20 Fundraising Ideas for Small Teams with a Huge Impact
By Colin Hunter
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Your charity may be small, but your impact doesn’t have to be! Imagine this: your small team, fueled by passion and creativity, orchestrates a fundraising campaign that not only meets but surpasses its goals. It's about leveraging the strengths of your tight-knit group, thinking outside the box, and engaging your community in ways that make everyone feel part of something bigger. You don't need a huge budget or an army of volunteers to make a significant difference. All you need is a dash of innovation, a sprinkle of enthusiasm, and a solid plan. Ready to dive into some exciting and effective fundraising ideas? Let's get started!
1. Virtual Run/Walk Events
Picture this: people from all over, lacing up their sneakers, ready to walk or run for your cause, all from the comfort of their neighborhoods. Virtual run/walk events have gained massive popularity, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Participants can track their distance using apps and share their progress on social media, creating a buzz and fostering a sense of community. It's low-cost and highly engaging. For instance, the “Run for Water” event in Canada raised over $400,000 by encouraging participants to run virtually for clean water initiatives .
2. Online Auctions
Imagine transforming the excitement of a live auction into a virtual experience. Online auctions are a fantastic way to raise funds while offering participants something tangible. Encourage local businesses to donate items or services, and watch the bids roll in. Platforms like eBay for Charity make it easy to manage. The key is to promote widely on social media and through email campaigns. A great example is the “Bid for a Cause” event by the Animal Rescue League, which raised thousands of dollars by auctioning off unique items and experiences.
3. Crowdfunding Campaigns
Harness the power of the crowd! Crowdfunding platform like BetterWorld have revolutionized fundraising, making it possible for small teams to raise large sums quickly. Create a compelling story, use engaging visuals, and share updates regularly to keep the momentum going. Consider the story of the “Save the Library” campaign, which raised over $100,000 to keep a local library from closing. The key was a heartfelt video that went viral, shared by thousands of supporters .
4. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Think about empowering your supporters to fundraise on your behalf. Peer-to-peer fundraising leverages personal networks, allowing your supporters to create their own mini-campaigns. This method can exponentially increase your reach. An example is the Movember movement, where participants grow mustaches in November to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues. It’s personal, engaging, and highly effective .
5. Virtual Classes or Workshops
Picture offering a series of virtual classes or workshops where participants can learn something new while supporting your cause. From cooking classes to yoga sessions, the possibilities are endless. Charge a fee for attendance or suggest a donation. The World Wildlife Fund successfully implemented this idea with their “Panda Talk” series, where experts shared insights on conservation efforts. This not only raised funds but also educated and engaged the audience.
6. Social Media Challenges
Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? Simple, fun, and incredibly viral. Social media challenges can be a powerful tool for raising funds and awareness. Create a challenge that ties into your mission and encourage your supporters to participate and share. The “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge” raised over $115 million, proving the immense potential of this approach.
7. Virtual Concerts
Imagine hosting a virtual concert where local artists perform live, streaming directly to supporters' homes. Sell tickets or suggest donations for access. This idea not only raises funds but also supports local musicians. The “One World: Together At Home” concert, curated by Lady Gaga, raised nearly $128 million for COVID-19 relief efforts, demonstrating the potential of virtual entertainment for fundraising .
8. Donation Matching Campaigns
Consider this powerful strategy: finding a corporate partner willing to match donations. This doubles the impact of each contribution and motivates donors to give more. Promote the matching gift campaign widely and celebrate milestones. For instance, during Giving Tuesday, many organizations utilize donation matching to significantly boost their fundraising totals. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to maximize your efforts.
Read about Proven Strategies for Maximizing Success in Your Giving Tuesday Campaign.
9. Text-to-Give Campaigns
Imagine reaching your supporters right where they are—on their phones. Text-to-give campaigns make donating quick and easy. By simply sending a text, supporters can contribute in seconds. This method was notably successful for the Red Cross during disaster relief efforts, raising millions of dollars. The convenience and immediacy of text-to-give can significantly enhance your fundraising capabilities.
Learn how to maximize text-to-give for nonprofit success here.
10. Silent Auctions
Think about hosting a silent auction, either in-person or virtually. Silent auctions allow participants to bid on items without the pressure of a live auction environment. They can be an excellent addition to other fundraising events like galas or dinners. The key is to secure attractive items and experiences. The American Heart Association’s silent auctions have raised substantial funds by offering exclusive items like vacation packages and celebrity meet-and-greets.
11. Online Merchandise Sales
Picture creating branded merchandise that supporters can purchase. T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags not only raise funds but also spread awareness as supporters use them in their daily lives. Platforms like Bonfire and Custom Ink make it easy to design and sell merchandise without upfront costs. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation has effectively used this strategy, raising significant funds through sales of their iconic pink ribbon products.
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12. Cooking Competitions
Imagine organizing a cooking competition where participants pay an entry fee and compete for the title of best dish. This can be done virtually or in-person. Engage local chefs to judge and offer prizes for winners. This idea brings people together and can be a lot of fun. The “Cook for the Cure” event, organized by KitchenAid, has raised millions for the Susan G. Komen Foundation through friendly cooking competitions.
13. Virtual Bingo Nights
Think about hosting a virtual bingo night. Charge a fee for bingo cards and offer fun prizes for winners. This is a low-cost event that can be highly engaging and fun for all ages. Schools and community groups have successfully used virtual bingo nights to raise funds, providing entertainment and a sense of community while supporting a good cause.
14. Charity Runs
Picture this: a community coming together for a charity run. Even small-scale runs can have a big impact. Participants pay a registration fee, and you can offer sponsorship opportunities for local businesses. The “Color Run,” known as the happiest 5K on the planet, raises funds for various charities while providing a fun, colorful experience for participants.
15. Fundraising Dinners
Consider hosting a fundraising dinner. Whether a fancy gala or a casual potluck, these events bring people together to support your cause. Charge per plate or suggest a donation. Partner with local restaurants or chefs to add a special touch. The annual “Taste of the Nation” events, organized by No Kid Hungry, have raised millions by offering gourmet dinners prepared by top chefs.
16. Raffle Events
Imagine the excitement of a raffle event. Sell tickets for a chance to win prizes. The key is to offer attractive items that will entice people to buy tickets. Raffles can be a great addition to other events or stand-alone fundraisers. The “Dream House Raffle” by the Ronald McDonald House Charities has raised substantial funds by offering the chance to win a luxury home.
17. Virtual Trivia Nights
Think about hosting a virtual trivia night. Charge an entry fee and offer prizes for the winning team. Trivia nights are fun, engaging, and can be easily hosted over platforms like Zoom. Libraries and community centers have successfully used virtual trivia nights to raise funds while providing a fun, interactive experience for participants.
18. Plant Sales
Picture a plant sale where supporters can purchase a variety of plants, from flowers to vegetables. This can be done in-person or online with delivery options. Partner with local nurseries or garden clubs for supplies. The “Plant a Row for the Hungry” initiative encourages gardeners to plant an extra row of crops to donate, raising both funds and awareness for hunger relief.
19. Virtual Talent Shows
Imagine hosting a virtual talent show where participants showcase their skills, from singing to magic tricks. Charge an entry fee or suggest donations for viewers. This is a great way to engage the community and highlight local talent. Schools and community groups have successfully used virtual talent shows to raise funds and bring people together.
20. Charity Auctions
Consider hosting a charity auction, either live or online. Auctions can feature items donated by local businesses or unique experiences. Promote the event widely to attract bidders. The annual “Celebrity Charity Auction” by the Entertainment Industry Foundation has raised millions by auctioning off exclusive celebrity experiences and memorabilia.
By embracing these creative fundraising ideas, your small team can make a huge impact. Each event or campaign is an opportunity to engage your community, raise awareness for your cause, and, most importantly, generate the funds you need to continue your vital work. So, gather your team, pick a few ideas, and start planning your next fundraising adventure. With determination and a bit of creativity, there’s no limit to what you can achieve!

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