Although charitable spending is on the rise, many people still feel unsure whether their fundraisers can be successful in today’s economy. After all, many fundraising events are costly and labor-intensive. In turn, it can get in the way of results and community involvement.
That’s why it’s always good to plan fundraisers that are simple to put together. But fundraisers should also be popular enough to engage both the volunteers and the people they’re targeting. Below are some of our suggestions for the easiest fundraisers to plan, throw, and replicate whenever you or your community needs funding for an event or project!
Easiest Fundraisers for Beginners
Most “beginner” fundraisers should be foolproof in the sense that they require minimal or no upfront cost and have guaranteed success. Best of all? They can be planned and put together by just one person or a small team. Here are some ideas:
1. Shoe Drive Fundraisers
One of the simplest ways you can raise money is to organize a Funds2Orgs shoe drive.
All you do is contact us for instructions, ask your community to drop off their gently worn, used and new unwanted shoes in bags, and we come pick them up!
We pay for the shoes based on the collective weight of the donation. So, you declutter, raise funds for your projects, keep the shoes out of the landfill, and redirect them to new homes where they’re needed.
2. Runathon or Walkathon Fundraisers
Organizing a run or walkathon for fundraising purposes couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is charge a small participation fee and set up water stations along the trail. Also, put together a podium with medals or trophies for the winners.
3. Car Wash Fundraisers
When the weather is nice and you have a good number of volunteers, a car wash can be a cheap, fast way to raise money. Set up shop near a bustling area, where you’d expect a good number of “customers,” and you’ll probably have a good amount of money by the end of the day.
Here’s a great tip: if you know someone who can lend you a pressure washer or even rent it for a little money, you can be much more efficient. You’ll get more cars done, and raise double the funds!
4. Bingo Night Fundraisers
Bingo nights are super fun local events that allow the community to gather. As always, you enjoy the game…and all the shenanigans that come with it.
Print out your papers, get the balls and cage, and charge a small entry fee. Also, provide cheap refreshments for the players and small prizes for the winners. Everyone wins!
Easiest Seasonal Fundraisers
Seasonal fundraisers are a wonderful way of creating memories for participants and raising money for your cause. With some artistic touches, your fundraising activity could be the perfect Instagrammable moment and help everyone get into the season’s spirit.
5. Easter Egg Hunt
Perfect for communities with many children, an Easter egg hunt in a local park is super easy to put together and fun for the whole family. Charge the parents a small fee and provide refreshments. In turn, you’ll see how this simple activity becomes a much-anticipated yearly tradition!
6. Pumpkin Carving Contest
Another easy seasonal activity is a pumpkin carving contest in the fall, with a small participation fee to pay for the pumpkin and raise money.
You can organize the fundraiser in partnership with a commercial pumpkin patch to save on transportation costs and create a fun scarecrow-shaped trophy that makes it extra special.
7. Foraged Wreath Arrangement Workshop
Aside from being a great holiday tradition, this idea doubles as an eco-friendly fundraising idea. If you live near a forest where evergreens grow and you can gather their branches easily, putting together this workshop should be super simple.
Participants pay a small fee and, in return, receive a gorgeous, handmade wreath made from 100% natural, compostable materials.
Easiest Online Fundraisers
Sometimes it’s easier, faster, and more effective to create a fundraiser online than in person. Here are some ideas to raise funds for your project or charity without leaving your home:
8. Virtual Trivia Night Fundraisers
Trivia nights are fun, but virtual trivia nights can go on for hours longer! Get a bunch of good questions and a Zoom call with paying participants, and the winner could get a gift card…or just the bragging rights.
9. Concert Livestream Fundraisers
If you have a local band looking for exposure, a charity concert livestream with a virtual ticket would be an excellent idea to raise money. You can also create an option for live donations, where donors receive a live shoutout or band merch in return.
10. Online Charity Auctions
Charity auctions can be an effective fundraising method, but doing them online opens up much more ground for potential buyers. Take good photos of donated valuables, post them on a bidding website like eBay, and watch the funds roll in!
Pro tip: Advertise the most valuable objects on social media beforehand to build anticipation and attract an audience.
Why You Should Consider Shoe Drive Fundraising
Of all the easy fundraising ideas we’ve explored, shoe drive fundraisers are by far the simplest and least involved. No need for pre-planning, elbow grease, or spending any money on materials to have a successful run.
Funds2Orgs can help you raise money for your cause while also supporting microentrepreneurs in 20 countries and strengthening their local economies. They sell the donated shoes at a nominal markup, keeping them out of landfills…while also preventing them from cluttering closets!
Choose an Easy Fundraiser and Start Today!
There are many easy fundraiser ideas out there that are low-planning, simple, and effective. The most important thing is to make use of them, and that’s what we hope to inspire you to do.
If you’d like to start a Funds2Orgs shoe drive, get started today and see how it helps your community and many others!
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