bake-off will be a winner when hosted during the holiday baking season. The event can be organized by charging the cooks or bakers to participate, and by charging an entry fee for people who want to eat and vote for their favorite dish.
A book sale is a creative fundraising idea that encourages reading and learning—making it particularly great for children and families. Ask for donations of used books from the community, then sell the collected books at your event. Not only is it a unique way to raise money, but it’s also a nice way to recycle books that would otherwise be collecting dust on a shelf somewhere. Buffer funds raised by selling baked goods, coffee, and hot chocolate as well.
Another creative fundraising idea is to host a yoga class in a park. Get a local yoga studio on board to instruct the class free of charge or at a discount rate and also charge per yogi. Holding the class in the morning and selling healthy brunch foods such as fruit cups and muffins afterward, or hosting the class in the evening and following it with a wine soiree can drive supplemental revenue.
An easy, food-focused summertime fundraising idea is to host an ice cream social. Popular with children and families, an ice cream social is a delicious way to raise money for your cause.
Channel your inner child with a carnival-themed fundraising event full of fun activities and prizes. Games like relay races, bobbing for apples, and ring tosses are all fun and inexpensive to include.
One adults-only fundraising idea is to host a pub crawl, and you can make it even more fun by focusing on a specific theme, such as a Halloween costume event. Plan your route with local bars, breweries, and wineries, and invite registrants to pay a fee to participate in the event, or secure donations for each stop they make.
There are endless possibilities for ways to raise money, and these are just a few of the many unique fundraising ideas out there. If you’re interested in hosting a fundraising event but could use some help getting started, visit our website for some helpful tips.
Note: When planning a fundraiser, apply for all necessary permits and obtain event insurance based on the laws and regulations in your area.