Looking for effective nonprofit fundraising ideas to raise more money for your organization? Thoughtful planning for a fundraiser can go a long way toward reaching your donation goals. To help you in your brainstorming sessions, we’ve compiled 21 different fundraising event ideas that are sure to engage your community and help exceed your fundraising goals!

1. Charity run

Proven successful time and time again, hosting a fun run is a classic fundraiser for charities! A walk-a-thon or 5K run are two simple and exciting ways to get your community to rally around your cause. Offer additional items like a free t-shirt or headband with your nonprofit’s branding on them that participants can sport during your run. Looking to add a unique twist to your fundraising event idea? Try turning the event into a color run! For this, your runners will wear all white, then people on the sidelines will deck them out in colored powder as they run your course. Theme these colors to match your nonprofit’s brand colors or the colors representing the issue your organization works with (like pink if your nonprofit fights against breast cancer). These runs are an energizing way to support your cause and bring together community members!

2. Outdoor festival

There’s no better way to successfully fundraise for your nonprofit than with a fun festival for all ages! Select a scenic outdoor venue for a day of food, drinks, and entertainment, themed in a way that’s meaningful to your nonprofit community. For example, a conservation organization could throw a flower festival and celebrate in full bloom. Fire up some grills for your attendees, or partner with local restaurants or food trucks to donate their services for your festival in exchange for a sponsorship title and future collaboration opportunities. And what festival would be complete without fireworks, live music, or a DJ so people can dance the night away? As a final touch, request a fixed or pay-what-you-can admissions fee to kick off your fundraising campaign, then continue to collect donations throughout the night with raffles, games, and more.

3. Dance marathon

Time to put on your dancing shoes! A trending fundraiser among Millennials and Gen Z especially, dance marathons are an innovative opportunity for your community to support your nonprofit and really make a difference. A dance marathon typically encourages people to dance for between 24-48 hours straight (or until their team “out dances” the others). Before, during, and after the marathon, participants are tasked to find donors who’ll pledge to donate based on their time and energy to dance for the cause. For this, have participants register and their donors give through your dance marathon’s event page. 

The marathon itself is a super energetic dance party with one primary rule: always stay moving! Deck out the dance floors with party lights, glow sticks, and anything else that could add to the vibe. To help pass the time with more than dancing, participants can also play games, put on talent shows, and do additional competitions to raise money. At the end of the marathon, celebrate with a huge reveal of how much money was collectively raised, and use this at your next fundraising event as the goal to beat!

4. 50/50 raffle

A 50/50 raffle is a simple yet exciting way to raise funds for your nonprofit while giving your supporters a chance to win big! Here’s how it works: participants buy tickets to enter, and at the end of the raffle, half of the total cash pool goes to the lucky winner while the nonprofit keeps the other 50% to support its mission. Simply sell raffle tickets both online and at other fundraising events you're doing. Then, be sure to draw the winner in person at an event. This not only creates a fun, suspenseful moment but also increases the chances of the winner generously donating their 50% back to your cause. With the allure of a cash prize, 50/50 raffles are a fantastic way to engage your community, raise funds quickly, and add an extra spark to any event!

5. Charity concert

Bring your community together with live music, and jam out for a good cause! You can make the atmosphere of your concert as high-energy or relaxed as you want with your choice of venue, genre, and artist lineup. If you’re looking to do more than a traditional concert, consider hosting a “Battle of the Bands,” a competition between local bands where a panel of judges and crowd participation determines the winner. After all, the more bands in your lineup, the more people will promote your concert and ultimately your cause. You could also sell tickets to a songwriters’ round where local songwriters come to share their original songs, the stories behind their music, and what your nonprofit means to them. In addition to proceeds from your concert ticket sales, see if your guest artists would also be willing to donate a portion of their merch sales from the night to your cause. 

6. Gala

Planning a formal evening is a perfect way to celebrate your charitable efforts at any time of year. Host a sit-down dinner at a beautiful venue where you could serve cocktails, have live music playing, and give attendees plenty of room to mingle. Pair your dinner with a live or silent auction of sponsored gifts from local businesses (like getaway packages, gift baskets, or signed memorabilia) to raise even more toward your goal. Build an eye-catching event listing (like on TicketLeap!) to sell tickets and to collect additional donations before the event even happens.

To motivate attendees, display a huge goal thermometer that tracks your fundraising efforts as the night progresses. Throughout your gala, invite relevant speakers to share motivational stories about how your nonprofit organization has impacted them. As a grand finale to your fundraising event, you can even host an awards ceremony to recognize notable members of your organization and in your community, giving back to people just as they’ve given to your organization! To make sure the entire night runs flawlessly and maximize giving, use a ticketing platform to collect your general admissions fee, sell reserved tables for special guests, and collect additional donations.

7. Golf tournament

Host a friendly sports competition on a local golf course where the day’s proceeds go directly to your nonprofit. Participants will pay to play for the day and compete as individuals or teams. To add to the stakes, get local businesses to sponsor the tournament’s prizes (like athletic gear or gift cards) as well as the event itself. Once the golf tournament has ended and your winners have claimed their prizes, conclude the evening with a celebratory dinner alongside donors, tournament participants, and their families. Sell tickets to compete in your golf tournament, to attend the banquet, or both. With an exciting day planned to give back to your nonprofit, you’re sure to score a hole-in-one with this fundraiser!

8. Limited-quantity raffle

Hosting a raffle with a limited number of ticket entries is a great way to get more people to buy in and help raise funds for your nonprofit! By capping the number of tickets sold — say, 100 raffle tickets at $20 — participants will each have a greater likelihood of potentially winning your prize, making them more eager to join in than if it was a raffle with hundreds of entrants. Think about it, if you raffle off a $500 Amazon gift card that someone donated to your cause and you sell up to 80 tickets for $25, you just raised $2,000! This approach not only will encourage supporters to enter, but it helps your organization hit its fundraising goal faster! You could do this as a stand-alone raffle fundraiser or as a part of other fundraising events you're hosting.

9. Kid camps

Looking for a surefire way to impact your community while also raising funds? Try hosting kid camps and youth programs! Imagine hosting a summer camp packed with excitement — educational workshops that teach STEM skills, sports activities that keep kids active, or arts and crafts sessions that get their creative juices flowing. By charging participation fees and recruiting a few volunteers to assist with the camp, your nonprofit can cover costs and raise money to support its mission. Plus, these programs often attract local sponsors who want to support such enriching experiences for kids. Whether it’s a week-long day camp or just a weekend program, these events not only engage families but also spotlight your nonprofit’s dedication to empowering the next generation!

10. Educational workshops

Hosting educational workshops is an impactful way to raise funds while sharing your nonprofit's expertise with the community! Depending on your mission, the possibilities are endless. For example, an environmental nonprofit could hold workshops on sustainable gardening or upcycling household items, while an animal shelter might offer pet care tips or dog training classes. These events not only educate attendees but also draw in new supporters who are passionate about your cause. Charge a registration fee or solicit donations during the event to fund your programs. You could also livestream your classes to turn this into an online fundraising event and increase your donations! Once the session is over, don't forget to collect your participants' emails to get their feedback in a post-event survey and keep in touch about future events.

11. Art auction

An art auction is a sophisticated yet engaging way to raise funds and bring your nonprofit’s mission into the spotlight! Partner with talented local artists who are willing to donate their work, and consider inviting them to create pieces that align with your cause. These types of charity auctions could include paintings symbolizing environmental sustainability for a conservation nonprofit or bright portraits of hope benefiting a youth outreach program. Build anticipation by hosting a preview night, where attendees can experience the artwork up close while mingling over drinks and light refreshments. On the big night, you could opt for a silent auction where guests place their bids discreetly or go for the thrill of a live auction starring a charismatic auctioneer to keep the bids climbing!

12. One-for-one pledges

One-for-one pledges are a creative and impactful way to energize participants and maximize donations for your nonprofit! For activity-based fundraising events, consider peer-to-peer fundraising pledges like donating $10 for every lap skated at your roller rink fundraiser or $20 for every mile run during your charity race. This not only motivates participants but also ensures every step or lap goes towards your cause. Selling products? Add a pledge to donate one item for every item purchased — like giving a school supply kit to a child in need for each reusable water bottle sold. You can even get local businesses involved in one-for-one matching, such as a coffee shop donating one cup for every cup purchased during your event. These ideas create a tangible connection between the event and your mission while inspiring supporters to join in the fun and give generously!

13. Local restaurant partnerships

Partnering with local restaurants for special event nights is a win-win way for your organization and your community! Picture this: a local pizzeria agrees to share 20% of its profits from a “Charity Pizza Night” with your nonprofit, encouraging supporters to dine out in support. Or, a neighborhood café hosts a “Coffee for a Cause” evening, where a dollar from every latte sold is donated to your organization. To spice the night up a little, restaurants can create a special menu item for the night — like a dessert named related to your mission — with a portion of proceeds going directly to your mission. In addition to helping generate revenue and bring in extra foot traffic for a local business, this is the perfect fundraising idea to rally your supporters to come together, enjoy great food, and make a difference.

14. Subscription boxes

Selling subscription boxes can be a creative and consistent way to raise funds for your nonprofit while offering supporters something special to look forward to! As some examples, you could send monthly flower bouquet deliveries, hand-poured candles with unique scents or curated boxes of fresh, locally sourced produce. Focus on items tied to both your organization and the subscription's theme. Be sure to find ways to really think outside the box with this! Not only does this create a steady stream of income, but it’s also a thoughtful gift idea that appeals to donors looking for meaningful ways to support a good cause.

15. T-shirt design competition

As one of the best fundraising ideas for art lovers, encourage community members to flex their artistic skills by submitting unique t-shirt designs that reflect your cause. Charge an entrance fee for each submission, turning every entry into a direct contribution to your mission. Once the designs are in, encourage some healthy competition with a voting period (in-person or online) for the public to pick the winner. Use the winning design to create custom t-shirts you can sell at future events or through your website, and consider printing it on other branded merchandise like tote bags or mugs to expand your fundraiser’s reach. Not only does this competition raise funds through entry fees and merchandise sales, but it also turns your supporters into ambassadors for your cause as they proudly wear or use the branded items, spreading awareness everywhere they go!

16. Social media challenges

Embrace the power of social media to rally support, raise funds, and spread awareness for your nonprofit! Think about challenges that align with your mission, like a fitness challenge where participants pledge to walk or run a certain number of miles, a creative art challenge to design something inspired by your cause, or a storytelling challenge where supporters share how your organization has personally impacted them. Create a catchy, unique hashtag to unify your posts (e.g., #ArtForImpact) and make it easier to track the challenge's participation. Whether it's Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or another platform, encourage participants across the web to share their personal experiences and tag friends, helping to generate a ripple effect of awareness and peer-to-peer fundraising to your donation page. 

17. Paint and sip

Looking for a fun and social way to raise money for your nonprofit? Hosting a paint and sip event might be just the thing! Set up at a cozy venue — maybe a local winery, art studio, or a community center — and provide all the materials your guests need, like canvases, brushes, and paints. Have a local artist lead the session with a specific theme or let your attendees get creative with a blank canvas. Pair this fundraising activity with a selection of beverages to keep it relaxed and enjoyable. Sell tickets ahead of time and add a donation option on your fundraising page for those who want to give extra support. To build a buzz around this fundraising campaign, promote this event to local art communities, post about it across social media, and tap into your email list.

18. Virtual events

Connect with potential donors across the globe like never before and drive more support for your organization with virtual events. The possibilities for your online fundraising events are endless! Consider hosting a virtual conference or workshop to inform people about your cause. You could also try a series of webinars with leaders in your community and individuals impacted by the work you do. Arrange an entertaining evening for the whole family, like a trivia night complete with a MC and prizes. Live-streaming your events on TikTok and other social platforms is also a powerful way to share more about your cause with people. You should even consider hosting hybrid fundraising events to get even more people involved both in person and virtually!

19. Give-It-Up challenge

A "Give-It-Up" challenge is a creative and personal way to inspire supporters to raise money for your nonprofit while making small sacrifices for a big impact! Ask participants to give up a habit (like skipping their daily lattes, eating out, or buying snacks) for a set time, such as a week or month, and to donate the money they save during that period. Organize the challenge by creating an easy-to-use registration page where participants can sign up, track their progress, and make their donations. Use social media to promote the event, share tips for sticking to their goals, and feature stories from participants of the challenge. To boost engagement, offer incentives like public shoutouts, small prizes, or certificates of completion for those who hit their donation goals. By the end, your participants will feel fulfilled for supporting your cause by letting go of a habit!

20. Cake walk

Want to take your traditional bake sale fundraising idea up a notch? Host a cake walk! It's a sweet and simple way to bring your community together while raising funds for your nonprofit. To get started, select a venue like a school gym, park pavilion, or community center, and decorate it to create a welcoming atmosphere. Gather an assortment of cakes donated by local bakeries, volunteers, or supporters — anything from Bundt cakes to cupcakes will work! Set up a circle with numbered spots and play lively music as participants walk around; when the music stops, you draw a number, and whoever is standing on that number wins a cake. Sell tickets online to join the rounds and sell other baked goods onsite too for additional funds. On top of supporting your nonprofit, attendees will love the chance to win a delicious homemade treat.

21. Murder mystery dinner

Turn a night of sleuthing into a powerful fundraiser for your nonprofit with a murder mystery dinner! As a fitting fundraising event around Halloween especially, start by picking an exciting theme — like "1920s Speakeasy" or "Haunted Mansion" — and secure a venue that sets the scene, such as a banquet hall or even a community center transformed to match your story’s backdrop. Sell tickets to the dinner and show experience, design a themed menu, and offer opportunities for additional donations throughout the night (e.g., a raffle or a silent auction). Recruit volunteers or local actors to play the roles and guide the storyline, or if your organization is a theater or another performing arts organization, cast the talented performers you already have! It’s a great way to excite and entertain, while bringing attention to your nonprofit’s cause.

Raise money like never before at your next fundraising event

With a solid fundraising goal and an exciting event, you’re bound to raise more funds for your nonprofit organization than ever before. TicketLeap, the easy-to-use event ticketing and fundraising platform, has been helping nonprofits host incredible events and raise more money for over 20 years. Our full suite of features and expert support team are here to help turn your fundraising goals into a reality!