The 7 highest-ROI fundraising events for $1M–$10M nonprofits in 2026

Fundraising events are a critical part of how nonprofits raise funds and build community support. But not every event brings the same return. Some simply cover their costs, while others generate significant revenue and donor momentum.

On average, many nonprofits earn around $2–$3 for every $1 spent on an event. However, with the right approach, some events can deliver $4 or more in returns per dollar invested.

To help you out, we have compiled a list of the 7 most cost-effective and revenue-generating events in 2026. Use this list to plan smarter, raise more, and grow stronger in 2026.

1. Peer-to-peer fundraisers

Peer-to-peer (P2P) events let your supporters do the fundraising. Each participant creates a personal campaign and asks their network to give, often leading to higher response rates.

In fact, 56% of donors say they're more likely to give when asked by someone they know. That personal connection helps bring in both dollars and new donors. According to experts, this model is “personal, grassroots, and effective.”

Typical costs: If your event includes a walk or run, a city permit may be required ($50–$150), but most P2P campaigns are virtual and avoid that cost. Main expenses include t-shirts ($6–$10 each), simple marketing, and a fundraising platform. Volunteers usually handle check-in, logistics, or online support, keeping staffing costs near zero.

ROI: The return is high. P2P events typically generate $3–$5 for every $1 spent, and each participant raises an average of $568. Additionally, peer-to-peer events have a donor retention rate of 50%.

Expert tips: Set simple fundraising goals and give participants ready-made templates for emails and social posts. The easier you make it for them to ask, the more likely they are to follow through and hit their targets.

2. Charity auctions

Charity auctions deliver strong returns with minimal cost, making them a top pick for mid-sized nonprofits. Most items are donated, and the excitement of bidding motivates guests to give generously.

According to a survey, 77% of organizations report that auction revenue is stable or growing. These events also build donor loyalty: 83% of attendees say they’d come again, and 64% consider becoming monthly givers.

Typical costs vary by format. In-person auctions may require a venue and basic catering, but many keep costs low by accepting in-kind donations or offering simple refreshments. Online auctions cost almost nothing beyond the platform fee; in both formats, volunteers or board members typically secure auction items at no cost.

ROI: Very high. Since the cost of goods sold is nearly nil, any funds raised are almost pure profit minus event expenses. Auction ROI can be far above the 2:1 event average. For example, if an auction raises $50K with only a few thousand in costs (venue, software, maybe food), ROI easily exceeds 5:1.

Expert tips: Use volunteers to secure prizes and run logistics. Run the auction portion online, even for in-person events, to allow remote bids. Add a short appeal or paddle raise to collect extra donations.

3. Raffles

Raffles are among the easiest and most affordable ways to raise funds. A simple 50/50 raffle, where the winner takes half the pot, and the nonprofit keeps the rest, requires no prize sourcing and works well.

People enjoy the clear win structure and often buy multiple tickets, especially as the jackpot grows. Because raffles are quick to run and easy to explain, they consistently attract broad participation.

Typical costs: Very low. If volunteers sell tickets, costs may be limited to printing paper tickets or paying a small fee for digital ones. A raffle license may be required in some areas and can range from $50 to $500, but other overhead is minimal.

ROI: High. Since half of ticket sales go directly to your organization and expenses are small, raffles often yield 2:1 returns or better. Even a $2,000 raffle can generate $1,000 with minimal spending.

Expert tips: Promote the raffle online and in person for 2–4 weeks to steadily increase ticket sales. Use social media, email, and text messages to drive traffic to a simple landing page with ticket options. Offer volume pricing (e.g., one ticket for $5, 5 for $20) to increase average gift size.

4. Virtual fundraisers (webinars, concerts, livestreams)

Virtual fundraisers such as online concerts, speaker panels, or livestreamed appeals enable nonprofits to reach supporters anywhere without the costs of venues, travel, or catering.

These formats scale well, boost access for remote audiences, and often drive higher participation than local-only events. Data shows virtual events can raise about 15% more than entirely in-person ones, and 55% of fundraising pros report better ROI from virtual or hybrid formats.

Typical costs: Very low. You’ll need a reliable streaming platform and, if needed, basic production equipment such as lighting or a decent camera. Some content (musicians, speakers) can be donated or offered at low cost. Core expenses include ticketing or tech fees, which are minimal compared to in-person events.

ROI: Strong. A $1,000 virtual event that generates $15,000 yields a 14:1 return. Even simple webinars with a $500 budget and $5,000 in donations deliver a 10:1 ROI. Because fixed costs are low, virtual fundraisers regularly exceed a 5:1 ROI.

Expert tips: Offer VIP perks such as post-event Q&A Sessions or shout-outs to drive higher donations. Use low-cost platforms with auto-registration and reminders, and assign one staff member or volunteer to run the stream with a simple run-of-show script.

5. Online fundraising campaigns

Online campaigns are short-term donation drives, such as #GivingTuesday and International Charity Day, that focus donor attention during peak giving periods.

Campaigns that align with these moments can raise far more than typical outreach, without the time and cost of physical events. In 2025 alone, #GivingTuesday brought in $4.0 billion.

Typical costs: Very low. You’ll need a strong donation page, some email and social media outreach, and possibly small ad or processing fees. No venue, no catering, just time spent scheduling and promoting content.

ROI: Extremely high. With little to no overhead, nearly all funds raised are profit. A small campaign spending $500 on email or ads can raise $15,000 or more. When run lean, most online campaigns can exceed 10:1 ROI.

Expert tips: Use a matching gift to increase urgency and double donations. Schedule all content, such as emails, texts, and social posts, ahead of launch, so your team only needs to monitor responses. Make sure your donation form accepts cards, mobile wallets, and recurring gifts to capture every opportunity.

6. “A-thon” events (walk-a-thon, dance-a-thon, read-a-thon, etc.)

“A-thon” fundraisers use participants’ personal efforts to generate donations. Whether it’s a walk, dance, or reading challenge, participants seek pledges for each unit of effort—such as dollars per lap, song, or page read.

A-thons create grassroots excitement and create friendly competition. They tie directly to your nonprofit’s mission, such as a read-a-thon for a literacy group, which makes the event personally meaningful for participants. These events work well for family-oriented groups, schools, or digitally connected communities.

Typical costs: Very low. The basic costs usually include planning the route (using a local park or school grounds), providing water or snacks, and coordinating volunteers. Permits and equipment requirements are minimal, and event materials (such as pamphlets or pledge sheets) can often be donated.

ROI: Extremely high. With minimal overhead, nearly every dollar raised is pure profit. For example, if 50 participants each raise $50 in pledges, that’s $5,000 with almost no additional expenses.

Expert tips: Use free tools to track pledges. Set up online pledge forms to streamline donations. Highlight top fundraisers with leaderboards and encourage social media sharing—updates like “John has $300 in pledges!” drive more giving. Secure a significant matching gift to amplify participant efforts.

7. Community yard sale

Community yard sales are an easy and cost-effective way for nonprofits to raise funds. Participants donate gently used items, which are then sold to the public. Yard sales are especially effective for building relationships with supporters and engaging local donors.

People enjoy the process of finding great deals while contributing to a cause they care about. Plus, the event provides an opportunity to build relationships with donors who may continue to support your nonprofit long after the sale.

Typical costs: Very low. The main expenses are venue space (often donated by a local church, school, or community center), tables for displaying items, and promotional materials (flyers, signs, and social media ads). Volunteers run most yard sales, keeping staffing costs minimal.

ROI: High. Since donated items are sold at little to no cost, nearly all funds raised go directly to your nonprofit. For example, a well-organized yard sale with community donations can easily raise thousands.

Expert tips: Use free or low-cost tools to promote the sale, such as social media, local community boards, and word of mouth. Encourage local businesses and supporters to donate high-quality items for sale. Make the event more appealing by offering refreshments or entertainment to keep people engaged.

Boost your ROI with BetterWorld

Ready to take your high-ROI fundraising events to the next level? BetterWorld provides zero-cost, easy-to-use tools that streamline the entire fundraising process. From event ticketing and guest check-in to online auctions and virtual fundraising pages,

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