Get inspired by these 7 unique fundraisers and ideas
Some of the best fundraising ideas are simple ideas with a unique twist. From in-person events to virtual fundraising ideas, here are seven to help you start
1. Fund a life-saving surgery for a furry friend
Kay, a military working dog who toured overseas, needed emergency surgery. With the support of local community members, organizer Tony raised almost $10,000 to cover the cost. Kay is back on four feet and the road to recovery.
Unique idea: Post a photo of the pet (in a happier time) that you are trying to save, along with their name and story. Ask people to make a donation and post a photo of their own pet to show their support. Setting up a social media account for the poorly pet can be a great way to reach a wider network, especially if you have funny videos and photos to share.
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly fundraising event to host, why not host a pet wash? The premise is simple, like a charity car wash, but with pets! Encourage local pet owners to bring their pets down for a grooming with suggested donations to raise money for the pet in need. You can enlist a local dog groomer to donate their services or split the profits with the charity. Another idea could be a pet walk-a-thon where local community members pledge to sponsor local dogs and other pets for every mile walked.
2. Help someone you love fund their college tuition
Chris Cognac did just that while serving as a police officer in Hawthorne, California. After meeting a passionate young girl who needed some help, Chris set up a fundraiser for Yanet’s education. She’s now attending UC Berkeley.
Unique idea: A fun way to drive donations is to ask people to donate the amount of the year they graduated. For example, if they graduated in 1988, they could donate $19.88 to the fundraiser.
You could also host a themed karaoke night, where guests have to dress up and perform a song from the year they graduated. Charge a small donation fee to take part. You could also throw an informal fashion show where guests show off their outfits.
3. Build an amazing invention
11-year-old cancer survivor Kylie Simmonds invented a wearable IV backpack. Sick of the constraints of traditional IV machines, Kylie’s invention gives children more mobility during their treatment. Her incredible story was picked up by national media outlets, and Kylie is now building her first prototype.
Unique idea: If you’re fundraising for a project or idea, make a YouTube video explaining or showing off the concept and include a link to your fundraiser in the description. Ask viewers to consider donating if they feel inspired. Providing suggested donations along with an itemized list of what each amount will fund is an effective way of getting supporters to dig deeper.
You could even create and sell merchandise supporting your new project, such a t-shirts and tote bags.
4. Honor someone special in your community
Ollie, a beloved 72-year-old custodian at Parkway West High School, needed some help with medical bills after being diagnosed with cancer. Students and teachers alike came together and started a fundraiser to raise money for Ollie and his wife’s medical bills.
Unique idea: Create brightly colored posters to honor the person you are supporting and drum up support from the wider community. Post these around the local area and include QR codes linking to your GoFundMe fundraiser, so that passersby can learn more about the individual’s situation and make a donation. You can remind them that their donation is covered by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.
Host an event in honor of the individual you are supporting by incorporating all of their favorite things. Whether it’s a trivia night themed around pop culture moments or a food truck (or potluck) serving their favorite cuisine, this will give them a boost, bring the community together, and help raise money.
5. Fund a newspaper or publication
A group of students from Boston came to GoFundMe to save their 44-year-old independent student newspaper, The Daily Press, and raised over $80,000 to keep their operation running.
Unique idea: Create a special-edition, online or PDF version, or preview of your publication. Include QR codes or links to your fundraising page so that readers know how to support you.
Consider offering incentives to donate, such as a discount code that you email to supporters, so they can continue to support your publication after the fundraiser has ended.
6. Do something special for a veteran
When Sherwin Callender was contacted to attend the 70th anniversary of D-Day at Normandy, but didn’t have the funds to fly, friends and family came to his rescue and made sure he was able to attend. Their fundraiser, Send Sherwin Callander to Normandy for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day!, ended up raising more than $10,000.
Unique idea: Use the month of November to create a “challenge” to raise money for a Veteran or Veteran Charity. You might walk one mile every day as part of a walk-a-thon, or pledge to read 30 veterans’ stories.
You could end the month with a family-friendly field day event, featuring an obstacle course and other activities. Charge a small fee for entry and consider selling raffle tickets or concessions to raise more money.
7. Help people in your local community
In 2011, Kasonja Holley started a project called Love In Motion. During lunch one day per week, she spends her time passing out 20 meals. With an amazing network of friends and family, Kasonja raised over $10,000 to feed the homeless in Park Forest, Illinois.
Unique idea: Host a food event in your local park, serving baked goods or ice cream, with a suggested donation as an entry fee. You could host a simple bake sale, or mix it up with a cook-off—nothing draws a crowd like some friendly competition.
Print out a short story about your fundraiser and hand the print-out to everyone at the event, ensuring there is a link or QR code to your fundraiser. You could connect with local businesses or local restaurants to support your fundraising efforts.
Create your own fundraiser
Now that you’ve been inspired, it’s time to set up your fundraiser. Online fundraising is so effective because it lets you reach beyond your immediate network of loved ones and family members.
GoFundMe is a safe, trusted, and effective fundraising platform that has raised more than $30 billion and boasts a charitable giving community of more than 150 million donors. We know a thing or two about effective fundraising strategies and how to create a crowdfunding fundraiser that will drive donations.
Follow these tips to create a fundraiser that stands out:
Spread the word about your fundraiser
If you want to have a successful fundraiser, you have to take promotion seriously. The more people who know about your fundraiser, the more potential donors you’re able to reach.
Share on social media about your online fundraiser or fundraising event to encourage people to make donations.
Social media is essential, but it isn’t the only way to drive donations. Read our top tips on sharing beyond social media to make an impact.
Start your own unique fundraiser
GoFundMe is proud to be the home of so many amazing, unique fundraisers—whether they’re for yourself, a friend, a family member, or a complete stranger.
Whatever your unique fundraising idea, you can tap into the 150 million donors who have supported good causes on our platform.
Check out our blog for more fundraising tips.