Fundraising Events, A to Z

Run a live or silent auction at work or during a get-together. Gather donated items from local businesses, handmade goods, or tickets to local events for people to bid on.

Team up with a fitness-minded friend to lead a boot camp session at a local park or gym. Charge a donation as the entry fee.

Partner with a local band to host a benefit concert. Set ticket prices, collect donations at the door, or ask the band to donate their tips for the night.

See who makes the best chili, cupcakes, or dish in the office. Charge tasting judges for each voting ballot — the top vote-getter wins.

Hold a friendly dance-off to see who's got the best moves. Charge an entry fee and reward the winner with a trophy or donated prize.

Organize a painting or craft class where attendees make a donation in exchange for a seat.

Host a team or individual fishing tournament. Each entry fee becomes a donation, and the winner takes home a trophy or donated prize.

Test everyone's strength with a push-up, squat, or sit-up contest — or go big with a month-long biggest-change challenge. Charge an entry fee.

Get friends and coworkers together for a pickup game. Charge an entry fee and reward the winning side with a trophy or donated prize.

Host a board game party with an entry fee, and sell snacks on the side.

Collect donated items from friends and neighbors and run a garage sale. Advertise widely and make sure everyone knows the proceeds go toward the cause.

Find a sponsor to donate the hot dogs (or any food you choose), then charge an entry fee for competitors and sell tickets to spectators.

Host an office get-together selling ice cream bars or access to a build-your-own sundae bar.

Let coworkers pay a small donation to wear jeans or their favorite team jersey for the day.

Round up friends and colleagues for a kickball tournament. Charge an entry fee and treat the winning team to a picnic or BBQ.

Get the kids involved with a classic lemonade stand — add fresh fruit for a fun twist.

Auction or raffle off a special lunch with your company's CEO or a local celebrity.

Organize a group ride and collect donations from fellow riders.

Host a movie screening at a park, library, or friend's house. Sell tickets, popcorn, drinks, and candy.

Partner with a local chamber of commerce or professional group to host a social gathering, asking guests to donate toward your goal — a nearby restaurant might even match donations.

Run lighthearted contests like typing races, chair races, or a stress-ball toss, with every participant paying an entry fee.

Host a breakfast before work or school. Pair coffee and juice with pancakes and charge per plate.

Package and sell dinner plates for a donation, with curbside pickup for participants.

Host a trivia night where individuals or teams pay an entry fee to test their knowledge, with a trophy or donated prize for the winners.

Ask for pledges to sponsor a weighted march, or charge an entry fee to those taking part.

Livestream a gaming session and raise funds from your audience in real time.

Hold a tournament to find the strongest team on the block. Teams pay an entry fee to compete.

Collect unwanted gifts from friends and coworkers and sell them, with proceeds going toward your fundraiser.

Ask people to dress in their wildest outfit for the day in exchange for a donation.

Throw a holiday-themed party in the middle of summer and ask guests to donate.

Offer a donation-based yoga class, or pair it with a post-class brunch where friends can give while enjoying a healthy meal together.