Breaking the Mold: Unconventional Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits in 2025

Tired of bake sales and silent auctions? You’re not alone. Nonprofit fundraising is evolving fast, and 2025 is all about stepping outside the box. Think virtual reality, gamified events, and livestreaming campaigns that connect with donors like never before.

What’s driving this shift?

• Digital Fundraising is Booming: Donors acquired online in 2024 gave 19.4% more in their first year, making them 48% more valuable than offline donors.

• Personalization Matters: 60% of donors consider personalized experiences important when interacting with nonprofits, but only 44% feel the current personalization meets their expectations.

• Younger Generations Are Shaping Fundraising: Nearly 70% of Gen Z donors are more likely to increase their giving when provided with clear impact reports, highlighting the importance of transparency in engaging this demographic.

• Tech-Driven Innovation: Tools like virtual reality, gamified events, and AI-driven strategies are helping nonprofits boost donor engagement and retention, with VR appeals shown to increase donations by offering more immersive experiences than traditional methods.

These trends make 2025 the perfect time to rethink how you fundraise and connect with your audience.

If you’re ready to ditch the old playbook and try something new, these 10 innovative fundraising event ideas - complete with real-world success stories - will show you how to make your next campaign unforgettable.

Create an Arch for Your Next Fundraiser

1. Host an Inclusive Multi-Event Run

Multi-event runs are a powerful way to engage diverse groups of participants while raising funds for your cause. By offering different distances and event types, you can create opportunities for everyone - whether they’re experienced runners, casual participants, or families with young children.

A standout example is Run 4 Geelong 2024, which featured a 1K walk for families, a 5K run for casual participants, and a 10K for competitive runners. This thoughtful structure made the event accessible to all fitness levels and created a strong sense of inclusion. Families appreciated the opportunity to participate together, casual runners found the 5K manageable and fun, and competitive athletes were drawn to the longer challenge.

The success of Run 4 Geelong highlights three key lessons:

1. Inclusivity Broadens Appeal: By catering to different fitness levels, the event attracted participants from a wide range of demographics.

2. Community Focus is Key: Local partnerships with businesses and community groups helped foster a sense of connection and encouraged participation.

3. Options Increase Impact: Including a virtual participation option allowed the event to reach people who couldn’t attend in person, boosting engagement and funds raised.

How to Get Started:

1. Offer Multiple Event Types: Include options like a family-friendly walk, a casual 5K, and a longer run for experienced participants.

2. Make It Welcoming: Clearly communicate that your event is open to all fitness levels and consider adding a virtual option to include remote participants.

3. Build Local Partnerships: Collaborate with businesses, schools, and organizations to expand your outreach and connect with the community.

4. Encourage Fundraising: Provide incentives like medals, team challenges, or rewards for top fundraisers to motivate participants.

5. Focus on Accessibility: Ensure your event is easy to join with clear signage, water stations, and routes suitable for all abilities.

2. Host a Live Gaming Marathon for Good

Source: Games Done Quick

While running events bring people together physically, gaming marathons tap into the power of global connectivity and digital communities. These events are particularly effective at reaching younger, tech-savvy audiences who might not engage with traditional fundraising methods. As gaming culture continues to grow and platforms like Twitch and YouTube become household names, gaming marathons offer nonprofits a unique opportunity to expand their reach.

Extra Life has raised over $70 million by letting gamers fundraise for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Participants sign up to stream their gameplay while encouraging viewers to donate, creating a personal connection between the gamer, their community, and the cause.

Another successful model is Zeldathon, which has raised over $3.1 million for charities like charity:water by rallying the passionate fanbase of The Legend of Zelda. By focusing on a specific gaming community, the event creates a deeply engaging experience for participants and viewers alike.

Finally, Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) is a masterclass in gamifying fundraising. In 2023, the event raised $2.5 million for cancer research by incorporating fun, interactive donation incentives like naming characters or altering gameplay challenges.

These examples highlight three key lessons:

1. Leverage Personal Connections: Events like Extra Life succeed because they allow gamers to fundraise for causes that directly impact their communities.

2. Target Niche Audiences: Tapping into specific fanbases, like Zeldathon does with The Legend of Zelda, fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

3. Make It Interactive: AGDQ shows how gamified elements turn fundraising into entertainment, keeping participants and donors engaged.

How to Get Started

1. Find Your Audience: Decide whether you’ll target a local gaming community, a specific fandom, or a broader online audience.

2. Partner with Influencers: Collaborate with streamers or gaming influencers who align with your nonprofit’s values to expand your reach.

3. Add Interactive Elements: Incorporate donation incentives like challenges, milestone rewards, or in-game shoutouts to make donating fun.

4. Promote Strategically: Use social media, gaming forums, and email campaigns to build anticipation and drive sign-ups.

5. Track and Optimize: Monitor donations, engagement levels, and audience feedback to refine your strategy for future events.

3. Organize Charity Exhibition Games

Sports have an incredible ability to bring people together, and charity exhibition games harness that energy for a good cause. These events don’t just engage fans—they transform their passion for sports into meaningful contributions to your mission.

In 2024, a college basketball doubleheader benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital demonstrated how impactful this approach can be. Featuring matchups between the Memphis Tigers and North Carolina, along with a women’s game with South Carolina, the event raised significant funds by allocating 100% of ticket proceeds directly to the charity. The games also honored a cancer survivor whose story inspired the event, further connecting fans to the cause.

Here’s what nonprofits can learn from this event:

1. Engage Local Fanbases: Featuring well-loved teams ensured strong attendance and support from the community.

2. Leverage Media Coverage: A compelling backstory combined with high-profile matchups generated widespread attention from fans and the press.

3. Simplify Fundraising: Donating all ticket proceeds directly to St. Jude made the purpose clear and motivated attendees to give.

How to Get Started

1. Collaborate with Teams: Partner with sports organizations, colleges, or local leagues willing to host a charity exhibition game.

2. Choose a Cause: Select a beneficiary that resonates with players, fans, and the wider community.

3. Promote Strategically: Use local media, social media platforms, and fan networks to build excitement and fill seats.

4. Make Fundraising Seamless: Clearly communicate that ticket proceeds benefit the chosen cause, and set up additional donation stations or QR codes for those who want to give more.

5. Enhance the Experience: Include extras like halftime donation drives, on-site auctions, or meet-and-greet opportunities with players to engage attendees further.

4. Launch a Collaborative Restaurant Fundraiser

Restaurants offer a unique way to turn dining into a force for good. By partnering with local establishments, nonprofits can tap into the "eat local, do good" trend, where people look for ways to support causes through their everyday spending. Collaborative campaigns bring communities together and amplify impact by involving multiple businesses.

In the wake of the Southern California wildfires, more than 55 Chicago restaurants joined forces under the Chicago Chefs Cook initiative. Each restaurant designated specific menu items, like Gene & Georgetti’s popular “Chicken alla Joe,” with proceeds going toward relief efforts. This collective approach not only raised significant funds but also fostered a sense of unity across the city.

Key lessons from this initiative include:

1. Make It Collaborative: Involving multiple restaurants boosts awareness and attracts more participants, expanding the fundraiser’s reach.

2. Create Signature Offerings: Special dishes or drinks tied to the campaign generate excitement and encourage diners to order for the cause.

3. Foster Local Engagement: Highlighting the direct impact of donations inspires community members to participate, knowing their support is making a tangible difference.

How to Get Started

1. Build a Coalition: Partner with local restaurants to create a unified campaign, defining a specific timeframe for participation.

2. Choose a Cause: Select a beneficiary that resonates with both the community and participating businesses.

3. Highlight Key Menu Items: Work with restaurants to identify popular dishes or create exclusive items tied to the fundraiser.

4. Promote Widely: Use social media, local news outlets, and in-restaurant advertising (flyers, table tents) to spread the word.

5. Celebrate Success: Publicly share the funds raised, spotlight participating businesses, and thank everyone involved to build goodwill and encourage future collaborations.

5. Host a Livestream Fundraiser

Livestream fundraisers offer nonprofits a powerful way to connect with supporters wherever they are. Combining real-time engagement with the convenience of online giving, these events make it easy for people to participate and contribute without geographic or logistical barriers.

A great example is Streaming for Survivors, an initiative by the Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre. This campaign demonstrated how equipping streamers with resources and support fosters an inclusive and impactful fundraising atmosphere. By empowering content creators to champion their cause, Salal successfully built a community-driven event that inspired meaningful contributions.

What makes livestream fundraisers so effective?

1. Expand Your Reach: Livestreaming connects you with supporters across the globe, breaking down physical barriers.

2. Foster Real-Time Connection: Features like live chats and Q&A sessions create immediacy, making participants feel part of a larger movement.

3. Keep It Cost-Effective: Compared to in-person events, livestream fundraisers require fewer resources, reducing overhead costs.

How to Get Started

1. Pick the Right Platform: Choose a platform that fits your audience—Twitch, YouTube Live, TikTok, or Zoom are popular options.

2. Partner with Influencers: Collaborate with creators who align with your cause and can bring their audience to your event.

3. Plan Interactive Elements: Add live polls, challenges, or behind-the-scenes segments to keep viewers engaged and excited.

4. Promote Widely: Use email, social media, and press outreach to build anticipation and encourage attendance.

5. Ensure Technical Reliability: Invest in strong internet connections and good production quality to ensure a seamless experience.

6. Host a Pet-Friendly Charity Walk

Pet-friendly charity walks are a fantastic way to engage animal lovers and their furry friends while raising funds for a good cause. These events create a fun, welcoming environment where participants can enjoy the outdoors and connect with like-minded individuals, all while supporting your mission.

In 2024, Mutt March by Michigan Humane Society demonstrated the power of this approach. The event invited pet owners to walk with their dogs on a safe, scenic route, raising money to support animal welfare programs. By combining community-building with a shared passion for pets, the event attracted a diverse group of participants and generated significant funds for the cause.

Key takeaways from Mutt March include:

1. Tap into Passionate Audiences: Pet owners are highly motivated to support causes related to animal welfare.

2. Create Community Connections: Welcoming pets fosters camaraderie among participants and strengthens their bond with your nonprofit.

3. Provide an Enjoyable Experience: A well-organized event with amenities like water stations and waste bags ensures participants feel cared for, making them more likely to return.

How to Get Started

1. Plan Your Route: Select a pet-friendly location with a manageable path for all abilities.

2. Set Fundraising Goals: Encourage participants to fundraise individually or as teams, offering rewards for top fundraisers.

3. Spread the Word: Partner with local vet clinics, pet stores, and social media influencers to promote the event.

4. Ensure Safety: Provide essentials like water stations, waste disposal bags, and emergency vet contacts.

5. Celebrate the Day: Share photos, videos, and stories from the event to highlight its success and inspire future participation.

7. Organize a Themed Fundraiser Aligned with Your Mission

Source: York Daily Record

A well-chosen theme can turn a simple fundraiser into a powerful statement of your nonprofit’s purpose. By creating an event that directly ties into your mission, you give donors a clear and meaningful way to connect with your work.

Jessica & Friends Community demonstrated this approach with their “J. Patrick Peters Rock On” event. Participants rocked in chairs to honor a beloved staff member while raising funds to support adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. The activity wasn’t just symbolic—it reflected the organization’s commitment to creating accessible, inclusive experiences.

Key takeaways from this event:

1. Make It Mission-Focused: Choosing a theme tied to your mission ensures the event feels authentic and purposeful.

2. Engage Through Storytelling: Highlighting the story behind the theme—like honoring a valued staff member—adds emotional depth and inspires participation.

3. Create a Memorable Experience: Unique activities like rocking in chairs leave a lasting impression, increasing awareness and loyalty.

How to Get Started

1. Pinpoint Your Mission’s Core Elements: Identify themes or activities that directly align with your organization’s purpose.

2. Develop a Creative Concept: Brainstorm ways to turn those elements into an engaging, event-friendly theme. For example, a literacy nonprofit might host a "Read-a-Thon" to support its mission.

3. Plan the Details: Match your event’s logistics—like location, timing, and resources—with your chosen theme.

4. Highlight the Connection: Use storytelling in your marketing to show how the event reflects your mission and supports your goals.

5. Encourage Immersion: Add interactive elements, such as themed dress codes, role-play, or symbolic activities, to deepen engagement.

8. Immerse Supporters with Virtual Reality Fundraisers

Virtual reality (VR) fundraising offers a groundbreaking way to bring donors closer to your cause. By creating immersive experiences, you can show supporters the challenges you’re addressing and the difference their contributions make—all from their own perspective.

The Pencils of Promise Virtual Reality Film is a powerful example of how this approach works. The film, which won a Shorty Award for Social Good, transported viewers into the daily life of a Ghanaian student, highlighting the obstacles to accessing education. Through VR, supporters saw firsthand how their donations could build schools and change lives, fostering both empathy and action.

Key takeaways from this initiative:

1. Make It Personal: VR allows donors to step into the story, creating a deep emotional connection to your mission.

2. Leverage Immersive Storytelling: Unlike traditional media, VR commands attention, making your message unforgettable.

3. Appeal to Tech Enthusiasts: Cutting-edge experiences resonate with younger donors and those who value innovation.

How to Get Started

1. Define Your Narrative: Choose a compelling story that aligns with your mission and can be powerfully told through VR.

2. Collaborate with Experts: Partner with VR production teams or local film schools to create high-quality, immersive content.

3. Select Your Platform: Use platforms like YouTube VR, Oculus, or affordable options like 360° videos with Google Cardboard to reach your audience.

4. Plan a Memorable Launch: Host a viewing event to debut your VR experience, whether in person or online, to maximize excitement.

5. Promote the Experience: Share behind-the-scenes footage, testimonials, and audience reactions to build buzz and drive participation.

Virtual reality fundraising is more than just a novel idea—it’s a way to make your cause tangible and unforgettable. By placing donors “inside” your mission, you inspire empathy, understanding, and long-term support, all while standing out in an increasingly digital world.

9. Host a Virtual 5K Fundraiser

Virtual 5Ks offer an easy and flexible way for supporters to get involved from anywhere. These events allow participants to run, walk, or jog at their own pace, whether on a treadmill, in their neighborhood, or at a local park. For nonprofits, virtual 5Ks eliminate logistical hurdles while reaching a wider audience.

The 2024 Realtors Who Care Virtual 5K demonstrated the impact of this approach. Participants completed their runs individually and shared photos and results on social media, creating a sense of connection despite the distance. Proceeds from the event supported individuals in the real estate community facing financial hardship, combining fitness with meaningful action.

Key takeaways from this event:

1. Make It Accessible: By allowing participants to choose their own routes and schedules, virtual 5Ks remove barriers for those unable to attend in person.

2. Encourage Community Sharing: Social media hashtags and participant posts create a sense of camaraderie and celebration, even in a digital format.

3. Inspire Participation with Incentives: Offering medals, certificates, or branded merchandise adds motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

How to Get Started

1. Select a Platform: Use platforms like Racery or Runs for a Purpose to manage registrations, track results, and engage participants.

2. Set Clear Expectations: Provide participants with guidelines for tracking and submitting their times, and offer a flexible timeframe to complete the race.

3. Promote Widely: Leverage email campaigns, social media, and your website to drive sign-ups and create excitement.

4. Encourage Social Interaction: Ask participants to share photos, videos, or GPS maps of their runs using a dedicated hashtag.

5. Celebrate Success: Recognize top fundraisers or creative participants and share event highlights to build a sense of achievement and inspire future involvement.

10. Organize an Extreme Challenge Fundraiser

For supporters seeking something bold and memorable, extreme challenge fundraisers provide the perfect mix of adrenaline and philanthropy. These events combine thrilling activities with meaningful causes, creating unforgettable experiences that motivate participants and attract significant attention.

The Over the Edge fundraiser at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium is a prime example. Participants raise funds for the Centre County United Way to earn the opportunity to rappel 110 feet down the side of the stadium. This daring event not only provides a unique challenge for participants but also garners community interest and media coverage, amplifying the event’s impact.

Key takeaways from Over the Edge

1. Offer a One-of-a-Kind Experience: Unconventional activities like rappelling make the event stand out and attract adventurous participants.

2. Incentivize Fundraising: Requiring participants to meet a fundraising minimum encourages them to actively engage their networks.

3. Leverage Spectacle for Awareness: The visually striking nature of the event naturally draws media attention and public curiosity, increasing visibility for the cause.

How to Get Started

1. Pick an Exciting Activity: Choose a daring challenge, like rappelling, skydiving, or ziplining, that aligns with your nonprofit’s brand and audience.

2. Partner with Experts: Work with professional companies to ensure safety and proper execution of the activity.

3. Set Fundraising Goals: Establish a minimum fundraising threshold for participants to qualify, motivating them to spread the word and raise funds.

4. Promote the Thrill: Use social media, local news, and community channels to highlight the event’s unique appeal and encourage sign-ups.

5. Recognize Participants: Celebrate those who complete the challenge with certificates, photos, or special recognition to reinforce their connection to the cause.

Extreme challenge fundraisers like Over the Edge tap into participants’ desire for adventure while raising significant support for important causes. By offering an experience that’s as bold as the mission you’re championing, you can engage supporters and leave a lasting impression.

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Innovate, Connect, and Make an Impact: The Future of Nonprofit Fundraising

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for nonprofit fundraising, bursting with fresh ideas and innovative approaches. Whether you're diving into virtual reality experiences or teaming up with local restaurants, there's no shortage of creative ways to connect with your supporters and boost your fundraising efforts.

Remember, the key is to think outside the box and tailor these strategies to fit your unique mission and community. Don’t hesitate to try something new and watch your next fundraising campaign make a real splash.