16 Easy Fundraising Ideas That Are Hard To Resist

Finding effective ways to raise funds for your organization doesn't always have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, some of the most successful fundraising endeavors are those that are simple to execute yet yield significant results. In this article, we've compiled a list of easy fundraising ideas that require little more than enthusiasm and community engagement. From straightforward events to creative initiatives, each idea is designed to help your organization generate funds with minimal effort and maximum impact. Whether you're a school, church, non-profit, or sports team, these easy fundraising ideas offer versatile options to support your cause while bringing your community together.

Fundraiser Categories

  • Easy Fundraising Ideas for Schools: Events involving students, learning, and classrooms.
  • Easy Fundraising Ideas for Churches: Events involving a broader audience and suitable for all ages.
  • Easy Fundraising Ideas for Charities: Events involving an audience that may not know one another and may be spread out geographically, but are connected by a common cause.
  • Easy Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams: Events hosted by a sports team for their fans and local community.

Factors Considered for Ranking

  • Fundraising Potential: How much money can the fundraiser generate, net of event costs?
  • Educational Value: Does the fundraiser offer educational benefits or learning opportunities?
  • Community Value: Does the fundraiser help to foster and enrich your community and brand?
  • Overall Enjoyment: Do participants look forward to the event and are excited to take part?

Fundraisers Analyzed

(Note: The estimates provided for revenue, costs, and volunteer hours are approximate and can vary depending on the school or organization. These figures are based on the author's experiences and discussions with other organizations.)

Math-A-Thon

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Schools

7.0
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
7
Educational Value
10
Community Value
5
Overall Enjoyment
6

A Math-A-Thon is a fun and easy fundraising idea where students solve math problems or puzzles to raise money for their school. While some Math-A-Thons involve providing worksheets to students that are scored and recorded by administrators, by utilizing a platform like ForOurSchool.org, a school can streamline the process as all math problems are readily available online and automatically scored, eliminating the need for manual tracking.

Duration: 2 weeks
Suggested Dates: Spring
Est. Revenue: $20,000
Est. Cost: $250
Volunteer Hours: 5
Platform: ForOurSchool.org

Student Art Exhibition

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Schools

4.0
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
3
Educational Value
5
Community Value
4
Overall Enjoyment
4

A Student Art Exhibition fundraiser is a creative fundraising idea where students showcase their artistic talents through paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art. Schools can leverage existing art programs and facilities to generate the artwork, and sell tickets to the exhibition, as well as copies of the artwork, to raise funds.

Duration: 1 week
Suggested Dates: Winter
Est. Revenue: $1,000
Est. Cost: $0
Volunteer Hours: 4

Tech Recycling Drive

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Schools

3.5
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
3
Educational Value
3
Community Value
7
Overall Enjoyment
1

A Tech Recycling Drive is an environmentally friendly fundraising idea where your school can raise funds while making a positive impact. Set up a collection area for old tech devices like smartphones and laptops, then partner with e-waste recycling facilities to earn money from responsibly disposing of these items. It's a win-win initiative that not only generates revenue but also helps reduce electronic waste and protect the environment.

Duration: 4 hours
Suggested Dates: Spring
Est. Revenue: $1,000
Est. Cost: $0
Volunteer Hours: 3
Platform: Terracycle

Talent Auction

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Schools

6.0
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
6
Educational Value
4
Community Value
6
Overall Enjoyment
8

A Talent Auction is a fun and easy fundraising idea where students, teachers, and community members can showcase their unique talents while raising funds for your school. Participants offer up their skills, services, or talents to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, whether it's a personalized music performance, cooking class, or art lesson. A Talent Auction can be coupled with a Gala night, and hosted as a live auction, or can be held online as a silent auction.

Duration: 3 hours
Suggested Dates: Winter
Est. Revenue: $3,000
Est. Cost: $0
Volunteer Hours: 4

Coffee Morning

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Churches

4.8
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
1
Educational Value
3
Community Value
8
Overall Enjoyment
7

A Coffee Morning is a beloved community fundraising idea that brings people together over a cup of coffee. Hosted either in a community center, church hall, or even in homes, participants enjoy freshly brewed coffee, tea, and homemade treats while socializing with neighbors and friends. Guests contribute through donations or by purchasing baked goods, with the funds raised supporting local initiatives or charitable causes.

Duration: 2 hours
Suggested Dates: Year round
Est. Revenue: $300
Est. Cost: $25
Volunteer Hours: 3

Prayer Walk

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Churches

6.0
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
4
Educational Value
7
Community Value
7
Overall Enjoyment
6

A Prayer Walk is a healthy fundraising idea that combines physical activity with spiritual reflection for a meaningful cause. Participants gather to walk together through designated routes, pausing at various points for prayers or moments of reflection. Participants seek sponsorship or make donations to support the cause. It's a wholesome way to promote physical wellness, spiritual connection, and charitable giving within the community.

Duration: 4 hours
Suggested Dates: Spring
Est. Revenue: $1,500
Est. Cost: $0
Volunteer Hours: 8

Picnic in the Park

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Churches

5.0
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
3
Educational Value
3
Community Value
7
Overall Enjoyment
7

Picnic in the Park is an easy fundraising idea that offers a delightful day out. Families and friends gather in a local park to enjoy a picnic-style event with games, music, and delicious food. Participants purchase tickets or make donations to attend, with the proceeds going towards the fundraising goal. It's a simple and enjoyable way to raise funds while creating lasting memories in the community.

Duration: 4 hours
Suggested Dates: Spring
Est. Revenue: $1,000
Est. Cost: $200
Volunteer Hours: 8

Community Cleanup

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Churches

4.3
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
1
Educational Value
2
Community Value
10
Overall Enjoyment
4

A Community Cleanup is an environmentally friendly fundraising idea that rallies volunteers to beautify their surroundings. Participants gather to collect litter, plant trees, or beautify public spaces, contributing to a cleaner and greener community. Donations or sponsorships are collected to support the initiative, with funds allocated towards environmental projects or community improvement efforts. It's a proactive way to make a positive impact on the environment while raising funds for worthy causes.

Duration: 6 hours
Suggested Dates: Fall
Est. Revenue: $1,000
Est. Cost: $1,000
Volunteer Hours: 10

Online Cooking Class

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Charities

4.3
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
3
Educational Value
5
Community Value
4
Overall Enjoyment
5

An Online Cooking Class is a virtual fundraising idea that combines culinary education with philanthropy. Participants join interactive cooking sessions led by professional chefs or passionate cooks from the comfort of their own kitchens. They learn new recipes, cooking techniques, and culinary tips while supporting a cause through ticket sales or donations. It's a convenient and engaging way to raise funds remotely while enjoying delicious food and community spirit.

Duration: 2 hour
Suggested Dates: Winter
Est. Revenue: $1,000
Est. Cost: $100
Volunteer Hours: 4

Photo Contest

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Charities

3.3
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
1
Educational Value
3
Community Value
6
Overall Enjoyment
3

A Photo Contest is a creative fundraising idea that celebrates artistic expression while supporting a worthy cause. Participants submit their best photographs based on a theme or topic, which are then judged by a panel or put to a public vote. Entrants pay a submission fee or make donations to participate, with proceeds benefiting the charity's initiatives.

Duration: 1 week
Suggested Dates: Fall
Est. Revenue: $250
Est. Cost: $100
Volunteer Hours: 6

Virtual Pet Parade

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Charities

4.0
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
3
Educational Value
2
Community Value
4
Overall Enjoyment
7

A Virtual Pet Parade is a fun and easy fundraising idea that brings together pet lovers for a virtual celebration of furry friends. Participants submit videos or photos of their pets showcasing their cutest costumes, tricks, or talents. Viewers can vote for their favorites by making donations or purchasing votes, with proceeds supporting the fundraising cause. It's a lighthearted way to engage the community, spread joy, and raise funds for a worthy cause from the comfort of home.

Duration: 1 week
Suggested Dates: Winter
Est. Revenue: $1,000
Est. Cost: $100
Volunteer Hours: 4

Community Workout

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams

4.8
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
3
Educational Value
4
Community Value
6
Overall Enjoyment
6

A Community Workout is an active fundraising idea that promotes fitness and community spirit. Participants of all ages gather for a fun-filled workout session led by athletes and coaches, featuring exercises suitable for everyone. Registration fees or donations support the teams' programs and initiatives, while attendees benefit from a lively and energetic atmosphere. It's a fantastic way to encourage physical activity, teamwork, and fundraising efforts within the community.

Duration: 1 hour
Suggested Dates: Fall
Est. Revenue: $1,000
Est. Cost: $0
Volunteer Hours: 3

Fan Photo Booth

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams

3.5
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
1
Educational Value
2
Community Value
5
Overall Enjoyment
6

A Fan Photo Booth is a fun fundraising idea where participants pose for photos with props and themed backgrounds and pay a small fee for each photo session. It's a light-hearted way to engage fans, create memorable moments, and raise funds.

Duration: 2 hour
Suggested Dates: Fall
Est. Revenue: $500
Est. Cost: $100
Volunteer Hours: 4

Sports Trivia Night

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams

5.0
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
5
Educational Value
6
Community Value
3
Overall Enjoyment
6

A Sports Trivia Night is another fun fundraising idea where participants test their sports knowledge and join teams with the players. Teams compete in a trivia contest covering a range of sports-related questions, with entry fees or donations contributing to the fundraising effort.

Duration: 2 weeks
Suggested Dates: Fall
Est. Revenue: $4,000
Est. Cost: $400
Volunteer Hours: 8

Team Yard Sign Sale

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams

3.0
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
2
Educational Value
3
Community Value
5
Overall Enjoyment
2

The Team Yard Sign Sale is a creative fundraising idea that not only raises money but also helps promote the team. Supporters can show their support for the team by purchasing customized yard signs featuring the team's logo or slogan to display in their yards or gardens.

Duration: 1 week
Suggested Dates: Fall
Est. Revenue: $1,000
Est. Cost: $300
Volunteer Hours: 6
Platform: VistaPrint

Sports Bingo Night

Easy Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams

3.5
Overall Score
Fundraising Potential
2
Educational Value
2
Community Value
5
Overall Enjoyment
5

A Sports BINGO Night is a simple fundraising idea where participants can enjoy an evening of fun and games. Players purchase BINGO cards and compete for sports-themed prizes.

Duration: 2 hour
Suggested Dates: Fall
Est. Revenue: $1,000
Est. Cost: $400
Volunteer Hours: 5
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