Fundraising Ideas     |     30 June 2025

30+ Easy Fundraising Ideas for Your First Event

Low-stress ways to raise money, boost engagement, and make your first event feel like a win

20 minute read

Planning your first fundraiser can feel like stepping into a whirlwind. You’ve got a cause you care about, a long list of things to do, and probably not enough time, help, or budget to make it all happen easily. Oh, and you're not doing this full-time: you’re juggling work, home life, and other responsibilities while trying to pull together an event that doesn’t fall flat.

You're not alone. Most people tasked with organizing a fundraiser aren’t professionals. They're volunteers, teachers, PTO/PTA leaders, coaches, or nonprofit staffers doing their best with limited resources. The pressure is real.

Here’s the good news: running a successful event doesn't mean burning yourself out. There are plenty of easy fundraising ideas that don’t require big budgets, huge crowds, or months of planning. This guide is packed with ideas and tips that are totally doable and, more importantly, effective. Whether you're planning something for a school, a church group, a small nonprofit, or a local team, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas that feel realistic and worth your time.

We’ll keep things simple, skip the fluff, and share what works. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help.

Fundraising doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective

The most successful events aren’t always the flashiest. They’re the ones that bring people together around a shared purpose and make it easy to participate. In other words, simple often wins.

If you’re wondering what are some easy fundraising ideas, the answer is probably more straightforward than you think. Think casual community gatherings, creative mini-challenges, or fun, low-cost games. A neighborhood bingo night, a photo contest, or a pay-what-you-can pancake breakfast can go a long way when you’ve got the right setup.

The best part is that you don’t have to reinvent anything. The following ideas are perfect for first-timers and can work for all kinds of groups: schools, church youth programs, PTOs, sports teams, local clubs, even grassroots nonprofits. Some can be run in an afternoon. Others take a little more planning but are still light enough to manage with a small volunteer team.

The goal isn’t to pull off a perfect production. It’s to create a simple, fun way for people to give.

Start smart by setting clear goals

Before jumping into the “what,” it helps to be clear on the “why.” What are you raising money for? Is it new equipment, a student trip, scholarships, or ongoing program costs? Knowing what success looks like will help you pick the right fundraising format and help your audience feel more invested.

You’ll also want to think about who’s coming to your event. Is it parents and kids? Adults looking for a night out? A mix of community members from different age groups? Matching the vibe to your crowd makes everything feel more thoughtful and intentional.

And then there’s time and money: how much of each do you have to spend? Maybe you’ve got a team of volunteers ready to help. Maybe you’ve got one person with an afternoon to spare. That’s going to affect what kind of fundraiser you can reasonably pull off.

Silent Auction Pro makes this planning phase easier with tools that keep you organized from the start. You can track donors and donations, build a landing page with your branding, and get a real-time view of what’s coming together (and what’s still missing). Having everything in one place cuts down on confusion, especially when multiple people are involved.

Tools that take the stress out of planning

Technology doesn’t just make big events possible; it makes the simple ones smoother, too. You can skip paper checklists, lost sign-up sheets, and last-minute scrambles by using tools designed specifically for fundraising events.

Silent Auction Pro includes built-in features like mobile bidding, text-to-give, guest check-in tools, and easy communication templates. Want to remind people about the event? Schedule a text. Need to track who’s buying tickets or how many have RSVP’d? It’s all in one place. You can even set up registration pages that look and feel like your organization, complete with your colors, logo, and custom ticket types.

And here’s a bonus: every Silent Auction Pro client gets access to a personal event coach. Whether you’re setting up a wine pull or building your first online auction, there’s someone who can help walk you through it step by step.

30+ easy fundraising ideas to try at your first event

There’s no shortage of creative ways to raise money without overwhelming your team or your guests. The key is choosing ideas that are simple to explain, fun to participate in, and easy to pull off with the time and volunteers you already have. Whether you’re planning something casual and kid-friendly or hoping to bring in adults for a more grown-up gathering, there’s something here that can fit the bill.

Each idea below is beginner-friendly and flexible. You don’t need a big team or a long timeline, just a little coordination and a clear task. Let’s dig in.

Guess how many

Fill a jar, box, or clear container with something: jellybeans, marbles, Legos, or even mini erasers. Charge a small fee for each guess.

• Why it works: It’s simple, it sparks curiosity, and it’s easy to scale for different age groups.
• Setup tip: Make sure the prize is visible and enticing, and offer a “hint” card for bonus engagement.

Car wash fundraiser

Set up a car wash in a high-traffic parking lot and charge a fixed donation per vehicle. Offer extras like tire shine or interior vacuuming for a little more.

• Why it works: It’s a classic for a reason: low cost, good visibility, and people love supporting a cause while checking off a chore.
• Setup tip: Choose a sunny weekend and recruit energetic volunteers. Use bright signage to draw attention and keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Pancake breakfast

Bring your community together over stacks of pancakes, cooked and served by volunteers or local supporters.
 

• Why it works: It’s family-friendly and offers a social way to donate. Everyone loves breakfast.
• Setup tip: Ask a local grocery store or diner to donate supplies or staff for a few hours; many are happy to help when it’s for a good cause.

Partnered restaurant giveback night

Work with a local restaurant or café to host a fundraising night where a portion of sales go back to your organization.

• Why it works: You don’t need to do much beyond promotion. It’s a win-win for the restaurant and your group.
• Setup tip: Weeknights tend to work best, and promoting through email or text reminders helps increase turnout.

Bingo night

Host an old-school bingo evening using donated prizes or themed packages.

• Why it works: It’s fun, familiar, and flexible for a wide range of ages.
• Setup tip: Offer special “themed” rounds with prizes tied to your organization’s mission to keep things interesting.

Storytime night

Invite a local author, librarian, or community leader to read books aloud. Add themed crafts or treats for extra fun.

• Why it works: It’s engaging for young families and creates a calm, inclusive atmosphere.
• Setup tip: Combine with a book sale or donation drive to increase impact without complicating the setup.

Board game marathon

Create a casual space for groups to play classic board games for a few hours. Ask for a donation to join a table or enter a mini-tournament.

• Why it works: It encourages organic interaction and doesn’t require a big budget.
• Setup tip: Invite people to bring their favorite games from home, and provide snacks to encourage lingering.

Family photo mini-sessions 

Partner with a local photographer to offer 10–15-minute sessions for a set donation.

• Why it works: People love updated family photos, and it gives professionals a chance to promote their work.
• Setup tip: Use a sign-up sheet or online form to schedule time slots. A seasonal backdrop adds visual appeal.

Paint and punch night

Host an art night for kids with watercolor or finger painting stations and light refreshments.

• Why it works: It’s easy, inexpensive, and something parents and kids can enjoy together.
• Setup tip: Use washable supplies and create a simple gallery wall at the end to display participants’ creations.

Plant sale

Sell seedlings, potted herbs, or garden starters sourced from donations or local nurseries.

• Why it works: It’s a great fit for Earth Day or spring events and appeals to both kids and adults.
• Setup tip: Pre-label plants with fun care tips and bundle them into themed sets when possible.

Sock drive and silly sock day

Collect new sock donations while letting participants wear their wildest, wackiest socks to school or work for a small donation.

• Why it works: It’s visual, fun, and supports shelters or service organizations in a practical way.
• Setup tip: Make it a contest, like funniest socks, most colorful, most mismatched, and give out small prizes.

Puzzle challenge race

Teams race to complete the same jigsaw puzzle in the fastest time. You can charge a team entry fee and award a prize to the winners.

• Why it works: It’s quick to set up, surprisingly intense, and keeps everyone laughing.
• Setup tip: Use 100- or 300-piece puzzles to keep rounds under 30 minutes. Consider timed heats for larger crowds.

Cupcake decorating contest

Invite participants to decorate a cupcake and vote on their favorites. Sell entry kits with cupcakes and toppings or charge a flat fee to join.

• Why it works: It’s tasty, interactive, and visually fun, plus, the results are edible.
• Setup tip: Set up themed categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Use of Sprinkles” to encourage variety.

LEGO building competition

Challenge participants to build the tallest tower, the most creative creature, or a scene that matches your mission.

• Why it works: It’s screen-free fun for kids and adults alike, and the entry barrier is low.
• Setup tip: Set clear rules (time limits, piece limits) and let guests vote on their favorites.

Sidewalk chalk art contest

Turn a blacktop or sidewalk area into a community canvas. Participants pay to claim a square and decorate it however they’d like.

• Why it works: It’s budget-friendly, engaging, and makes for great photos.
• Setup tip: Offer different age categories and have local artists or teachers act as judges.

Cake walk

This classic game is a mix of musical chairs and dessert prizes. Participants walk in a circle until the music stops, and the person standing on the winning number gets a cake or treat to take home.

• Why it works: It’s nostalgic, easy to run, and great for younger audiences.
• Setup tip: Ask local bakeries or families to donate cakes and treats. Use numbered floor tiles or paper plates to keep things moving.

Mystery gift bags

Fill sealed gift bags or boxes with donated items, then label each with a playful clue or theme. Guests choose one to purchase without knowing exactly what’s inside.

• Why it works: People love surprises, and curiosity drives participation. It’s also a clever way to repurpose donated odds and ends.
• Setup tip: Create pricing tiers to appeal to different budgets, and mix in a few standout prizes to build buzz.

Wine cork pull

Each wine cork is numbered and corresponds to a bottle or prize. Guests pay a flat rate to pull a cork and claim the matching item.

• Why it works: It adds a bit of suspense to a classic wine-themed fundraiser. No one walks away empty-handed.
• Setup tip: Offer multiple prize levels and keep things moving with a well-organized prize table and signage.

Three-item cooking contest

Challenge participants to create a dish using just three ingredients. Entries are judged on creativity, presentation, or taste.

• Why it works: It’s fun to watch, surprisingly inventive, and makes the audience part of the experience.
• Setup tip: Provide base ingredients or let contestants bring their own. A time limit keeps the energy high and the mess manageable.

Upcycled art auction 

Have participants create artwork using recycled or repurposed materials, then auction off the pieces to support your cause.

• Why it works: It’s visual, meaningful, and supports sustainability. Each piece has a built-in story.
• Setup tip: Use a simple gallery setup for viewing, and let attendees bid using Silent Auction Pro’s online catalog or mobile bidding tools.

Local scavenger hunt

Design a route through your town or neighborhood with clues, photo challenges, or community trivia. Charge an entry fee and offer a prize to the winning team.

• Why it works: It encourages exploration, teamwork, and creativity. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for any age group.
• Setup tip: Use QR codes for clue access, and encourage participants to share progress on social media to amplify visibility.

The “un-fundraiser”

Invite people to not attend a traditional event. Instead, they donate what they would have spent on tickets, babysitters, or travel.

• Why it works: It’s efficient, funny, and incredibly easy to run. No venue, no catering, just impact.
• Setup tip: Keep the messaging light and honest. Use Silent Auction Pro’s donation tools to create a branded landing page with a short explanation.

Pay-to-post social media takeover

Offer donors the chance to sponsor a social post on your group’s account, whether it’s a message of support, a thank-you shoutout, or something silly.

• Why it works: It gives people a moment in the spotlight and turns your feed into a community space.
• Setup tip: Set clear guidelines, schedule posts ahead, and include donation tiers tied to post types.

Birthday fundraiser campaign 

Encourage supporters to run birthday fundraisers on your behalf, asking for donations instead of gifts.

• Why it works: It’s personal and leverages milestones for good. Facebook and other platforms make this easy to manage.
• Setup tip: Provide graphics or text they can use, and consider recognizing supporters in your newsletter or website.

TikTok dance challenge

Create or join a dance trend and invite people to participate by pledging donations for each video shared or challenge completed.

• Why it works: It’s social, it’s visual, and it builds energy, especially among younger audiences.
• Setup tip: Encourage teams or classrooms to get involved and offer shoutouts for the most creative submissions.

Monthly donor drive with milestone rewards 

Set a goal to add a certain number of recurring donors, offering simple milestones like bonus content, live streams, or unlockable prizes as benchmarks are met.

• Why it works: It shifts your focus from one-time gifts to sustainable support.
• Setup tip: Use Silent Auction Pro’s recurring donation feature and thermometer tracker to keep momentum visible.

Digital wish list donations 

Create a public-facing wish list of items your group needs, and invite donors to cover the cost of one or more items directly.

• Why it works: It’s tangible, and donors appreciate seeing exactly how their gift helps.
• Setup tip: Use images, pricing, and simple descriptions. Add a link to your wishlist on your event page or in a text message blast.

Create-a-quiz night on Zoom

Host a themed quiz night using trivia about your community, school, or organization. Teams pay to participate and compete for bragging rights or a prize.

• Why it works: It’s casual, interactive, and easy to run with limited prep.
• Setup tip: Use breakout rooms or a shared answer sheet. Bonus: add a sponsor to present a “lightning round” and cover the prize.

Name-the-pet vote

Post photos of a team member’s new pet (or a stuffed mascot) and let people vote on the name with donation-based entries. 

• Why it works: It’s silly, low-stakes fun, and competitive naming can get surprisingly heated.
• Setup tip: Set a clear deadline and announce the winner on social media with a thank-you shoutout.

Virtual escape room challenge

Host an online escape room session and charge for team entry. Prizes go to the fastest team or those with perfect completion.

• Why it works: It feels like an event without the physical space. Great for corporate donors or older students.
• Setup tip: Partner with an existing escape room provider or build a simple one using Google Forms or game platforms.

Easy silent auction ideas

Silent auctions are still one of the best ways to raise funds, especially when you feature experiences, handmade items, or creative partnerships with local businesses. The key is to keep the catalog curated and the bidding process simple. Pro tip: include charity consignment items to significantly expand your catalog’s appeal.

• Why it works: People love browsing and bidding at their own pace.
• Setup tip: Use Silent Auction Pro’s mobile bidding and catalog tools to manage listings, set notifications, and keep things running smoothly, even if your event is fully online.

Paddle raise with a goal thermometer

Add a live paddle raise during your event to call for direct donations. Show your progress with a thermometer that updates in real time.

• Why it works: It’s direct, goal-oriented, and builds energy in the room.
• Setup tip: Use Silent Auction Pro’s real-time display and confetti drop feature to celebrate reaching your goal.

Wine pull with tiered pricing

Offer wine bottles at multiple price points: some are great table wines, others are high-end surprises. Participants pick a wrapped bottle and discover what they got.

• Why it works: It adds a level of intrigue and accommodates different donation levels.
• Setup tip: Use colored wrapping or numbered tags to differentiate tiers. Make sure your signage is clear and appealing.

Heads or tails game

During dinner or the event’s intermission, ask participants to stand and choose “heads” or “tails” by placing their hands on their heads or hips. Flip a coin, and those who guess right stay in. Repeat until one person remains to win a prize.
 

• Why it works: It’s quick, easy, and gets people moving.
• Setup tip: Charge for entry and consider offering a fun or themed prize that connects to your cause.

The $5 wall

Cover a wall in numbered envelopes. Each one contains a surprise prize, coupon, or thank-you note. Donors pick an envelope for $5 each.

• Why it works: It’s interactive and inexpensive, with a built-in feeling of chance.
• Setup tip: Include a few standout prizes to generate buzz. Keep the wall visually appealing and easy to access.

Ready to raise money and keep your sanity?

You’re putting time and energy into something that matters, and that already says a lot. Whether you’re helping a local school, supporting a nonprofit, or rallying your team for a cause you believe in, your efforts are worth it.

And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

If you’re looking for a way to make your first event simpler, smoother, and more successful, Silent Auction Pro is ready to help. With tools built for real people and events of all sizes, we make fundraising feel more manageable and even a little more fun.

Request a free demo today and see how easy it can be to get started.