10 Cheap Fundraising Ideas
If you’ve decided you want to start fundraising, a good place to start would be to research some cheap fundraising ideas. Big events are great and can attract a lot of attention, but also require some form of investment before you put them on – and day-to-day that might not be practical.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to raise money for your chosen cause without breaking the bank in the process. Here, we explore our favourite inexpensive fundraising ideas, including starting a GoFundMe fundraiser.
1. Volunteer for a good cause
Volunteering for a nonprofit organization is a brilliant way to fundraise for them without incurring a large cost first. Volunteering means giving your time and it also helps to raise awareness of the cause you are supporting. There’s plenty of opportunity to volunteer for local good causes, such as food banks or thrift shops.2. Clear out unwanted belongings
Giving your house a little spring clean by getting rid of extra clothes, ornaments, and books, and selling them at a garage sale or online, can also be a great way to raise money. It’s good for the planet and gives items another lease of life whilst giving you a clearer home.
3. Take on a running or walking challenge
A fitness challenge is a brilliant way to raise money for a good cause. It gets you out of the house and fit in the process and there’s also no limit to how far you can go – ultramarathons anyone? The great part about a walking challenge is that taking to the pavements around your home is free, all you need is a good pair of shoes.
4. Host a skills workshop
Maybe you’ve got a skill that people covet around you. From DIY to make-up, photography, arts and crafts, or even computer skills – get a group together and offer to share your wisdom for a small donation towards that cause you’re raising money for. You can spread the word on social media and arrange regular sessions.
5. Give something up
A simple way to raise money – but not necessarily easy – is giving up something for charity. This could involve giving up smoking for National Non-Smoking Week, which can benefit your health as well, or honouring Meat Free Monday for a whole year. There’s also a growing popularity of calendar monthly events like Dry Feb, where you don’t drink alcohol for February.
6. Start a crowdfunding campaign
A really simple way to raise money is to start a crowdfunding campaign, either for a charity close to your heart or a personal charitable cause. You just need to start one and tell your story about why you want to fundraise and then share it on social media, email, with posters up at your local school, or local businesses.
You can start your fundraiser here and take a look at our handy tips on how to use social media to promote it – ideal for those interested in cheap fundraisers for schools.
7. Use your creative skills
Are you a budding arts and crafts person? If so, you can create something to sell and put the proceeds towards charity. Even if you’re not crafty, something like carpentry or hairdressing can be offered in return for donations.
8. Sponsored trash pick
A cheap fundraising idea that benefits the community and is very easy to organize is sponsored trash picking. Choose a day and get family members and friends to join you in the local parks, playgrounds, and streets to pick up some trash. Organize a few weekends and spread the word, getting people to sponsor you for your good cause whilst you do it.
9. Grow a mo
Every November, thousands of Canadians grow a moustache (or try to) for Movember, a global foundation that aims to address mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer among men. It’s an inexpensive fundraising idea – but shows that you are committed to the cause. Why not make an event of it by posting daily photos of your progress on social media or get people around and video the big moment you shave it off?10. Community coffee morning
An all-time favourite cheap fundraising idea is the coffee morning. There are so many different formats you can do it in and it can be done with colleagues, friends, school mums, and more. For example, the Alzheimer Society has a scheme called Coffee Break, where friends and family can get together to learn more about dementia and make a donation in exchange for a cup of coffee.