20 Event Fundraiser Ideas for Nonprofits That Will Keep Supporters Engaged Year-Round

However, with endless opportunities to choose from, how do you choose and plan an event that your supporters will love and that works with your budget and capacity?

More nonprofits are getting strategic about choosing fundraising events that align with their mission. Mixing in-person, virtual, and hybrid approaches can be a smart way to reach a broader audience and keep things engaging, rather than relying solely on one type of event. This kind of flexibility can open up new opportunities for connection and fundraising.

You can foster camaraderie in your community and create lasting memories with events tailored to you and your supporters. In this guide, we’re sharing fundraising ideas for nonprofits for every season, team size, and venue—plus practical tips to help you choose between in-person and virtual formats and boost participation along the way.

‍

‍

‍

Certain fundraising events consistently attract a high level of participation. Their familiarity alone removes barriers of uncertainty. Factor in modern fundraising tools, your budget, and your unique twist, and you can drive engagement without overthinking. 

‍

1. Walkathons and Fun Runs

Most days are spent indoors for work. Sunshine, fresh air, and shared smiles at a walkathon or fun run offer a welcome break from daily routines. By organizing one, you give your supporters the chance to train together, share their progress, and celebrate each other at the finish line.

Choose a distance that’s approachable for your community, whether that’s a 5K, a fun run, or a longer challenge, and prioritize an accessible location so everyone feels welcome and included. Think about the needs of families, beginners, and seasoned runners alike to make your event as inviting as possible. 

Offering team registration can help encourage groups—friends, colleagues, or local clubs—to sign up together, thereby expanding your reach and fostering camaraderie. To build excitement and drive early sign-ups, consider adding incentives like early-bird pricing or social media training challenges that generate buzz and motivate participants to commit.

With Pledge It, your team can quickly set up your event, customize registration options, and manage everything with ease. For example, the CLL Society hosted a virtual 5K that simplified participant registration, enabled peer-to-peer fundraising, and tracked progress in real-time, all of which helped them meet their fundraising goals while keeping their supporters engaged and motivated.

‍

‍

2. Silent Auctions

Silent auctions are a great way to deepen your supporters’ connection to your mission while raising essential funds, but they work best as an add-on to an existing event or as a standalone online auction. By offering meaningful, high-quality items for bidding, you can elevate the experience at galas, golf tournaments, or other gatherings. 

Online auctions are a great way to expand your reach beyond the room. Encourage local businesses, board members, and donors to contribute art, gift cards, experiences, or services that showcase your community’s support. 

With Pledge It, it’s easy to create a seamless, high-impact silent auction experience that integrates right into your event page, making it simple for guests to browse, bid, and compete from anywhere, so you can raise more while keeping your mission front and center.

‍

‍

3. Donation Drives

Donation drives work because people know exactly what they're giving and how it helps.  Start by identifying the in-kind donations your mission truly needs, like food, school supplies, medicine, or gently used clothing, and choose accessible collection sites like your facility, local grocery stores, offices, or community centers. Invite community members to join in and make it a shared effort, while partnering with local businesses to sponsor or host drop-off points to expand your reach. 

For those who can’t shop or donate items in person, offer a simple cash donation option. Consider using a Pledge It crowdfunding page to highlight your goal and show progress with a fundraising thermometer, giving supporters a clear, engaging way to see their impact grow.

‍

‍

By providing clear instructions, convenient locations, and regular updates on social media, you’ll make participating easy and meaningful, turning everyday acts of giving into a powerful show of community support.

‍

‍

Seasonal fundraising events aren’t just about timing—they’re about strategic alignment with your supporters’ mindset and rhythms throughout the year. 

By designing events that feel natural and appealing in each season, like spring golf tournaments that attract corporate sponsors, summer and fall food festivals that celebrate local flavors, Halloween-themed costume contests that engage families, or the nostalgic appeal of winter holiday markets, you’re doing more than filling a calendar. You’re harnessing the inherent momentum of each season to create authentic, timely experiences that resonate more deeply, boost participation, and make your mission part of the traditions people look forward to year after year.

‍

4. Golf Tournaments

Golf events are growing in popularity and can be a powerful addition to your fundraising strategy, especially for attracting new corporate sponsors. By tapping into supporters who are passionate about this kind of sporting event, you can enlist their help in planning the details while using fundraising event software that handles the technical aspects.

These tournaments are a win-win for both your organization and the golf course. Courses want groups to fill tee times, which boosts their food and beverage sales, giving you leverage to negotiate reduced rates and better packages. 

On event day, you can increase revenue by selling raffle tickets for appealing prizes like trips, golf clubs, or memberships. Recruit volunteers to assist with registration and scoring so your team can focus on what matters most: connecting with attendees, cultivating relationships, and engaging potential major donors.

And it works. Take the example of this golf-a-thon that raised over $165,000 for a regional nonprofit. By leveraging peer-to-peer fundraising, committed teams, friendly competition, and event-day excitement, it exceeded expectations and made a major impact for its mission.

‍

Pledge It makes it easy to bring these elements together. You can set up and manage raffles online, sell tickets, and handle donations all in one place, delivering a polished, donor-friendly experience that makes participation easy for guests while reducing staff workload.

‍

5. Food Cart Night

Food naturally brings people together, making it a great way to connect with supporters and introduce them to your mission. Try hosting a food cart night by partnering with local food trucks or vendors in a shared space like a parking lot, community center, or park. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food options in a relaxed, welcoming setting, giving you the chance to share your story, collect donations, and strengthen community ties.

Another realistic, low-lift approach? Attend an existing local festival or community event as an exhibitor. Pay for a resource or vendor table where you can meet people already gathered for the fun. Bring engaging visuals, compelling stories, and clear ways to donate or sign up for your email list. Offering small giveaways or interactive elements, like raffles, games, or sign-up incentives, can help you stand out and generate interest in your mission among attendees.

‍

6. Costume Contests

Costume contests are winners if your supporters enjoy letting loose and expressing themselves. Host one anytime of the year—especially around Halloween and Christmas—at your site, a walkathon, a fun run, or a park. Invite local business owners, community leaders, or fellow participants to serve as judges for the competition.

Raise donations with entry fees, voting donations, and hand out prizes to the winners and runners-up. Come up with fun superlatives, like "best DIY costume," "prettiest ugly sweater," and "best group costume," to motivate more people to participate. 

You can also promote it as a hybrid contest so remote supporters who couldn’t make it feel included. They can still donate and vote for their favorite costumes.

‍

7. Pumpkin Patch Pop-Up

Pumpkin patch pop-ups are for the whole family and are a fall favorite. Partner with a local farm or set up in a local church parking lot with hay bales, cornstalks, and pumpkins of all sizes and shades of orange, yellow, and white. The kids love to have fun. Reserve spaces for activities like face painting, hayrides, sack races, or walking the corn maze. Design photo-worthy backdrops that encourage supporters to share their experiences on social media, helping to spread the word.

Pair your pumpkin picking with hot cider, coffee, and tasty fall desserts, such as pumpkin pie or apple bread. Promote your pop-up in family-oriented places such as schools, daycares, and local shops.

‍

8. Holiday Markets 

'Tis the season for finding last-minute gifts. Invite local vendors to set up booths selling their crafts, baked goods, and local creations in agricultural centers, school gyms, parking lots, breweries, or local outdoor spaces. Create a cozy atmosphere with hot chocolate, holiday music, and maybe a visit from Santa.

The holiday markets attract last-minute shoppers and people who love humble treasures, while you gain year-end fundraising momentum. Partner with local artists who would love exposure, and promote them through your local social media channels. You’re encouraging people to buy local!

‍

‍

There's something electric about crossing a finish line. Whether it’s your first 5K or your fifth marathon, it fills your cup in so many ways. Endurance events attract people who love a good physical challenge and aren't afraid to push themselves to the limit. These are the supporters with big energy. 

Let’s look at events you can host that will satisfy their craving for physical competition.

‍

9.  Distance Races

Nothing shows commitment to a cause quite like training for months to run miles in your nonprofit’s t-shirt. Distance races naturally attract goal-oriented people—those who will train, fundraise, and invite their friends to join them. Even better, they’re a great way to attract new supporters who may simply be looking for their next race, giving you the chance to introduce them to your mission in an organic way.

Offer a range of distances to include different fitness levels, share training resources, and create team challenges to build excitement. Don’t forget the details: secure permits, coordinate with local law enforcement for safety and traffic management, and add thoughtful extras like post-race recovery booths with local physical therapists or massage therapists.

Races are also prime opportunities for sponsorships. Local businesses and corporate partners love the visibility and community goodwill that comes from supporting well-run events. Offer sponsor packages that include logo placements, shout-outs during the event, and even branded swag for participants.

And with Pledge It, you can easily highlight sponsor logos and benefits directly on your campaign page, making it simple to manage, promote, and deliver real value to your partners.

‍

‍

10. Virtual Fitness Challenges

Are most of your supporters serious about tracking steps, logging workouts, and sharing delicious and healthy meals? Virtual fitness challenges are the answer. Participants can join from anywhere while supporting your cause through this flexible fundraising campaign. You can set a goal such as “walk 60 miles in 30 days” or “cycle 100 miles in a month,” and create an easy way for participants to log their progress.

Set up leaderboards, team competitions, and milestone celebrations to maintain momentum and drive engagement. People can collect pledges based on achievements and encourage donors in their network to support their personal goals. Give participants the ability to share their progress through social media posts and text messages, helping spread awareness and inspire others to give.

Programs like the 28x28 Mobility Challenge show how effective this model can be—participants committed to 28 days of movement to fund mobility equipment and support for those who need it. By tracking progress publicly and celebrating milestones together, you create a sense of friendly, low-pressure competition that builds community and keeps participants coming back.

‍

‍

These events also fill a void for running enthusiasts who can’t make the in-person events. Send completion badges so participants can proudly share their accomplishments with the world.

‍

11. Rowing Challenge

Seeking a unique and engaging challenge? A rowing fundraiser invites participants to connect with nature and push their limits in a unique way. Partner with local rowing clubs, gyms with rowing machines, pools, or waterfront venues that offer equipment rentals to bring the experience to life.

Rowers can fundraise through pledges per mile rowed. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor water events, while indoor machine challenges can be enjoyed year-round. 

Indoor holiday rowing machine challenges are another good way to meet your year-end fundraising goals. Bonus: You’re encouraging health and wellness during a mostly sedentary season. Pretty inspiring!

‍

12. Swimathon

Swimathons can be a great fundraising option for organizations that already have access to pools, swim teams, or strong partnerships with local facilities like YMCAs. For example, many YMCAs have easily raised five-figure sums with well-planned swimathon campaigns. 

This type of event works especially well if your audience includes swim enthusiasts or if you’re part of a community that already embraces the sport. Participants can collect pledges per lap completed or pay a registration fee to swim during a set timeframe. Add a layer of excitement with friendly competition through individual and team goals, leaderboards, and milestone incentives. 

If you have the right infrastructure and engaged participants, a swimathon can turn laps in the pool into meaningful, mission-driven support while offering a fun and motivating experience for your community.

‍

‍

Local events can turn casual supporters into invested community members who feel a sense of ownership in your mission and your fundraising efforts. Below are a few indoor and occasional outdoor events that will get your community off their couches, away from their streaming devices, and into your mission.

‍

13. Gala Dinners

Galas are more than a fancy evening. They’re a chance to celebrate your mission in a way that feels meaningful, aspirational, and truly special. When guests dress up and walk into an elegant space, they’re primed to feel connected, generous, and part of something bigger, all while supporting your cause through ticket sales and donations.

These events give your biggest supporters a chance to see and be seen as champions of your cause, while building credibility and excitement around your mission. When respected community members publicly support your work, it sets off a ripple effect, encouraging others to follow their lead. Galas are also a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections with potential board members, sponsors, and partners who want to invest in your organization’s long-term success.

From selling tickets to organizing raffles and silent auctions, Pledge It offers the tools you need to run a seamless event experience for your guests while saving time for your team. Just look at the Blue & Gold Gala by Bishop McDevitt High School. It showcased sponsor opportunities clearly on its event page, ran an engaging silent auction, and made giving easy for attendees, all of which helped it exceed its fundraising goal while offering a polished, donor-friendly experience that strengthened its community connections.

‍

‍

14. Game Night

Game nights are one of those creative fundraising ideas that are simple, budget-friendly, and highly effective at bringing people together, encouraging community involvement, and raising funds, all while offering something different from the typical gala or dinner.

You can keep it classic with board games and card games, or host a themed trivia night to attract teams looking for a fun and competitive evening. Sell tickets at a low, accessible price point and consider adding raffles or prize drawings to boost revenue. You can host at your own facility, partner with a local brewery, game café, or community center—places that already draw people in.

Create a welcoming, lively atmosphere by setting up stations with a mix of board games, card games, and trivia to appeal to all ages. Include plenty of kid-friendly options so families feel comfortable bringing their little ones. To keep the event running smoothly and encourage engagement, recruit volunteers to help teach games, answer questions, and run tournaments, ensuring everyone feels included and has a great time.

Best of all, game nights help you foster genuine connections among community members in a relaxed setting. It’s an easy way to create memorable experiences that turn one-time attendees into long-term advocates for your mission.

‍

15. Talent Show

Talent shows are a fun, inclusive way to celebrate your local community while raising critical funds for your mission. Invite participants of all ages and skill levels—from musicians and dancers to comedians, magicians, and variety acts.

Charge a modest performer entry fee and sell tickets to the fundraising event itself. You can even add a “vote by donation” component, where audience members support their favorite acts with extra gifts. This adds an interactive, competitive element while boosting fundraising totals.

Consider partnering with local businesses to sponsor prizes, refreshments, or event costs to keep expenses low. Host in your own space, a school auditorium, or a community center to make it accessible.

A well-run talent show can become an annual favorite that engages new supporters, strengthens ties with local businesses, and shines a spotlight on your mission in an entertaining, community-building way.

‍

‍

Your most passionate supporters want to do more than write checks and run their credit cards. They want to roll up their sleeves and create their own campaigns, set their own goals, and influence their friends and family to support a cause that really matters to them. They’re eager to help raise funds in ways that feel personal and meaningful!

‍

16. Peer-to-Peer Fundraisers

A personal recommendation from someone you trust is unbeatable. Peer-to-peer fundraising empowers your most passionate supporters to become authentic ambassadors for your mission. It builds awareness, expands your reach to entirely new networks, and deepens the bond between your cause and your community.

By inviting supporters to set their own fundraising goals, share personal stories about why your mission matters, and rally their friends and family, you create a movement that’s personal, engaging, and sustainable.

With Pledge It, it’s easy to turn your most passionate supporters into successful peer-to-peer fundraisers. Our fundraising software provides them with intuitive, customizable individual fundraising pages that reflect your brand and make it easy to share their personal stories. Built-in gamification tools, such as leaderboards, milestones, and badges, help keep participants motivated and excited, creating friendly competition that drives results.

Automated emails mean you can keep your fundraisers engaged without manual follow-up, while flexible team options let people participate solo or rally a group around your cause. All of this is designed not just to raise more dollars, but to empower your community, deepen connections, and make supporters feel like champions for your mission.

‍

17. Livestream Fundraiser

Some of your supporters are natural content creators. Why not channel that creativity into fundraising power for your cause? Livestream fundraisers give them the tools to turn their hobbies and talents into meaningful impact. Think gaming marathons supporting children’s hospitals, live cooking demos, workout challenges, or even entertaining telethons that rally viewers to give.

Equip your fundraisers with branded graphics, donation links, and clear talking points so they can confidently represent your mission. Set engaging, gamified milestones that unlock during streams to boost participation and keep audiences watching and donating. While livestreams are especially popular among younger audiences on platforms like Twitch, Instagram Live, and Facebook Live, they’re a flexible and fun way for anyone to get involved in online philanthropy and expand your reach beyond traditional channels.

‍

18. Give-It-Up Challenges

“Give-It-Up” challenges are a creative, low-cost way to inspire donors to make meaningful sacrifices for your cause. Instead of spending on daily habits like coffee runs, takeout meals, or impulse shopping, participants pledge to give up those expenses and donate the savings to support your mission. For example, giving up the cost of a daily coffee could help provide clean drinking water to a child in need.

Encourage group or team challenges to build accountability and community—friends, families, or coworkers can cheer each other on while raising even more together.

Consider designing your donation form to make this even easier: suggest giving amounts that align with typical daily or weekly expenses (like $5 for coffee or $25 for takeout) so donors can immediately see the impact of their choice.

These challenges work especially well during natural “reset” times, like New Year’s resolution season or Lent, when people are already focused on cutting back. It’s a great way to connect personal discipline to collective impact, making every skipped treat a step toward real change.

‍

19. Tribute Campaigns

Did you know that 33% of donors worldwide give tribute gifts? Honoring a special person in a tribute campaign is a heartfelt way to fundraise—they're personal and emotionally charged. Supporters create memorial or celebration fundraisers for birthdays, anniversaries, or in memory of someone they love. Because this is something that anyone can do for their favorite people, tributes attract first-time donors who wouldn't normally give to your cause.

Memorial campaigns especially resonate because they take grief and transform it into positive action, creating meaning for the individual and lasting connections to your mission. Make it easy for supporters to get started with a clear, dedicated donation page and provide them with helpful tools and messaging templates for different occasions.

‍

20. Workplace Giving Campaigns

Workplaces are full of people eager to give back, especially when it’s easy and engaging. Encourage supporters to rally their colleagues around your mission by setting shared fundraising goals, hosting themed giving days, or sparking friendly competitions between departments to see who can raise more. 

Offer simple donation links, ready-to-share materials, and tips for getting employers involved through matching gifts or sponsorships. By making it easy for supporters to champion your cause at work, you’re cultivating a culture of giving back, strengthening connections among colleagues, and introducing your mission to entirely new networks of potential supporters.

‍

‍

The real magic happens between events. Anyone can get people excited for one night, but keeping that energy alive for months on end is a different story. That's when most organizations lose steam.

Let’s talk about how to turn event excitement into year-round commitment.

‍

Follow Up With Timely and Relevant Communications

Your thank-you message is the most important follow-up you’ll send. Aim to deliver it within 24 to 48 hours after the event, while memories and emotions are still fresh. Include photos full of positive energy, impactful beneficiary stories, and event highlights that remind supporters of the difference they made and inspire them to give again.

Make sure your follow-up feels personal and relevant to each participant’s experience. For auction enthusiasts, share access to exclusive post-event items or special thank-you gifts. For fitness challenge participants, offer wellness tips or encourage them to join upcoming events with early-bird discounts. Thoughtful, tailored communication keeps your supporters engaged, valued, and ready to continue their journey with your cause.

‍

Use Fundraising Event Momentum to Promote Monthly Giving

Right after your event, you have your supporters’ full attention, and their hearts are still full. They’ve experienced your impact firsthand, connected with others who care, and deepened their sense of community. This is the perfect moment to invite them to take the next step.

Introduce your monthly giving program within days of your event, while emotions and excitement are still high. Demonstrate how small, consistent gifts can accumulate and support your work throughout the year.

Pro tip: Prompt supporters at just the right moment. For example, add a lightbox at checkout that invites one-time donors to upgrade to a monthly gift. Timing matters—and it can turn a single gift into ongoing, reliable support for your mission.

‍

Invite Supporters to Your Next Event While They’re Still Energized

Don't wait until next year to start promoting next year's event. When people are riding the high of a great experience, they're already thinking, "I cannot wait to do this again." Use their messaging and energy to promote your next event.

Follow up with save-the-dates in your post-event emails. Early bird pricing and VIP perks can excite supporters whose calendars are open and are ready to commit. Build anticipation by sharing planning updates and behind-the-scenes content throughout the year.

‍

Reuse and Repurpose Events Throughout the Year

A single well-run event can keep delivering value for months to come. Capture special moments, photos, and stories that remind supporters why they showed up in the first place. Those highlights aren’t just memories—they’re ready-made content for social media, email newsletters, donor thank-yous, and even future appeals.

Don’t let the momentum fade. Celebrate your past event while laying the groundwork for your next one. Share “event throwback” posts or behind-the-scenes glimpses to keep your community engaged and eager to join in again. By thoughtfully repurposing your content, you keep your mission top of mind and your supporters feeling connected throughout the year.

‍

Ready to Bring These Events to Life?

You’ve got the list and you know your community. You just need the tools to bring everything together. Get back to building relationships instead of getting bogged down in logistics or manually managing donations and donor communications.

Whether you’re planning your first 5K or your 10th annual gala, the right platform is the difference between merely surviving and feeling accomplished. Remember: It’s about engaging people in meaningful ways, beyond just donating money, and turning supporters into active participants in your mission.