Lessons from the 10 Most Successful Nonprofit Fundraisers of 2024

From record-breaking marathons to unforgettable charity galas, 2024 has delivered some of the most successful nonprofit fundraisers yet.

What’s the secret sauce behind their success?

Beyond strong planning and passionate participants, each event focused on one key ingredient: clear communication about exactly where donations go. By showing donors their impact upfront, these fundraisers built trust - and smashed their fundraising goals. 

Want your next fundraiser to go from ‘good’ to ‘unforgettable’? Let’s explore the practical steps these organizers took - so you can put these winning tactics to work.

1. A Legacy of Giving: How the London Marathon Raised $90 Million for Charity

• Organization: London Marathon Events

• Funds Raised: £73.5 million (~$90 million)

• Event Type: Marathon

The 2024 London Marathon once again broke its own record, generating £73.5 million for a variety of charitable causes. With over 53,000 runners taking part, this high-profile event continues to lead the pack in terms of large-scale fundraising efforts.

What Made It Successful?

1. Mass Participation: More than 53,000 runners took to the course in support of countless nonprofits, dramatically increasing the overall fundraising total. Organizers leveraged the energy and excitement of a broad participant base—each runner championed a personal fundraising goal, making even small donations add up to a massive impact.

2. Established Reputation: Having raised over £1.3 billion since 1981, the London Marathon has become synonymous with philanthropy. Its track record of success instills trust in donors and inspires confidence among participants, fostering ongoing support year after year.

3. Effective Fundraising Platforms: The marathon’s official online fundraising partner, Enthuse, played a key role by raising £30 million through its platform. Easy-to-use digital tools simplified the donation process for both runners and donors, reducing friction and boosting overall contributions.

Key Takeaway

• Leverage High-Volume Participation: Even if you’re not hosting an event with 50,000+ people, strive for broad engagement. Invite supporters at every level—participants, volunteers, corporate partners, and your wider community—to champion your cause.

• Build a Solid Brand and Track Record: Fundraising success often grows over time as donors come to trust your organization’s mission. Highlight your past achievements, share success stories, and use your organizational history to encourage repeat participation.

• Streamline the Donation Process: Whether you use a dedicated fundraising platform or your own technology, make donating simple. Clear calls-to-action, user-friendly interfaces, and robust digital tools can significantly boost giving.

By combining large-scale community involvement, a strong and trusted reputation, and frictionless donation technology, you too can inspire widespread support and achieve your next ambitious fundraising goal.

2. 26 Hours of Hope: How the Channel Seven Perth Telethon Raised $83.3 Million

• Organization: Channel Seven Perth Telethon

• Funds Raised: $83.3 million

• Event Type: 26-hour live broadcast

The 2024 Channel Seven Perth Telethon set a new fundraising record, raising $83.3 million to support sick, vulnerable, and disadvantaged children in Western Australia. This 26-hour live broadcast, themed “Incredible Together,” united the community in a shared mission to improve children’s health and well-being.

What Made It Successful?

1. Community Engagement: Widespread community involvement was key to the Telethon’s success. Thousands of families participated in the Telethon Family Festival, enjoying activities that fostered a sense of unity and purpose. This collective effort underscored the power of community in achieving philanthropic goals.

2. Corporate Partnerships: Generous contributions from corporate sponsors also played a crucial role. The entire Seven West Media WA team, including 7NEWS Perth and The West Australian, supported the event, amplifying its reach and impact. These partnerships delivered both financial backing and enhanced visibility.

3. Entertainment and Media Integration: The 26-hour live broadcast featured performances by renowned artists such as Guy Sebastian, Samantha Jade, Vanessa Amorosi, and Human Nature, attracting a broad audience and motivating donations. By blending high-profile entertainment with fundraising, organizers maintained audience engagement and boosted contributions.

Key Takeaway

• Foster Community Involvement: Host inclusive events that build unity and a shared purpose.

• Leverage Corporate Support: Develop partnerships with corporate sponsors to secure financial resources and broaden outreach.

• Combine Entertainment with Fundraising: Incorporate engaging performances to attract and retain donor attention throughout the event.

By uniting community efforts, securing corporate partnerships, and infusing entertainment into the broadcast, the Channel Seven Perth Telethon demonstrates a winning formula for large-scale fundraising success.

3. Pedaling Towards a Cure: Pan-Mass Challenge Raises Record $75 Million

• Organization: Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC)

• Funds Raised: $75 million

• Event Type: Bike-a-thon

The 2024 Pan-Mass Challenge reached a remarkable milestone by raising $75 million for cancer research and patient care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This record-breaking achievement brings the PMC’s total fundraising to over $1.047 billion since its inception in 1980.

What Made It Successful?

1. Massive Participation: In August 2024, the event drew 6,800 riders and 3,500 volunteers from around the world, all committed to the cause. Participants cycled routes of up to 211 miles across Massachusetts, each with personal fundraising goals—demonstrating the power of collective effort to achieve significant results.

2. 100% Donation Model: For the 18th consecutive year, 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly supported cancer research, treatment, and care at Dana-Farber. This transparent approach instilled trust and motivated donors, who could see exactly where their contributions were making an impact.

3. Diverse Fundraising Initiatives: Alongside the main ride, the PMC also organizes PMC Winter Cycle, PMC Unpaved, and PMC Kids Rides. These additional events engage different age groups and interests, expanding both the fundraising reach and the sense of community involvement.

Key Takeaway

• Engage a Broad Participant Base: Involve diverse groups of participants and volunteers to amplify fundraising efforts.

• Ensure Transparency in Fund Allocation: Clearly communicate where donations go to foster donor trust and encourage further contributions.

• Diversify Fundraising Activities: Offer multiple event formats that cater to various demographics, widening your reach and impact.

By embracing widespread participation, maintaining a transparent funding model, and diversifying its events, the Pan-Mass Challenge exemplifies an effective strategy for driving large-scale donations to support critical causes.

4. When Every Mile Counts: Boston Marathon Runners Bring in $71.9 Million for Charity

• Organization: Boston Marathon

• Funds Raised: $71.9 million

• Event Type: Marathon

The 128th Boston Marathon set a new fundraising record, generating $71.9 million for charity. With 168 nonprofit organizations participating in the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, $45.7 million came directly from charity runners, while the rest was raised through additional donations and fundraising efforts.

What Made It Successful?

1. Pre-Event Momentum: One month before race day, Boston Marathon Giving Day created a surge in donations. Fundraisers were offered targeted incentives, and a celebratory event featuring marathon legend Meb Keflezighi motivated participants. This early excitement carried into the main event, showing how a well-timed push can jumpstart donor enthusiasm.

2. Community-Centric Approach: The funds supported a diverse range of causes in the Greater Boston area—including youth programs, health services, and local charities—proving that focusing on tangible local impact drives powerful donor engagement. By clearly illustrating where donations would go and who they would benefit, organizers tapped into strong community support.

3. High-Profile Philanthropy: Entrepreneur and first-time marathon runner Rob Hale contributed $26.2 million to 72 local nonprofits. His attention-grabbing gift not only made headlines, but also inspired others to give more generously. This underscores the importance of engaging major donors and ensuring their impact is widely publicized.

Key Takeaway

• Build Momentum Early: Consider launching a special pre-event day or targeted push to ignite excitement among fundraisers and potential donors.

• Highlight Local or Direct Impact: Tailor your messaging to show donors exactly how their contributions support the community, demonstrating clear and tangible benefits.

• Partner with Influencers and Major Donors: Even a single high-profile donation can significantly boost visibility and inspire others. Publicize major gifts to encourage additional support.

By leveraging pre-event momentum, emphasizing community-driven impact, and harnessing the power of major donors, your organization can maximize donor engagement, elevate fundraising totals, and sustain a cycle of giving for future campaigns.

5. Brewing Support: How the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Raised $20.7 Million for Macmillan Cancer Support

• Organization: Macmillan Cancer Support

• Funds Raised: £16.8 million (~$20.7m)

• Event Type: Nationwide Coffee Morning

The 2024 World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, organized by Macmillan Cancer Support, raised £16.8 million to help individuals affected by cancer across the UK. This annual event invites people to host coffee mornings, with all donations supporting Macmillan’s vital services.

What Made It Successful?

1. Grassroots Participation: Thousands of individuals, businesses, and communities nationwide hosted coffee mornings. This broad involvement created a sense of unity and collective effort, significantly amplifying the fundraising impact.

2. Corporate Partnerships: Collaborations with corporate partners—most notably Marks & Spencer (M&S)—have been instrumental. Since 2010, M&S has raised over £26 million for Macmillan by donating proceeds from select products and hosting coffee mornings in their cafés, underscoring the value of strategic corporate alliances.

3. Simplicity and Accessibility: The straightforward idea of hosting a coffee morning makes participation both easy and appealing. Its simplicity encourages people from all walks of life to contribute without requiring extensive resources or planning.

Key Takeaway

• Empower Grassroots Fundraising: Mobilize local communities to build widespread participation and a collective sense of purpose.

• Forge Strategic Corporate Partnerships: Collaborate with businesses to boost fundraising through joint events and product-based donations.

• Keep Fundraising Concepts Simple: Design accessible, straightforward activities that maximize participation and engagement.

By tapping into grassroots support, leveraging strong corporate alliances, and maintaining a simple yet inclusive event format, the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning effectively unites communities to support those impacted by cancer.

6. Dancing for a Cure: Penn State THON Raises Record $16.9 Million for Pediatric Cancer

• Organization: Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON)

• Funds Raised: $16,955,683.63

• Event Type: 46-Hour Dance Marathon

In February 2024, Penn State’s THON achieved a record-breaking total of $16,955,683.63 to support Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. This annual 46-hour dance marathon—the largest student-run philanthropy in the world—unites thousands of students in the fight against pediatric cancer.

What Made It Successful?

1. Student-Led Initiative: Entirely organized and executed by Penn State students, THON exemplifies the power of student leadership in large-scale philanthropic efforts. More than 700 students participated as dancers, standing and dancing for 46 hours without sleep—embodying unmatched commitment and resilience.

2. Year-Round Fundraising: THON’s success stems from continuous fundraising activities such as events, merchandise sales, and direct solicitations. This year-long effort keeps engagement high and builds momentum leading up to the main event.

3. Emotional Connection and Storytelling: Personal stories from children and families affected by cancer create a strong emotional bond with donors. Events like Family Hour during the marathon spotlight these narratives, powerfully illustrating the impact of each contribution.

Key Takeaway

• Empower Student Leadership: Tap into student passion and energy to drive large-scale fundraising initiatives.

• Maintain Continuous Engagement: Implement year-round strategies to sustain donor interest and build momentum.

• Leverage Storytelling: Highlight personal narratives to foster deep emotional connections and inspire generosity.

By harnessing student-led organization, ongoing engagement, and compelling storytelling, Penn State’s THON serves as a powerful model for fundraising in support of critical causes.

7. Extraordinary Generosity: ExtraGive 2024 Raises Nearly $9.9 Million for Lancaster Nonprofits

 

• Organization: Lancaster County Community Foundation

• Funds Raised: $9,877,239

• Event Type: 24-Hour Giving Day

On November 22, 2024, the Lancaster County Community Foundation hosted its annual ExtraGive—a 24-hour fundraising marathon that brought in $9,877,239 for 444 nonprofit organizations. This impressive total marks an 11% increase over 2023, indicating a welcome resurgence after two years of declining contributions.

What Made It Successful?

1. Community-Wide Participation: More than 24,000 donors came together to support local nonprofits, illustrating the power of collective engagement. Events like the ExtraGive Fest at the Lancaster County Convention Center, along with numerous activities across the county, promoted a spirit of unity and philanthropy.

2. Strategic Planning Amid Milestones: While coordinating ExtraGive, the Community Foundation also celebrated its 100th anniversary. Through detailed planning and careful resource management, they successfully executed both large-scale efforts—an example of organizational agility and foresight.

3. Diverse Fundraising Events: A range of programming—including multicultural expos, STEAM fairs, and dance parties—attracted varied segments of the community. By appealing to diverse interests, organizers broadened the donor base and boosted overall fundraising.

Key Takeaway

• Harness Community Engagement: Encourage broad donor participation and inclusive events to amplify fundraising success.

• Implement Strategic Planning: Execute major initiatives in tandem with careful planning, resource allocation, and oversight.

• Offer Diverse Programming: Cater to different community interests to attract a wider audience and maximize donor involvement.

Through community-wide participation, meticulous planning, and varied event offerings, ExtraGive 2024 demonstrates how a 24-hour giving day can effectively mobilize resources and raise significant funds for nonprofits.

 

8. The Great Humpty Ball 2024: Raising $9 Million for Children’s Medical Equipment

• Organization: Humpty Dumpty Foundation

• Funds Raised: $9 million

• Event Type: Charity Ball

The Great Humpty Ball, held at Mindil Beach Casino in Darwin, Northern Territory, set a new local fundraising record by raising $9 million for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. Now in its seventh year, the event focuses on providing lifesaving children’s medical equipment to hospitals across Australia.

What Made It Successful?

1. Local Healthcare Professional Involvement: Local doctors and nurses volunteered their time, showcasing a personal commitment to improving pediatric healthcare. Their presence added credibility and urgency to the cause, inspiring attendees to donate generously.

2. Focus on Regional Healthcare Equality: The event underscored the goal of ensuring that children in the Northern Territory receive the same level of healthcare available in other Australian states. By highlighting this mission of equitable access, organizers resonated deeply with donors.

3. Community Collaboration: A broad coalition of supporters—both inside and outside the Mindil Ballroom—worked together to achieve a record-breaking total. This collective effort illustrates the power of community unity in driving significant fundraising results.

Key Takeaway

• Engage Local Healthcare Professionals: Involving medical staff lends authenticity and urgency, prompting higher donor engagement.

• Emphasize Equitable Access: Spotlighting disparities in care can motivate donors to help bridge the gap.

• Foster Community Unity: Collaboration among diverse community members amplifies fundraising success.

By enlisting healthcare professionals, advocating for equitable access, and rallying community support, The Great Humpty Ball 2024 achieved a milestone fundraising outcome—transforming pediatric healthcare resources across the Northern Territory.

9. Cleveland Clinic Children’s Derby Day Soirée Raises Record $4 Million

• Organization: Cleveland Clinic Children’s

• Funds Raised: $4 million

• Event Type: Charity Gala

On May 4, 2024, Cleveland Clinic Children’s hosted its annual Derby Day Soirée at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, raising a record-breaking $4 million to support lifesaving programs and advance pediatric research.

What Made It Successful?

1. High-Profile Partnerships: Prominent organizations—including the Cafaro Foundation, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Superstars, The Fedeli Family Foundation, and Scala Family Foundation—served as event presenters. Their financial support and public recognition significantly boosted the Soirée’s visibility and impact.

2. Engaging Program and Entertainment: Attendees enjoyed a live screening of the 150th Kentucky Derby, supplemented by powerful testimonials illustrating how donations make a difference. Special appearances by guests like NFL legend Joe Montana added excitement and drew further attention to the cause.

3. Community Support and Attendance: The event sold out with over 600 guests, demonstrating strong community backing. This robust turnout not only boosted immediate fundraising but also expanded the network of advocates for pediatric healthcare initiatives.

Key Takeaway

• Leverage High-Profile Partnerships: Collaborate with notable organizations and individuals to elevate financial backing and community awareness.

• Create Engaging Experiences: Incorporate popular cultural events, live entertainment, and special guests to attract attendees and enhance fundraising outcomes.

• Foster Community Involvement: Cultivate broad-based support to build a strong foundation for both current and future initiatives.

By securing influential partnerships, offering immersive programming, and rallying community support, the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Derby Day Soirée achieved a record total—significantly advancing pediatric healthcare in the region.

10. Gaming for Good: How Games Done Quick Raised $3.4 Million with Gamers

• Organization: Games Done Quick (GDQ)

• Funds Raised: $3.4 million

• Event Type: Speedrunning Marathon

In 2024, Games Done Quick (GDQ) continued its tradition of merging video gaming with philanthropy, raising $3.4 million during its week-long speedrunning marathon. The event brought together gamers from around the globe to showcase their skills in support of charitable causes.

What Made It Successful?

1. Niche Community Engagement: GDQ tapped into the passionate speedrunning community, where players strive to complete games as quickly as possible using advanced techniques and glitches. By focusing on this specific niche, GDQ created a unique event that attracted dedicated participants and viewers, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

2. Live Streaming and Global Reach: The marathon was broadcast live on platforms like Twitch, enabling audiences worldwide to watch and donate in real time. This virtual accessibility expanded GDQ’s reach far beyond physical attendance, engaging a diverse and widespread donor base.

3. Interactive Incentives: GDQ incorporated donation incentives, such as letting viewers choose game challenges or character names, and also hosted donation-matching periods. These interactive elements encouraged viewer participation and boosted contributions by making donors feel directly involved in the event’s outcomes.

Key Takeaway

• Leverage Niche Communities: Identify and engage passionate subcultures aligned with your cause to build a dedicated supporter base.

• Utilize Live Streaming: Broadcast events online to reach a global audience, encourage real-time donations, and expand your donor pool.

• Incorporate Interactive Elements: Offer donation incentives that let donors influence the event, enhancing engagement and encouraging generosity.

By focusing on a dedicated gaming niche, capitalizing on live streaming for broader accessibility, and incorporating interactive donor incentives, Games Done Quick showcases inventive strategies for successful digital-age fundraising.