Veteran Fundraisers: Supporting Veterans Through Fundraising

Our nation's veterans have a prestigious role in society and, in most instances, face certain financial, physical, and mental challenges when transitioning back to civilian life. With many nonprofits raising a mere $100 000 a year or less, nonprofit groups servicing veterans can have a tremendous impact with each and every dollar raised.

Beyond providing financial assistance, fundraising efforts also help shed light on the unique obstacles veterans face. To allow your organization to make a meaningful impact, this article will first explore various types of veteran support organizations, and then successful fundraising ideas for your next campaign will follow.

Types of Veteran Organizations

Most veteran organizations can be broadly classified into five categories, each trying to address the most common type of support veterans and their families may need.

Each of these different types of organizations also involves different kinds of fundraisers, as well. Being able to determine which category a given organization (or one that an individual might wish to support) falls into can allow fundraising efforts to target a specific area that has been most challenging for the particular military personnel involved or their family.

General Veteran Needs

Many newly returned veterans require extra support as they transition back to civilian life. Veteran organizations play a crucial role in this process by providing services like financial loans, counseling or help with filing necessary paperwork.

As of 2022 over 200 000 veterans transition out of the military each year and many face challenges adapting to civilian employment or accessing benefits. These organizations assist veterans in meeting both short-term and long-term needs, ranging from groceries and other daily essentials to job training and placement programs that help them rebuild their lives. Resources like the National Veterans Foundation offer information and assistance for veterans seeking help.

Medical Needs

For many veterans, the physical and psychological wounds of service require ongoing care. These organizations provide support for needs such as physical rehabilitation, mental health counseling and help navigating medical claims.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 17 veterans die by suicide every day highlighting the urgent need for mental health services. Additionally, many veterans face physical challenges such as limb loss or chronic pain from injuries sustained during service. Medical-focused veteran organizations often provide support by offering medical loans, financial counseling or raising funds for expensive procedures and long-term care.

Housing Needs

More than 37 000 veterans in the U.S experience homelessness or housing instability on any given night according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Factors such as physical injuries, PTSD and high medical bills can make it difficult for veterans to secure stable housing or employment as they transition back to civilian life.

Veteran housing organizations work to address these challenges by offering financial assistance, finding affordable housing options and tackling related issues like unemployment and substance abuse. Initiatives like the HUD-VASH Program (a collaboration between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the VA) have helped reduce veteran homelessness, but ongoing support is crucial to make further progress.

Active Military Needs

Even while actively serving, military members and their families often need support. Certain organizations that support active military personnel also provide families with the resources to send items overseas, offering a comforting reminder of home for their loved ones.

Additionally, there are situations where military families may need to raise funds to support their service members but lack the resources to do so on their own. For example, the families of service members sometimes encounter unanticipated expenses such as childcare, transportation and unscheduled trips. Groups like Operation Gratitude make it easy for communities to contribute and help maintain morale for those serving overseas.

Military Family Needs

Families of military personnel face unique challenges, particularly when their loved one is deployed. They may struggle to cover necessary expenses or deal with unexpected costs such as traveling to see their service member.

In cases where a service member passes away, family members in most instances will have a need for dealing with arrangements and overcoming the financial and emotional barriers in such a loss. Organizations like Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides both financial and emotional resources for grieving families.

By recognizing the specific needs of veterans, active service members and their families, and using resources like the ones linked above, communities can create meaningful support systems to honor and assist those who have served.

Veteran Fundraiser Ideas by Categories

Most veteran organizations depend on creative and engaging fundraising ideas to meet their missional objectives. Whether this is honoring fallen heroes, involving the community or using the power of the internet, these fundraising ideas run the gamut. Here are a few different fundraising categories and unique ideas that will help in raising funds, supporting veterans and engaging your community. Everything from memorializing service members to hosting local events and online campaigns exists as an option for every organization to try their hand at and take advantage of.

Memorial and Tribute Fundraising

Engraved Brick Fundraisers

Memorializing fallen servicemen and women through bricks engraved with their names provides a lasting tribute while also helping raise funds for your organization. By organizing an engraved brick fundraiser, donors can purchase bricks to be used in the construction of a memorial. These bricks can be inscribed with the names of those who served or other meaningful messages.

To launch this campaign, partner with a supplier who can provide the bricks and engraving services. After that, the process is as follows:

1. Encourage donors to buy bricks, either plain or engraved, to contribute to the memorial.
2. Collect enough funds to complete the project and place your order with the supplier.
3. Build the memorial and invite supporters to visit once it’s complete.

If you're unsure about how to start selling bricks, companies like Polar Engraving offer marketing consultations to help guide you through the process.Shoe CampaignsBoots have significant symbolic value in the military, signifying sacrifice and the lives lost in service. Veteran organizations can organize a campaign for collecting shoes in honor of fallen heroes and raising funds for a cause. Supporters can donate new or gently used shoes, which can then be sold or repurposed for other causes.Organizations like The Fundraising Company offer programs where nonprofits receive a check based on the weight of the shoes they collect. Alternatively, organizations can sell the donated shoes through garage sales or online marketplaces with the proceeds supporting their mission.Flag

Subscription Services

‍For many veterans, the American flag holds deep significance as a symbol of patriotism and sacrifice. Veterans' organizations can offer flag subscription services to their supporters. For a fee, these organizations will hang a flag on a donor's property, especially on important holidays like Memorial Day or Independence Day.The service typically includes the delivery and pickup of the flag, allowing supporters to honor their service members and show pride in their country. It's a meaningful way to connect with donors who are passionate about supporting veterans and honoring their memory.

‍Community Engagement

EventsA-Thons

‍Runs, marathons and walk-a-thons are time-tested fundraising events that unite communities to boost both awareness and donations. To ensure a successful a-thon, it's important to recognize the key roles of three groups:

‍
Participants gather pledges before the event and take part in it, getting some exercise while adding to the excitement of the day. The total distance or number of steps they complete determines the final amount they raise. Much like peer-to-peer fundraising, a-thons allow individuals to support a cause that holds personal significance.

‍
Donors pledge contributions based on distance-per lap, mile, or step (often in increments of ten or one hundred), or opt for a fixed donation. They donate the full amount once the event concludes. Their involvement is crucial to the fundraiser’s success and engaging them can help strengthen connections for future giving.

‍
Organizers oversee the event by selecting a location, recruiting participants, tracking distances and making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. A-thons are not only a great way to raise funds but also an excellent opportunity for veterans and their families to come together and participate in a meaningful activity.

‍
50/50 Raffle

‍Raffles are always a crowd-pleaser and a 50/50 raffle is a simple yet effective way to generate excitement and raise funds. In a 50/50 raffle participants buy tickets for a chance to win half of the total prize pool, while the other half is donated to the fundraiser. The more tickets you sell the larger the prize and the more funds you raise for your cause.50/50 raffles work especially well when paired with larger events such as auctions or dinners. The excitement of the raffle keeps participants engaged and they can enjoy the anticipation of waiting to see if their ticket is drawn. To increase the chances of success, make sure the raffle is promoted effectively and is linked to a popular event that draws a large crowd.

‍Reverse Raffle

‍A reverse raffle is a creative twist on the traditional raffle. Instead of awarding a prize to the winner, the last remaining ticket holder takes home the pot. This unique spin can create a sense of suspense and excitement throughout the event.Participants buy tickets and as the drawing proceeds, numbers are eliminated until only one remains. The final ticket holder wins a percentage of the collected funds or a predetermined prize. Reverse raffles allow organizations to sell higher-priced tickets enticing supporters with the potential for a larger payout.To keep attendees engaged, organizations can offer smaller prizes or incentives for those remaining in the raffle as it progresses. Once the final tickets are drawn, nonprofits can offer the option for the remaining participants to split the winnings, adding an additional layer of excitement.

‍Chain of Paper Hearts

‍Invite your supporters to participate in a Chain of Paper Hearts fundraiser by purchasing paper hearts, which will be displayed at your organization, a local public venue (with the necessary permissions) or at a partner business like a restaurant. This approach not only raises funds but also helps to draw the attention of passersby.To make the fundraiser even more personal, write the name of an active military member on each heart. This connection strengthens the bond between the cause and the community, showing military families that their loved ones are supported by those around them.

‍Envelope Fundraising

‍Envelope fundraisers are perfect for locations with high foot traffic such as shopping centers or community hubs. Place a wall or notice board with envelopes containing different values of donations inside. Visitors can then choose an envelope and donate the corresponding amount. For organizations not engaging in as much in-person interactions, this can easily be brought online. Creating an online donation page, nonprofits are afforded the option to allow donors to virtually choose an "envelope" and make a donation accordingly.To further encourage larger donations nonprofits can share stories detailing how specific amounts help veterans. Donors will feel more connected to the cause, knowing exactly how their contributions will be used. Personal testimonials or success stories from veterans receiving aid will help build trust and motivation for giving.

‍Peer-to-Peer Fundraisers

‍Peer-to-peer fundraising allows your supporters to raise funds on behalf of your organization by reaching out to their network of friends and family for donations. Not only does this method raise money, but it can also bring in new donors who may have some kind of personal connection with your existing supporters, especially any family members of their own who may have been or currently are veterans. For example, if your supporter's loved one served in the military they can encourage their community to take part in the fundraiser, bringing in a wider audience. Having a successful peer-to-peer campaign requires much more than just setting it up. Clear instructions will be necessary, along with defined goals and access to training resources. You will also need ways to track progress along the way.Peer-to-peer software like Paybee can help simplify the process by giving volunteers their own personalized landing pages branded to your organization. Ensure that your goals are clearly communicated and equip participants with the tools they need to make the most of their fundraising efforts.

‍Corporate and Community Partnerships

Restaurant Partnerships

‍Partnering with local restaurants is a straightforward yet effective way to raise funds for veteran organizations. Many national chains run ongoing campaigns where they allocate a portion of their proceeds to charity. This can be easily adapted to local partnerships where nonprofits collaborate with restaurants to host fundraising days. On a predetermined date supporters are encouraged to dine at the partnering restaurant, where a percentage of the total sales will be donated to the cause. The organization’s role is to promote the event and rally their community to support it. By utilizing social media and email, nonprofits can spread the word and encourage participation.

‍Give Your Change Fundraiser

‍The "Give Your Change" fundraiser is a simple yet effective way to gather small donations from supporters. Local businesses can partner with veteran organizations by placing donation jars at their registers. Patrons are encouraged to contribute their spare change to support veterans.In addition to in-person donations, the same concept can be applied to online shopping through services like Coin Up, which allows customers to round up their online purchases and donate the difference to a cause. This fundraiser is low-effort but can add up to significant contributions over time.

‍Charity Auction

‍Charity auctions, whether in-person or virtual, serve as an effective way to generate funds by encouraging supporters to bid on donated items. The most successful auctions typically feature experiences or bundled packages that offer greater value than individual items. Reaching out to local businesses for donated or discounted items can not only provide valuable auction content but also foster ongoing relationships that may lead to future contributions.You might want to consider hosting a charity auction specifically tailored for the families of active military personnel. By inviting these local families to participate, you create an opportunity for them to connect and support each other while bidding on items that directly benefit their loved ones stationed overseas.

‍Matching Gifts Program

‍Maximizing donations through matching gifts is an effective way to increase the impact of each contribution. Many businesses offer matching gift programs, where they match donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofits. With 65% of Fortune 500 companies that have such programs, there’s a good chance some of your supporters could benefit from this.Managing matching gifts involves a few steps to help donors understand their eligibility and assist them in securing the match. You can streamline this process by asking donors for their employer information during the donation process. Incorporate a matching gift database on your donation page to quickly determine if the supporter’s company participates in such programs. If they do, the database will provide a simple way for donors to access the forms required to submit their matching gift request.

‍Holiday-Themed Fundraising Campaigns

‍The holiday season, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's, is a time when people are more willing to donate. Veterans’ organizations can leverage this period of generosity by launching targeted campaigns.For instance, Operation Help a Hero runs an annual "Operation Christmas Spirit" campaign to support service members and their families with gifts and holiday cheer. Nonprofits can promote these seasonal campaigns through social media, email and local events, and donors will appreciate the opportunity to give back during the season of giving.

‍Online and Virtual Fundraising

‍
Virtual Fitness Challenge

‍Physical fitness challenges are an excellent way to promote healthy living while raising funds for a cause. A virtual fitness challenge allows participants to sign up for activities like running, cycling or walking.Participants raise funds by soliciting donations from their network of friends and family. By incorporating peer-to-peer fundraising, participants can create their own campaign pages to raise money while tracking their progress. The flexibility of virtual fitness challenges makes them an ideal option for reaching donors from all over the world.

‍
Virtual Charity Galas

‍While traditionally held in person, charity galas have made a successful transition to the digital world. Virtual galas allow nonprofits to reach a broader audience, including those who may not have been able to attend in person. During the event, online raffles and auctions can be held offering attendees the chance to bid on items or win prizes.To maximize virtual gala success, nonprofit groups can sell tickets and sell experiences for a price. For example, experiences can include having food and drinks delivered to guests' doors, or access to a section of an event specifically for them alone. On a similar level, creating sponsor packages specifically for virtual attendees can attract corporate sponsors who desire access to a global virtual community. For example, the Front Line Coalition offers sponsorships for its virtual galas, and donors and sponsors worldwide respond positively to them in a variety of forms.
‍

Facebook Fundraisers

‍Social media fundraising is effective because of social proof- the idea that people are more likely to contribute when they see their friends and family donating. Facebook fundraisers allow supporters to create campaigns on behalf of their favorite nonprofit and to display contributions publicly to encourage others to give.To maximize the potential of Facebook fundraisers, consider registering with Facebook Payments. While optional, this feature enables faster payouts and provides additional tools to gain insights into donor behavior, helping your organization refine its online fundraising strategies.

‍
Text-to-Give

‍Text-to-give fundraisers let donors contribute from anywhere as long as they have their phones and a mobile connection. Partner with a text-to-give provider like Paybee to set up a phone number for donations, then encourage supporters to give by texting a keyword along with a dollar amount.Television outreach can help expand your text-to-give campaign by running ads that share your message. When viewers see your ad, they can donate immediately by texting your number- without ever leaving their couch.

‍How Paybee Helps with Veteran Fundraising

‍Fundraising for veterans is increasingly becoming difficult, especially when most organizations are under tremendous budget constraints. One of the powerful tools helping them raise funds efficiently is called Paybee, an online donation platform that provides opportunities to create personalized donation pages, making it safe and easy for supporters to contribute directly to their cause. By making the process of donation smooth Paybee helps the veterans' organizations reach a wider audience, increase the amount of donations and ultimately sustain their programs. Whether it's a one-time donation or a recurring contribution (regardless of one's schedule and pace) donors are given choices in making payments as easy and as comfortable as it could get while making sure all of that comes in for serving veterans.

‍Wrap Up: Veteran Fundraising Ideas

‍These fundraising ideas can help your organization plan its next campaign to support veterans and their families. Since each group has unique needs, choosing the right approach can make a big difference in the impact of your efforts.Successful fundraisers require careful planning, so if a veteran fundraising idea catches your interest take the time to research what it takes to execute it effectively. Look into local regulations, potential costs and the best ways to promote your event to maximize participation and donations.If you're looking for tools to streamline your fundraising efforts consider using specialized fundraising software like Paybee and book a free demo here to try it out yourself. With the right resources and preparation your organization can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served.