“Donors don’t give to institutions. They invest in ideas and people in whom they believe.”
— G.T. Smith
Over 60% of donors now prefer digital giving; yet, hybrid fundraising events still raise 34% more per attendee.
(Source: Neon One, 2024 Donor Trends Report)
Fundraising for nonprofit organizations isn’t getting easier—donor retention is dropping, operating costs are climbing, and digital fatigue is very a real concern. But in 2025, the most successful nonprofits aren’t doing more. They’re doing what matters—with clarity, creativity, and care.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ve hand-picked high-impact, budget-conscious fundraising ideas for nonprofits that work, whether you’re powering a local food bank, a student club, or a national advocacy group.
Inside, you’ll find real-world examples, quick-start checklists, recommended tools, and a free decision matrix to help you choose the best approach for your mission, your audience, and your bandwidth.
Why Do Digital and Online Campaigns Inspire Fast Giving for Nonprofits?
Why digital campaigns matter:
Because 54% of donors give after seeing social proof online.
(Source: Neon One, 2024)
In 2025, digital fundraising is not just convenient—it is essential. From donor fatigue to shrinking attention spans, nonprofit teams need tactics that deliver fast results and wide reach without breaking the budget.
The following strategies highlight proven fundraising ideas for nonprofits—each one includes real examples, practical steps, and tools you can start using today.
Giving-Day “Power Hours”
A Giving Day is a short, high-energy fundraiser—typically 24 hours long—with a clear goal and live donor recognition. Power Hours within that day add an extra burst of urgency, like flash rounds with bonuses or matches.
Example:
826 National raised over $110,000 in one day using a series of timed emails, match triggers, and hourly competitions like:
“Most donors between 12:00–1:00 p.m. = $1,000 bonus.”
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Pick a theme and micro-goal (e.g., “24 Hours to Fund 10 Scholarships”)
- Add a countdown timer to your donation landing page
- Schedule email, SMS, and social reminders throughout the day
- Use platforms like Givebutter or Classy for real-time progress bars
- Post shout-outs and live updates during Power Hours
Tip: Your peak donation times are often between 12:00–2:00 p.m. and 8:00–10:00 p.m.—schedule your most exciting Power Hour campaigns during these windows.
Crowdfunding and Peer Booster Campaigns
Crowdfunding enables you to tell a compelling story to a wide audience. Peer-to-peer campaigns amplify that story by allowing your supporters to raise money through their networks, thereby multiplying your impact.
Example:
The nonprofit Thorn enabled donors to fundraise for birthdays and milestones. One supporter raised over $12,000 by creating a personal campaign page and sharing their story on social media.
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Use a platform like GoFundMe Charity, Givebutter, or CauseVox
- Offer tiered giving levels with impact “badges” ($25 = 1 kit, $50 = 2 sessions)
- Give fundraisers custom email and social templates to use
- Create a leaderboard and highlight top supporters
Tip: Personalized campaigns outperform generic ones. Give your fundraisers a compelling narrative and visual assets to work with.
Social Media Hashtag Challenges
Hashtag challenges are low-cost, high-engagement campaigns that combine visibility, virality, and quick giving. They work exceptionally well with younger donors and visually driven platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok.
Example:
A small arts nonprofit launched the #10DollarTuesday challenge. Donors posted selfies with a $10 bill, tagged three friends, and made a donation. The result:
- 470+ new donors
- Over $6,500 raised in micro-donations
- 3× increase in Instagram reach
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Choose a simple, branded hashtag (e.g., #OneWarmMeal, #BooksForChange)
- Make participation visual—photo, video, or emoji reaction
- Ask for a small donation and a social share
- Track engagement using hashtag analytics
- Publicly thank and repost standout participants
Tip: Boost momentum by setting a group challenge like “1,000 posts unlock a $1,000 donation” from a sponsor.
Livestream Fundraisers on Twitch, YouTube, or Instagram
Livestream fundraising fosters connections and creates urgency in real-time. Whether it is a Q&A with your team, a live performance, or a donation-driven challenge, livestreams help viewers engage and give on the spot.
Example:
St. Jude PLAY LIVE raised over $35 million by hosting gaming livestreams on Twitch, where donors received shout-outs, stretch goals, or behind-the-scenes access in exchange for their donations.
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Choose your platform: Twitch, YouTube, or Instagram Live
- Select a format: interview, tour, performance, or livestreamed activity
- Use tools like Tiltify, Streamlabs Charity, or DonorDrive to show live donation totals and thank-you popups
- Schedule your stream and promote it heavily a week in advance
- Assign a moderator to manage chat and real-time donor recognition
Tip: Add excitement by promising a fun or symbolic action if a donation goal is met (like a dunk tank moment or celebratory reveal).
Online fundraising delivers speed, scalability, and storytelling power—especially when donors feel emotionally connected and instantly acknowledged. Whether you choose livestreaming, a hashtag challenge, or a power-hour push, the most successful digital fundraisers are timely, authentic, and easy to join.
But donors still love the power of human connection, too. Next, let’s look at event-based fundraising ideas that combine your cause with real-world experiences your supporters will never forget.
What Are the Best Event-Based Fundraising Ideas Nonprofits Can Use in 2025?
Event-based fundraising gives donors more than a reason to give—it gives them a reason to show up. Whether virtual, in-person, or a blend of both, these experiences have been proven to drive donations, build community, and create unforgettable moments.
From hybrid galas to restaurant partnership days, here are some of the most effective fundraising ideas nonprofits can use to boost visibility, connection, and revenue.
Virtual or Hybrid Galas and Auctions
Galas have evolved. Nonprofits can now reach a broader donor base and reduce costs by offering both in-person access and online participation, often through livestreams or bidding platforms.
Example:
Girls Who Code transitioned to a hybrid gala, resulting in a 40% increase in participation. Supporters joined virtually from across the United States, bidding on items and donating in real-time.
Cost vs. Return Snapshot
| Format | Avg. Cost | Avg. Return |
| In-Person Only | High | High |
| Hybrid | Moderate | High |
| Virtual Only | Low | Moderate |
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Select an auction platform (e.g., OneCause, Handbid)
- Open bidding early (3–5 days before)
- Stream donor tributes and the auction close live
- Use real-time text-to-give to drive engagement
Pro Tip: Test your livestream and bidding software two days before the event. A last-minute glitch can cost donations.
Walk, Run, or Bike-a-Thons
Low-cost, easy to personalize, and family-friendly, these “-thons” empower supporters to fundraise by getting outside or participating virtually actively.
Example:
Best Buddies International hosted a nationwide walk-a-thon with virtual participation, raising over $1.2 million through team-based pledges.
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Let participants create pledge pages
- Offer incentives for top fundraisers
- Share team leaderboards online
- Encourage the use of event hashtags
How do you fundraise through a walkathon?
Let participants collect donations from their networks in support of their activity. Their effort becomes your campaign fuel.
Pro Tip: Ask teams to post short videos. Fundraisers who share video updates tend to raise twice as much.
Benefit Concerts and Trivia Nights
Casual, fun, and community-centered—these events offer low overhead and high engagement. Trivia nights typically work well mid-week, while benefit concerts bring together diverse supporters around music and a shared mission.
Example:
Food Rescue US hosted a benefit concert in a brewery taproom. With a raffle and food trucks, they raised over $9,000 on just a $400 budget.
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Partner with a venue that benefits from exposure
- Promote 2–3 weeks ahead
- Secure small prizes or donated experiences
- Post a QR code on-site for live giving
Pro Tip: Trivia is most effective on slower nights, such as Tuesday or Wednesday—venues often offer discounts, and you face less competition.
Dine-Out Partnership Days
A low-effort favorite. Partner with a local restaurant for a “give-back” night, where a portion of each sale supports your cause. You get donations, and the restaurant gets more diners.
Example:
An animal shelter partnered with a pizza chain that donated 15% of all sales in a four-hour window. Email and Instagram promotion brought in $1,800 in one night.
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Approach local spots 3–4 weeks out
- Use flyers or codes to track turnout
- Promote the date via email and social
- Publicly thank the business afterward
Pro Tip: Include a thank-you and follow-up message after the event, inviting attendees to join your email list or become recurring donors.
Quick Comparison: Which Event Type Fits Your Team?
| Event Type | Budget Needs | Virtual Option | Planning Effort | Community Reach |
| Gala Auction | High | Yes | High | Broad |
| Walk/Run/Bike-a-Thon | Low | Yes | Medium | High |
| Trivia/Benefit Night | Low | Partial | Low | Moderate |
| Dine-Out Day | Very Low | No | Very Low | Local |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many organizations skip post-event follow-up. That’s a missed opportunity. Always send a warm thank-you, share what their participation helped accomplish, and invite them to take the next step—whether that’s subscribing, sharing, or giving again.
Significant events do more than raise money—they create memories, build loyalty, and give your mission a face. Whether it’s a trivia night, a gala, or a walkathon, people give to experiences that make them feel part of something bigger.
Next, let’s discover how to amplify your impact by empowering supporters to become fundraisers themselves.
How Can Nonprofits Turn Their Supporters into Peer-Driven Fundraisers?
Peer-to-peer fundraising remains one of the most effective and scalable ways for nonprofits to raise funds. It turns your community into active champions—people who bring in donations by rallying their networks.
Whether it’s a birthday campaign, a school challenge, or a staff-led initiative, these people-powered strategies are low-cost, emotionally engaging, and proven to drive new donor acquisition and loyalty.
DIY Birthday and Anniversary Fundraisers
Celebrations become opportunities for impact when supporters ask for donations instead of gifts. These fundraisers are highly shareable and deeply personal, making them more likely to convert friends and family into first-time donors.
Real Example:
A supporter of the animal welfare nonprofit PawBridge used Facebook to run a birthday campaign. She shared her adoption story, added a personal message, and raised $2,300 in five days from her network.
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Enable personal fundraising pages through your platform or Facebook
- Create a “Celebrate With Impact” landing page on your site
- Offer social templates and images that supporters can easily share
- Publicly thank or feature birthday fundraisers to inspire others
Ambassador or “Champion” Programs
Ambassadors are your most trusted advocates—volunteers, staff, or super-supporters who are willing to share your campaign with their audience. Equip them with shareable content and tracking tools, and you’ll multiply your reach fast.
Real Example:
Teen mental health nonprofit Hope Forward ran a two-week back-to-school campaign with just eight ambassadors. Each had email templates, Instagram story graphics, and a custom donation link. Together, they raised over $40,000, with 60% of the funds coming from first-time donors.
Ambassador Program Toolkit:
| What to Provide | Why It Matters |
| Custom donation links | Tracks performance per ambassador |
| Branded visuals | Makes sharing consistent and professional |
| Email + caption drafts | Saves time and encourages action |
| Progress updates | Keeps momentum high during the campaign |
Tip: Add a leaderboard or prize for top performers to keep ambassadors engaged.
Workplace or Classroom Donation Contests
Add a little competition and watch generosity soar. When coworkers, students, or departments compete to raise the most funds, it energizes the campaign and creates a shared goal.
Real Example:
A youth nonprofit launched a classroom challenge with coin jars and digital donation options. Each class received a custom QR code. The result? $4,125 raised in just ten days—and a popcorn party for the winners.
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Set a timeline (7–14 days works best)
- Create a real-time leaderboard (print or digital)
- Offer a fun prize (pizza party, trophy, early lunch break)
- Use QR codes or donation links to simplify giving
Tip: Keep the entry barrier low—small donations add up fast when many participate.
When your supporters become your fundraisers, you unlock the power of community, trust, and social proof. These grassroots ideas are not only practical—they’re sustainable and scalable, even with a small team.
Now lets explore corporate partnership strategies that can help amplify your efforts and generate new revenue streams for your organization.
What Corporate Partnership Strategies Help Nonprofits Raise More in 2025?
Strategic partnerships with businesses are no longer exclusive to major institutions. Whether you run a small grassroots organization or a mid-sized nonprofit, corporate giving—from matching gifts to community sponsorships—can unlock scalable impact.
According to Double the Donation, matching gifts can increase individual donation totals by an average of 71%.
Here’s how to tap into three high-impact corporate strategies that drive both visibility and donations.
How Can Nonprofits Boost Impact with Employer Gift-Matching?
Gift-matching is often overlooked, even though it’s one of the easiest ways to fundraise for nonprofit causes. Thousands of companies match their employees’ donations, but most donors are unaware that their employer offers this benefit.
Quick-Start Micro Guide:
- Enable a Matching Gift Search Tool
Add a search widget to your donation form (e.g., Double the Donation or Millie).
- Prompt Donors at Checkout
Use copy like: “Your employer might match your gift! Check here.”
- Automate Follow-Up
Send a post-donation email reminding them to complete the match request.
Many platforms will handle paperwork and automatically notify companies. You just have to enable the option.
What Are Cause-Marketing and Percent-of-Sale Campaigns?
These partnerships involve local businesses or brands that donate a portion of sales to your organization. They’re effective for visibility and community goodwill, and often require little or no upfront cost.
Example:
A small-town coffee shop ran a “Cups for a Cause” week, donating $1 from every purchase to a local literacy nonprofit. The nonprofit gained $700 in donations and added 58 new subscribers to its email list.
What Makes It Work:
- Limited-time urgency (e.g., one week only)
- Cross-promotion: you promote them, they promote you
- Clear signage and QR codes in-store
This type of visibility-driven effort is one of the most modern and scalable fundraising ideas for nonprofits seeking to increase awareness while raising funds.
How Can In-Kind Product Drives and Volunteer Grants Support Your Mission?
Not every gift comes in dollars. Many companies are eager to contribute through in-kind donations (products or services) or volunteer grants (donations based on the hours their employees volunteer).
Real-World Application:
A regional office supply chain donated printers and toner to a youth education nonprofit, resulting in over $3,000 in cost savings. In return, the nonprofit featured its logo on newsletters and event signage.
Recognition Plan Ideas:
- Sponsor highlights on your website or annual report
- Shout-outs on social media with visuals
- Inclusion in donor thank-you campaigns
Many corporations also offer grants of $10–$25 per hour, which employees volunteer for. All you have to do is ask your volunteers if their workplace offers this benefit.
These kinds of practical, relationship-based approaches remain among the most effective fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations seeking to grow sustainably.
Corporate partnerships aren’t about cold emails—they’re about finding alignment. Whether through donation matching, retail tie-ins, or service-based giving, thoughtful collaboration can amplify your mission without draining your team.
Next, we’ll explore how recurring giving models transform small monthly gifts into lasting impact, even on autopilot.
Which Giving Models Help Nonprofits Build Long-Term Donor Support?
If you’re relying on one-time donations, your revenue resets every month. That’s exhausting. The solution? Recurring and subscription giving models—designed for donors who want to help continuously, not just occasionally.
And it works. Research shows that monthly donors are over twice as likely to keep giving year after year.
Let’s look at three tested models that convert occasional support into mission-sustaining impact.
Why Should You Launch a Monthly Sustainer Club?
Monthly giving clubs are one of the most successful fundraising ideas for nonprofits that want to build predictable revenue and deeper loyalty. And they’re easy to launch—no tech overhaul required.
“Our ‘Sustainers Circle’ started with 11 people. Now it’s over 300 strong, and we haven’t done a big push in over a year.” —Small literacy nonprofit director
How to Build Yours:
- Step 1: Give it a name donors are proud to join (e.g. “Hope Partners” or “Roots Circle”)
- Step 2: Offer meaningful rewards—early updates, behind-the-scenes access, or impact videos
- Step 3: Make it your default ask on donation forms and thank-you pages
Pro Tip: Add a “$10/month” option by default instead of asking for one-time gifts—it often converts better.
How Do Round-Up Apps Turn Spare Change into Steady Support?
Modern donors love automation. Tools like RoundUp App, CoinUp, and DonsPlus let supporters donate a few cents from each purchase—and forget about it.
Why it works:
- It feels effortless for the donor
- Appeals to younger donors (Millennials, Gen Z)
- Provides a steady flow of micro-donations with minimal lift from your team
Real-World Example:
A cancer support nonprofit raised $9,200 in six months with just 140 participants. Their pitch? “Turn your coffee change into care packages.”
What Makes Adopt-a-Program Giving So Emotionally Sticky?
Adopt-a-program models let donors feel exactly what they’re funding. Instead of “Donate to support our work,” try:
“$25/month gives books and tutoring to one student—every month.”
Create a tiered, story-driven experience:
- $10/month → Buys weekly art supplies for one child
- $25/month → Covers one family’s groceries
- $50/month → Supports weekly therapy sessions for a teen
Use visuals and names wherever possible: “You’re helping Sofia paint every week.”
These personalized tiers make this one of the most human-centered fundraising ideas for nonprofits—and one of the most repeatable.
The beauty of recurring models is that they grow slowly—but steadily. Every monthly donor is one less gap in your budget next year. Whether you try a tech-driven round-up app or launch a heartfelt monthly club, you’ll unlock both retention and peace of mind.
Let’s explore creative, low-cost fundraisers anyone can run—even on a shoestring budget.
Which Creative Low-Cost Fundraisers Can Any Nonprofit Run in 2025?
When your budget is tight but the mission can’t wait, creativity becomes your best fundraising asset. These low-cost fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations are designed to be launched with under $200 and deliver outsized results—whether you’re a grassroots group or a growing team.
Top Low-Budget Fundraiser Picks
- Coin Jars (“Change for Change”)
Place jars at coffee shops, libraries, or school offices. Add a QR code for digital givers. Cost: $0–$20. Potential: $200–$1,000+ in a few weeks.
- Virtual Escape Room Challenge
Use a service like Enigmify or Escapely. Sell tickets to groups or teams. Cost: ~$99. Potential: $600–$1,500 with basic promotion.
- Online Talent Show with Live Raffle
Host on Zoom or YouTube. Include a few small prizes and audience voting. Cost: $50–$100. Potential: $300–$2,000 based on entry and raffle sales.
- Digital Community Cookbook
Collect recipes from your supporters. Design with Canva, deliver as a PDF. Cost: $0–$50. Potential: $500–$3,000 depending on outreach and pricing.
Budget vs. Revenue Snapshot
| Fundraiser | Startup Cost | Revenue Potential |
| Coin Jar Campaign | $0–$20 | $200–$1,000+ |
| Virtual Escape Room | ~$99 | $600–$1,500 |
| Online Talent Show & Raffle | $50–$100 | $300–$2,000 |
| Digital Cookbook | $0–$50 | $500–$3,000 |
These ideas are ideal when you want quick wins with minimal overhead—without sacrificing impact or donor engagement. No complex tools, no big staff, just community and creativity in action.
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Let’s break them down by effort, cost, tools, and ideal audience—so you can pick what truly fits your nonprofit.
How Do You Choose the Right Fundraiser for Your Nonprofit?
Not every fundraiser is a perfect fit. Choosing the right campaign depends on who your supporters are, how much time and help you have, and what tools you’re comfortable using. Here’s a quick guide to help you make a confident, strategic choice.
Compare Your Options at a Glance
| Fundraiser Type | Effort Level | Cost Range | Tech Needed | Works Best For |
| Monthly Sustainer Clubs | Medium | Low | Recurring donation tools | Long-term donor retention |
| Walk/Run/Bike-a-Thons | High | Medium | Registration + tracking | Community engagement + sponsors |
| Hashtag Giving Challenges | Low | Low | Social media | Younger, mobile-first donors |
| Virtual Galas or Auctions | High | High | Streaming + bidding tools | Major donors, sponsors, formal events |
| Coin Jar Drives | Very Low | $0–$20 | None | In-person foot traffic + visibility |
| Round-Up Donation Apps | Very Low | None | App integration | Passive, consistent giving |
| Digital Cookbooks or Talent Shows | Medium | Low | Canva, Zoom, email | Family-friendly + general audiences |
Ask Yourself These 3 Smart Questions
- How much time and help do we really have?
Go simple if you’re short-staffed. Coin jars or social media challenges work well without heavy lifting.
- Who are we trying to reach?
Target campaigns to your donors. Younger people lean digital. Local supporters respond well to food, games, or family-based events.
- Do we have the tech to support it?
If your team isn’t tech-savvy or you lack tools, skip complex livestreams. Instead, try raffles, printables, or in-person contests.
By choosing based on capacity—not trends—you’ll set your campaign up to succeed from day one. The best fundraisers aren’t the flashiest—they’re the ones that match your mission, your people, and your moment.
What Do Nonprofits Ask Most About Fundraising in 2025?
Whether you’re building your first campaign or refining an existing strategy, these are the real questions nonprofit teams are asking—and practical answers to help you move forward with clarity.
How do we pick the right fundraising idea for our organization?
Match your campaign to your donor base (age, interests, giving habits), your available resources, and the tools you’re confident using. A simple, well-run idea often outperforms a complex one done halfway.
What are low-cost but effective fundraising ideas we can launch quickly?
Try coin jar drives, social media challenges, virtual trivia nights, or a digital cookbook. These require minimal setup, under $200, and can generate strong early support.
How can we boost recurring donations without overwhelming donors?
Launch a monthly sustainer club and offer small, meaningful perks like thank-you notes, member spotlights, or impact updates. Use round-up apps to collect micro-donations from everyday purchases—easy, frictionless giving.
What’s the best way to handle registrations and payments for events?
Use an online platform such as Jumbula, Eventbrite, or Givebutter to simplify sign-ups, securely process donations, and track donor engagement in one place.
How do we encourage businesses to support our cause?
Offer clear value: tiered sponsorship packages, matching gift promotions, or percent-of-sale partnerships. The easier you make it for them to contribute—and benefit—the more likely they’ll join in.
What’s a good way to engage younger or first-time donors?
Host hashtag campaigns on TikTok or Instagram. Keep it light, visual, and interactive—use peer tagging, short-form video, and donation entry points as low as $5 to build momentum.
When should we start planning our next fundraising event?
Give yourself at least 8 to 12 weeks—even for smaller events. It takes time to secure partners, plan promotion, test tools, and create a smooth donor experience.
Answering the right questions early helps avoid wasted time, donor fatigue, or tech headaches down the road.
Keep revisiting these questions as your organization grows—your best fundraising approach will evolve.Remember: informed decisions lead to smarter campaigns and stronger donor relationships.
Wrap Up
Looking for fundraising ideas for nonprofits that actually work? This guide has walked you through how to fundraise for a nonprofit in 2025—across digital, hybrid, peer-driven, and budget-friendly formats.
Here’s the real takeaway: You don’t need dozens of tools or a huge team. You need one solid idea matched to your audience, executed well, and supported by the right tech.
Want to streamline registrations, track donations, and save hours of admin time? Try Jumbula’s Online Registration Software for Nonprofits built specifically for nonprofits.
Start with a 14-day free trial, no credit card needed.
Make your next campaign smoother, smarter, and more impactful—because your mission deserves it.
