Fun and Creative Fundraising Ideas

1. Host an art gala

Whether you’re a full-time artist, hobbyist or simply have lots of crafty friends who are willing to lend a hand—organizing and hosting an art gala is one of the most creative fundraising ideas out there. All you’ve got to do is round up the photographers, painters and craft-makers in your life, and see if they’re willing to donate some work.

Once you’ve gathered some donated artwork and are ready to start selling, here’s how to make sure that your art gala event is successful:

• Find a venue by enquiring with local galleries, cafés, schools and community centers. Many businesses may be willing to host a charity art gala for free, or even sponsor your fundraising event.
• Once you’ve settled on a date and location, start putting all of your efforts into marketing your art gala event. Sharing your fundraiser through email, social media and in-person outreach can help to attract the largest amount of support possible.
• Once the big day arrives, set up an information stand to ensure that attendants are aware of your fundraiser. Bring along any images, documents or other materials that relate to your fundraiser, and make sure to have QR codes or links to your fundraising page on hand.

2. Arrange an art workshop

If your fundraiser involves supporting the arts or a cause that relates to creativity, you’re bound to gather a lot of supporters who would be interested in signing up for an art workshop. Relatively affordable, easy to organize and creating potential to sell the artworks you create—hosting an art workshop can be an incredibly fruitful fundraising idea.

Here’s how to ensure that your art workshop turns out to be a masterpiece:

• Assemble a fundraising team of creative friends, family and volunteers, and decide which types of art are to be included in your event. You could even ask local art teachers or skilled local artists if they’re willing to donate their time.
• There are endless types of art that people are interested in learning, so try not to limit yourself. Creative fundraising ideas are all about thinking outside the box, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
• Drawing, photography, portraits, landscape painting, jewelry-making and clay model making are all great for entertaining crowds while keeping costs low.
• Host half-day or full-day workshops, and set up a stall at the entrance where attendees can make donations.

3. Organize a talent show

Talent shows are a great way to flex your creative muscles while engaging your local community with an enjoyable day out for all. All you’ll need to do is scout for skilled performers in your area, and schedule a suitable time and date to host your creative fundraising event.

Here are our top tips for organizing a star-studded talent show fundraiser:

• Tailor the name and theme of your talent show to tie in with your fundraising campaign. Set up a ticket stand at the door with all proceeds going to your chosen cause, or sell tickets online in advance of your event.
• Choose a venue that can accommodate your expected audience, making sure to keep factors like accessibility and venue hire costs in mind. Local theaters, gymnasiums and other public venues tend to be popular choices.
• Spread the word about your talent show fundraiser in your local community and beyond—utilizing printed flyers, social media and local news outlets to your advantage.
• If possible, ask a local celebrity or well-known member of your community to act as emcee on the big night. They may even be willing to work for free or at a reduced rate to support your fundraising efforts.
• Check with local businesses, talent schools and nonprofit organizations to see if they are willing to sponsor your event or set up a donation-matching program.
• Nominate someone from your fundraising committee to capture image and video content of your event. Share the highlights of your talent show on social media to include those who couldn’t attend and create an ongoing buzz around your crowdfunding campaign.

4. Sell crafts online

When it comes to creative virtual fundraising ideas, selling crafts is one of the most affordable and popular options. Gather the craft-makers in your life and see if they’re willing to donate some designs, or reproduce customized trinkets and t-shirts on handy sites like eBay or Etsy.

Not sure how to get started? Use these crafty tips to get your art-selling fundraiser off the ground:

• Choose a craft you can produce in large quantities and easily personalize with donors’ names and other information.
• Consider selling your crafts through social media and online e-commerce platforms like Etsy. Just make sure to keep potential insurance and tax obligations in mind.
• Create a detailed product description that clearly states what proceeds are being used for and includes a link to your fundraising page.
• Recruit someone with experience in selling crafts if possible, and rally your fundraising team to cover the responsibilities of design, packaging and delivery.
• Ensure that your entire profit margin (i.e. the margin between production and shipping costs your total sale returns ) is donated to your fundraiser.
• If your first round of craft sales is successful, consider adding new items and restocking your most popular designs.

5. Sell handmade wreaths

A perfect creative fundraising idea for the holiday season, selling handmade wreaths can bring a sense of warmth and charm to your crowdfunding efforts. Whether you’re hopping on the festive trend or selling in a different season, it’s simple to start selling wreaths online or in-person.

Here’s how to set up and sustain a successful handmade wreath-selling fundraiser:

• Gather your fundraising team and start sourcing materials from nature, or find a local wholesale supplier who’s willing to donate fresh wreaths or raw materials to your cause.
• Add flourishes and finishing touches to your wreaths, like dried berries, succulents, flowers, chili peppers, corn husks, fresh herbs or ribbons—especially if they visually or symbolically relate to your cause.
• If you notice that one wreath is selling out quickly, recreate it in large quantities to make the most out of the high demand.
• Work with your fundraising committee to create a simple delivery process and ensure that donors receive their wreaths as quickly as possible.

6. Knit a quilt with your community

Selling handmade quilts and other knitted items is a great way to bring traditional craftsmanship to your creative fundraising efforts. Whether you’ve got a passion for needlework, know some experienced weavers or just want to bring an artisanal touch to your fundraiser—follow these simple steps for creative crowdfunding success.

• Reach out to local artists, nonprofits and art stores in your area to see if they will weave sponsored sections for your items and donate to your fundraiser.
• Allow artists to knit a message or design of their choice, and combine these sections to create eclectic patchwork items.
• Once you’ve got a finished quilt, blanket or clothing item—sell your produce as a way to raise funds, or donate items to local hospitals, shelters and other charitable organizations of your choice.
• Make sure to factor the cost of materials, labor and other overhead expenses into your fundraising budget to establish an effective profit margin.
• Sell your handmade merchandise through online platforms like Etsy and Ebay, or organize a dedicated event where you can sell your knits items in person.