Nonprofit fundraising ideas, sorted by how much work they take
Small staff, busy volunteers? Start with ideas that run in the background, then add events where they make the most sense.
Ideas that run in the background
These take setup once and then keep working. They're the heart of passive fundraising.
Everyday local spending (Community Share)
Supporters pay at participating local businesses with a free wallet branded for your nonprofit, and 8% of each purchase goes to your cause. It turns errands into support and gives local businesses a reason to cheer for you.
Monthly giving
A small recurring gift is the most reliable donation there is. Make the monthly option the default on your donate page and thank monthly donors separately.
Employer matching
Many employers match employee gifts. A simple reminder on your thank-you emails can unlock gifts already sitting on the table.
Round-up giving
Supporters round purchases up and donate the spare change. Easy to explain, though it still asks people to give their own money.
Low-effort events
Dine-to-donate nights
A local restaurant shares part of one evening's sales. Great for community feel; expect to promote each one.
Giving days
Pick one day, set a clear goal, and rally your community online. Works best with a matching gift from a sponsor.
Peer-to-peer pages
Let supporters create their own pages for birthdays or races. They reach people you'd never reach yourself.
Bigger campaigns
Galas and auctions
High-touch and high-effort. Can raise a lot, but they draw heavily on volunteers and sponsors.
Capital campaigns
For buildings and big projects. Start with quiet major-gift conversations long before any public launch.
Product sales
Cookie dough, wrapping paper and candles are familiar, but families often feel they're doing the selling for you. That's a fast road to donor fatigue.
How to choose your mix
- Pick one background idea that brings in support every week.
- Add one or two community events a year that people look forward to.
- Save the big asks for the projects that truly need them, and report back afterward.
The background layer is the one most organizations are missing. That's where Community Share fits, and it's what we'll show you on a short call.
See how Community Share could work for your cause
In a free 15-minute call we'll show you the supporter wallet, how local businesses take part, and what your organization would see on its side. No pressure and no cost to look.