90+ Best Fundraising Ideas for Teams, Schools, and Clubs

Choosing the right fundraising ideas for your sports team, school, or cause can be overwhelming. There are countless options to choose from, and ideally, you want one that raises as much money as possible while still being fun and engaging for everyone involved. 

Timing matters, too. A fundraiser that lines up with an event or certain time of the year is sure to perform better than one that doesn't.

Here at FlipGive, we know a thing or two about fundraising, as we've worked with thousands of teams and groups that raise money throughout the year. We're sharing an extensive list of 90+ favourite fundraising ideas, including tips on how to plan them and what you can expect to earn. 

• Classic fundraising ideas
• Food fundraising ideas
• School-friendly fundraising ideas
• Active fundraising ideas
• Product-based fundraising ideas
• Large-scale event fundraising ideas
• Digital and virtual fundraising ideas

Disclaimer: All costs, difficulty levels, and earning potentials are estimates and can vary widely based on community size, turnout, and promotion.

Classic fundraising ideas

Some fundraising ideas never go out of style. These are our favourites that withstand the test of time, both for fun and in effectiveness.

1. FlipGive

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: High

We think we've earned the right to toot our horn here, because FlipGive is truly is the best: it costs nothing to run, and it doesn't require selling anything or doing extra work.

FlipGive is a shopping-based fundraiser that's 100% digital and works year-round, even during off-season or school breaks. Your team earns cashback by buying gift cards or shopping online; that cashback goes directly back to your program as fundraising dollars, and your team keeps every cent.

With 300+ popular brands available, fundraising is as easy as buying groceries, grabbing coffee, or getting gas. You're earning free money from things you were already planning to buy!

2. Car wash

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Host a community car wash in the spring as the weather starts to warm up. Pick a high-visibility, high-traffic area, such as a school or church parking lot. Charge a flat donation per car and consider charging extra for add-ons like an air freshener or interior vacuuming. Get the word out a week or two ahead with flyers and social posts, and signs the day-of. 

3. Art sale 

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Reach out to local artists and ask them to donate prints, photography, or paintings to sell for your team or cause. Host the sale in an area with ample foot traffic, and offer the artists something in return, like a portion of the proceeds or a shoutout on social media. 

4. Face painting

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

A face painting fundraiser is an easy addition to any community event, sports game, or school fair. Charge a few dollars per design or use a donation-based system, and have a simple design menu on hand to speed up the line.

5. Telethon

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate to high

Traditionally, telethons involved a phone bank of volunteers calling for donations, but now, you can take it online. Livestream your telethon on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, encouraging viewers to donate in real time. This idea works well throughout the year and is more effective if your organization has a strong online presence.

6. Halloween haunted house

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Very high
• Earning potential: High

Transform a community centre or volunteer's yard or garage into a haunted house during the month of October. Recruit volunteers to build sets, decorate, or stand in as actors, and sell tickets to raise money. Consider turning this into an annual tradition your community looks forward to every fall.

7. Silent auction

• Cost: High
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: High

A silent auction requires a solid lineup of quality, sought-after items worth bidding on, but unlike a live auction, it's quite flexible. You can run it over a period of time, or even host it virtually.

8. Raffle

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Raffle fundraisers are easy to run (no event planning necessary). Consider asking local business owners to donate prizes that'll catch your supporters' attention, then sell tickets for a chance to win. Raffles work great alongside nearly every other fundraising idea or community events.

9. 50/50 raffle

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

A 50/50 raffle is one of the most feasible fundraising ideas out there—participants buy tickets, and the pot is split 50/50 between the winner and the cause. It works great year-round, especially at community events or sports games where you can sell tickets and pick a winner on the spot.

10. Reverse raffle

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Unlike a traditional raffle, a reverse raffle draws tickets one at a time and eliminates them as they're called, with the last ticket standing as the grand prize winner. This unique raffle style is both suspenseful and engaging!

11. Bingo night

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

A bingo night fundraiser doesn't require much effort and can be run on a recurring schedule. You can ask a local establishment, like a senior centre, to lend a ball set, and print bingo cards yourself at home or an office. Local businesses can sponsor prizes, or you can award gift cards or cash prizes. 

12. Recycling drive

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

Simply have participants collect and bring in bottles and cans, then transport them to local recycling centres. This is one of the easiest ways to raise some extra cash with minimal effort.

13. Grocery bagging

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low to moderate
• Earning potential: Low

Talk to your local store about collaborating with your group for a grocery bagging fundraiser. You can recruit volunteers from your team to help bag groceries and transport them to customers' cars, and receive donations in return.

Food fundraising ideas

Who doesn't love a good meal or refreshing beverage? Food-based fundraisers are some of the easiest sells around—here are our top ways to raise money while satisfying appetites.

1. Lemonade stand

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

A lemonade stand at sports games or school events is an easy way to draw a crowd and raise funds. Lemonade is low-cost and low-effort, and you can add a tip jar for extra earnings or opt for "pay-what-you-can" pricing to bring in more overall.

2. Restaurant night

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Partner with a local establishment or chain restaurant to host a restaurant night fundraiser, where your team or group earns a percentage of the evening's proceeds. It's relatively easy to set up this arrangement with a restaurant, as they'll get extra foot traffic in return.

3. Pancake breakfast

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

A pancake breakfast fundraiser works well if you have access to a kitchen (think: school cafeteria, church, or community centre). Ingredients are inexpensive, and you can ask volunteers to help with cooking, serving, and cleanup. Keep pricing simple: charge a flat fee for all-you-can-eat, or charge by the plate with extra for toppings.

4. Bake sale 

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

Host a bake sale at a school, sports game, or community event, and ask team members or parents to donate homemade or store-bought treats to sell. Bake sales are easy to organize on short notice and work well any time of year. Price items individually or bundle them, and consider adding allergy-friendly or gluten-free options to reach more buyers.

5. Candy or chocolate sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low to moderate

This tried-and-true fundraising idea is a hit around Valentine's Day or the holiday season. Sell classic chocolate bars for easy turnaround with predictable profits, or level up with something more gourmet, like truffles or specialty boxes.

6. BBQ cookout

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Fire up the grill! Host a BBQ fundraiser on a holiday weekend, as a tailgate before a sports game, or anytime in the summer. Like a pancake breakfast, you can charge a flat fee for all-you-can-eat, or charge by the plate. 

7. Ice cream social

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Low

There are several ways to run this cool fundraising idea: set up an open sundae bar, add soda for floats, sell popsicles, or simply scoop a few popular flavors. It's a hit at summer events and easy to scale up or down depending on your budget.

8. Community picnic

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Bring everyone together for a community picnic at a local park in the spring or summer. Charge a fee to raise funds, or just sell food and drinks on-site. Pair the event with lawn games, a raffle, or bake sale to earn even more.

9. Popcorn sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Sell popcorn bags or tins through pre-orders, offer DIY kits with kernels and seasonings, or partner with a popcorn supplier, like Kernels Popcorn, to handle the legwork. Kernels Popcorn offers a fundraising program, or you can purchase their eGift cards through FlipGive and earn up to 2% back on your next popcorn order.

10. Candy cane grams

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

Candy canes are a holiday staple consider pairing this peppermint treat with Christmas cards to deliver to family, friends, teachers, or classmates. This fundraiser is an easy way to lift your year-end earnings: it's low-cost to run, and you get to spread holiday cheer while raising funds.

11. Donut sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

Partner with a local bakery or donut shop to buy donuts in bulk and sell them in the mornings. Pair it with a coffee pop-up (see below) for a quick breakfast fundraiser that's easy to organize, low cost to run, and a hit with nearly everyone. It's perfect for school mornings, early sports practices, or tournament days.

12. Coffee pop-up

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

Set up a coffee pop-up on campus, at a sports event, or anywhere your community gathers in the morning. Keep it classic with drip coffee (plus decaf coffee and tea) and a few flavour add-ins like cream, sugar, or seasonal syrups. Charge a flat price per cup, and consider pairing it with a donut sale (see above) to round it out.

13. Pizza sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Pizza is relatively easy to handle, making it an easy, flexible fundraiser. You can sell slices at events, sell DIY kits, take pre-orders and deliver them hot and fresh, or host a restaurant night (see above) with a popular local pizza spot.

14. Cookie sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Cookie and cookie dough sales are a classic! Fundraise with ready-to-eat cookies, or partner with a supplier to sell frozen tubs of cookie dough. 

15. Cooking class

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate to high
• Earning potential: Moderate to high

Host a cooking class (think sushi making, baking, or pasta from scratch) for your local community. Partner with a local chef, restaurant, or even a skilled parent or volunteer to lead the session, and charge admission per seat. This fundraiser is engaging and hands-on, perfect for families or couples, and slots in nicely as a cozy option in the fall or winter.

16. Ultimate Dining Card

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate to high

The Ultimate Dining Card is a multi-brand gift card usable at several restaurants across Canada, including Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, Montana's, Kelseys, and more. Earn up to 7% back on eGift cards through FlipGive—so if you buy a $100 eGift card for your next meal out, your group instantly earns $7! 

17. Inspired Dining Card

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate to high

Prefer to eat at Jack Astor's or Scaddabush? The Inspired Dining Card, also available through FlipGive, offers 8% back on eGift cards, so you can earn on your next family dinner, date night, or team outing.

School-friendly fundraising ideas

Looking to get the whole school involved? These fundraising ideas are built for a school setting, from student-led events to easy ways to get parents and staff on board, too.

1. Thermometer fundraiser

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

This one's a classic, and it doesn't require any equipment or planning. Set a goal and deadline, then fill in a giant thermometer as parents or supporters donate. Display it near the school entrance or parent pick-up area to visibly track progress and keep everyone motivated.

2. Talent show

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

For a talent show fundraiser, hold auditions among the student body, or open up participation for a fee. Then, sell tickets to the event, host it after school, and offer refreshments for sale as an extra earning opportunity.

3. Used book sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

This fundraising idea works well for elementary schools, secondary schools, and universities alike. Elementary and secondary schools can receive book donations from the community or partner with the local library, while universities can run a used textbook sale at the start of the school year.

4. Prom dress drive

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Have members of your community or school donate gently used formal wear for a prom dress drive. Price items individually, with proceeds benefitting your school or cause.

5. Valentine's Day grams 

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

Beyond the holiday season, grams work great around Valentine's Day, too. Don't just stick to candy or chocolate; consider partnering with your school's choir or orchestra to offer singing grams or musical grams to raise even more.

6. Jellybean jar count

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

Ideal for elementary schools, a jellybean jar fundraiser is also a great opportunity for kids to leverage their estimation and math skills. Charge a fee per guess, and offer an eye-catching prize that intrigues both students and parents. 

7. Spirit wear sale

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: High

Sell branded hoodies, t-shirts, or hats featuring the school mascot or logo. Set up a table on campus at the start of the school year or before big sports games to capture foot traffic from students and their families.

8. Walk-a-thon or jog-a-thon

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: High

Students can collect pledges per lap or kilometre, then walk or jog around the school track on a designated event day or evening. Don't forget to invite the parents to cheer them on and raise even more! This event works best in fall or spring when the weather cooperates.

9. Dress down day 

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Does your school require uniforms? Consider a dress-down day, where students can contribute a donation to skip the uniform and wear a themed outfit instead. This fundraising idea is low effort, costs nothing to run, and can even be repeated regularly to raise more.

10. School dance

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: High
• Earning potential: High

A school dance takes some serious planning, but has high earning potential for secondary schools. Outside of prom, plan a themed event for another time of the year, like a back-to-school welcome dance, a holiday soirée before Christmas break, or a sweetheart dance for Valentine's Day. Charge admission, and add concessions or a photo booth for extra earnings.

11. Students vs. staff game

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate to high

Organize a friendly basketball, volleyball, or dodgeball game between staff and students, and sell tickets to other students, parents, and community spectators. This event is easy to run right in your school gym, and can add excitement mid-semester or serve as a year-end celebration.

12. Back-to-school kits

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Take note of your school's supply list requirements, then put together pre-packed kits by grade that parents can purchase before the school year starts. Buy supplies in bulk to keep your cost per kit low, so you can price it reasonably, save parents a shopping trip, and still turn a profit.

Active fundraising ideas

Want to get people moving with your fundraiser? These active fundraising ideas are crowd pleasers, especially for sports teams or clubs looking to showcase their skills while raising money.

1. Golf tournament

• Cost: High
• Difficulty level: High
• Earning potential: High

There are so many ways to layer fundraising throughout a golf tournament. You could charge a registration fee per golfer or foursome, then add extras like closest-to-the-pin or longest-drive contests, hole sponsorships from local businesses, or a small donation fee for a mulligan.

2. Basketball tournament

• Cost: Moderate to high
• Difficulty level: High
• Earning potential: High

You can host a basketball tournament fundraiser at your local school, church, or community gym. Invite teams to sign up and contribute an entrance fee, then boost earnings further with spectator admission, concessions, or a raffle on the side. Award a trophy or prize (gift cards from FlipGive, perhaps?) to the winning team.

3. Swim-a-thon

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Swim-a-thons are ideal for swim teams or water polo teams. Supporters sponsor participants per lap, and swimmers compete to see who can swim the farthest or last the longest. Award prizes to top performers to keep the energy and friendly competition high.

4. Dance-a-thon

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

A dance-a-thon is a great way to raise money for a dance or cheer program, or even the entire school. Supporters can contribute a flat donation, or sponsor a song or amount of time.

5. 5K walk or run

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: High
• Earning potential: High

A 5K fundraiser can be a big event for your community, driven by registration fees, sponsorships, or pledges. Note that you'll need to coordinate with your city for permits, plan the route, and arrange road closures or traffic management well in advance.

6. Fitness class or skills workshop

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Host a fitness class in your activity of choice and charge a participation fee or encourage donations. Or, run a skills workshop to teach local kids the basics of something like cheerleading or gymnastics.

7. Scavenger hunt or geocaching

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Host a scavenger hunt or geocaching fundraiser in the spring or summer. This unique idea is suitable for families and kids of all ages, and relatively easy to plan. Participants can sign up as individuals or teams for a donation fee; award an enticing grand prize to the winner.

8. Easter egg hunt

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

If your town or city doesn't already host one, consider planning an annual Easter egg hunt at a local park. Run it as a single event open to all ages, or break it up by age group, adding tougher challenges or gift card prizes for older kids.

9. Obstacle course challenge

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: High
• Earning potential: High

Bring Canada's Ultimate Challenge to your home turf! Set up an obstacle course at a park or school field, complete with tires, cones, balance beams, or even a mud pit. Charge a fee per participant or team, and invite parents, fellow students, or community members to cheer them on.

10. Field day

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Organize a day of classic field games such as tug of war, relay races, or sack races, then charge an entry fee per participant or team. This fundraising idea works well as a school-wide event or across sports clubs or leagues, and pairs nicely with concessions or a bake sale on the side.

11. Wellness day

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Host a yoga or mat pilates session (outdoor or in studio) and charge admission per participant, or make it free with a donations system. Seek sponsorship from a local instructor, fitness studio, or wellness brand, and round out the event with healthy snacks, beverages, and related products for sale on-site. A wellness event is a calmer alternative to higher-intensity athletic fundraisers.

12. Bowling tournament

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Partner with a local bowling alley to host a bowling tournament, and charge a flat fee per person or team. Many alleys offer group rates or will donate a percentage of proceeds for a fundraising event, so it's worth confirming before booking. Add music, prizes, and concessions for an extra fun (and profitable) night out.

13. Dodgeball tournament

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Bring on the energy with a dodgeball tournament that'll drum up excitement from both players and spectators. This fundraiser is easy to set up in your school or community gym, or can be played outdoors if the weather permits. Charge a entry fee for players to participate and sell concessions for extra earnings.

14. Olympic games day

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: High

Teams can participate by raising a minimum pledge amount, then compete throughout the day in a series of events like track races, relays, or mini ball games. Establish a points system where top-scoring teams face off in a final showdown for a grand prize. Consider this fundraiser for schools, sports leagues, or groups looking for something more than a single activity.

15. Community skate

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: High

Open up your local hockey or roller rink for a fun, family-friendly skate night. Charge admission, with a portion of the proceeds going to your cause. Don't forget to set up a concession stand or pizza sale on the side for extra earnings. 

16. Chore squad auction

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

This fundraising idea works well for a youth sports team. Auction off team members' time for chores like leaf raking, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, or car washing. Community members can bid on the service they need, with all the proceeds going straight to your team. Plan this in fall (leaves) or winter (snow) when these chores are in highest demand.

Product-based fundraising ideas

Product sale fundraisers are tried and true for a reason! The key to success? Sell items people already want or need, and let the markup do the work. Here are some of our favourite product-based ideas that appeal to a broad audience.

1. Yard sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

A yard or garage sale fundraiser can be as big or small as you want. Rally the neighbourhood and turn it into a community event, or just run it with another family or two on your block. It's a great way to declutter and turn unused goods into cash for your cause.

2. Flower or plant sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Greenery sales are popular around Mother's Day, Easter, and spring planting season. Work with a local nursery or greenhouse to acquire flowers, herbs, or seedlings in bulk, then sell them through pre-orders or a pop-up table at an event.

3. Lawn or garden flag sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

Ideal for scout troops or Girl Guide groups, this fundraiser involves selling decorative seasonal flags for lawns and gardens. They're cheap to buy in bulk, easy to store between seasons, and appeal to many of your neighbours.

4. Photo calendar sale

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Compile a 12-month calendar featuring team photos and sell it to friends and families. Photo calendars are functional keepsakes; they draw more interest than your typical product fundraiser, and work well timed at the start of a new year.

5. Candle sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Partner with a candle supplier or fundraising company to sell scented candles, which are popular around the holidays. Don't want to work with a fundraising company that will take a cut from your profits? Consider a Bath & Body Works gift card fundraiser with FlipGive instead!

6. Gift wrap sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

This classic fundraiser involves selling wrapping paper, gift bags, and bows through a fundraising company catalog or pre-order form. These products are an easy sell heading into the holiday season, since it's something most families need to buy anyway.

7. Holiday wreath sale

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Team up with a local nursery or wreath supplier to sell fresh or artificial holiday wreaths through pre-orders. While wreaths are seasonal, they're a higher-ticket item.
Even a modest number of sales can add up quickly, which is why this idea works well for many groups.

8. Ornament sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

Sell branded or personalized ornaments featuring your team, school, or cause logo or tagline. This product is easy to add to a bigger holiday sale, like gift wrap, holiday wreaths, or a craft fair, and appeals to buyers looking for a keepsake or collectible gift.

9. Tote bag sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low

Sell branded canvas tote bags featuring your team or school logo. Reusable tote bags are practical, affordable to produce in bulk, and appeal to eco-conscious buyers who want to cut down on single-use bags.

10. Reusable water bottle sale

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Water bottles are always a popular seller, since people use them daily. Sell branded water bottles featuring your team or cause's logo, and consider adding tote bags or blankets to your sale for more variety. 

11. Branded throw or blanket sale

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Sell cozy branded blankets or stadium throws with your team's colours or logo. They're especially popular with sports groups ahead of outdoor season, and are a practical higher-ticket item to pair with lower-priced items like water bottles and tote bags.

12. Community cookbook sale

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

A community-led cookbook is a hit during the holidays, but also works well any time of the year. Collect recipes from team families, students, or community members, then compile and print them into a cookbook to sell. 

13. AnyCard

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

AnyCard is a multi-brand gift card available through FlipGive, usable across 200+ popular brands and retailers. Promote it through your FlipGive program, and you won't have to sell a single product—supporters can use AnyCard to buy whatever they truly want or need. Earn cashback for your program every time a participant purchases an AnyCard!

Large-scale event fundraising ideas

Ready to go big? These large-scale fundraisers take more planning and coordination, but they come with some of the highest earning potential possible—perfect for causes with ambitious goals and a team ready to roll up their sleeves.

1. Game-day watch party

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Host a watch party for a major sporting event, like the World Cup, Super Bowl, or a championship game, at a school gym, community centre, or rented venue. Charge admission, and boost earnings with food and concessions, a raffle, or a squares board on the side.

2. Gala or luncheon

• Cost: High
• Difficulty level: High
• Earning potential: High

Host a formal dinner or luncheon with ticketed admission, and pair it with an auction or crowdfunding campaign to maximize earnings. This fundraiser requires significant lead time and a dedicated planning committee, but tends to draw your most generous donors and biggest totals.

3. Year-end banquet

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Celebrate the end of a season or school year with a banquet, complete with awards and a delicious meal or buffet. Charge for admission, and consider adding a raffle or auction table to boost the total.

4. Pool party

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Rent out a community or school pool for a few hours, and charge a nominal admission per person. Add concessions, music, and pool games to make this a perfect summer fundraiser the whole family will enjoy.

5. Movie night

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

A movie night fundraiser can be run in collaboration with a local theatre, or you can keep expenses low by renting out a gymnasium or cafeteria. Project a family-friendly movie, and charge admission while selling concessions like popcorn and candy. 

6. Museum night

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Partner with a local museum or gallery to host an after-hours private event nd charge admission per guest. Pair it with appetizers and refreshments. It's a unique, memorable draw that can attract donors looking for something beyond a typical dinner or auction.

7. Benefit concert

• Cost: High
• Difficulty level: High
• Earning potential: High

Book the talent, sell the tickets, and let the music do the work. Host a benefit concert featuring local musicians, your school's band, or a community choir, and add concessions to boost earnings further. A charity concert requires more lift than most ideas, but a well-attended show can also be your biggest earner.

8. Battle of the bands

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: High
• Earning potential: High

A battle of the bands fundraiser can bring the same energy as a benefit concert, but at a fraction of the cost and planning. Host a competition between local bands or school groups, with the audience or a judging panel voting to crown a winner. This idea is a great fit for schools or community arts programs. 

9. Craft fair

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Very high
• Earning potential: Moderate

Rally community members to create handmade products to sell at a craft fair, then charge vendors a table fee or percentage of their sales. This fundraising idea requires thoughtful advance planning, but can pay off well in the fall, spring or holiday season. Pick a central location like a community centre or school gym, and start early so vendors have to time to prepare inventory.

10. Family fun day

• Cost: Moderate
• Difficulty level: Very high
• Earning potential: High

Host a family fun day fundraiser to bring the community together. Think picnics, relay races, carnivals, or even an excursion to a theme park or zoo. Charge an admission fee or sell tickets for activities, games, or transportation depending on your event.  Late spring or summer works best, so you can take advantage of good weather and school breaks.

11. Community festival or carnival

• Cost: High
• Difficulty level: Very high
• Earning potential: High

Organize a multi-vendor festival or carnival with rides, games, food trucks, and local vendor booths. Charge admission, and layer in revenue from vendor fees, game tickets, and food sales. This is one of the biggest undertakings on this list, but also one of the highest-earning when done right.

12. Live auction

• Cost: High
• Difficulty level: High
• Earning potential: High

A live auction fundraiser can be exciting, but it's also a major undertaking. You'll need a solid lineup of quality, sought-after items worth bidding on. You can also reach out to local businesses to sponsor or donate items, or ask community members to contribute experiences like classes or lessons.

Digital and virtual fundraising ideas

Skip the event planning and volunteer management—these digital and virtual ideas let your team raise money from anywhere, with minimal effort. 

1. Cashback earnings

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: High

Programs like FlipGive let you earn cashback on everyday purchases, like groceries, gas, and coffee. FlipGive is free to use and works year-round, turning routine spending into fundraising dollars with no selling or extra effort required.

If your organization is based in the U.S., check out RaiseRight, which offers a similar way to fundraise through everyday purchases.

2. Crowdfunding

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Collect digital donations using a campaign page on a platform like GoFundMe or Snap! Raise. Crowdfunding campaigns are easy to set up and work well when paired with a compelling story or clear purpose.

3. Social media challenge

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Launch a fun, shareable challenge (remember the ALS ice bucket challenge?) where participants complete a task, tag friends, and donate to keep the momentum going. A challenge works best when it's easy to film, share, and replicate.

4. Text-to-give or QR donation codes

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Low to moderate

Set up a simple text-to-give number or QR code that links directly to a donation page, and display it at events, on flyers, or at partner businesses. It removes friction for supporters who want to give on the spot without cash or a cheque.

5. Gaming charity stream

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Esports teams or technology clubs can host a livestream gaming session on Twitch or YouTube, and encourage viewers to donate throughout the stream. This idea works especially well if your team or group already has an online presence, and can boost earnings with milestone incentives or guest appearances.

6. Virtual 5K

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: Moderate

Participants register, then run or walk 5K on their own schedule and route, and log their results online. The virtual 5K is a flexible alternative to an in-person race, and opens up participation to supporters across the province or country. 

7. Fantasy football tournament

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Open up a fundraiser-branded fantasy football league for some friendly competition. Charge an entry fee per participant, and pool the proceeds toward your cause while leaving some wiggle room for a cash prize for the winner. This fun, low-effort option taps into an audience that's already engaged and competitive.

8. Game-day squares

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Low
• Earning potential: Moderate

Sell numbered squares on a grid tied to the score of a big game, like the Super Bowl or a playoff match, or a championship event. Winners are determined by the final digits of each team's score at the quarter, half, or end of game. A game of squares is simple to execute, costs next to nothing, and pairs perfectly with a watch party.

9. Monthly giving program (recurring donation)

• Cost: Low
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Earning potential: High

Use a digital membership platform to let supporters set up a recurring monthly donation instead of a one-time gift. Recurring donors tend to give more over time and provide steady, predictable funding. You can also add donor tiers, with better perks at higher giving levels.