8 Creative and Innovative Summer Fundraising Ideas

Summer fundraising can be an uphill battle, with most families on break from school and organized sports. While fundraising may be your priority, it's not top of mind for many of your participants. 

But that doesn't mean your momentum has to stall. How can you continue raising funds, even during a slow season?

We're sharing eight attention-grabbing summer fundraising ideas that'll bring your supporters together all while keeping the summer fun alive. 

1. Sports tournament

A golf tournament is a classic choice, but don't feel limited. You could opt for kickball, cornhole, disc golf, tennis, or whatever sport has the best chance of capturing your members' attention.

Outdoor sports tournaments are a great fit for summer fundraising because they get people outside enjoying the warm weather, and they can easily be tailored for adults, families, or both. Add team registration fees, sponsorships, or concessions to boost your bottom line while everyone has fun.

2. Geocaching 

Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity in which participants use a GPS device or a mobile app to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches," marked by coordinates at specific locations. 

A geocaching fundraiser is another way to attract support from individuals looking for ways to spend time outside during the summer. Teams can compete to be the first to return to base after collecting a sticker, code word, or other proof of visiting all geocached sites. Charge an entry fee per team and offer a prize for the fastest finishers to add some friendly competition to the mix.

3. RaiseRight 

RaiseRight is the perfect summer fundraiser, especially if your supporters are traveling or can't gather in person. Just shop, dine, or book travel through RaiseRight and your organization earns with every purchase. 

During summer, you can encourage your supporters to use RaiseRight for: 

• Travel (flights, hotels, ground transportation, experiences or activities)
• Grocery or department store shopping for barbecues, get-togethers, beach days, and more
• Gifting or celebratory occasions like graduations, Father's Day, or weddings
• Retail shopping, especially during big holiday sales (think Memorial Day or Fourth of July)
• Back-to-school needs like clothing, shoes, supplies, or college dorm essentials

With hundreds of brands available, RaiseRight has something for everyone. You can keep the earnings flowing—even without planning any summer fundraising events. To learn more about starting a free RaiseRight program, download our guide: 

4. Festival 

Whether you want to host a cookout, carnival, or festival, a summertime community gathering is a great way to roll multiple fundraising ideas into a single day or weekend. Set up separate revenue streams to maximize earnings, such as:

• Food and beverage sales
• Competition entries (like a barbecue cookout)
• Raffles
• Bake sales or craft sales
• Water balloon target shooting or dunk tanks
• Carnival-style games and rides
• On-site scavenger hunt team registration

Bonus: You can stretch your budget (and your earnings) by using RaiseRight to purchase event supplies.

5. Invisible event 

A creative spin on a traditional gala or banquet, an "invisible event" asks supporters to donate the money they would've spent attending, without anyone having to actually show up.

Here's how: Send an invitation that breaks down the cost of attending a splashy fundraiser event; for example: 

• Ticket: $100
• Black-tie outfit: $100
• Child care: $75
• Round-trip rideshare with tip: $60

However, the event doesn't exist. Rather, you're encouraging supporters to donate what they would've spent. In return, they'll get to enjoy a relaxing summer night off, while your organization saves on rentals, staffing, and other event planning costs.

6. Ice cream social 

An ice cream social can stand on its own or add a sweet touch to a larger festival or tournament. 

Host it at a local park or partner with a sponsoring ice cream shop to keep costs down. If your budget allows, elevate this fundraising idea with:

• A loaded toppings bar
• Flavors beyond the classic vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate trio
• Non-dairy options for guests with dietary restrictions 

Don’t forget to use RaiseRight for all your ice cream social supplies! 

7. Outdoor movie night 

Movie night fundraisers are a community favorite for a good reason. Watching a film under the stars is a memorable experience and an easy summer fundraising win. 

Before you get started, make sure film licensing and restroom facilities are on your planning checklist. Then consider boosting your earnings with:

• Concession sales and add-ons like picnic blankets or bug spray
• Early family-friendly showings that start once the sun goes down
• Creative programming for teens and adults, like horror films screened in spooky locations

8. Restaurant night 

Restaurant night fundraisers are a perfect fit for summer—they require minimal effort, are easy to repeat, and give everyone an excuse to gather indoors. 

Partner with a local restaurant or bar to earn a percentage of sales for one day or evening in exchange for promoting the event to your audience. Organizations typically earn anywhere from 5 to 25% of proceeds, so make the most of it by marketing through: 

• Emails to your mailing list
• Social media promotion
• Announcements at gatherings or events
• Ads in newsletters, programs, and websites

Prefer something even simpler? You and your supporters can earn 5% for your organization (tax and tip included), just by dining at a participating local restaurant through RaiseRight. Learn more here.

Fuel summer fundraising with RaiseRight 

What summer slump? With RaiseRight, summer fundraising doesn’t have to be slow or stressful. Families can still enjoy their break while earning on everyday shopping and dining. In turn, partner brands contribute up to 20% back to your organization and your families! It's that easy.