30 Fundraising event ideas to engage your community and grow

We've seen it happen again and again.

In this guide, you'll find tons of creative, simple, and fun ideas to run your next fundraising event. We’re not here to just throw a long list at you. Instead, we’re going to walk you through real, tested event types, tips we’ve learned along the way, and smart ways to make it all easier. 

You don’t have to be an expert to pull this off, we’re here to help you think it through and make it happen.

Fundraising event ideas by theme

Community-based fundraising ideas to connect with local supporters

Some of the best fundraising events are the ones that bring neighbors together. When your supporters feel connected to each other, and to your cause, they’re more likely to stick around, give again, and bring their friends. We’ve helped many small teams build real momentum with local events that feel like home.

Here are a few simple, community-centered ideas:

1. Block party with local businesses

Partner with nearby shops or restaurants to host a family-friendly event. Let them set up booths, donate raffle prizes, or offer a portion of sales. Everyone wins, and your cause gets the spotlight.

2. Charity car wash

It may sound basic, but it still works. All you need is some water, a few volunteers, and a high-traffic parking lot. You can even turn it into a recurring weekend event.

3. Community garden day

Bring folks together to plant, weed, or harvest in a shared garden. Ask for small donations to join or sponsor a garden bed. Bonus: it’s a great photo op to share your impact online.

4. Street food fair

Reach out to food trucks or local vendors and charge an entry fee to attend. Set up donation stations and have your team ready to talk about your mission between bites.

5. Volunteer with a cause day

Invite people to sign up for mini service projects, litter cleanup, supply drives, or helping at a shelter. Ask each volunteer to pledge a donation or fundraise through peer to peer fundraising.

You don’t need a huge budget to make these events work. You just need a good idea, some heart, and a platform that helps you stay organized (we can help with that, too).

Creative and engaging fundraiser formats that stand out

Sometimes you need a fundraising idea that turns heads. Something a little unexpected that gets people talking, sharing, and showing up. We’ve seen how a fresh spin on a classic event can spark new energy and bring in donations from people who might not have given otherwise.

Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning:

6. DIY craft fair

Invite local artists, hobbyists, or even your own volunteers to set up tables and sell handmade goods. Charge an entry fee or take a small cut from each sale. Add a donation station near the entrance and some impact signs around the space.

7. Silent auction with mobile bidding

Auctions don’t have to be stuffy or confusing. With mobile bidding (yes, we offer that), guests can bid right from their phones, whether they’re at the event or at home in their pajamas.

8. Art and mural showcase

Team up with local artists to paint live or display their work in a community space. Sell tickets, ask for donations at the door, or auction off a finished mural.

9. Interactive storytelling night

Think of it like open mic night, but with heart. Invite people to share personal stories related to your cause. It’s emotional, powerful, and often unforgettable.

10. Comedy or talent show

Let your community take the stage. From stand-up routines to juggling acts, it’s a fun way to gather people, raise money, and laugh together, all while making an impact.

These kinds of events give people something to remember. And when they remember you, they’re more likely to support you again and again.

Fundraisers for families, kids, and furry friends

When you create events that families can enjoy together, you’re not just raising money, you’re building memories. We’ve helped organizations host these types of events, and they often bring in new donors who return year after year. The key? Keep it fun, simple, and full of heart.

Try some of these family-friendly fundraising ideas:

11. Pet adoption or furry friends fun day

Team up with a local animal shelter and invite families to meet adoptable pets. You can also host pet costume contests, agility demos, or “paw print painting” booths. Just add a donation form and a few fundraising pages, and you’re set.

12. Trunk-or-treat Halloween event

This one's great for October. Supporters decorate their cars, hand out candy, and dress up. You can charge an entry fee per car, or ask for donations from visiting families.

13. Family fun field day

Think tug-of-war, sack races, and obstacle courses. Simple games that get everyone moving. Include a snack stand, donation station, and maybe even a local sponsor or two.

14. Storytime and puppet theatre

For younger kids, this kind of quiet magic goes a long way. Host it in a library or park and ask attendees to give what they can.

15. Easter egg hunt

A classic spring event. Ask for a small donation per child, hide prize eggs, and offer photo ops with a costumed bunny.

These events are low-pressure, easy to promote, and tend to bring out your most enthusiastic supporters. Plus, kids and pets have a way of making everything feel a little more joyful.

Fundraising ideas for adults and grown-up audiences

Some events just work better when you build them for an adult crowd. Whether it’s a night out, something classy, or just a fun way to unwind, these ideas are perfect for supporters who want to give and have a good time. We’ve helped nonprofits run these types of events with great success, especially when there’s a mix of good food, good people, and a cause worth showing up for.

Here are a few crowd-pleasers:

16. Wine tasting or brewery tour with ticketed entry

Partner with a local vineyard or brewery, and offer a tasting experience. You can charge an entry fee, offer a donation add-on, and even include silent auction items for guests to browse between sips.

17. Murder mystery dinner party

Set the scene, hand out roles, and let your guests solve the mystery over a meal. It’s fun, immersive, and super shareable on social media.

18. Karaoke night

Whether you’re renting a space or doing it in someone’s backyard, karaoke brings out big laughs and big donors. Charge a small performance fee or let people “donate to skip their turn.”

19. Casino night or poker tournament

Bring the Vegas vibes to your community with games, chips (no cash value), and a leaderboard. Offer prizes for top players and give people the option to donate more for bonus chips.

20. Trivia night with major donors as special guests

Build teams, pick fun categories (pop culture always wins), and let people buy hints or extra guesses. Invite some of your biggest supporters to host or sponsor a round.

These events give people a reason to dress up, relax, and connect, with each other and your cause. Just keep it simple, use your fundraising software to track signups and donations, and remember: fun drives generosity.

School, youth, and sports-themed fundraising events

Working with young people opens up so many creative fundraising opportunities. Whether you’re part of a school, after-school program, or youth nonprofit, we’ve seen how simple events can build community, teach kids about giving, and raise real support for your mission.

Here are a few ideas that are always a hit:

21. Talent show or student showcase

Give kids a stage to shine, singing, dancing, magic tricks, anything goes. Families love to show up and support. Sell tickets, offer concessions, and let donors vote for their favorites with small donations.

22. Sports tournament or dodgeball challenge

Friendly competition works at any age. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, or even four-square, charge team entry fees and invite the whole community to cheer them on.

23. Read-a-thon or spelling bee

Great for younger students who want to help out. Parents and friends can pledge donations based on how many pages are read or words spelled correctly. Set up fundraising pages for each participant to make it easy.

24. Coach or teacher dare

Want to get students hyped? Set a fundraising goal and promise a fun challenge when it’s met, like a teacher getting a pie in the face or the principal dying their hair. These silly stunts can bring in serious support.

25. Back-to-school community cleanup

Get students, families, and staff involved in a service day. Ask for pledges per hour worked or per bag of trash collected. It’s a win for your cause and your community.

These kinds of events build pride, purpose, and teamwork, and they show kids just how much they can do when they come together for a cause.

Digital and virtual fundraising events that expand reach

You don’t need a venue or a big in-person crowd to host a great fundraiser. Virtual events can be just as powerful, and sometimes even more successful. We've worked with partners who reached donors across the country (and beyond) just by going online. Plus, they’re flexible, affordable, and easier for busy supporters to join in.

Here are a few virtual fundraising ideas that really work:

26. Virtual 5K or walkathon

Let supporters walk, run, or bike on their own schedule, then post their progress on social media. Use fundraising pages for each participant and add peer to peer fundraising tools to multiply the impact.

27. Video game tournament

This one’s great for younger audiences or tech-savvy donors. Set up a bracket, collect entry fees, and livestream the finals. Offer small prizes or shout-outs to top players.

28. Online trivia night

Keep it fun and simple. Host a live Zoom or webinar, read off questions, and let teams submit answers through a form or chat. Sell team entries or offer upgrades like “extra lives” for a donation.

29. Virtual talent show

Collect short videos of performances, then share them in a livestream or a voting gallery. Let donors vote by making a gift, every dollar = one vote.

30. Live-streamed cooking class

Invite a local chef or talented supporter to lead a virtual lesson. Offer ingredient kits for pick-up or just charge a small donation to join the stream.

Virtual fundraising lets you skip the logistics of a physical event, but still raise money, build community, and spread your mission far and wide. And when you use a fundraising platform that handles event pages, registration, and donations in one place, it’s even easier.

How to raise money efficiently with fundraising software

Running a fundraiser takes time, energy, and coordination. But you don’t have to juggle everything on your own, especially when the right tools can do the heavy lifting for you. We’ve worked with organizations that started out managing events in spreadsheets and email threads. 

Here’s how fundraising software can make your life easier:

• Everything in one place: Instead of bouncing between tools, keep your donor info, event pages, tickets, and payments all in one dashboard. You can manage it yourself, or get help from experts who know what to look for.
• Mobile bidding and digital auctions: Let your supporters bid from their phones, wherever they are. It’s easy, fast, and helps bring in more funds without the paperwork.
• Custom fundraising pages: Want to give each participant their own link? You can. Want to track team progress or build peer to peer fundraising pages? That’s covered too.
• Real-time data and reporting: Know what’s working while your event is still happening. Spot trends, track giving, and make smart decisions without waiting for the wrap-up.
• Social media integrations: Make it easy to share, invite, and post updates across channels. Let your supporters do the promotion for you.

Harness was built to do all this, and more. When your software supports your mission, your team can focus on what matters most: connecting with people and growing your impact.

Working with local businesses and major donors for increased impact

You don’t have to do this alone. Some of the best fundraisers we’ve seen were the result of strong partnerships, with nearby businesses, local leaders, and major donors who believed in the mission. When these folks feel included, they often go above and beyond to help you raise funds, grow awareness, and make your event a success.

Here are a few ways to bring them in:

• Build sponsorship packages: Offer different tiers with clear perks, like logo placement, shout-outs during your event, or sponsored social media posts. Local businesses love visibility, especially when it’s tied to a good cause.
• Co-host events: Partner with a popular business (like a gym, bakery, or brewery) and plan something fun together. They bring the space or the audience, you bring the cause.
• Ask for in-kind donations: Not every business can give money, but many are happy to donate goods or services, like raffle prizes, food for volunteers, or printing for flyers.
• Host VIP events for major donors: It doesn’t have to be fancy. A small thank-you dinner, behind-the-scenes tour, or impact report event can go a long way in deepening relationships.
• Make recognition part of your plan: List supporters on your website, tag them in posts, and follow up with a personal thank-you. When they feel seen, they’ll keep showing up.

These partnerships aren’t just about raising more money, they’re about building a stronger network around your work. With the right approach and the right tools, you can turn one-time support into long-term community investment.

How to promote your fundraising events through social media

You’ve put in the work to plan your event, now it’s time to get people to show up. Social media is one of the fastest (and cheapest) ways to spread the word. We’ve seen organizations turn small events into packed houses just by being consistent, clear, and a little creative online.

Here’s how to make the most of your social media:

• Build hype early: Start posting a few weeks out. Use simple graphics, short videos, or behind-the-scenes photos. Don’t overthink it, just help people get excited.
• Tell people why it matters: Remind your followers what their support helps you do. Share quick stories, donor shout-outs, or impact stats in the lead-up.
• Create a content calendar: Plan a few posts per week. Include things like countdowns, team updates, sponsor highlights, and links to your fundraising pages.
• Use day-of updates: Post photos, go live, or share real-time progress. Show that people are participating, and having fun. This encourages last-minute donors to jump in.
• Keep it going after the event: Say thank you, share results, and post impact updates. This turns one-time supporters into repeat donors.

When you connect your fundraising software to your social platforms, everything gets easier. Harness helps you track signups, drive donations, and let your supporters spread the word without missing a beat.

Planning tips: charge an entry fee, but build perceived value

Asking people to pay to attend your event can feel tricky, but when done right, it actually helps them feel more invested. We’ve seen firsthand how a small entry fee can raise more funds and boost turnout, especially when folks feel like they’re getting something in return.

Here’s how to make that entry fee feel worth it:

• Bundle the experience: Don’t just charge for access, make it a package. Include food, raffle entries, or a small gift like a sticker or wristband.
• Offer early bird pricing: Give people a reason to sign up early. Even a $5 savings makes a difference and helps you plan ahead with confidence.
• Create a VIP option: Let supporters donate a little more for extras, better seats, free drinks, or early access to an auction. These small upgrades can bring in big results.
• Keep it flexible: For casual events, offer a suggested donation instead of a fixed fee. You’ll be surprised how many people give more than expected when they believe in the cause.
• Remind them where their money goes: Use signs, posts, and announcements to show the impact. Every dollar raised helps your mission, and that’s something people are happy to support.

If your fundraising platform makes ticketing and payment simple, that’s one less thing to worry about. Harness lets you set up entry fees, track sales, and even accept donations during check-in. Easy for you, and easy for your guests.

Step-by-step checklist to plan your next engaging fundraiser

Planning a fundraiser doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. After working with hundreds of nonprofits, we’ve seen what works, and what saves time. A simple checklist can help you stay on track and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Here’s a basic outline to guide your event from start to finish:

1. Choose your event type
   Pick something that fits your audience, your goals, and your capacity. Start simple, especially if it’s your first time.
2. Set your goals and budget
   Decide how much you want to raise and what you’re willing to spend. Keep it realistic and leave wiggle room for surprises.
3. Secure your venue or platform
   Whether it’s a school gym, a public park, or an online platform, lock it in early. Make sure it fits your needs, and your guests.
4. Gather your team
   Assign roles: someone for communications, someone for volunteers, someone for tech. Small teams can still run strong events with the right structure.
5. Promote your event
   Use social media, email, posters, and local partners. Start a few weeks out and build excitement as you go.
6. Collect donations and registrations
   Use fundraising software to keep everything organized. Set up your fundraising pages, track giving, and stay in touch with donors before and after the event.
7. Plan your day-of logistics
   Make a timeline, prep your supplies, and test your tech. If it’s virtual, double-check internet and sound. If it’s in person, plan for setup, signage, and clean-up.
8. Follow up with supporters
   After the event, say thank you, and show them what their support helped you achieve. This is how you turn first-time donors into long-term champions.

Want this list in a ready-to-use format? We’ve got you. Just reach out and we’ll share a version you can tweak and make your own.

Making an impact

Fundraising events don’t have to be fancy or perfect, they just need heart. When you focus on building real connections, your supporters feel it. They come back, they give again, and they bring others with them. Whether you’re planning a trivia night, a car wash, or a full-scale gala, every event is a chance to grow your mission and strengthen your community.

And you don’t have to do it alone. At Harness, we’ve supported hundreds of organizations just like yours. Our tools are built to make fundraising simple, personal, and effective, so you can spend less time juggling logistics and more time making an impact.