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8 fun and inexpensive fundraising ideas

Looking for low-cost, fun and effective ways to fundraise? We’ve compiled a list of our most affordable fundraising ideas to help jumpstart your efforts and begin making a difference for St. Jude kids.

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Affordable fundraising ideas for nonprofits

Fundraising for nonprofits and charities allows those organizations to do what they do best: make a positive impact for people in need. By supporting St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

 
 

Online low-cost fundraising ideas 

 

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is based on the idea that many people working together can make a greater impact than someone working alone. And the best part is that most crowdfunding options won't cost you much.

To get started, simply choose a platform, create your messaging and set a fundraising goal (see our guide for more info). And don’t forget to advertise your fundraiser within your community and online.

 

Social media fundraising

Whether it's on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, social media fundraising is one of the most inexpensive ways to fundraise for St. Jude. With virtually no overhead costs and an ever-expanding potential donor base, this fundraising method allows you to make even more of an impact than traditional fundraising.

 

Virtual events

Virtual fundraising events allow you to lean into your audience's interests without having to spend a lot of money. With no need to book a venue or provide refreshments, you can focus on creating an event that will appeal to potential donors. Consider events like a virtual concert or talent show. Participants make a donation to log in and enjoy.

 

Text and email fundraising

Another option with little overhead cost is text and email fundraising. All you need to do is come up with some engaging messaging to get people interested, and create a donation page for your donors to land on. Then, you can send out your fundraiser message and link, and encourage recipients to share them with their networks. 

 
 

In-person inexpensive fundraising ideas

 

Car washes

Car washes can be a fun and family-friendly way to raise money for a cause. Consider asking local businesses to partner with you or perhaps even allow you to use their parking lot to run your car wash. Pick up supplies, create some signage and get ready to wash. And don’t forget to advertise your car wash fundraiser ahead of time.

 

Garage sales

Garage sale fundraisers benefit both you and your cause: You can raise money while also clearing out gently used items from your home. Consider reaching out to your neighbors to see if they'd like to join you and make it a neighborhood event. Larger-scale garage sales can bring in additional customers and increase sales.

 

Trivia nights

Get your friends and family involved in some lighthearted competition while raising funds and awareness for your favorite causes. Ask local businesses to partner with you or provide a space for you to host your event. Themed trivia topics — like sports, TV shows and celebrities — can help keep the fun going all night long.

 

Donation-based classes

Do you have a skill set that you enjoy sharing with others, like cooking or singing? Consider hosting a donation-based class where you can lean into your passions while raising money for important causes. Participants can make a donation to enter the class, then let the learning begin.

 
 

Need more information about fundraising? 

Our fundraising guide is full of helpful tips and ideas to help get you started!

Read Our Fundraising Guide

 
 

Why should I fundraise for St. Jude? 

Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer. Together, we can save more lives.

Fundraise for St. Jude

 
 

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