Fresh, FUNdraising Ideas for Nonprofits

With so many non-profits competing for donations, it’s hard to know how best to reach potential donors. Every non-profit organization needs special events to raise awareness and money, but many non-profits get bogged down with traditional and labor intensive showstoppers such as fun runs and galas. Add some innovative and engaging new strategies into your fundraising plan with these 4 ideas:

1. Go Virtual: In addition to your real-world events, create virtual opportunities for donors to participate without ever leaving their devices. Virtual fundraising tends to happen in one of two ways: either a time-specific event with a hard deadline, or an ongoing general campaign that is left up all year. In addition to a Donate button on your website, online platforms such as Facebook or GoFundMe can be used as vehicles for your online donation campaign too, making it as easy as possible to tell your story and make the ask. Donors appreciate a way to watch the progress of the campaign as the amount raised creeps higher and higher.

2. Eat Pizza For a Good Cause: Chuck E. Cheese’s is famous for family-friendly food and fun, but did you know it’s also a wonderful partner in fundraising? The restaurant and arcade has raised almost $13 million dollars for schools and non-profits to date! Non-profits choose a night for the event at the restaurant, are given promotional materials in both English and Spanish, and invite their participants. Everyone has a great time in a family-friendly, safe environment and Chuck E. Cheese’s gives back 15% of the proceeds of the event within two weeks. It’s fast to organize, fun to attend, and benefits your worthy cause! Learn more >

3. Embrace the Tried and True: Have a bake sale! Now is the perfect time to bring back this old favorite, capitalizing on the nationwide nostalgia for simpler, more wholesome times. The trick is to add a new twist to a traditional event. Add gluten-free and whole wheat treats to your bake sale, catering to buyers with special dietary constraints who are often left out. Or center your event around a single item—have bake sale devoted solely to cupcakes or cookies.  Sell a recipe booklet with the recipes featured in the sale. The list of innovations to this traditional event is almost endless.

4. Focus on Community: What types of fundraisers bring community members together to talk, laugh, share and volunteer? Community event fundraisers like rummage sales, game nights, and block parties are where non-profits can engage community members, teach them about their mission and help them make lasting memories with their families. The value in a shared experience that these fundraisers can bring is priceless.

There are many tools available for nonprofits that enhance the donor/non-profit experience. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of them in planning your next event, big or small. Using SignUp.com, you can organize your fundraisers quickly allowing participants to sign up from their mobile devices 24/7, and receive automated reminders of their commitments. Don’t forget to document the event on Pinterest and Instagram, or even live stream the event on Facebook Live or Periscope to create buzz and extend the giving period. Remember that the most important element to add to your fund development plan is FUN –and today’s technology makes that easier than ever!