Fun Nonprofit Fundraising Event Ideas [+ AI Fundraising Idea Generator]

Event Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

Here are some cool hand-picked Event Fundraising Ideas the AI Idea Generator Came up with:

1. Charity Gala: Host an elegant charity gala at a local venue. Include a cocktail reception, a formal dinner, entertainment, and a silent or live auction. To make it a success, secure sponsors for the event, promote it through targeted invitations and social media, and create a memorable atmosphere with engaging speakers and captivating entertainment.
2. Community Fun Run/Walk: Organize a community-wide run or walk event. Participants can collect pledges from friends and family for each mile completed. To ensure success, choose an accessible route, promote the event through local media and social networks, and provide clear instructions for registration and fundraising.
3. Art Auction and Exhibition: Curate an art auction and showcase artworks from local artists. Host an exhibition prior to the auction to generate interest. Promote the event through art networks, social media, and collaborations with galleries. Ensure seamless bidding processes and provide engaging descriptions for each piece.
4. Carnival or Fair: Set up a carnival or fair with games, food stalls, and entertainment. Sell tickets for entry and offer wristbands for unlimited game play. Secure sponsorship from local businesses, advertise in the community, and create a festive and family-friendly atmosphere.
5. Benefit Concert: Organize a benefit concert featuring local musicians or bands. Sell tickets for entry and consider offering VIP packages. Secure a suitable venue, market the event to music enthusiasts, and ensure high-quality sound and production.
6. Themed Dinner Party: Host a themed dinner party with entertainment, decorations, and cuisine aligned with the theme. Charge a per-person fee for entry and offer sponsorship opportunities. Create a captivating ambiance, promote the event through themed invitations, and provide engaging activities throughout the evening.
7. Trivia Night Fundraiser: Arrange a trivia night where teams compete to answer questions on various topics. Charge a team registration fee and offer prizes for the winning team. Choose an engaging host, create diverse and challenging questions, and promote the event to trivia enthusiasts and local businesses.
8. Charity Gala Dinner: Organize an elegant evening event with a formal dinner, live entertainment, and a silent auction. Invite prominent community members and potential donors. To make it a success, focus on creating a luxurious atmosphere, securing captivating entertainment, and promoting the event through various channels.
9. Themed Fun Run/Walk: Host a 5K or 10K run/walk event with a creative theme that aligns with your nonprofit’s mission. Encourage participants to dress up and enjoy a fun, active day while supporting your cause. To succeed, ensure a well-marked course, offer unique awards for participants, and provide engaging activities for both runners and spectators.
10. Art Exhibition and Sale: Collaborate with local artists to showcase their work in an exhibition. Guests can purchase pieces, and a percentage of sales can go towards your nonprofit. Success depends on selecting diverse and talented artists, promoting the event to art enthusiasts, and creating an inviting ambiance for attendees.
11. Cooking Challenge/Competition: Organize a cooking contest where participants can showcase their culinary skills. You can charge an entry fee for chefs and have attendees taste and vote for their favorite dishes. To ensure success, secure a well-equipped venue, invite local celebrity judges, and promote the event through social media and local media outlets.
12. Charity Auction: Host a live or online auction featuring donated items and experiences. High-quality items like rare collectibles, experiences, and services can attract serious bidders. Success involves procuring appealing auction items, promoting the event to a wide audience, and ensuring a smooth bidding process.
13. Community Service Day Fundraiser: Combine fundraising with community impact by organizing a day of service activities. Volunteers and participants can raise funds while working on projects that benefit your cause. Success requires thorough planning of service projects, recruiting volunteers, and promoting the event as an opportunity to give back.
14. Virtual Summit/Webinar Series: Capitalize on the digital space by hosting a series of webinars or a virtual summit featuring expert speakers discussing topics related to your nonprofit’s mission. Charge a fee for access or seek sponsorships. To succeed, curate compelling content, market to a relevant audience, and ensure a user-friendly virtual platform.
15. Trivia Night Fundraiser: Arrange a trivia night at a local venue or virtually, where participants pay an entry fee to form teams and answer trivia questions. Offer prizes for winners and create a fun and engaging atmosphere. Success depends on creating well-rounded trivia questions, promoting the event to local groups, and ensuring smooth logistics.
16. Outdoor Adventure Challenge: Organize an outdoor adventure event like a hiking challenge, cycling tour, or obstacle course race. Participants can seek sponsors for their endeavors. To make it successful, design safe and exciting routes, offer participant support, and leverage social media to attract adventure enthusiasts.
17. DIY Workshop Series: Host a series of workshops where participants learn a new skill, such as gardening, crafting, or cooking. Charge a fee for each workshop, with a portion going towards your cause. Success involves choosing trendy or valuable skills, securing knowledgeable instructors, and marketing the workshops effectively.
18. Outdoor Movie Night: Set up an outdoor movie screening in a local park or open space. Charge a fee for admission and offer concessions. Choose a popular movie, promote the event through community networks, and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with seating and decorations.
19. Charity Golf Tournament: Organize a charity golf tournament at a local golf course. Offer sponsorship opportunities for holes, prizes, and awards. Promote the event among golf enthusiasts, provide clear tournament rules, and ensure a well-organized and enjoyable golf experience.
20. Volunteer Day Fundraiser: Host a volunteer day where participants contribute their time to a community service project. Encourage supporters to raise funds based on the hours they volunteer. Provide all necessary tools and instructions, and promote the event through your nonprofit’s network.
21. Charity Auction and Wine Tasting: Combine a charity auction with a wine tasting event. Secure donations of fine wines and unique experiences for the auction. Promote the event to wine enthusiasts and auction attendees, and provide tasting notes and information about the wines.
22. Outdoor Adventure Challenge: Organize an outdoor adventure challenge, such as a hiking or cycling event. Participants gather pledges based on completing the challenge. Choose a scenic route, provide safety measures, and promote the event to fitness enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
23. Cooking Competition Fundraiser: Host a cooking competition where participants showcase their culinary skills. Sell tickets for audience entry and offer sponsorship opportunities. Secure a venue with kitchen facilities, promote the event to foodies, and ensure fair judging.
24. Masquerade Ball: Arrange a masquerade ball with a formal dress code and masks. Sell tickets for entry and offer sponsorship packages. Choose an elegant venue, promote the event through themed invitations, and provide entertainment like dance performances.
25. Online Auction and Virtual Experience: Conduct an online auction featuring unique experiences, such as virtual workshops with experts or personalized video messages. Promote the auction through social media and email campaigns, and ensure a user-friendly online bidding platform.
26. Environmental Cleanup Challenge: Organize a community-wide environmental cleanup challenge. Participants collect pledges based on the amount of trash collected. Provide gloves and bags, promote the challenge to eco-conscious individuals, and create a positive impact on the environment.
27. Family Carnival Day: Host a family-friendly carnival with games, rides, and activities for all ages. Sell tickets for entry and activity participation. Secure a spacious venue, promote the event through schools and community centers, and create a festive atmosphere.
28. Dance Marathon: Arrange a dance marathon where participants dance for a set number of hours. Encourage participants to gather pledges per hour danced. Promote the event among dance enthusiasts, provide a lively playlist, and offer breaks and refreshments.
29. Virtual Science Fair and Expo: Organize a virtual science fair featuring educational exhibits and experiments. Charge an entry fee for participants and promote the event to schools and science enthusiasts. Provide a platform for participants to showcase their projects online.
30. Gourmet Charity Dinner: Host a gourmet charity dinner featuring a multi-course meal prepared by renowned chefs. Sell tickets for the event and offer exclusive dining experiences. Choose a upscale venue, promote the event through food and culinary networks, and create a memorable dining experience.
31. Online Fundraising Art Showcase: Curate an online art showcase featuring artworks related to your nonprofit’s mission. Promote the artworks on your website and social media, and provide a simple purchasing process. Highlight the artists’ profiles and the impact of contributions.
32. Digital Music Festival: Organize a digital music festival featuring local musicians and bands performing online. Sell virtual tickets for access and promote the event among music enthusiasts. Create a schedule of performances and interactive elements.
33. DIY Home Improvement Expo: Host a virtual DIY home improvement expo with workshops and demonstrations. Charge a participation fee and promote the event to homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. Provide step-by-step instructions for home improvement projects.
34. Virtual Comedy Show: Arrange a virtual comedy show with local comedians performing online. Sell tickets for access and promote the event to comedy lovers. Ensure a high-quality online streaming experience and create a fun and lighthearted atmosphere.
35. Online Film Festival: Create an online film festival featuring short films related to your nonprofit’s cause. Charge a fee for access and promote the event to filmmakers and film enthusiasts. Provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.
36. Fitness Challenge and Fundraiser: Launch a fitness challenge where participants complete a set number of workouts within a specific timeframe. Encourage participants to gather pledges based on their achievements. Promote the challenge to fitness enthusiasts and provide a tracking mechanism.
37. Digital Book Fair: Host a digital book fair featuring authors and their works. Promote the event on your website and social media, and provide a simple process for purchasing digital copies of books. Offer opportunities for author discussions and book readings.
38. Virtual Travel Showcase: Organize a virtual travel showcase featuring destinations and cultural experiences. Charge an entry fee and promote the event to travel enthusiasts. Provide interactive elements such as virtual tours and travel tips.
39. Online Health and Wellness Retreat: Offer an online health and wellness retreat with virtual yoga sessions, mindfulness workshops, and wellness seminars. Charge a participation fee and promote the retreat as a rejuvenating experience.
40. Virtual Gaming Tournament: Host a virtual gaming tournament where participants compete in popular video games. Charge an entry fee and promote the event among gamers. Provide clear instructions for participation and ensure a fair and engaging competition.
41. Virtual Fitness Festival: Host a virtual fitness festival featuring a variety of workout sessions, from yoga to high-intensity training. Participants can register for specific sessions or purchase a pass for the entire festival. Promote the event through fitness communities and social media.
42. Online Cooking Competition: Organize an online cooking competition where participants submit videos of themselves preparing a dish. Charge an entry fee and have judges evaluate the entries. Encourage participants to share their creations on social media.
43. Digital Dance-a-Thon: Arrange a digital dance-a-thon where participants dance for a set period, either solo or as part of a group. Participants can gather pledges based on the duration of their dancing. Promote the event among dance enthusiasts and provide a lively playlist.
44. Virtual Talent Show: Host a virtual talent show where participants showcase their unique talents through pre-recorded videos. Charge an entry fee and encourage creative performances in categories like music, comedy, and magic.
45. Online Fashion Show: Curate an online fashion show featuring local designers or boutiques. Participants can purchase tickets to watch the show and support local fashion. Promote the event through fashion communities and social media.
46. Virtual Wine Tasting Experience: Partner with wineries to offer a virtual wine tasting experience. Participants purchase wine tasting kits and join a live-streamed event where experts guide them through the tasting. Promote the event to wine enthusiasts.
47. Digital DIY Home Decor Expo: Organize a virtual DIY home decor expo with workshops, demonstrations, and vendors. Charge a participation fee and promote the event to homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. Offer insights into home improvement and interior design.
48. Online Comedy Workshop: Offer an online comedy workshop where participants learn the art of stand-up comedy. Charge a participation fee and provide guidance for developing comedic material. Encourage participants to share their routines.
49. Virtual Educational Summit: Host a virtual educational summit focused on a specific topic related to your nonprofit’s mission. Charge a fee for attendance and invite experts to deliver informative sessions. Promote the event to individuals interested in the subject matter.
50. Digital Photography Contest and Exhibit: Run an online photography contest and curate an online exhibit of the best entries. Charge an entry fee and encourage participants to showcase their creative skills. Promote the exhibit among photography enthusiasts.
51. Virtual Mindfulness Retreat: Offer a virtual mindfulness retreat with meditation sessions, wellness workshops, and discussions. Charge a participation fee and promote the retreat as a way to promote mental well-being.
52. Online Science Fiction Convention: Organize a virtual science fiction convention featuring panel discussions, author talks, and cosplay showcases. Sell tickets for access to the convention and promote it to science fiction enthusiasts.
53. Digital Nature Photography Workshop: Provide a virtual nature photography workshop led by professional photographers. Charge a fee for participation and encourage participants to capture the beauty of the outdoors.
54. Virtual Dance Workshop Series: Offer a series of virtual dance workshops where participants learn different dance styles. Charge a participation fee and promote the workshops to individuals interested in dance and movement.
55. Online Eco-Friendly Fair: Host an online fair focused on sustainable and eco-friendly products and practices. Charge a participation fee for vendors and promote the event to environmentally conscious consumers.
56. Digital Charity Gaming Stream: Partner with gamers and streamers for a charity gaming event. Stream live gaming sessions on platforms like Twitch and encourage viewers to donate. Promote the event within gaming communities.
57. Virtual Pet Parade: Host a virtual pet parade where participants showcase their pets on video. Charge an entry fee and encourage participants to dress up their pets creatively. Promote the parade among pet lovers.
58. Online Skill-Building Workshops: Offer a series of online workshops focused on skill development, such as writing, public speaking, or coding. Charge a fee for participation and promote the workshops to individuals seeking self-improvement.
59. Digital Cooking Class Series: Provide a series of virtual cooking classes where participants learn to prepare different cuisines. Charge a fee for participation and promote the classes to food enthusiasts.
60. Virtual Book Club Fundraiser: Organize a virtual book club where participants read and discuss a selected book. Charge a fee for participation and encourage thoughtful discussions. Promote the book club within reading communities.
61. Virtual Celebrity Meet and Greet: Arrange a virtual meet and greet with a local celebrity or influencer. Participants can purchase tickets for a chance to interact with the celebrity online. Promote the event through social media and collaborations with well-known personalities.
62. Online DIY Craft Fair: Host an online craft fair where artisans and crafters can showcase and sell their handmade products. Charge a participation fee for vendors and promote the fair among crafting communities.
63. Digital Nature Walk and Photography Contest: Offer a virtual nature walk experience guided by an expert naturalist. Participants can then enter a photography contest featuring their nature photos. Charge a fee for participation and promote the event to nature enthusiasts.
64. Virtual Language Learning Workshops: Provide virtual language learning workshops for individuals interested in picking up a new language. Charge a fee for participation and offer beginner-friendly sessions.
65. Online Film Screening and Discussion: Organize an online film screening followed by a virtual discussion with filmmakers or experts. Charge a fee for access to the screening and discussion and promote the event among film enthusiasts.
66. Digital Health and Wellness Expo: Host a virtual health and wellness expo with informational sessions, fitness classes, and wellness product showcases. Charge a participation fee for vendors and promote the expo to individuals interested in health and wellness.
67. Virtual Escape Room Challenge: Create a virtual escape room challenge that participants can solve online. Charge a participation fee and promote the challenge to puzzle enthusiasts and gamers.
68. Online Paint and Sip Workshop: Offer virtual paint and sip workshops where participants create their own artwork while enjoying a glass of wine. Charge a fee for participation and provide step-by-step painting instructions.
69. Digital Personal Development Summit: Host a virtual personal development summit featuring motivational speakers and workshops. Charge a fee for attendance and promote the event to individuals seeking personal growth.
70. Virtual Celebrity Chef Cooking Class: Partner with a celebrity chef for a virtual cooking class. Participants can purchase tickets to learn cooking tips and techniques from a well-known culinary expert.
71. Online Wildlife Conservation Seminar: Organize a virtual seminar on wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Charge a fee for attendance and promote the event to individuals passionate about conservation.
72. Virtual Open Mic Night: Host a virtual open mic night where participants can showcase their talents, from music to poetry. Charge an entry fee and provide a platform for creative expression.
73. Digital Board Game Tournament: Arrange a digital board game tournament where participants compete in popular online board games. Charge an entry fee and promote the tournament among board game enthusiasts.
74. Online Parenting Workshop Series: Offer a series of virtual parenting workshops covering topics like child development and effective parenting techniques. Charge a fee for participation and promote the workshops to parents and caregivers.
75. Virtual History and Culture Symposium: Organize a virtual symposium focusing on historical and cultural topics. Charge a fee for attendance and promote the event among history enthusiasts and academics.
76. Digital Fitness Dance Party: Host a virtual fitness dance party where participants can join in from home. Charge a participation fee and create a high-energy, dance-filled experience.
77. Online Science Experiment Demonstrations: Provide virtual science experiment demonstrations for kids and families. Charge a fee for participation and promote the sessions to parents and educators.
78. Virtual Wine and Cheese Tasting: Pair virtual wine and cheese tasting sessions led by experts. Participants can purchase tasting kits and join online sessions to learn about wine and cheese pairing.
79. Digital Sustainable Living Workshop: Offer virtual workshops on sustainable living practices, from composting to reducing plastic waste. Charge a fee for participation and promote the workshops among environmentally conscious individuals.
80. Online Business Networking Event: Arrange a virtual business networking event where participants can connect with professionals from various industries. Charge a fee for participation and create opportunities for meaningful connections.
81. Plant Sale and Gardening Workshops: Host a plant sale featuring a variety of plants and gardening supplies. Pair it with workshops on gardening tips and techniques. Success involves sourcing healthy plants, promoting the event to gardening enthusiasts, and providing knowledgeable instructors.
82. Family Carnival: Organize a family-friendly carnival with games, rides, food stalls, and entertainment. Charge an entry fee and offer unlimited ride wristbands. To succeed, focus on creating a vibrant atmosphere, securing a diverse range of games, and promoting the event to families.
83. Fashion Show Fundraiser: Collaborate with local designers and boutiques for a fashion show. Sell tickets for attendees to enjoy the runway presentation. Success relies on recruiting models, showcasing a mix of styles, and partnering with fashion influencers for wider promotion.
84. Book Fair and Author Talks: Host a book fair where attendees can purchase new and used books. Combine it with talks by local authors or literary experts. Success involves curating a diverse book selection, inviting engaging speakers, and marketing to book enthusiasts.
85. Pet Parade and Expo: Plan a pet parade with various categories and a pet expo featuring vendors, activities, and pet-related workshops. Charge participation fees and vendor fees. Success requires clear event guidelines, securing pet-friendly facilities, and promoting to pet owners.
86. Escape Room Challenge: Create an escape room experience with a thematic storyline related to your cause. Teams pay to participate and solve puzzles to “escape.” To succeed, design challenging puzzles, ensure a captivating storyline, and promote to puzzle enthusiasts.
87. Wine Tasting and Auction: Organize a wine tasting event featuring local wineries and a wine-themed auction. Charge an entry fee and auction off wine-related items. Success depends on selecting quality wineries, offering educational sessions, and promoting the event to wine connoisseurs.
88. Tech Hackathon for Social Good: Host a hackathon where participants develop tech solutions to address social issues. Partner with local tech companies and provide mentorship. To succeed, define clear problem statements, offer valuable prizes, and market to tech enthusiasts.
89. Community Talent Show: Arrange a talent show featuring performances from local artists, musicians, and performers. Sell tickets for entry and encourage donations during the event. Success involves diverse talent recruitment, creating an exciting program, and promoting to a wide audience.
90. Fitness Challenge and Wellness Expo: Launch a fitness challenge, such as a month-long step challenge, and pair it with a wellness expo. Participants can seek sponsorships for their fitness goals. To succeed, offer a variety of wellness sessions, secure fitness influencers, and promote to health-conscious individuals.
91. Trivia Pub Crawl: Combine a pub crawl with a trivia challenge at each location. Participants pay an entry fee and move from venue to venue. Success relies on coordinating with participating venues, creating engaging trivia questions, and marketing to pub-goers.
92. Art Therapy Workshop: Host an art therapy workshop where participants can express themselves through creative activities. Charge a fee and provide art supplies. Success involves creating a supportive environment, offering professional guidance, and promoting to individuals interested in art and mental health.
93. Virtual Reality Experience Night: Offer a virtual reality (VR) experience night where attendees can try VR games and simulations. Charge an entry fee and provide a variety of VR experiences. Success requires securing VR equipment, offering captivating experiences, and marketing to tech enthusiasts and gamers.
94. Taste of the World Food Festival: Organize a food festival featuring international cuisines from various cultures. Charge for food tastings and offer cultural performances. To succeed, collaborate with diverse food vendors, ensure a range of cuisines, and promote to foodies and multicultural communities.
95. Environmental Cleanup Challenge: Engage participants in an environmental cleanup event at a local park, beach, or urban area. Seek sponsorships for each participant’s efforts. Success depends on coordinating with local authorities, providing cleanup supplies, and promoting to environmentally conscious individuals.
96. Dance-a-Thon: Host a dance-a-thon where participants dance for a set duration to raise funds. Collect pledges and charge an entry fee. To succeed, curate a dynamic playlist, ensure a comfortable dance area, and promote to dance enthusiasts and community groups.
97. DIY Home Improvement Workshops: Offer a series of DIY home improvement workshops, such as painting, woodworking, or home repair. Charge for participation and provide materials. Success involves securing skilled instructors, choosing practical projects, and marketing to homeowners and hobbyists.
98. Movie Night Under the Stars: Organize an outdoor movie screening in a park or open space. Charge for tickets and offer concessions. Success relies on selecting a popular film, ensuring quality audiovisual equipment, and promoting to moviegoers and families.
99. Eco-Friendly Fashion Swap: Arrange a clothing swap event where attendees can exchange gently used clothing items. Charge an entry fee and promote sustainable fashion practices. To succeed, create clear guidelines, sort clothing items effectively, and market to eco-conscious individuals.
100. Language and Culture Fair: Host a fair celebrating diverse languages and cultures in your community. Charge for entry and offer language workshops, cultural performances, and international cuisine. Success involves collaborating with cultural organizations, promoting inclusivity, and marketing to multicultural communities.