Fun Fundraising Events: Good Times for Great Causes

An Introduction to Fun Fundraising: Where Smiles Meet Support

Fundraising is the heart, soul, and not to mention wallet, of the nonprofit world, and with countless charities looking to achieve their goals and promote their cause, your fundraiser must stand apart from the rest. One of the best ways to make sure your fundraiser turns heads and gets people talking is to organize an event that is fun, engaging, and memorable—an experience that brings people together while making a real impact.

Organizing a fun-focused charity event isn’t just a novelty anymore; it’s a practical and almost necessary part of any nonprofit’s annual events calendar. With the right concept, thoughtful planning, and strong execution, fun-focused fundraisers can be incredibly effective.

So, if you’re considering organizing a fun fundraiser, read on as we dive into the benefits of organizing this type of event while exploring strategies and current event trends that can help your nonprofit boost engagement, drive donations, and create memorable experiences for supporters in 2025 and beyond. Or send a message here to the fundraising experts at Paybee, who are ready and waiting to make your fundraiser an event to remember from start to finish while you sit back and enjoy the festivities.

Fun Fundraising 101

What are Fun Fundraising events anyways? Well, they’re exactly as the name implies—a creative fundraising event designed to create an enjoyable experience for supporters while bringing in donations and spreading a nonprofit’s mission statement at the same time.

While traditional fundraising events like gala dinners and silent auctions definitely serve their purpose and have always been reliable and consistent ways of gathering donations, a fun fundraising event is adaptable to any budget or demographic, making them more inclusive and accessible, not to mention more enjoyable.

To better understand how these two approaches stack up to one another, here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between a traditional event and a fun-based fundraising event:

Fun or Formal? Find Your Fundraising Fit

Atmosphere

- Fun Fundraising: Upbeat and engaging, with games or group activities and plenty of participant interaction.
- Traditional Fundraising: Polished and structured, often with a more formal and refined atmosphere.

Style & Setup

- Fun Fundraising: Casual and creative—think outdoor venues, costume themes, or team competitions.
- Traditional Fundraising: Structured and usually more refined— think banquet halls, black-tie affairs, dress codes, and formal dinners.

Who Shows Up

- Fun Fundraising: Fun fundraisers are versatile and inclusive and can bring people together from a wide variety of backgrounds, including families, young professionals, students, seniors, and everyone in between.
- Traditional fundraising: Traditional fundraisers generally appeal to a more established crowd—longtime supporters, community leaders, as well as major donors and corporate sponsors.

One of the main differences that can be found between a fun fundraiser and a traditional fundraiser is just how versatile and adaptable a fun fundraiser can be. It’s all about creativity and finding the right fundraising event that not only fits your charity but will bring in donors who leave a donation in your nonprofit's account and with a smile on their face.

A fun fundraising event is an opportunity for organizers to think outside of the box while educating and promoting your nonprofit's mission. Planning a fundraiser for an animal shelter or rescue center? Consider hosting a “Puppy Yoga” event featuring adorable pups ready for adoption and eager to find their forever homes. Supporting an environmental charity? Organize a scavenger hunt in a local park to inspire participants to connect with nature while learning about local conservation efforts.

The possibilities are endless, and while thematic fundraisers don’t need to directly reflect your charity’s mission, aligning them with your cause is a fantastic way to engage and educate supporters, while keeping the focus on your purpose. We’ll explore plenty of fundraising ideas soon enough, but first, let’s take a moment to look at some of the benefits that hosting a fun fundraising event can provide and how they can help your nonprofit achieve its fundraising goals.

Benefits of Fun Fundraising Events

Boost Donor Excitement and Attendance

●  When your nonprofit organizes a fun fundraising event, it gives supporters something to look forward to and creates a buzz. Fundraisers that offer unique experiences pique interest and curiosity, which makes it more likely that people will attend and, hopefully, invite friends and family to come along as well. And, as we all know, the more attendees, the more money that can be raised for your charity.

Appeals to a Broader Audience

●  Traditional fundraisers usually appeal to a more specific crowd. Longtime supporters, major donors, community leaders, and those from older demographics are often more familiar—and, sometimes, more comfortable—with formal and structured, high-end events.

Fun fundraisers, on the other hand, open doors to a whole new set of potential donors. From young families to the young at heart, when the atmosphere is relaxed, inviting, and lively, you dramatically increase your chances of getting a more diverse crowd to attend, get engaged, and support your cause.

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Increases Social Sharing and Visibility

●  When it comes to marketing and publicity, social media is king. If people are having a good time, chances are they will want their friends, family, and followers to know, and they’ll be snapping photos and recording videos, and posting them across their social media platforms. Every post, tag, and reel acts as free publicity for your event. Encourage volunteers and guests to help spread the word and attract new supporters who might not have known about your fundraiser otherwise.

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Enhances Community Goodwill and Brand Perception

●  A little bit of fun can go a long way, especially when it comes to fundraising initiatives. Not only are you boosting your charity’s brand as being vibrant and engaging, but you are also creating opportunities to interact with supporters and participants in a more casual and welcoming setting. When people feel relaxed and comfortable, they’re more likely to attend future events, donate, and become long-term supporters.

At the end of the day, a fun fundraising event isn’t just about having a good time—they’re smart, strategic tools that can help you expand your support base, strengthen community ties, and make a lasting impact. A little creativity can turn a single event into a powerful driver of support for years to come. Let's break it down:

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Reason Why It Matters

Engagement

●  Fun events are naturally more inviting and attract more attention and participation from a wider donor base.

Emotional Connection

●  Memorable experiences create stronger emotional ties. When people have a good time at your event, they're more likely to attend your fundraisers in the future.

Social Appeal

●  Many supporters enjoy the community aspect of shared experiences. Fun fundraisers give people an opportunity to get together while making new friends or catching up with old ones.

Broader Reach

●  Fun-based fundraisers are more appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds, making it easier to attract a wider, more diverse crowd.

Shareability

●  Photos and videos from fun fundraising events are more likely to be posted and shared by participants on various social media platforms, increasing event visibility and serving as a free form of advertising.

Strategic Guide for a Successful Fundraiser

If you’ve made it this far, you’re likely wondering how to successfully bring a fun fundraising idea to life. While having a creative and unique concept is a great starting point, thoughtful planning and strategic execution are essential in order to turn your idea into an event to remember. Let’s explore the key steps involved in event planning to help you get to

1. Identify Your Target Audience

A successful fundraiser begins with clearly defining the crowd you want to attract. While fun-based events can appeal to a broad range of people, focusing on one or two primary demographics allows you to tailor the experience to their specific interests. With busy schedules and competing commitments, offering something that genuinely resonates with your audience will make your event feel special and can encourage a higher turnout.

2. Encourage Active Involvement

Creating opportunities for guests to actively participate is one of the most effective ways to boost both the engagement and enjoyment factor. Interactive elements such as games, contests, and hands-on activities get attendees moving, laughing, and connecting—not only with your organization, but with one another. Interactive experiences added to any fundraiser will make your event more memorable and increase the likelihood that guests will stick around longer, and hopefully, contribute more.

3. Partner with Local Businesses

Collaborating with local businesses and venues can significantly enhance your fundraiser while keeping expenses under control. Sponsorships and financial contributions can help offset costs, while in-kind donations— like gift cards, unique items, or exclusive experiences—can be auctioned or raffled off to add excitement and generate additional revenue. Not to mention, local businesses will most often allow you to promote your event with posters and signage in their venue in return for some free marketing and recognition on the day of the event.

4. Build Momentum Online

When it comes to promoting your fundraiser, using social media to your advantage is a must, and it's never too early to start hyping up your fundraiser. By creating a fun and playful marketing campaign, you can grab people's attention, create a buzz, and generate curiosity about your upcoming event. Incorporate relevant hashtags, countdown timers, polls, and behind-the-scenes clips to engage your audience while building momentum. For a full guide on how to use social media to its full potential, we have a full guide to social media fundraising in our blog section-- just click here.

5. Guide Action with Clear CTAs

Ensure clear “Calls to Action” (CTAs) every time you post or communicate with your supporters. Be sure to incorporate straightforward language, links, and easy-to-use banners in your media campaign, as they can turn interest into action. CTA’s can:

●  Help drive attendance: “Register Now!” “Buy Tickets Here!”

●  Encourage donations: “Donate Here!”,  “Help Support Our Goal!”

●  Boost Promotion: “Spread the Word!”, “Share Our Post”

●  Keep post-event momentum going: “Sign Up for Updates”, “See How Your Donation Made a Difference.”

All in all, a successful fundraiser balances strategy and engagement. By targeting the right audience, making things interactive, partnering locally, promoting effectively, and guiding supporters with clear CTAs, you can create a memorable event that achieves its goals and builds lasting connections.

TOP TRENDS IN FUN FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR 2025

Today’s nonprofit donors are diverse. They want technologically friendly events. They want events that create real connections. But most of all, they want events that make giving feel like a good time, not just a good deed. In order for nonprofits to stand out, they need to come to the table with unique and innovative fundraising ideas that will capture people's attention.

Below, we've outlined 25 of 2025’s top fundraising trends and provided some unique ideas to inspire your nonprofit’s next event. Keep in mind that with the majority of these events, your fundraising dollars are generated by charging an admission fee or through ticket sales; however, there’s always room to increase your fundraising dollars with add-ons such as raffles, silent auctions, donation stations, and merchandise sales.

VIRTUAL/HYBRID FUNDRAISING IDEAS

When the world shut down during the pandemic, many nonprofits had to quickly shift their fundraising efforts. Since then, virtual and hybrid events have become a mainstay in the charity landscape. For nonprofit organizations, virtual and hybrid events open up fundraisers to a broader audience while reducing overhead costs. For donors, these events provide greater giving flexibility. Allowing supporters to donate from anywhere at any time, which is an especially appealing option for younger audiences who prefer to donate online. Here are some fun ideas that can help your charity tap into the online world of fundraising

Event Ideas

Virtual Scavenger Hunt: A modern twist on the classic treasure hunt, virtual scavenger hunts are easily adaptable to groups and individuals of all ages, with digital treasure lists being provided to participants who then submit photos of their “treasures,” with the group or individual with the fastest time declared winner. Should you need some help in organizing your event, websites like Goosechase and Scavify specialize in online scavenger hunts and, in some cases, even offer discounts to recognized 501(c)(3) charities.

Virtual Cooking Class: With so many self-proclaimed “foodies” creating content on social media, offering a virtual cooking class is the perfect way to raise money for your charity by combining technology, education, and a love of good food. Reach out to local chefs from well-known restaurants who would be willing to offer an online class through an online streaming platform, and provide them with a list of ingredients. For an extra financial, you can even have branded merchandise like aprons or chef’s hats at an additional charge that include your nonprofit’s logo, or sell pre-packaged ingredient kits so all your donors need to do is pick up their basket, log on, and get cooking!

Virtual Bingo Night: Another digital twist on an old-time favorite, digital bingo is a fun, familiar, and low-effort way to raise money for your charity. Boost card sales by offering special prices on bundle sales and host your game live through a streaming platform while players mark off their numbers from the comfort of their own homes. Websites like My Free Bingo Cards or Bingo Baker can help generate and distribute cards, even offering them in printable PDF form, making the process even easier.

Virtual Yoga Class: Yoga’s been around forever, but there is no denying that it has exploded in popularity lately. Reach out to a certified yoga instructor, ideally one who’s passionate enough to volunteer their skills, and ask them to lead a virtual class. Classes should be inclusive and structured to accommodate participants from all skill levels; from advanced yogis who practice daily, to those just starting, to those who are simply curious about the practice and would like to try a class at home without the peer pressure of a live-in-class environment.

Online Trivia Night: While fun fundraisers are all about bringing people together to have a good time and raise money for a good cause, there’s no denying that a little friendly competition can make things interesting and drive donations. Whether your trivia event is team-based or individually oriented, make sure you have a charismatic host to guide participants through a variety of categories while keeping the event flowing and players entertained. While many trivia teams participate solely for the glory, offering some small prizes like gift certificates or branded merchandise can make the winning team's victory taste even sweeter and have them coming back to defend their title.

OUTDOOR FUNDRAISING IDEAS

While interest in health and wellness continues to rise, it makes sense that active fundraisers are catching on. They’re a great way to get folks outside, moving, and having fun, while also reconnecting with nature and supporting a good cause. Just be sure to check with local authorities regarding any permits that may be necessary to throw an event in a public space, and always have a contingency plan in place if the weather decides not to cooperate.

Event Ideas

Outdoor Movie Night: Everyone loves a great movie, and there’s nothing quite like a movie night under a starry sky. Choose a family-friendly film that’ll draw a crowd, and set up a projector and screen in a local park, schoolyard, or, if you’re lucky, team up with a nearby drive-in theater. Ask attendees to bring along their blankets or lawn chairs for a cozy vibe (or bring extras and charge a rental fee), throw in a concession stand and sell popcorn, drinks, and snacks, and you’ve got all the makings for a relaxed, low-cost fundraiser that brings the community together for a fun, feel-good fundraiser.

Kite-Flying Day: Looking for a whimsical nonprofit event that brings people of all ages together for an afternoon of light-hearted fun? Then look no further than a kite-flying fundraiser! All you need is an open space and a light breeze to fill the sky with color and send spirits soaring. Throw in a bit of healthy competition by offering prizes for “Best Decorated Kite” or “Longest Flying Time”, and boost fundraising revenue by selling kites and decorating supplies on-site as well. Many cities and towns have kite-flying clubs, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask members to get involved by providing demos and tips.

Plant & Seed Swap: A plant and seed swap fundraiser is a blooming way to bring together garden enthusiasts and community members for a lively, earth-friendly event. These events offer participants the chance to exchange plants, seeds, and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts, including those with serious green thumbs, everyday hobbyists, or those who just have a "growing" interest in the subject. Plant seeds and swaps can be a low-budget way to raise funds for your cause, as seeds and plants are generally donated, with all sales donated to your charity. If you're looking for a way to amp up sales revenue, charge a fee for some gardening classes, or include an arts and crafts table where participants can buy empty pots and get artsy, allowing them to not only take home a new plant but create a piece of artwork in which to watch it grow.

Dog Wash-a-Thon: We’re all familiar with carwash-a-thons to raise funds, so why not extend the service to our four-legged friends? People love pampering their pups, and by setting up pet-washing stations in a local park or parking lot with buckets of water, soap, and lots of towels, donors can have their dogs looking their best while supporting your cause. Include some simple merchandise to sell like bandanas, bows, and pup-friendly snacks, and you have all the makings for a fuzzy, fresh, and fun afternoon for all involved. You can even get creative with a doggy photo booth, complete with fun accessories, where you can charge owners to get before and after shots of their best friends that they can share on social media, which can then help to spread the word about your event and draw in additional donors.

Outdoor Photo Booth Trail: Everyone loves a photobooth, so why not create several and spread them around town? Select a fun theme for each station (think superheroes, retro costumes, or vintage carnival, for example), provide an access map, and have volunteers ready to snap photos at each station. If possible, use a portable printer for instant prints, or send photos directly to email or through a secure online gallery like Google Photos or Dropbox. Outdoor photo booths get people outside, discovering the beauty around them while creating Instagram-worthy moments that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to include donation jars at each station, as you’re bound to draw the attention of random passersby who can’t help but want to get involved in the fun.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUNDRAISING IDEAS

Family-friendly fundraisers are on the rise, and it’s easy to see why. Parents want meaningful ways to spend time with their kids, and communities are drawn to feel-good events that bring all ages together. These types of fundraisers make giving back fun, memorable, and something the whole family can be part of. Again, make sure that you have the proper permits and facilities to be operating outside and that your event is held in a safe and secure environment.

Event Ideas

Mini-Golf Tournament: If you’re looking for a fun, family event with just a bit of competition thrown in, a mini-golf tournament could be your “hole-in-one”. Partner with a local course or get creative and make your own using inexpensive materials like PVC pipes, yoga mats, or recycled carpets.  It’s a playful, accessible option that appeals to all ages and creates plenty of opportunities for connection and laughter. Be creative!

Pirate Treasure Hunt: There’s something nostalgic about scavenger hunts, and while they can be a great online option that appeals to the tech-savvy, going back to the basics and throwing a pirate theme into the mix is a great way to get kids off their devices and back outside. Encourage families to wear their finest pirate costumes, and send your explorers off on an adventure with printed maps, and charge for extra clues. Treasure chests with various trinkets and toys donated by local businesses, and some chocolate coins along the way, will have children of all ages swashbuckling their way through a magical afternoon while making a difference in their community.

Superhero Fun Run: No matter your age, everyone has dreamed about being a superhero for a day. By organizing family-friendly Fun Runs or Walk-a-Thons, caped crusaders of all ages can get dressed up as their favorite hero and run, walk, or stroll through a local park or school campus. Have water stations and snacks along the way and available for a small fee, and perhaps a few obstacles that participants must overcome in order to save the day, like striking their best superhero poses, or participating in a dance-off with “villainous” volunteers. Include awards that focus on inclusivity and participation rather than performance in order to make it a feel-good fundraiser and make sure no crime-fighter feels excluded from the fun.

Teddy Bear Picnic: If you’re looking to host a fundraiser that’s a bit more low-key and appeals to children a bit more on the younger side, then a Teddy Bear Picnic could be the fundraiser for you. Offer picnic baskets for sale, or sell cookies, cupcakes, and lemonade to add a sweet taste to an even sweeter event; just be sure to provide ingredient listings for parents who may have children with food allergies or special dietary needs. You can never be too careful. Families can lie down their blanket and soak up some sun while enjoying activities such as storytelling sessions, face painting, or even parade their favorite stuffed animals in a teddy bear fashion show.

Bike Parade Fundraiser: Bike parade fundraisers are not only a great way to get kids outside and get them active, but also a wonderful opportunity to have them express themselves and get their creative juices flowing. Have families gather before the event and offer tables loaded with accessories for sale, including streamers, balloons, or cardboard cutouts, with prizes handed out at the finish line for things like “Most Creative Entry”, or “Best Use Of Recycled Materials”, etc. No matter how old you are, this is a wholesome, family-friendly event that brings people out and lets them show off their artistic flair while rallying behind your cause.

CORPORATE AND WORKPLACE FUNDRAISING IDEAS

Who says work can’t be fun? While many workplaces encourage Casual Fridays as a way to fundraise for a specific organization, there are lots of fun and creative ways to raise money for charity while creating bonds between co-workers and injecting a little fun into the daily grind. Check in with management beforehand and make sure all levels are on board, because when it comes to workplace fundraisers, your co-workers are your team, and everyone needs to be on the same page in order for maximum success. Don't forget to also ask if management or corporate would like to come on board by agreeing to match your fundraising intake. Matching gifts can easily double your donations, and if your nonprofit is a 501(c)(3) certified charity, corporate donations can usually be used as a corporate write-off.

 Event Ideas

Desk Decorating Contest: While many employees like to add a little sparkle to their desk during the Christmas holidays, why not spread a little magic to the office throughout the year? Liven things up with colourful desk decorating competitions, encouraging themes such as “Christmas In July”,” Under The Sea” or “Safari Vibes” (just to name a few), and offering prizes for “Best Dressed Desk” as voted by co-workers or management.

Coffee Mug Decorating: A low-commitment, low-cost type of event, coffee mug decorating fundraisers are an easy way to get staff involved in supporting a charity, while spending a little bit of creative time with their coworkers outside of office hours. Blank mugs can be purchased just about anywhere, along with inexpensive paints, markers, stickers, and decals that you can sell for a fee–anything that can turn a mug with a blank canvas into a work of art. Co-workers can choose their favorite mug, or use the silent auction angle where winners get to their favorite mug back to their desk, While this may not be a huge money maker for charity, every little bit counts, and by introducing competition amongst coworkers, you can be sure to see your donation levels rise as well.

Pay-to-Park Fundraiser: If your workplace has designated parking spots already, ask owners to give them up for a week for charity, with the best spots going to the highest bidders. If your parking lot is more of a wild west style, with a first-come-first-park type of atmosphere, talk with management about blocking off some of the best spots to make this kind of fundraiser a more habitual event, with people constantly looking to outbid their co-workers to get the best spot they can

Snack Cart for Charity: Those mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack cravings can hit hard during the workday, so why not take advantage of the situation and have a charity-based snack cart roll through the office, giving your co-workers an opportunity to get over their energy slump while supporting a charity? As with any charity event that involves snacks and sweet treats, best practice is to load your cart with prepackaged items to sell like granola bars, trail mix, soft drinks, juices, or fresh fruit and veggie trays, and keep the original packaging on hand so co-workers can check ingredient listings before purchase. Food-based allergies and dietary restrictions continue to rise; once again,  better safe than sorry.

Charity Lunch Swap: Charity lunch swaps are a fun way to raise money for a good cause while bringing people together. All interested staff bring a homemade lunch to swap or bid on, and all the proceeds go to a chosen charity. It’s a great mix of trying new foods while getting to know your co-workers in a more informal setting. To take it to the next level, perhaps incorporate menu themes (think Italian, Mexican, or Grandma’s Favorite), or make it a contest and a vote for "Best Dish". As always, take into consideration dietary restrictions or preferences, and have a sign-up sheet available to see who’s bringing what and if any food allergies could come into play.

CHALLENGES OF FUN FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Putting together a fun-based fundraiser is a fulfilling, yet sometimes tricky, task that involves thoughtful preparation, fresh ideas, and the ability to adapt and make changes on the fly to make the event both fun and financially successful. Here are some of the top challenges that come with organizing fun fundraising events, along with practical solutions to help you ensure your fun fundraiser is a success.

Problem: High Planning Time and Resource Demands

Challenge: Fun fundraisers often require more planning, more resources, and more volunteers if you're looking to create a unique and engaging experience that will make people want to come out and donate.

Solution: Be sure to start your event planning well in advance. Make lists, start recruiting volunteers as soon as possible, form committees if need be, and start delegating tasks in order to share the workload. Approach local businesses early on and ask for their support to help offset costs, be it by monetary or physical donations. Volunteer and budget constraints are constant issues in nonprofit fundraising, so it's essential to put your best foot forward and understand what you've to work with before committing too deeply.

Problem: Risk of Low Turnout if Not Promoted Effectively

Challenge: Even the most unique and exciting fundraising event can suffer from low attendance if not properly promoted, not to mention that low turnout often leads to low morale, leaving both attendees and volunteers feeling underwhelmed and fundraising goals left unmet. With so many fundraisers competing for attention and donations at the same time, it’s crucial to make your event stand out.

Solution: Although social media is essential and widely used for advertising today, it's important to adopt a comprehensive promotion plan. This plan should include a mix of social media marketing, email newsletters, local press, community calendars, and traditional postering to maximize outreach and interest. Start promoting your event early to generate buzz, and consider using incentives such as early bird pricing or small giveaways to attract more participants.

Problem: Balancing fun with fundraising goals

Challenge: It’s easy for nonprofits to get caught up in the fun while their financial goals get left on the wayside. When a fundraising event is too focused on the entertainment aspect, participants may forget they're actually at a fundraiser, which can lead to lower donations, so finding the right balance between curating memorable experiences for guests and effective fundraising for your charity can be tricky.

Solution: Amidst all the fun, find opportunities to remind attendees why the event is taking place. Take advantage of branding opportunities by having banners and donation stations scattered about, and throw in fundraising "staples" like silent auctions, raffles, and merchandise tables to remind guests that their support is needed and will be put to good use.  Keep the fundraising goal top of mind without interrupting the fun.

 FAQs ABOUT FUN FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Common Questions & Quick Answers

What are the best fun fundraising event ideas?

●  Some fun fundraising ideas that have been trending lately include online trivia nights, community classes, themed Walk-a-Thons or Fun Runs, scavenger hunts, craft workshops, and movie nights. These types of events are interactive, family-friendly, low-cost, and appeal to a wide audience.

How do you promote fun fundraising events?

●  The best way to promote your fun fundraiser is through a combination of marketing platforms, including social media, email, local media, as well as partnerships with local businesses, and good old-fashioned word of mouth.

Are fun fundraising events expensive to host?

●  They don't have to be! DIY options, community spaces, and donated supplies can help keep the cost low. Fun fundraisers can be versatile and work within the budget of any nonprofit; you just need to be creative.

Can small nonprofits host fun fundraising events?

●  Yes, small nonprofits can successfully host simple, low-cost events like online game nights, outdoor picnics, or community scavenger hunts. It's all about spreading your mission and having a good time, no matter the size of your organization.

How do you keep events “fun” and still raise money?

●  Mix fun, interactive activities with clear fundraising moments. Be sure to include some of the more conventional fundraising tactics, like raffles and silent auctions, in order to keep the vibe light but goal-focused. You want participants to have a good time, but also have them be aware that your event raises funds for charity, and you need their support.

What’s a good turnout for a small fundraiser?

●  For local, community-based events, even 20–50 people can make a strong impact if they’re engaged and contributing. If you’d like to analyze your turnout, consider Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, which can give you full analytics on everything from the demographics you attracted, average donation amounts per person, etc. If you would like more information on CRM software, contact Paybee. We can help you understand what you did right, where things may have gone wrong, and what you can do to make your next event even more successful than the last.

How far in advance should I plan a fundraiser?

●  Planning depends on the size and complexity of your event, but generally speaking, start planning at least 6–8 weeks to secure a venue, gather volunteers, and allow time for promotion.

What’s the easiest fundraiser to run?

●  Simple event ideas, such as trivia nights or dog wash-a-thons, are relatively easy to organize and manage. They also generally require a minimal amount of investment, which can mean a higher return when it comes to donations.

How do I thank donors after a fun event?

●  It's important to thank all those who attended and supported your event in a timely manner. Send thank-you emails, post public acknowledgments on social media, and consider writing personal handwritten notes to donors who went above and beyond to add that special touch. You also want your donors to know the outcome of your fundraising efforts and how their donations will be allocated. Cust

MAKING FUN FUNDRAISING WORK FOR YOU

Fun fundraisers can transform nonprofit goals into reality by mixing a good time with a good cause. These events do more than raise money—they create lasting memories for all involved, and give your charity an opportunity to stand apart, while bringing communities together.

While these kinds of events are all about creating memorable experiences for donors, in order to make them work, there needs to be a clear and strategic plan in place in order for them to be successful. There can be some logistical challenges that you don't run into when planning a more traditional fundraiser, so plan accordingly.

Once your charity has brainstormed and decided on a unique and creative fundraising idea, it's time to set a timeline, which, realistically, is about 4–6 weeks in advance, depending on the size and budget of your event. Then it's time to start tackling basic logistics, like securing venues, permits, and supplies.

Approach local businesses and ask for their support to help offset costs and ease financial stress.  This kind of support can come from a variety of sources; anything from donated products or services, to event sponsorship, or even offering discounted or free venue space, or contributing prizes for raffles and contests. Every little bit counts.

Once you've nailed down the "what, when, where, and why", it's time to turn to the backbone of any charity event: your volunteers. Begin the process of delegating tasks in order to lighten the load, and inform them of their duties, their schedule, and their impact on the overall success of the event.

Community engagement is the heart of fun fundraisers. Involve local schools, businesses, or families to create a sense of shared purpose. Interactive elements—like contests, games, or collaborative tasks—get people talking and bonding, turning attendees into advocates for your cause. Encourage participants to share their experiences, amplifying your reach. A well-run event not only raises funds but also builds a network of supporters who feel connected to your mission.

Now’s the time to act. Start planning your fun fundraiser by brainstorming ideas that excite your community and align with your goals. Gather a small team, sketch out a plan, and tap into local resources to make it happen. With creativity and organization, your event can make a real difference.

The Fun Fundraiser Playbook

Creativity Is Key: Unique ideas stand out—don’t be afraid to try something new. Be different.

Center Your Cause: While these events are all about a good time, it’s important to strike a balance between fun and fundraising. Be focused.

Start Small, Think Big: Even low-cost, DIY events can deliver a big impact. Be resourceful

Community is Key: Engaging your local audience builds momentum and your nonprofit's reputation. Be engaging.

Build the Buzz: Use free or low-cost promotion tools, like social media and community billboards, to spread the word. Be visible.

Gratitude and Going Forward: Thank your donors, share results, explaining how the funds will be used, and keep the connection going. Be grateful.