Trying to figure out which fundraiser will actually make money, and not just keep your team busy? You’re not alone. We’ve worked with nonprofits, schools, shelters, and all kinds of community groups who’ve asked the same thing: What actually works?
The truth is, not all fundraisers are created equal. Some need way too many volunteers. Others barely cover costs. And a few? They’re just plain exhausting. But the good news is, there are proven ways to raise money that are simple, smart, and worth your time.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most profitable fundraisers out there, based on what we’ve seen work in real life. These ideas aren't just creative, they’re designed to actually bring in dollars, build your community, and make life easier for your team.
Why profitability matters in fundraising strategy
It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing what you’ve always done. You plan a fundraiser, get your volunteers lined up, push out some flyers, and hope for the best. But when it’s all over, you look at the numbers and think… Was that really worth it?
Here’s the thing, we’ve been there. And what we’ve learned is that profitability isn’t just about how much money you bring in. It’s about what’s left over after the expenses, time, and energy. If your team is worn out, the volunteers are tapped, and the net gain is small, that’s not really a win.
That’s why a smart fundraising strategy focuses on return on investment, your time, your dollars, and your people. When you think this way, you can stop chasing ideas that just sound fun and start picking ones that actually work.
This doesn’t mean everything has to be fancy or digital. It means you choose fundraisers that are repeatable, scalable, and donor-friendly. Things that your team can run without pulling all-nighters. Things your supporters actually enjoy. And things that bring in more than they cost.
When your fundraising strategy keeps profitability front and center, you raise more with less effort, and you get to spend more time doing what really matters: serving your mission.
Fundraising programs that raise the most money with the least effort
Not every fundraiser needs a full event crew, a big budget, or weeks of planning. Some of the best-performing fundraising programs are actually the simplest ones, especially when they’re designed to work in the background while you focus on your mission.
Over the years, we’ve seen a clear pattern: the fundraisers that work best are the ones that are easy to manage, cost very little, and build long-term relationships with your supporters. Here are four solid picks that check all those boxes.
1. Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns
This one’s a favorite for a reason. Instead of doing all the work yourself, you give your supporters the tools to fundraise for you. They reach out to friends and family, share why your mission matters, and bring in donations you wouldn’t get otherwise.
It’s perfect for schools, sports teams, or nonprofits with active communities. Bonus? It builds awareness and trust, fast.
2. Monthly recurring donor programs
A one-time gift is great, but a monthly donor? That’s stability. Recurring programs are simple to set up, especially with tools like SmartAsk™ from Harness. They help donors see how a smaller monthly gift can go further than a single large one.
And once someone signs up, you can count on steady support without having to ask again and again.
3. Matching gift campaigns
When donors know their gift will be doubled, they’re more likely to give, and give more. With the help of a corporate sponsor or employer match, you can turn a $50 donation into $100 without asking for more from the individual.
It’s a smart way to boost revenue without extra overhead.
4. Digital fundraising tools with automation
The best-kept secret? Automating parts of your fundraising frees up time and gets better results. With the right tech, you can schedule follow-ups, thank-you messages, and donation asks, without lifting a finger after setup.
No more spreadsheets, no more manual tasks. Just simple tools that keep giving in motion.
Top fundraising events that drive real community engagement
Some fundraisers aren’t just about raising money, they’re about bringing people together. When done right, events can create a sense of connection that lasts long after the last guest leaves. The trick is picking ones that balance fun, impact, and (of course) profitability.
These are the types of events we’ve seen work again and again, not just because they raise money, but because they pull in the whole community.
1. Silent auctions with local business sponsorship
A silent auction can be a win-win. You get donated items or services from local businesses, think spa packages, restaurant gift cards, or even pet grooming, and your supporters bid for what they want.
It’s low-cost, high-return, and gives your sponsors a spotlight in front of a new audience. Even better? You can run it in-person or online.
2. Benefit concert or talent show
Music, dancing, kids showing off their skills, these events bring families, friends, and neighbors out of the woodwork. Sell tickets, add a concession stand, and toss in a live donation appeal midway through the show.
It’s fun, memorable, and surprisingly effective when paired with a clear goal.
3. Trivia night or themed dinner fundraiser
Whether it’s ‘80s night or a local food tasting, these smaller gatherings are easy to pull off and don’t require a big space. Add a raffle, sell tickets ahead of time, and encourage teams to sign up early.
Harness makes it simple to manage donations, track RSVPs, and follow up with attendees after the event.
4. Walk-a-thon or 5K run
This one’s a classic for schools and community groups. It gets people moving, builds excitement, and opens the door to peer-to-peer fundraising (especially with families and workplaces getting involved).
Make it fun with themes, prizes, or team competitions, and don’t forget to collect pledges ahead of time.
Low-cost fundraisers with high returns
Sometimes, the best fundraisers are the simplest. You don’t need a big budget or fancy setup to make something work. In fact, a lot of the most profitable ideas we’ve seen come from events that cost next to nothing, but still bring in a solid return.
Here are four easy-to-run fundraisers that won’t break the bank, but can still bring your community together and raise real money.
1. Bake sale or snack shack
This one’s old school, but it still works. Especially at school events, games, or community gatherings. Ask volunteers to donate baked goods, and set up a table with simple signage.
It’s fast, easy, and people love supporting a good cause and getting a sweet treat.
2. Community movie night
All you need is a screen (or a blank wall), some seating, and a family-friendly movie. Sell tickets at the door, offer popcorn and drinks, and invite everyone to bring a blanket.
Tip: Ask a local restaurant to sponsor snacks or donate items to keep costs low.
3. Restaurant night with a local sponsor
Many restaurants offer fundraising nights where a percentage of the night’s sales goes back to your organization. No cooking, no setup, just invite your supporters to show up and eat.
Promote it through social media posts and email. The more people you send, the bigger the return.
4. Garage sale or thrift pop-up
Ask your community to donate gently used items, then sell them at a weekend sale. You’d be surprised how much people will spend when it’s for a good cause.
This one works especially well for animal shelters, PTAs, or church groups, and it gives people a reason to declutter, too.
Digital fundraising ideas that scale with your audience
If you're tired of planning in-person events or just want something that runs in the background, digital fundraisers can be a game-changer. They’re flexible, often low-cost, and, best of all, they help you reach beyond your local community.
These ideas work especially well when promoted through email, social media posts, and word-of-mouth between friends and family.
1. Text-to-give campaigns
This is one of the easiest ways to collect donations quickly. Supporters simply text a keyword, tap a link, and donate in seconds. No forms, no confusion.
You can share your campaign at events, on flyers, or during presentations. With Harness, you can even automate thank-you messages so every donor feels seen.
2. Virtual talent show or pet parade
People love to share their pets and talents, especially if there's a cause behind it. Have participants submit videos, and let supporters vote with their dollars. The most votes = the winner.
It’s fun, shareable, and perfect for schools, shelters, or youth groups.
3. eCard donation drives
Let your donors send digital cards with a gift to your organization behind it. These work great for birthdays, holidays, or even “just because” messages.
They’re personal, low-effort, and can be shared easily online, especially during peak giving seasons.
4. Crowdfunding for specific needs
Need new uniforms? Want to fund a new shelter space? Crowdfunding lets you tell a focused story and rally support around a single goal.
Add updates, images, and a donation tracker to keep people engaged. When your community can see the progress, they’re more likely to keep giving.
How to choose the right fundraiser for your organization
With so many ideas out there, picking just one can feel overwhelming. Should you go big or keep it simple? Host an event or run something digital? The answer really depends on who you are, what you need, and how much support you have.
Here’s how we help partners think it through:
Consider your team size and time
If your team is small or mostly volunteers, skip the big productions. Choose something low-maintenance, like a restaurant night, a text-to-give campaign, or a bake sale. These options don’t need tons of hands but still raise real money.
Think about your audience
Are you reaching out to parents? Busy professionals? Local businesses? Your fundraising idea should fit their lifestyle. A 5K might work great for a high school, but a virtual campaign could be better for working donors who don’t have time to attend events.
Match it to your mission
Fundraisers that connect with your cause usually perform better. If you're an animal shelter, a pet parade fundraiser makes perfect sense. If you're an arts organization, a talent show or gallery event might feel more on-brand.
Keep long-term goals in mind
Quick cash is helpful, but steady support is better. Recurring donation programs or monthly giving clubs are great ways to build a strong foundation, especially when supported by tools like Harness that handle the details for you.
Bottom line? The right fundraiser is the one that fits you. Not what worked for someone else. Start small if you need to. Build as you go. And most importantly, pick something that won’t burn you out.
Connect with your community
The best fundraisers aren’t always the flashiest. They’re the ones that fit your team, connect with your community, and actually help you hit your goals without wearing everyone out.
Whether you're organizing your first bake sale or testing out a text-to-give campaign, you don’t need to do it all on your own. With the right tools and a clear strategy, fundraising can feel a lot less like work, and a lot more like progress.
At Harness, we’ve helped hundreds of teams raise more money with less stress by combining smart technology with hands-on support. From automated donation forms to full event strategy, we’re here to be the partner that takes fundraising off your plate.
