What are the most effective types of fundraising events?

Popular and effective fundraising events include galas, silent auctions, charity runs, and virtual fundraisers. The best type depends on your audience—galas attract high-net-worth donors, while virtual events reach a broader online community. Combining multiple elements, like auctions and ticket sales, often maximizes revenue.

How can I increase donations during a fundraising event?

To boost donations, engage donors with storytelling that highlights your cause, offer multiple giving options (e.g., one-time gifts, recurring donations), and create urgency with live appeals or matching gift challenges. Real-time updates, like a donation thermometer, can also motivate attendees to give more.

What is a silent auction, and how does it work?

A silent auction is a fundraising method where attendees bid on items displayed with bid sheets or online platforms. Bidders write or submit their offers silently, often over a set time period, and the highest bid wins at the end. It’s effective because it encourages competition without the pressure of a live auction.

What are some tips for running a successful silent auction?

Offer unique, desirable items like experiences or rare collectibles, set reasonable starting bids, and promote the auction in advance. Use clear descriptions and visuals for each item, ensure easy bidding (online or paper), and create a deadline to build excitement. Follow up with winners promptly to maintain goodwill.

How do I attract more donors to my fundraising campaign?

Reach donors through targeted marketing—use social media, email campaigns, and personal outreach. Share compelling stories about your impact, partner with influencers or local businesses, and offer incentives like donor recognition or small thank-you gifts. Consistency and transparency build trust and attract support.

What should I consider when accepting donations online?

Ensure your donation platform is secure with SSL encryption, easy to use, and mobile-friendly. Offer multiple payment options (credit cards, PayPal, etc.), provide clear instructions, and send immediate thank-you confirmations. Be transparent about fees and how funds will be used to encourage trust.

How can I make my fundraising event more engaging?

Add interactive elements like live entertainment, games, or real-time donation updates. Personalize the experience with donor shout-outs or testimonials from beneficiaries. For virtual events, use live streams, polls, or Q&A sessions to keep attendees involved and excited.

What are the benefits of peer-to-peer fundraising?

Peer-to-peer fundraising leverages your supporters’ networks, allowing them to fundraise on your behalf. It expands your reach, builds community, and often costs less than traditional events. Success comes from empowering participants with easy tools and clear goals, like raising a set amount for a cause.

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50 Summer Fundraising Ideas for Your Nonprofit

Written by

Lauren Vanderpool

April 1, 2025

•

8 min read

50 Creative Summer Fundraising Ideas for 2025

Summer 2025 is your nonprofit’s golden opportunity to raise funds, connect with supporters, and leave a lasting impact. With warm weather, longer days, and a relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect season to host unforgettable fundraising events. Whether you’re a small charity, church, or large organization, we’ve compiled 50 creative summer fundraiser ideas to inspire your next campaign—complete with actionable tips and fresh 2025 trends.

We’ll also spotlight Event.Gives, a full-featured platform that excels at event ticketing, check-in, donations, auctions, and raffles, to streamline your efforts with useful fundraising tips . From outdoor classics to virtual innovations, this guide has it all. Let’s make your summer fundraising a success!

Why Summer Fundraising Rocks in 2025

Summer brings unique advantages for nonprofits: people are outdoors, kids are off school, and communities are eager to connect. In 2025, trends like hybrid events, AI-driven campaigns, and sustainability will amplify your efforts. Tools like Event.Gives make it easier with seamless ticketing, fast check-ins, real-time donations, auctions, and raffles—all in one platform. Whether it’s a beach bash or a virtual challenge, these ideas will help you raise money, build donor relationships, and show how fun giving back can be.

Outdoor Summer Fundraising Ideas

Harness the sunshine with these 20 outdoor fundraising ideas:

1. Beach Volleyball Tournament

Host a tournament where teams fundraise to enter (e.g., $100 minimum). Offer beach gear prizes—Event.Gives can handle ticketing and check-in effortlessly.

2. Surfing Showdown

Charge $20 entry and let surfers collect pledges per wave. Add a "Best Trick" category for spectators.

3. BBQ Cook-Off

Sell $15 tickets and let local chefs compete for “Best Sauce.” The BBQ Cook-Off is a classic summer fundraising idea. Promote with social teasers like “Bring Your Appetite!”

4. Pool Party Palooza

Partner with a pool for a splash day—$20 entry. Host pool parties and a floatie race with prizes.

5. Fourth of July Bash

Throw a patriotic BBQ with $25 tickets. Add a donation jar at the gate.

6. Summer Field Day

Charge $10 per family for sack races and tug-of-war. Adults can join—think retro gym outfits!

7. Run, Swim, or Bike-a-Thon

Offer multi-level routes—$30 entry. Reward top fundraisers with gear (e.g., $500 = a cap).

8. County Fair Booth

Partner with a fair to run a raffle—split the proceeds with organizers.

9. Disc Golf Challenge

Host a Frisbee golf event—$15 tickets. Auction off top-score prizes.

10. Glow-in-the-Dark Fun Run

A 5K with glow sticks—$30 entry. Use Event.Gives for quick check-ins and real-time donation tracking.

11. Watermelon Eating Contest

A watermelon eating contest is a fun, competitive event similar to a hot dog eating contest. $10 entry, prizes for speed and creativity (e.g., seed-spitting distance).

12. Cornhole Championship

Charge $20 per team. Offer a custom board as the grand prize.

13. Open-Air Concert

Sell $15 tickets. Add VIP perks ($50+) with live donation appeals.

14. Outdoor Movie Night

$5 tickets and $2 popcorn—easy money at a park screening. Hosting an outdoor movie night is a summer fundraising idea puts you in a great position to engage the community, generate ticket sales, and encourage donations through fun and popular films.

15. Farmers’ Market Stand

Sell branded swag or baked goods at a booth. Promote upcoming events too.

16. Sandcastle Showdown

$25 per team to build. Let beachgoers vote for a $1 donation.

17. Hiking Fundraiser

Guide a group hike for $30 per person—Event.Gives simplifies ticketing and payments.

18. Food Truck Festival

Partner with trucks for 10% profits and secure food and equipment donations from local vendors to enhance the event. Sell $10 tasting passes.

19. Art Walk Auction

Display local art—$10 entry. Run a live auction for big-ticket items.

20. Solar-Powered Car Wash

$15 per car with an eco-friendly twist—solar chargers for pumps.

Virtual Summer Fundraising Ideas

Reach donors anywhere with these 15 online ideas for raising funds:

21.Virtual 5K Challenge

Participants raise $50+ each. Share results on social media.

22. Online Talent Show

$5 to watch amateurs perform via Zoom. Donors vote for winners.

23. Digital Scavenger Hunt

$20 team entry. Use AR apps for a 2025 tech twist—Event.Gives tracks donations seamlessly.

24. Summer Trivia Night

$10 per player. Host on Zoom with summer-themed categories.

25. Crowdfunding Cook-Off

Chefs compete online; donors pledge per dish. Stream on YouTube.

26. Virtual Yoga Class

$15 per session with a local instructor. Record for on-demand access.

27. Gaming Marathon

Streamers play for 24 hours—$1/minute donations.

28. Online Auction

Sell donated items (e.g., vacations)—Event.Gives powers live bidding with no latency.

29. Summer Book Club

$10 to join. Discuss on Zoom with an author Q&A.

30. DIY Craft Workshop

$20 for a virtual class (e.g., tie-dye). Ship kits to participants.

31. Social Media Challenge

#SummerGiving2025—$5 per post with your hashtag.

32. Virtual Pet Parade

$10 to enter pets; viewers donate to vote “Cutest.”

33. AI-Powered Fundraiser

Use AI for personalized emails—$100 goal per donor.

34. Livestream Concert

$10 tickets. $25 for a shoutout during the stream.

35. Digital Art Gallery

Sell virtual art for donations. Host a live reveal party.

Family-Friendly Summer Fundraising Ideas

Engage all ages with these 10 ideas:

36. Lemonade Stand Day

Kids sell for $1/cup—donate proceeds online.

37. Mini Golf Tournament

$15 per family—Event.Gives makes ticketing a breeze. Kids under 5 free.

38. Ice Cream Social

$5 for unlimited scoops. Add a $2 topping bar.

39. Day Camp Dash

$50 per kid for crafts and games. Partner with a camp for space.

40. Puppet Show Picnic

$10 per family for a show and snacks in a park.

41. Water Balloon Fight

$5 entry, $1 per extra balloon—fun for all!

42. Story time in the Park

Free entry, suggested $5 donation. Local authors read aloud.

43. Treasure Hunt

$10 per family to find hidden prizes in a park.

44. Face Painting Fiesta

$5 per face at a community event.

45. Bike Parade

$10 per bike—kids decorate and ride for your cause.

Community-Based Summer Fundraising Ideas

Community-based summer fundraising ideas are a fantastic way to partner with a local community and engage with local supporters to raise funds for a good cause. These ideas focus on building relationships within the local community and leveraging their support to achieve your fundraising goals. By involving local businesses, schools, and community groups, you can create events that not only raise funds but also foster a sense of community spirit and collaboration.

46. Volunteer Events

Volunteer events are a great way to engage with the local community and raise funds for your nonprofit. Organize activities such as charity runs, walks, or cycling events where volunteers participate and raise funds for a good cause, possibly partnering with a local food vendor . These events can be organized in partnership with local businesses, schools, or community groups, making them a fun and engaging way to raise funds. Encourage participants to create personal fundraising pages to track their progress and share their efforts with friends and family. This not only helps in raising more funds but also spreads awareness about your cause.

Seasonal Summer Fundraising Ideas

Seasonal summer fundraising ideas are a great way to leverage the summer season and raise funds for a good cause. These ideas focus on seasonal activities and events that are popular during the summer months, making them timely and relevant. By aligning your fundraising efforts with seasonal events, you can attract more participants and create memorable experiences that encourage ongoing support.

49. Father’s Day Fundraising Ideas

Father’s Day fundraising ideas are a wonderful way to leverage the holiday and raise funds for a good cause. Consider organizing a charity golf tournament where participants pay an entry fee and compete for prizes. Alternatively, host a BBQ cook-off where local restaurants, chefs, and grill masters showcase their skills, with attendees purchasing tickets to taste and vote for their favorites. Another great summer fundraising idea is to launch a fundraising campaign focused on supporting fathers and families, encouraging donations in honor of dads. These Father’s Day fundraising ideas not only help raise funds but also build relationships with supporters by celebrating a special day dedicated to fathers.

Low-Budget Summer Fundraising Ideas

Maximize impact with minimal cost:

46. Community Yard Sale

Sell donated items—100% profit. Go hybrid with online listings.

47. Bake Sale Blitz

$2 per treat at local events—big batches, big wins.

48. Dog Wash Station

$10 per pup with borrowed supplies—Event.Gives simplifies payments.

49. Park Picnic Potluck

Free entry, $5 suggested donation. Attendees bring food from local farmers markets , and we encourage food and equipment donations from local vendors to enhance the park picnic potluck experience.

50. Stargazing Night

$5 per person. Raffle a telescope for extra funds.

Tips for Summer Fundraising Success

Plan Early: Secure venues and permits by April 2025.
Promote Smart: Use X with #SummerFundraising2025—e.g., “Join our glow run: [link]!”
Leverage Tools: Try Event.Gives for ticketing, check-in, donations, peer to peer, messaging, auctions, and raffles—all in one platform.
Go Hybrid: Blend in-person and virtual elements for max reach.
Engage Donors: Offer incentives (e.g., T-shirts for $100+) and real-time updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best summer fundraising ideas for small nonprofits?

Low-budget options like bake sales (#47), yard sales (#46), or a virtual trivia night (#24) are perfect. They’re easy to set up and maximize donations with minimal cost.

How can Event.Gives help my summer fundraiser?

Event.Gives streamlines ticketing, check-in, donations, auctions, and raffles. Sell tickets online, scan attendees with their app, and run real-time auctions—all for free to start. Visit event.gives.

What’s the easiest way to sell tickets for a summer event?

Online platforms like Event.Gives let you create custom tickets in minutes. Pair with their scanner for fast, no-line check-ins.

How do I make a summer auction successful?

Offer unique items (e.g., a weekend getaway) and create urgency with a countdown. Tools like Event.Gives enable live bidding and instant payments.

Can I run a hybrid summer fundraiser?

Yes! Pair outdoor events (e.g., #10 Glow Run) with virtual ones (e.g., #28 Online Auction). Use a platform to sync donations and ticketing seamlessly.

What’s a good family-friendly fundraiser for summer?

A lemonade stand day (#36) or mini golf tournament (#37) engages kids and parents alike—simple and fun!

How do I promote my summer fundraising event?

Post on X with #SummerFundraising2025, send email blasts, and offer early-bird discounts. Share teasers like “Join our BBQ Cook-Off: [link]!”

Are there summer fundraising ideas for virtual-only campaigns?

Try a virtual 5K (#21), talent show (#22), or gaming marathon (#27). Online tools track donations and keep donors engaged.

How do I ensure a smooth check-in process?

Use a mobile scanner (like Event.Gives offers) to scan tickets from phones—no delays, just smooth entry.

What’s the most cost-effective summer fundraiser?

A park picnic potluck (#49) costs little—attendees bring food, and you collect donations online.

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