Unique Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofit Organizations (Part 2)

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So, you’re looking for new ideas for fundraising activities. This is the second part of a two-part article outlining six hopefully fresh ideas, and so without further set-up, let’s jump in immediately with ideas 4, 5, and 6! 

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4. Video game tournaments.

Everyone knows golf tournaments and shoot-outs serve as the basis for very successful fundraisers across the United States, but Millennials and Gen Zs (who are now coming of adult age and ready to participate in charitable giving) are just as likely to be interested in playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour on PlayStation than the real, life sport on a golf course. Millennials and Gen Zs (and even a lot of Gen Xers) are increasingly interested in video games, and there is of course an amazingly wide array of video game genres—everything from fantasy adventure, to professional team sport simulations, to the entire spectrum of Mario-based video games. Many communities now have purpose-built video game venues, where video game contests can be staged with massive screens, multiple game platforms, and even seating for spectators. Video game companies and retail outlets make great sponsors for video game tournaments, and video-game related prizes will attract serious gamers. Make sure social media integration is high—Millennials and Gen Zs grew up online and will be eager to see the competition unfold on gamer-centric social media platforms such as Discord, Reddit, and Steam. 

Ideas:

-Video game golf tournament with “pro” and “amateur” divisions

-Open-call video game tournament, which can be national in scope or even international

-Video game marathon—sponsors pay more for more time played; prizes for those who play the longest and score the highest

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5. Virtual fitness fundraisers.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many activities and observances that we once considered exclusively in-person affairs are now routinely held online. Everything from board meetings to birthday parties can now be conducted partially or entirely via video conferencing of fairly high quality. Online events can now encompass fun runs, races, and marathons—participants can pin a runners’ tag to their branded t-shirt, tune into an online video conference, and complete the run or slog out their marathon on a treadmill. While there may no longer be strict requirements for social distancing and quarantine, a virtual fitness event can draw in participants who support your organization or cause but live too far away to participate in person. Making the online video conference widely available via social media or your organization’s website can generate excitement, fuel publicity, and it can entice sponsors to tune in to watch and encourage their participants.

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Ideas:

-Virtual 5k fun run

-Treadmill marathon held a local gym

-Allow virtual participants into an otherwise in-person event

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6. Everyday crowdsourcing.

Most nonprofit organizations have a calendar of fundraising events to support new and ongoing programs and campaigns. If your organization needs funds and volunteers for a major upcoming effort, for example, a series of fundraisers and recruiting events will be organized. Most organizations have a recurring, annual fundraising event, such as a banquet, where a big chunk of their budget is gathered. But you can’t organize a fun run every time you’re running low on office supplies. And you can’t hold a silent auction if the women’s bathroom sink is suddenly leaking and there’s no money to hire a plumber. As any nonprofit worker knows, there are a dozen unfulfilled needs like this at any given time—a fleet vehicle needs a tune-up, the main lobby needs furniture, or the daycare needs diapers. Little problems like these often get overlooked and neglected because there are so many bigger issues to tackle. This is where everyday crowdsourcing can be very helpful. Using social media, send out a weekly crowdsourcing appeal to fill minor needs and resolve those little problems. As your supporters become accustomed to regularly scheduled asks, they’ll be more inclined to help out.

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Ideas:

-Use everyday crowdsourcing for in-kind needs (office supplies, canned food donations, etc.)

-Use everyday crowdsourcing when only one or just a few volunteers are needed, or they’re needed for a very short time

-Use everyday crowdsourcing for emergencies 

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