Fundraising Ideas

Perhaps everyone will agree that coming up with a creative idea is the toughest part of fundraising. Beginners squeeze their creative juices only to find the idea very confusing especially when it comes to choosing the best type of fundraiser to hold. Even in a bid to succeed in your own fundraising event, the idea gets overwhelming considering the number of organisations sharing the same goals.

However, successful fundraisers are not born, they are created. If you have decided to hold a fundraiser but can’t decide which type of fundraiser is best for your school or organisation, then this is the perfect start for you!

Since the “best” can be different for different organisations, we have collected the top 50 easy fundraising ideas that will help you get started and will make your fund- raising efforts a success!

1. Gourmet Cookie Dough Fundraisers

This is the fundraiser for all seasons! Whether you are running a small or large group, Gourmet Cookie Dough Fundraisers are ideal for you. All you have to do is to get orders by sending out the order form provided so you and the rest of the group can sell great-tasting cookies.

Advantages:

• This is a “no hassle” order form fundraiser idea
• Easy to run
• No money up front
• Risk free
• Very popular method of raising funds
• Not too expensive and everyone can afford to buy
• Quick to sell and make profit since everybody loves cookies
• Now providing a free online shop for each group

Disadvantages:

• Not available to some groups due to location

Groups:

• Primary schools, child care centres, sporting clubs, charities, high schools
  
  

2. Amusement Rides

Fairs are one of the fundraising ideas that will draw a lot of people’s attention and interest to your event. The rides are a must have for any celebration and they can be a great way to provide a good revenue stream for any type of organisation. Not only that, choosing to rent amusements for your fundraising event is one of the best ways to make your event an unforgettable experience.

Advantages:

• Increase family and friendship bonds
• A good way to bring friends and family to a fun atmosphere
• Everyone will have a great time while raising money for your organisation
• Keep children entertained for hours

Disadvantages:

• May need to organise many different rides
• Needs ample time for planning and preparation
• Safety needs to be monitored at all times

Groups:

• Sporting clubs, community groups, high schools, primary schools and child care
  
  

3. Walk-a-thon or Fun Runs

Organising a “walk or run for a cause” is perfect because you mix exercise and raising money in a fun way. Even child care centres are running them as an obstacle-a-thon. These are usually done around the school or club oval, or facility. Students/participants seek sponsorship donations for the event.

Advantages:

• Promotes physical exercise
• Risk free
• No money up front
• Increases the sense of community spirit
• Can be a great community builder
• Simple to organise
• Highly profitable

Disadvantages:

• This fundraising idea may sound boring
• May need to draw up a compelling reason to promote involvement
• Will have to purchase incentive prizes

Groups:

• Primary schools, high schools, sporting clubs, child care centres

There are companies such as Australian Fundraising that supply a full package of fun run fundraisers that make 70% guaranteed profit and supply all the fundraising materials and incentive prizes. Schools and organisations are smashing their fundraising goals with the My Profile Page, an online fundraising platform that allows parents/children to raise funds for their school or group.  

4. Colour Explosion Event

A Colour Explosion is an exciting and colourful way to raise funds. It is creating so much fun for students and members for all types of groups. Adapted from the ancient Holi Festival in India, Colour Explosions have taken this country by storm because they are visual, fun, and not limited to dedicated athletes.

Advantages:

• So much fun for students/members, teachers and parents
• Highly profitable
• Exciting and vibrant fundraising concept
• Builds community involvement

Disadvantages:

• Will need to purchase colour powder, sunglasses for eye protection and incentive prizes

 Groups:

• Primary schools, high schools, sporting clubs, child care centres and community groups. 

Australian Fundraising offer a complete Colour Explosion Fundraiser including non-toxic colour powder pre-packed in spray bottles, UV400 sunglasses, Thank You Wristbands, biggest range of incentive prizes and marketing material to turn your event into an explosion of colour.

5. Raffles

Raffles are always popular, with the right prize on offer. They can be run at any time throughout the year and $2 or $3 raffle tickets are very well received.

Advantages:

• Highly successful with the right prize on offer
• Holiday prizes are always popular

Disadvantages:

• Need to print your own tickets

Groups:

• Primary schools, sporting clubs, child care centres, high schools

Spare yourself the headache and frustration of preparing everything to make this fundraiser a success because companies such as Australian Fundraising supplies a full package of holiday raffle fundraisers.

6. Spell-A-Thon

Spell-a-thons are highly profitable sponsorship fundraisers. Normally incentive prizes are offered to entice the students to support the fundraiser.

Advantages:

• Highly profitable
• Students learn words during the period of the spell-a-thon

Disadvantages:

• Require teachers to produce word lists
• Need to produce student sponsorship brochures

Groups:

• Primary schools

You can bypass the process of preparing for this fundraising event if you opt for Australian Fundraising as they have a full package of spell-a-thon fundraisers that make 70% guaranteed profit and supply all the fundraising materials and incentive prizes.

7. Wine Tasting and Winery Tours

Wine tasting and tours are a great way to bring in money while being able to tour winery regions and spoil yourself for a vast range of wine choices during wine sampling and tasting. This event is ideal for the winter months.

Advantages:

• This type of fundraiser is fun to run
• You learn how wine is produced
• Your audience is given a chance to try wine samples before buying

Disadvantages:

• Everyone may not want to join in

Groups:

• Community groups, sporting clubs, schools
  
  

8. Christmas Concerts

Christmas concerts are often a yearly tradition for school groups and are also a perfect time to earn extra spending money.

Advantages:

• Low cost
• Easy to organise
• Lets you experience the “Spirit of Christmas”

Disadvantages:

• Your income depends on how much the audience donates

Groups:

• Primary schools, community groups
  
  

9. Bike-A-Thon

Raising money through a bike-a-thon is very similar to a walk-a-thon except that the children are riding bikes. The twist: it mixes fun, fitness and fundraising.

Advantages:

• Easy to put together
• This fundraiser is quick, simple and secure
• Promotes physical exercise

Disadvantages:

• Safety should be considered at all times
• You might have difficulty in getting a city permit, depending on where you’d like to ride
• May require “event insurance”
• Preparation must be done in advance as the event involves closing off some roads

Groups:

• Sporting groups, high schools, community groups
  
  

10. Battle of the Bands

Listening to your favorite school band is best done in a mosh pit. Whether you have passion for music or you just want to support a musical group for a good cause, battle of the bands is the best way to go. Now, raise your fist and yell!

Advantages:

• Easy to put together
• Allows the musically-inclined people to showcase their talent
• Helps amateur bands gain exposure whilst playing in front of an audience

Disadvantages:

• Safety should be considered at all times
• The competition needs money for prizes and sound equipment
• A band competition needs dedication, patience and a lot of hard work

Groups:

• Sporting groups, primary schools, high schools, community group
  
  

11. Chef Cook Off

Whether you are a true-blue foodie or you just want to learn a thing or two from cooking experts, chef cook off will surely be appealing to you. Invite chefs and have them cook their favorite dishes. Sell tickets to people who love cooking and eating.

Advantages:

• Easy to set up
• Fun activity
• Allows the audience to learn the skill of cooking
• Gives them a chance to taste a wide variety of food
• Captures people’s interest

Disadvantages:

• This is one fundraiser idea that needs strong organisational skills

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, schools
  
  

12. Beat the Goal Keeper

If you want to satisfy your competitive nature, this fundraiser guarantees satisfaction. Set up soccer goals with goal-keepers. Participants pay a fee to “shoot for the goal” and beat the goal keeper.

Advantages:

• Easy to put together
• Allows players to enjoy the spirit of sportsmanship

Disadvantages:

• Safety should be considered at all times

Groups:

• Soccer clubs, primary schools, community groups
  
  

13. Black Tie Event

Formal events can often draw the rich and famous in your community, as well as parents and friends who love to dress up.

Advantages:

• This event can attract the wealthy people around your area giving you a greater chance to raise money
• Fun event
• It is not all the time that people get to dress up so they will look forward to this event

Disadvantages:

• Expensive to organise

Groups:

• Sporting groups, primary schools, community groups
  
  

14. Art or Craft Exhibitions

Exhibits are not only intended to provide a visual treat, but also to help fledgling entrepreneurs to promote their products. When you kick exhibits up a notch, it becomes a highly profitable fundraiser thatattracts interested participants and help your community.

Advantages:

• A good opportunity for new starters to be discovered
• A good opportunity for senior students to exhibit their talent
• Offers different ways to raise money

Disadvantages:

• Needs very good organisation skills
• May require ample preparation to get a good number of participants

Groups:

• Primary schools, high schools, sporting groups, community groups
  
  

15. A Dog Walk Fundraiser

Who says fundraising is only for humans? Even your furry friends can join through a dog walk fundraiser. Ask people in your community to walk their dog in exchange for donations. Your random kindness will surely be appreciated.

Advantages:

• Fun idea
• Promotes the love of animals

Disadvantages:

• Needs to be promoted properly to get supporters

Groups:

• Primary schools, sporting groups, community groups
  
  

16. Scrabble Tournament

Are you a wordsmith? Scrabble tournament may just be a perfect fundraiser for you. Willing participants will pay a registration fee to be counted in the event and whoever wins gets a trophy or prize. The catch? The registration fee will go directly to your beneficiaries.

Advantages:

• Lots of fun
• Learn new vocabulary
• Easy to organise

Disadvantages:

• Needs to be marketed properly to promote involvement

Groups:

• High schools and primary schools, sporting groups, community groups
  
  

17. Barbeque Fundraiser

Barbeques are a famous Australian tradition. Celebrating with good food and great people is a wonderful way to support your group and raise additional funds. You can add music, a football or cricket game to make it a whole day event. Alternatively, you can sell steaks, sausages, hotdogs, chips and soda to raise funds.

Advantages:

• Fun and exciting
• A great opportunity for people to catch up with friends and relax
• Easy to organise

Disadvantages:

• May require permits if held in a different venue
• Needs a lot of work and planning to hold a successful barbeque event

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, primary schools
  
  

18. Tree Planting

You can do the environment a huge favor while also raising money if you organise tree planting for your next fundraising event. Taking donations and planting or adopting a tree is one of the most eco-friendly fundraisers. You may charge for each new tree and the donor plants it themselves; or people may adopt an existing tree and donate money for its upkeep.

Advantages:

• Fun and exciting
• Promotes environmental awareness
• Helps save the planet

Disadvantages:

• Not feasible for some groups e.g. groups located in the city centre

Groups:

• Primary schools, high schools, sporting groups, community groups
  
  

19. Charity Golf Tournament

Organise a fundraiser at a golf course or driving range by hosting a charity golf tournament so golf enthusiasts can participate and make a donation through their admission fee. You can also ask for sponsors to pay for particular holes e.g. the XYZ 9th hole. Remember to have drinks and snacks available for purchase after the game.

Advantages:

• Fun and innovative idea to raise funds
• A large percentage of population enjoys golfing
• This idea offers several ways to make profit
• An amusing activity that both parents and children will enjoy

Disadvantages:

• The event needs to be organised on a weekend
• Needs to be properly marketed

Groups:

• Sporting groups, high schools and primary schools, child care, community groups
  
  

20. Movie and Popcorn Nights

Organise a fundraiser by getting the whole family involved. Movie and popcorn nights are a great way to let families enjoy themselves and raise money for your group. You can also arrange other activities like kite flying, fun sports (like throwing darts at balloons or sack races) and even craft areas to raise money.

Advantages:

• This idea offers several ways to make money
• Families are given quality time to have fun together
• An awesome activity that both parents and children will enjoy

Disadvantages:

• Safety should also be considered in game selection
• Children may become bored and restless if the correct movie isn’t chosen
• Needs to be properly marketed

Groups:

• Sporting groups, high schools, primary schools, child care, community groups
  
  

21. Car Wash

A car wash is a quick and very popular way to raise funds. All you have to do is to set up your car wash station in a busy location so every car owner will have the chance to give their some tender love and care. Children can participate in washing cars while parents assist. This is a win-win situation as the car owner gets a nice clean car and your group raises funds for your special project.

Advantages:

• Quick and easy way to make money
• You don’t need a lot of money to start this fundraiser. All you need is a bucket, soap, sponge and water

Disadvantages:

• Needs volunteers to do the car wash
• Needs to advertise at the time so people know what the money will be used for
• Need to ensure waste water doesn’t run off into pipes running to waterways

Groups:

• Sporting groups, high schools, community groups, primary schools
  
  

22. Lemonade Stand

Setting up a lemonade stand is a great way for children to raise funds for their group. When you spread the word that your kids are raising money for a good cause, many people will get involved and buy a glass of cold lemonade from them.

Advantages:

• A good way to teach children to help
• You don’t need a lot of money to start up
• Easy and quick way to raise funds

Disadvantages:

• Needs to be promoted properly to get the word out
• Need to find a good location to sell your beverage to many people
• Lemonade has to be produced in a hygienic manner

Groups:

• Sporting groups, primary schools, child care centres
  
  

23. Garden Sale

A garden sale is a profitable way to raise funds to support your group. Organise volunteers to price the garden products including plants, herbs, vegetables, flowers, garden tools and accessories.

Advantages:

• A good way to support the health of your group - selling healthy vegetables
• Easy to set up and run

Disadvantages:

• Needs many volunteers
• May be time consuming if you are going to grow the items from seed

Groups:

• Sporting groups, primary schools, community groups
  
  

24. Bingo

Bingo is a popular fundraising idea. You can charge a pre-set admission fee or sell individual bingo books for those who’d like to join the fun.

Advantages:

• Fun way to raise funds
• A profitable way to raise revenue
• A popular game

Disadvantages:

• You need to know about your state’s licensing regulations
• You need to plan your bingo program ahead of time so you can maximise your sales

Groups:

• Primary schools, sporting groups, high schools, community groups
  
  

25. Boating Trip or Cruise

This is one of the most exciting ways to raise money to support your group. A cruise takes you to interesting destinations which attract many people. Your group will be the one to decide how long the cruise will last.

Advantages:

• Your audience will be able to experience the joy of boating
• A profitable way to raise a considerable amount of money
• Increases the chance of getting more supporters

Disadvantages:

• Needs expensive investment
• Need to be able to organise many different things, especially if the cruise is all inclusive

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, primary schools
  
  

26. Book Sale

Books lying around the house can still be put to better use by hosting a book sale. This is an interesting fundraising idea for people with a penchant for reading.

Advantages:

• Encourage people to develop the habit of reading
• Used books are utilised rather than being thrown away or left to collect dust
• No large outlay of capital is needed to begin the event

Disadvantages:

• Needs to be marketed properly to draw more people

Groups:

• Primary schools, sporting groups, community groups
  
  

27. Pull a Bus

You can gather a team and raise money through a bus pull. If you have lots of teams, make it a race to make it more fun and exciting. You can collect admission fees for those who would like to join in.

Advantages:

• Fun and exciting way to raise money
• Easy to arrange and organise

Disadvantages:

• Safety should be considered during the contest

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools
  
  

28. Selling Calendars

Selling calendars is one of the most rewarding fundraising ideas. Let your clients choose from one of your stylish calendar designs or you can also give them an option to create their own design. To promote your school or club, you can put your logo or name on each page.

Advantages:

• Creative way to raise funds to support your group
• Selling your calendars keeps your name visible throughout the year

Disadvantages:

• You need to market your product properly
• This can only be done towards the end of every year

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, primary schools
  
  

29. Charity Ball

Raise money to support your group in a sophisticated way. It is a fact that people love to attend parties. So with this type of fundraiser idea, you can organise a themed ball and raise money through tickets, raffles and games.

Advantages:

• This is an event that gives value for money
• Offers your organisation a chance to raise a large amount of money in one fundraiser
• Gives your attendees a memorable occasion they won’t forget

Disadvantages:

• Needs good organisational skills, commitment and passion
• Needs to be marketed properly to ensure many people attend

Groups:

• Primary schools, sporting groups, community groups, high schools
  
  

30. Concerts

Keep supporters entertained while raising money at the same time by holding a concerts in your school ground. Even with a small group to organise the event, you can ensure success if you invite as many participants as possible.

Advantages:

• A super-entertaining and fun event

Disadvantages:

• Needs a lot of hard work and organisational skills

Groups:

• Primary schools, sporting groups, community groups, high schools
  
  

31. Crossword Contest

Create your own crossword so that people pay for each and every clue they’d like to solve.

Advantages:

• This is very easy to set up
• Fun game

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, primary schools
  
  

32. Dance/Disco

Dancing has an element of entertainment and can be a form of physical activity. It can also be a great way to raise money when organised properly.

Advantages:

• A good way for dancers to show their talents
• Fun way to help your group

Disadvantages:

• This event can be expensive

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, primary schools
  
  

33. Dog Show

You can also raise money from dog shows by charging fees to gain access to the show.

Advantages:

• Promotes animal responsibility and awareness
• Easy to organise
• Fun way to raise funds

Disadvantages:

• Needs great marketing skills
• Safety concerns need to be thought of at all times

Groups:

• Primary schools, sporting groups, community groups
  
  

34. Face Painting

Children and adults can show their creativity by hosting a face painting event.

Advantages:

• Allows attendees to have fun and show off their talent and creativity at the same time

Disadvantages:

• Make sure that you research every aspect of this fundraiser as different paints etc, may cause allergic reactions

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, child care, primary schools
  
  

35. Fashion Show

Fashion shows are a hit around the world. Organising a fashion show fundraiser means you will often raise a considerable amount of money for your organisation. Look for sponsors for your catwalks, your models’ outfits and charge admission fees for your audience. Morning tea or lunch is an additional way to raise money.

Advantages:

• Fun and fabulous event
• High profitable

Disadvantages:

• Needs a lot of organisational work
• Very expensive affair
• Needs to be properly promoted

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, primary schools
  
  

36. Football or Sports Tournament

Football that puts you on the edge of your seat for every goal made. Schedule a football tournament or another sports game and charge admission fees for spectators and players. During and after the tournament, have stalls where you sell beverages, snacks and memorabilia for spectators.

Advantages:

• A fun and healthy way to raise money
• Easy to organise
• Gives you more ways to earn money

Disadvantages:

• Make sure that safety and rules are observed throughout the game
• Needs good marketing skills

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, primary schools
  
  

37. Temporary Tattoos

Temporary tattoos have been around since about 1998 and are popular with both children and adults as they don’t leave any permanent mark on the skin. Supporters who want to get temporarily inked can take advantage of this fundraising idea.

Advantages:

• You can use temporary tattoos to raise awareness of your school or sport club
• Allow attendees to customise their tattoos
• Quick and very easy way to raise money
• Can be cleaned and removed easily

Disadvantages:

• Some people may be allergic to ink or other materials used in temporary tattoos

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, child care, primary schools
  
  

38. Beach Party

Your supporters can have a little R & R whilst also helping your organisation raise money for a good cause. Since you will be holding the fundraising event on the beach, sell something that will be a huge hit for beach goers. You can offer diving or surfing classes to increase your fundraising profit.

Advantages:

• This type of fundraiser can be enjoyed by both children and adults
• Fun way to raise money
• Offers several ways to make money

Disadvantages:

• Make sure that the venue is safe for the children

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, child care, primary schools
  
  

39. Garage Sale

Ask parents to donate things around the house that they no longer use but are still useful.

People may not have money to donate your school or group, but many people have items that may be sold to help your group.

Advantages:

• Allows people to tidy their home and at the same time support your group
• Easy to organise

Disadvantages:

• Needs a massive advertising campaign about your event to ensure both donors and buyers offer their support
• People may donate something which is no longer useful

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, child care, primary schools
  
  

40. Greeting Cards

Personalised greeting cards can be a great fundraising idea as people who are stumped for gift ideas will surely support it.

Advantages:

• Simple
• High earning potential
• Personalised service

Disadvantages:

• May need a lot of planning and promotion to ensure a successful fundraiser

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, child care, primary schools
  
  

41. Flower Arranging Seminar

Flowers are a popular gift to give on special occasions. Set up your stall and sell your fresh, dried or silk flower arrangement to raise money for your group.

Advantages:

• Flowers are the most common gift people give on special occasions
• Fun and exciting way to bring in extra money for your group

Disadvantages:

• Needs to be properly marketed
• May need a large amount of capital to set up

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, primary schools
  
  

42. Karaoke

Organise a night of singing and fun with a karaoke fundraiser. You can charge admission fees and boost your earning potential by selling beverages and snacks throughout the event.

Advantages:

• Offers several ways to make money
• Allows friends and families to get together and have some fun

Disadvantages:

• Needs to be properly marketed

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, primary schools
  
  

43. Paintball

Paintball is a wonderful fundraiser idea if you are looking for fun and adventure.

Advantages:

• Allows your attendees to have fun and experience adventure
• A good opportunity for friends to catch up

Disadvantages:

• May cause serious injury if body protection and safety are not observed

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, primary schools
  
  

44. Puppet Shows

Make your fundraiser interesting by having a fun-filled puppet show. Collect entrance fees and sell food and drinks to attendees.

Advantages:

• Puppet shows have been around for a long time and are gaining in popularity
•  Fun way to raise funds

Disadvantages:

• Needs to be promoted properly

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, child care, primary schools
  
  

45. A Trivia Night

Organise a gathering where you test your attendees knowledge about pop, trivia or sports. Raise extra money for your group by selling food and drinks.

Advantages:

• Fun and easy way to raise funds
• Good opportunity for your attendees to learn new information

Disadvantages:

• May need money for prizes
• Needs marketing to encourage participation

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, child care, primary schools
  
  

46. Refreshments

Selling coffee, tea, soft drinks, chips and snacks at most fundraiser events is also a great way to raise funds. This can be done at sporting events, school fairs and much more.

Advantages:

• Boost your fundraising potential
• Easy to organise

Disadvantages:

• Need volunteers to sell the items

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, child care, primary schools
  
  

47. Stage a Play

Entertain people and at the same time raise funds by staging a play. Sell entrance tickets as well as snacks and drinks to increase your earning potential.

Advantage:

• Fun and entertaining way to raise funds
• Offers several ways to raise funds

Disadvantages:

• Your fundraiser needs to be marketed properly
• Needs capital investment upfront for costumes and set

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools
  
  

48. Bring and Buy Sale

Holding an auction as a fundraiser allows people to bid on pre-loved or pre-owned items while also lending a helping hand to the fundraising campaign’s beneficiary. This is the kind of fundraiser that promotes a sense of compassion as people volunteer to bring their old items to sell while the proceeds go directly to your school or club. There is one caveat though: no haggling!

Advantages:

• Easy to organise as you can auction practically anything

Disadvantages:

• Buyers may find things they don’t need or want
• Guest appearances are essential to increase the number of participants

Groups:

Ideal for sporting clubs and community groups

49. Chocolates

The fastest way to donors’ heart is through their stomach. This is why chocolates are highly profitable if managed well.

Advantage:

• Everyone likes chocolates
• Easily distributed

Disadvantages:

• Need very good administration to keep track of profit
• Will lose $70 per carry pack if members do not return monies
• Can take a very long time to complete the fundraiser

Groups:

• Sporting groups, community groups, high schools, child care, primary schools
  
  

50. Children’s Artwork

Organise children’s artwork to enhance kid’s creativity. Their artwork can be printed on plates, tea towels, pillows.

Advantage:

• Popular with parents, grandparents
• Good range of products

Disadvantages:

• Need to engage a company to produce the items
• Good administration needed

Groups:

• Child care, primary schools

The Bottom Line

Myriad of fundraising ideas are available for you and your group to choose from. The best fundraiser should help raise money for your school, club or group with as little effort, planning and organisation as possible. So choose wisely, plan thoroughly and have fun at your next fundraising event!