No matter the size of your organization or the scope of your fundraising needs, there are a number of great ways to earn contributions from your members inexpensively.
Here are a few ideas you can use to meet your next fundraising goal:
For small associations, a raffle is an inexpensive fundraising idea that can generate a lot of funds for your association.
This fun and inexpensive fundraiser can be tailored to fit any organization or project.
Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
With so many types of raffles, this is a fun and simple fundraiser that works great for all ages, making it an especially perfect fundraising idea for schools.
Additionally, you can keep costs low (and maximize the funds you raise) by asking local businesses or supporters if they’d donate items to give away as prizes for your raffle fundraiser. Just make sure the prizes are things that your donors would want.
Pro Tip: Combine your raffle with another fundraising event (like a charity auction) to raise even more funds for your association.
Hosting a t-shirt fundraiser is a fantastic idea because not only do you raise money, but when people wear them, they help to promote your association and mission.
You can get started right away by selecting a fundraising website, uploading your association’s logo and slogan and then spreading the word to your members.
To maximize your profits from the t-shirt campaign, we recommend using a association fundraising website that doesn't charge inventory costs, and will print and ship the t-shirts to your supporters.
T-shirt campaigns work well because you can design something that matches your brand and represents your mission. They allow donors to showcase their support and feel proud about contributing to your cause. Plus, whenever supporters wear your t-shirt, they’re putting your association in front of everyone they come across.
T-shirt fundraising can be very effective, and it works across a variety of fundraising organizations. From small associations to churches, you’ll find that t-shirt fundraising is a recommendation option.
Pro Tip: Combine your t-shirt fundraiser with an active event like a walkathon so that supporters have an opportunity to wear and show off their shirts.
Crowdfunding is an inexpensive fundraising idea that helps your association spread the word about your fundraiser through social media.
Here’s how it works:
You can raise money for any project or cause. In fact, some crowdfunding sites target a specific category: charities, creative projects, or schools. That way, you can reach out to a specific audience and share your mission.
Some platforms offer incentives based on different donation levels to further encourage donors to give to your association.
If you’re interested in creating a crowdfunding campaign, the first step is to find a platform that will help you accurately portray your organization’s mission and raise enough funds to further your cause.
When choosing your crowdfunding platform, make sure to look for the following:
The next step is to develop a crowdfunding strategy. Crowdfunding is a great option for small associations because your campaign has the potential to go viral. Plus, it’s another platform to share your story with potential donors.
Just remember to thank donors for making a contribution and sharing your fundraiser. The more you engage with donors and show your appreciation, the more you’ll be able to cultivate deeper relationships.
Pro Tip: Make sure to include video and images on your crowdfunding page. The more engaging your story is, the better chance you have of encouraging donors to give and reaching your goal.
Did you know that corporations offer matching gift programs where they will match their employees’ donations? After donors give, they can submit a request to their employers, and the companies will send you a donation of the same amount (or more).
Your association has the potential to double the amount of funds you raise.
Matching gifts can be beneficial to all organizations, especially small associations. Here are two reasons why:
With that said, all the responsibility to request a matching gift lies on the donor. But most donors don’t know that their company offers a matching gift program, and if they do, they’re not familiar with the submission process.
That’s why it’s important to make your donors aware.
Of course, you can also encourage donors to submit a matching gift request by including information:
Pro Tip: Promoting matching gifts should be something that you’re doing continuously to make sure that your donors are educated on the submission process.
Walkathons are the most popular choice of fundraiser by small associations, because they’re the easiest to plan while having a high return.
Not only can you raise money through event registration, but you can also raise funds through pledges and merchandise.
Walkathons can work for a lot of different situations. For instance, if your supporters are spread out or if you have a large group of interested participants who can’t make the date you schedule, you can hold a virtual walkathon. For virtual walkathons, participants will all walk on their own in their own communities at the same time, rather than congregating in a shared space. Donors can map out their own routes and pledge a donation for every mile they walk.
To plan your walkathon, you’ll need to make sure that you pick a season that has good temperatures and map out a route for your walkathon. Make sure that you get all the necessary permits to host your walkathon in the location you choose.
On the day of the event, you’ll want to set up a table with water and fans, especially if it’s a really hot day. You’ll also want an area with first aid kits and other medical supplies (just in case).
Pro Tip: Promote your event early to generate interest and create an online registration page so donors can easily sign up to participate.
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a great way for small (and large) associations to raise funds, because it makes it easy to gain new supporters.
Essentially, peer-to-peer fundraising is when your existing supporters solicit donations on your behalf.
With your help, of course, they’ll create a fundraising page, explain why they support your cause, and ask their network of friends and family members to contribute.
At the end of a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, there is usually an event to thank your contributors and celebrate your association’s success.
While your donors will be responsible for reaching their individual goals and soliciting donations, you still have a role to play.
Here are a few things you should be doing for your peer-to-peer fundraiser:
Peer-to-peer campaigns can be a great fundraising idea because all you need is a platform to accept donations and interested supporters to help you raise funds.
Pro Tip: If you want to reach your goal, it’s important to set your peer-to-peer fundraisers up for success. Provide supporters with information or host a webinar on how to solicit donations.
Whether you’re a school, church, or association organization, these fundraising ideas are made to help you raise the most funds for your cause.
Whichever one your organization picks, remember to have fun fundraising!