Fuel your mission and earn more for your cause

When it comes to the best fundraisers for nonprofits, there’s no effortless win-win like a RaiseRight ... program. Through RaiseRight, your members can fundraise for your nonprofit just by shopping online, buying gift cards for everyday expenses (think gas, groceries, or clothing), or dining at local restaurants. Your nonprofit receives up to 20% back for every purchase and can retain 100% of the earnings. With hundreds of brands available, there’s something for everyone on RaiseRight, no matter your lifestyle, shopping habits, or preferences.

A walk-a-thon or 5k not only multiplies your support (as each runner or walker will pay their entrance ... fee, then recruit sponsors) but also inspires your community to get active. Generally inexpensive and easy to organize, a walk or run is a fun way for your supporters to get outside and connect. All you have to do is choose a route, register participants, and set a date. With themed or holiday events (like a Turkey Trot), you can attract even more participants and their families.  

Athletes and hobbyists alike will often jump at the chance to play their sport. And when you offer a local ... tournament, they can contribute to your cause while paying the same or less than they would at a club. Consider a golf tournament or a sport that evokes childhood nostalgia, like softball or soccer, or one that’s currently trending, like pickleball. Enjoy a day of fun with multiple opportunities to fundraise, from entrance fees to ticket sales to concessions. As a bonus, you can raise even more if you purchase items for your concession stand from your local grocery store using a gift card from RaiseRight. Or, award gift cards to winners so you can earn on the prizes, too.

This nonprofit fundraiser is a classic for a reason: hosting a formal luncheon or dinner is an effective way ... to raise funds and build community at the same time. You can rent space at a venue or partner with a local restaurant of your choice. Then, charge guests to reserve a table and offer them an excuse to dress up (and perhaps even a dance floor). To keep guests in a donating mood and enhance your fundraising efforts, consider setting up a raffle, holding an auction, or a matching gift event.

No matter your organization, there’s likely a bigger market for your merch than you might think—from board ... members and their families to casual supporters of your cause. You can create DIY merchandise using iron-ons, sewn patches, or supplies from a craft store like JOANN or Michaels, or source merchandise in bulk by printing custom items ranging from mugs and T-shirts to keychains and tote bags. Sell items online throughout the year, then bring them to in-person events. Merchandise sales are an excellent way to raise money year-round, but you can also create seasonal merch to attract more buyers during certain times of the year.

A raffle is one of the best and easiest nonprofit fundraisers you can run. With some help from your team ... members, a raffle can be a breeze to organize: just have each participant curate a basket or ask a local business to donate one. A raffle basket can contain virtually anything, but popular ideas include gift cards, jewelry, experiences (like tickets to a show or a spa day), or services (like free painting or yard work). Host your raffle at an in-person event or run it virtually if your budget is tighter. Then, let the game of chance begin!

A more intense take on the walk-a-thon or 5k, a marathon offers your supporters a unique (and heart-pumping) ... opportunity to raise money. It’s also a great way to multiply donations (from each runner and their sponsors), and while it requires just securing a permit and mapping out a route at the minimum, you can make a full day of it—sell refreshments, book a band, or add a finish line photo op. And if running a marathon doesn’t grab your interest, consider another type of marathon altogether! A dance-a-thon, read-a-thon, or knit-a-thon can get participants equally excited.

Whether it’s a benefit concert or a simple outdoor picnic, an event that gathers your community together ... for a bit of fun and mingling is one that’s sure to garner funds in return. Plus, there are endless ideas to choose from: cook-offs, karaoke, casino nights, murder mystery dinners, outdoor movies, paint-and-sip nights—you name it. Each event also offers an opportunity to raise funds beyond ticket sales. Get creative—you can even take a poll to see what your target audience would most enjoy.

Looking for a simple nonprofit fundraising idea? Host a giveaway—with an enticing enough incentive, you can ... encourage your community members to reach fundraising goals fast and in turn, spread your nonprofit’s message to a wider audience. Simply offer a prize of your choice to the first participant to reach certain fundraising goals. You can have participants ask for donations (think crowdfunding) or sell widely-loved merchandise (such as chocolate or candles). Prizes could be anything—from a free stay at a hotel to a month’s worth of gas. 

By seeking sponsorships or partnerships from other businesses who share your mission, you can increase your funding exponentially ... while also fostering positive workplace cultures—especially if the partnering company agrees to match donations. Do your research to find companies whose values align with your nonprofit’s, or even choose a local TV or radio station for the perk of discounted advertising.