Unique fundraiser ideas for when the “usual” doesn’t cut it.
If you’re looking for unique fundraiser ideas, you need something that stands out. With so much competition for people’s eyes on social media, not to mention overall consumer fatigue from endless promotions we encounter, it’s essential to think beyond the usual for a truly noteworthy fundraiser.
A fresh approach to fundraiser ideas can boost excitement and engagement right out of the gate. Uncover the unique fundraiser ideas that work for you from this curated list.
Pet costume party.
Sell tickets to a pet costume party, offer snacks for partygoers (human and canine alike), and this will be the perfect fundraiser for photo-ops to fill social media with for weeks after.
Letters for letters fundraiser.
Send your supporters letters with several envelopes and blank cards, asking them to send the cards to loved ones to spread the word about your fundraiser. It’s like the snail-mail version of a chain email.
Karaoke night.
Partner with a local karaoke bar or set up karaoke at your building, then host a karaoke night for an entrance fee.
Cook-off (with tickets to eat all the results).
Host a cook-off for applicants to prepare their best. Sell tickets to an event where people come to sample all the cook-off results.
Throw a talent show.
Sell tickets to a talent show where the community shows off their surprise talents.
Scavenger hunt.
A scavenger hunt sparks competition while educating people about your cause. Each treasure to find could say something about your mission, leading to one big, final reveal.
Cashier checkout partnership.
Partner with local grocery stores to leave donation buckets at the checkout, or to “sell” $1 donation cards that the cashier can scan and add to the total.
Pet-equipped photobooth.
A pet-equipped photobooth might have an adjustable platform or an extra-wide entry space. Pet props and a wide-angle lens will further capture the fun.
Dance-a-thon.
A dance-a-thon is where people dance until they drop. Host an all-day event where participants dance as many minutes as they can, with pledges from their supporters to donate an amount for each minute that ticks by.
Set up a haunted house.
Halloween fundraiser ideas are an option, too, if you’re looking for support during the spooky season. Organizing your own haunted house could be fun for the volunteer actors and rake in a lot through ticket sales.
Host a gala dinner.
A gala dinner catered by a local business could quickly launch you to your fundraising goal, while also acting as a press-worth event to promote before and after.
Holiday light tour.
Set up a 30-minute route through local holiday lights and sell tickets to jump into a big van you rent for the occasion. Allow people to sign up for given timeslots so they know when to come.
Local “staycations” vacation auction.
Who doesn’t love a night in a hotel with room service and movies to stream? Partner with local hotels to offer local “staycations,” then auction them off.
Paper airplane flying contest.
If your community has lots of families with kids, set up a paper airplane flying contest. You can raise funds with a small entry fee and by selling concessions.
Set up an escape room.
Fashion your own escape room and host several time slots on different days.
Waffle drive-through breakfast fundraiser.
Invite supporters to drive by your building to buy some hot waffles at a breakfast fundraiser.
