Raising money doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, some of the best fundraising ideas are the ones that are simple to set up and easy to explain.
Whether you’re helping a school, a nonprofit, or just trying to support a cause you care about, you don’t need a huge team or a massive budget to make it work. You just need the right idea, and the right tools.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through a list of easy fundraising ideas that actually work. These aren’t just random suggestions. They’re proven, doable, and designed for real people, like you, who want to make a difference without getting overwhelmed.
Quick and easy fundraising ideas for friends and family
When you’re just getting started, the easiest people to turn to are the ones who already care, your friends and family. These are the folks who’ll show up, chip in, and spread the word. The trick is giving them a reason to gather and a simple way to give.
Here are a few ideas we’ve seen work again and again:
1. Game night fundraiser
Set up a board game or card game night at home or at a community center. Ask guests to donate to join. You can even offer prizes for winners, just keep it fun and low pressure. It’s a great way to bring people together and raise money without anyone feeling like they’re “at a fundraiser.”
2. Movie night at home
Pick a crowd favorite, make some popcorn, and invite folks over. You can charge a small “ticket” donation or sell snacks for a few extra dollars. Want to make it even easier? Stream a movie and send a link to your donation page ahead of time.
3. Potluck dinner with a purpose
Everyone brings a dish, and instead of paying for a meal out, they donate to your cause. It’s casual, affordable, and creates a real sense of community. We’ve seen groups raise hundreds with just one meal.
4. Trivia or bingo night
This works great over Zoom or in person. Ask for a donation to join, offer a small prize, and keep it light and friendly. You’d be surprised how competitive people get over bingo, and how generous they are when it’s for a good cause.
5. At-home challenge events
Think: pushup challenges, baking contests, or even reading marathons. The best part? People can participate from the comfort of their own homes and still feel like part of something big.
These types of fundraisers work because they’re easy to organize, personal, and fun. You don’t need to rent a venue or spend money on materials. Just invite the right people, give them a reason to come, and make it simple for them to donate.
Community-based fundraising events that bring people together
Sometimes the best way to raise money is to just get people in the same place. When folks see others showing up, they feel inspired to give, too. Community events don’t have to be fancy, they just need to feel welcoming and give people an easy way to pitch in.
Here are a few classics we’ve seen work time and time again:
6. Car wash fundraiser
This one’s simple, especially with a small group of volunteers. Pick a sunny day, grab some buckets and signs, and wash cars for donations. People love supporting a cause when it comes with a clean car and a smile. Bonus: It’s a great way to get noticed by the neighborhood.
7. Bake sale at a school, park, or local shop
Everyone loves a cookie, especially when it supports a good cause. Ask friends or families to donate baked goods, then set up a table at a high-traffic spot. Keep the setup simple and the prices flexible, donations over set prices often bring in more than expected.
8. Yard sale with a purpose
Have everyone in your group donate a few items they don’t need anymore. Label things clearly and add signs explaining what you’re raising money for. Folks are more likely to spend when they know it’s not just a sale, it’s support.
9. Local field day or mini carnival
A few lawn games, a prize table, and a snack stand can turn into a big win. Charge a small entry fee or set donation amounts for each game. You don’t need bounce houses and food trucks (unless someone offers them). Keep it simple and fun.
10. Partnering with local businesses
Ask a coffee shop or pizza place to host a “fundraiser night” where a portion of sales goes to your cause. Many local spots love doing this, it brings in customers and builds community goodwill. All you need to do is promote it.
Events like these not only raise money, they build relationships. When people come together in person, they feel more connected, to each other, and to your mission.
Fundraising campaigns you can run from anywhere
You don’t always need a big crowd or an in-person event to raise money. In fact, some of the most successful fundraisers we’ve seen were run completely online, from living rooms, coffee shops, or even while walking the dog. If you’ve got a laptop or a phone, you’ve got everything you need.
Here are some ideas that work no matter where you are:
11. Set up a donation page
This is your digital home base. It’s where you tell your story, share your goal, and give people a fast way to donate. Tools like Harness make this super easy. You can set one up in minutes and start collecting donations right away.
12. Create a themed fundraising challenge
Think of something fun or meaningful, like giving up coffee for a week or walking 10,000 steps a day, and invite people to sponsor you. Use your fundraising page to track progress and accept donations. These types of challenges are great for sharing on social media.
13. Run a text-to-give or SmartAsk™ campaign
With the right tools, donors can give by simply sending a text. SmartAsk™ even helps convert one-time donors into monthly supporters. It’s fast, easy, and works great for people who don’t want to fill out a long form.
14. Host a virtual raffle or online auction
Ask local businesses to donate a few items or services, then host a simple drawing or bidding event online. People love the chance to win something, and they’re usually happy to support a good cause in the process.
15. Use social media to spread the word
This one’s huge. Post about your campaign, share why it matters to you, and invite others to donate and share. Keep it personal. A short video or a few heartfelt sentences go a long way.
Running a fundraiser from home doesn’t mean doing it alone. The right message, plus the right tools, makes it easy to raise real money without ever leaving your couch.
Creative school fundraising ideas that students love
Fundraisers at school work best when they’re fun, easy to join, and don’t feel like a chore. The good news? Kids are full of energy, and that’s a huge advantage. When students are excited, they bring their families, friends, and even their neighbors along for the ride.
Here are some ideas that keep things simple but get big results:
16. Dress-up days
Pajama Day, Crazy Hat Day, or Storybook Character Day, these are always a hit. Ask students to bring in a small donation to participate. It’s fun, low-cost, and easy to repeat all year long.
17. Talent shows and dance-a-thons
Give students a stage (or even just a gym floor), and they’ll show up. Sell tickets to family and friends or accept donations at the door. Add a concession stand for extra fundraising power.
18. Art sales and craft fairs
Let students create artwork or simple crafts and host a school-day market. Parents love to buy their kid’s work, and it helps build pride and connection to the cause.
19. Coin wars between classrooms
Set up jars for each classroom and have a friendly competition to collect the most spare change. You’ll be shocked how fast nickels and pennies add up when there’s bragging rights involved.
20. Sports day or fitness challenges
From mini Olympics to jog-a-thons, anything that gets kids moving tends to bring in donations, especially when donors sponsor based on participation or laps completed.
The best part about school fundraisers is how naturally they bring people together. With the right mix of fun and purpose, students feel like they’re part of something meaningful, and so do their families.
How to spread the perfect way to raise money with ease
Having a great idea is just step one. The real magic happens when people hear about it, and want to join in. Whether you're trying to raise $500 or $50,000, the way you share your fundraiser makes a huge difference. The good news? You don’t need a marketing degree or a huge following. Just a few smart moves and a little consistency.
Here’s how to spread the word without burning out:
Start with your people
Text your friends and family. Post on your personal pages. Reach out directly to the folks who already care about you or your cause. These are the people most likely to support you early, and they help build momentum.
Work with local businesses
Reach out to a coffee shop, salon, or bookstore and ask if they’ll hang a flyer or share your fundraiser with their customers. In return, you can feature them on your donation page or social media. It’s a simple partnership that helps both sides.
Keep your message clear and human
You don’t need to sound fancy. Just explain what you’re raising money for, why it matters, and how people can help. One or two good sentences and a link to your fundraising page is all it takes.
Use visuals
Photos, short videos, and even simple graphics go a long way. If people can see the impact, or just see you, they feel more connected. And connected people are more likely to give.
Don’t be afraid to post more than once
People scroll fast. It’s okay to share your fundraiser a few times with updates, thank-yous, or progress milestones. Each post is a little reminder that the door is still open.
We’ve seen fundraisers grow way faster just by being clear, consistent, and personal. You don’t need to be everywhere, you just need to show up where it counts.
What really matters
Fundraising doesn’t have to be complicated to be successful. In fact, the best ideas are often the simplest ones, the kind you can run from your living room, your school hallway, or your local coffee shop. Whether it’s a bake sale, a movie night, or a simple donation page, what really matters is getting started and making it easy for people to give.
We’ve worked with thousands of fundraisers, and the biggest thing we’ve learned? Tools matter. When you have a platform that handles the hard stuff, like collecting donations, keeping track of donors, and setting up recurring gifts, you get to focus on what matters most: building relationships and growing your impact.
Whether you’re planning your first fundraiser or looking to take your efforts to the next level, Harness gives you the support, tools, and confidence to make it happen.
