Summer Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

Summer is often associated with fun in the sun! This makes it an ideal season for outdoor fundraising events and activities. Although, if not chosen carefully, a fun event can create a lot of joy without generating a lot of giving. So, how do you combine summer fun and charitable giving into an awesome event? We have some ideas!

• Games! Games! Games! This detail can be worked into many different types of events (BBQs, pool parties, wine tastings, etc). Games that require tickets are a great way to generate funds.
• Food Trucks. Incorporating food trucks into your event and requiring trucks to participate in the fundraising portion of the event will generate fundraising money. Ensure that you only bring on trucks who are willing to give a small percentage of their earnings towards your organization/charitable cause.
• Market for a cause-based fundraising event to generate interest prior to event date. This could include a walk-a-thon or marathon and should be targeted towards a specific cause. For example, a dog walking event is a great idea to raise money for an animal shelter.
• Sporting tournaments. This can include events such as volleyball, dodgeball, surfing etc. Require participants to raise a minimum amount of money to enter the tournament (such as $50 or $75 or $100). The amount is up to you.
• Car Wash. Can we say classic?? What better season to host a fund-raising car wash than summer?
• Throw a big 4th of July party and require a fee for entrance.
• Summer concert. Whether big or small, concerts have money generating potential. This can be a simple concert in the park, or a larger concert thrown through partnering with local venues and musicians.
• Outdoor movie. This can be a drive-in movie, a rooftop movie, a movie in the park, etc. Partner with existing companies who screen movies in outdoor locations and who already have necessary equipment and logistical knowledge.
• Treasure Hunt. Require teams to pay a fee to participate with the option of contributing extra money.

Summer fundraising ideas such as these (and more!) are the perfect way to combine a fun outing, whether for families, adults or children with a way to give back! To consider which type of event(s) are best for your organization’s purpose and mission statement, evaluate your target audience. Your choice should resonate with your donors and supporters. So get out there are use some of these summer ideas to earn top dollars, as well as strengthen your organization’s connection with your community and supporters!