Fire departments do more than just respond to emergencies, they’re at the heart of our communities. But whether you're a volunteer station or a full-time department, raising money to support your work is tough.
Equipment, training, outreach, it all takes funding, and sometimes traditional methods just don’t cut it.
This guide is here to help. We’ve pulled together a bunch of fire dept fundraiser ideas that are creative, simple to run, and community-friendly. Whether you’re looking for something fun like a BBQ or something digital like an online campaign, there’s something in here that’ll work for you.
Creative fundraising campaigns for fire departments
Fundraising campaigns are more than one-time events, they’re focused efforts to tell your story and rally your community. The best part? They don’t have to be complicated. With a clear goal and the right idea, your team can raise serious money while building real connections.
1. Host a community-driven silent auction
Ask local businesses and residents to donate goods or services, then invite everyone to bid. People love a good deal and knowing their money goes to a great cause makes it even better.
2. Launch a local calendar fundraiser featuring firefighters
Print a calendar with photos of your team, funny, heroic, or themed, and sell it in the community. It’s easy to produce, and supporters get something they’ll use all year.
3. Run a themed cook-off or BBQ challenge
Food always brings people together. Get local fire crews, businesses, or even rival stations to join in a friendly competition. Charge for entry and offer tasting tickets or VIP passes.
4. Organize a virtual fundraising campaign with a donation match
Find a sponsor to match donations for a limited time. Then go online, share stories, post updates, and ask your supporters to give. It’s a simple way to double your impact fast.
5. Start a social media giving challenge
Pick a theme, like posting old firehouse photos or firefighter workouts. Ask people to participate, donate, and tag their friends. Keep it short, fun, and shareable.
Ways to raise money through community events
When people show up in person, they’re not just there to donate, they’re there to connect. Community events are a great way to raise money and teach folks about fire safety at the same time. They also give people a chance to see what really goes on behind the scenes at the station.
6. Host a Firefighter for a Day raffle
Let someone win the chance to ride in a truck, wear the gear, and spend the day with your crew. It’s exciting for kids and adults, and the raffle tickets bring in funds fast.
7. Plan a family safety fair with activities and demos
Set up fire safety booths, hands-on demos, and even obstacle courses for kids. Local vendors can join too. Ask for a donation at the entrance or offer activity passes.
8. Organize an educational firehouse tour with donation tiers
Show folks around the station, explain your equipment, and answer questions. Create donation levels, $10 for a basic tour, $25 with a goodie bag, and so on.
9. Coordinate a walk/run fundraiser themed around fire awareness
Host a 5K or fun run with a fire safety theme. People can sign up solo or as teams, and local sponsors can cover shirts or snacks. All entry fees go back to the station.
10. Run a “Touch-a-Truck” experience with donation stations
Let families come see and touch your trucks and gear. It’s a huge hit with little ones. Set up donation jars around the space or add QR codes for easy online gifts.
Partnering with local businesses to boost fundraising
Your local businesses want to help, they just need an easy way to get involved. When you team up, you raise more money, reach more people, and show the whole community that everyone’s in it together.
11. “Sponsor a Firefighter” branded program
Ask local shops or restaurants to “sponsor” a firefighter. They donate a set amount, and you give them a shoutout on your website or social media. Some even like putting a photo of “their” firefighter up on the wall.
12. Co-branded merchandise with local vendors
Work with a local print shop or boutique to create firehouse t-shirts, hats, or mugs. They sell the items in their stores, and a portion of each sale goes back to your department.
13. Cross-promotion campaigns
Set up a weekend where certain businesses donate a small percentage of their sales to your firehouse. You help promote them, and they help fund you, it’s a win for both sides.
14. Hosting pop-ups at farmer’s markets or local business events
Bring your crew and set up a booth. Sell merch, hand out safety tips, or run a mini raffle. These events already draw a crowd, so you’re meeting people where they already are.
15. Loyalty punch cards: earn community discounts through donations
Work with local spots to create a card that rewards people for donating. For example, donate $10 to the station, get 10% off your coffee. It’s a small thank-you that keeps people giving.
Low-cost, high-impact fire dept fundraiser ideas
You don’t need a big budget to make a big difference. Some of the best fundraisers are simple, cheap to set up, and easy for volunteers to run. These ideas are perfect for small teams or volunteer fire departments that want to do more with less.
16. Bake sales with a local twist
Ask families or local bakeries to donate treats. Set up a table outside your station or at a community event. People love homemade goodies, especially when it supports a good cause.
17. Community yard sale at the fire station
Have folks donate their gently used items, then host a big yard sale at your firehouse. It’s a great way to clear out clutter and raise money at the same time.
18. Designer purse bingo or fire hall bingo night
Bingo nights are fun, fast, and family-friendly. You can sell entry tickets and even offer extra cards for a small fee. Add a big prize, like a designer purse or local gift basket, to draw a crowd.
19. 50/50 raffles and basket drawings
Simple and effective. Sell tickets, draw a winner, and split the pot or offer donated baskets as prizes. These can be run at other events or even online if local laws allow it.
20. Firehouse dinner events (e.g., spaghetti or chili night)
Host a low-cost meal and invite the whole town. Your team cooks, guests donate at the door (or buy tickets in advance), and everyone gets to sit down, eat, and connect.
Digital tools and tips to scale your fundraising success
Online tools can make your fundraising easier, faster, and way more effective. Whether you’re running a big campaign or just want to keep things organized, the right tech lets you raise more without adding extra stress to your team.
Promote all events via a unified social media calendar
Plan out your posts in advance and use the same platforms your community already uses, like Facebook or Instagram. Share updates, photos, countdowns, and reminders to keep people engaged.
Use donation platforms with built-in analytics and automation
Look for tools that do more than just collect money. Good ones track donations, send thank-you notes automatically, and give you insights into who’s giving, and when.
Build a branded donation page or microsite
A page that’s designed just for your department makes things feel official and secure. You can explain what the funds are for, share stories, and make giving easy with just a few clicks.
Share impact posts with visuals of gear upgrades or training made possible by donations
People love seeing the result of their support. Show them what their money paid for, a new hose, upgraded gear, training courses. A quick photo and thank-you message go a long way.
Email campaigns with recurring donor options
Set up an email series that keeps your supporters in the loop. Add an option for them to give monthly, so you have a steady stream of support year-round.
Bringing your community closer
Fundraisers aren’t just about the dollars, they’re about bringing your community closer, raising awareness for fire safety, and showing folks what you do every day. Whether you’re running a chili night, a silent auction, or a social media challenge, the right idea can spark real connection and support.
And you don’t have to do it all alone. At Harness, we help nonprofits turn simple ideas into strong, steady fundraising results. From easy-to-use tools to hands-on support, we’re here to help you focus less on fundraising, and more on protecting the people you serve.
