101+ fundraising ideas for Australian charities and not-for-profits (2026)

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We've all scrolled through the same Top 10 Fundraising Ideas lists online. You know the ones. Well, we thought we'd go one step further in terms of length and creativity.

We've come up with 101+ of the best fundraising ideas for Australian charities and not-for-profits, and we're confident you'll find at least one here to help your charity raise money for your cause. You'll get not just the usual idea, but some genuinely creative fundraising activities suited to the AU market.

In Australia, the fundraising calendar peaks at EOFY (end of financial year, 30 June), not December. Donors can claim gifts of $2 or more on their personal tax return, but only where the charity is DGR-endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Fundraising itself is regulated state by state, and raffles and community gaming are regulated separately again by each state's gaming regulator. Every idea below flags where those rules apply.

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In this article:

• A glance at our top fundraising ideas for any charity or not-for-profit type

• Explore our best fundraising ideas based on your type of not-for-profit organisation

• Fundraising ideas for schools and education-focused organisations

• Fundraising ideas for arts and culture not-for-profit organisations

• Fundraising ideas for sports clubs and teams

• Fundraising ideas for religious organisations

• Fundraising ideas for animal welfare organisations

• Fundraising ideas for healthcare organisations

• Fundraising ideas for social and human services

• Fundraising ideas for disaster relief

• Fundraising ideas for advocacy groups

• Fundraising ideas for your community-focused not-for-profit organisation

• Easy fundraising ideas

• Low-cost fundraising ideas

• Creative fundraising ideas

• Quick fundraising ideas

• Annual fundraising ideas

• Last-minute fundraising ideas

• Fundraising ideas for universities and student clubs

• Online fundraising ideas

• Online tools and platforms to help you with your not-for-profit's next fundraiser

• Tips for organising your next fundraiser

• Ready to host your next fundraiser?

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A glance at our top fundraising ideas for any charity or not-for-profit type

Let's start with a summary of easy fundraising ideas that are all great ways to raise money.

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Explore our best fundraising ideas based on your type of not-for-profit organisation

To put together our list of 101 not-for-profit fundraising ideas, we scoured the fundraisers being hosted on Zeffy's free fundraising platform, read a range of articles and came up with a few ourselves. This list covers easy fundraising events for not-for-profits. You can read more about fundraising event ideas to boost donations on our Zeffy blog.

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Browse our fundraising ideas based on the type of not-for-profit organisation:

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Filter fundraising ideas that fit the following criteria:

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Generate fundraising ideas in seconds with AI

Want fundraising ideas tailored just for your not-for-profit? Skip the guesswork. Try our free AI-powered Fundraising Ideas Generator to get custom ideas based on your cause, audience and resources in seconds.

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Fundraising ideas for schools and education-focused organisations

When it comes to fundraising ideas for schools, student organisations, universities or even libraries, the best fundraiser ideas are often the ones that connect directly to the school or library community. AU school fundraising often runs through the P&C (Parents and Citizens, NSW/QLD) or PFA (Parents and Friends, VIC/SA Catholic schools) associations, and classic formats like the fete, sausage sizzle and trivia night have genuine AU pedigree.

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1. Run a themed bake sale

A bake sale might not be the most ground-breaking idea on this list, but let's face it: bake sales are still great ways to raise funds because they engage your community in fun and delicious ways.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

• Work with your school or library to choose a date and location.

• Make sure you follow any health and safety regulations (check with your school's canteen).

• Recruit more volunteers than you think you're going to need.

• Coordinate your bakers so you don't end up with fifteen plates of the same slice.

• Get some students or volunteers to make posters and share the news on their socials.

• Set up a good-looking table or two with a few deals to encourage people to buy more (buy two, get one free, etc.).

• Accept multiple payment types including card and contactless payments.

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2. Run a used book sale

Books are one of those things that tend to pile up at home. A used book sale serves multiple purposes: it's a great way for donors to get rid of the books they've already read and encourages supporters to pick up a couple of new ones while they're at it.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

• Work with your school or library to choose a date and location.

• Ask students, parents, teachers, the library and local bookshops for any used books in decent condition.

• Get some students or volunteers to make posters advertising your book sale and share the news on their socials.

• Set up a table per genre (fantasy, fiction, non-fiction, young adult, etc.).

• Set up a few reading nooks for donors to browse before they buy.

• Sell handmade bookmarks, tote bags, snacks and drinks to raise even more money.

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3. Run a school talent show

Talent shows are a creative way to get students to show off their hidden talents and a fun way to raise money for your school or P&C.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

• Work with your school or community centre to choose a date and location.

• Scout out your performers (you can even hold auditions).

• Get some students or volunteers to make posters advertising your talent show and share the news on their socials.

• Use an online ticketing platform to sell tickets online and at the door.

• Sell custom merchandise, snacks and drinks to raise even more money.

• Consider a raffle run through a separate platform. Note: raffles are regulated as minor/community gaming in each state and territory. Check with your state regulator before selling tickets (see the raffle caveat below).

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4. Host a movie night at your school or library

There's something genuinely novel about being in school at night. Take advantage of this by hosting a movie night at your school. It's one of those fundraising ideas that pulls people in because of how different it feels.

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Fundraising ideas for arts and culture not-for-profit organisations

Arts and culture organisations have the distinct advantage of being able to create and perform original work to raise funds and awareness for their cause. Put your talents to work with some creative fundraising ideas.

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5. Host a gallery night to showcase your community's talent

A gallery night is the excuse your community members are looking for to dress up, get out of the house, get to know some local artists and support a good cause while they're at it.

We've compiled a list of fundraising ideas for not-for-profits to get you started. You can also read how to organise a fundraising event on our Zeffy blog.

• Choosing a theme can help focus your artists' creativity. Try a theme related to your cause.

• Put out a call for artists.

• Create and send out invitations, and reach out to local media to help spread the word.

• Plan entertainment to keep donors around and sell snacks and refreshments to keep them happy and raise more money.

• Remember to say thank you.

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6. Launch a community mural project

An indoor or outdoor mural is a creative fundraising idea that will not only help your not-for-profit raise funds, it will also build awareness about your cause.

These fundraising efforts are a little more involved than some of our other ideas, but the work is well worth the payoff. Just be sure to:

• Find a location with a lot of foot traffic.

• Put out a call for artists and host a competition to choose the winning artist.

• Advertise the weekend the artist will paint or install the mural.

• Plan entertainment to keep donors around and sell snacks and refreshments to raise more money.

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7. Host a paint and sip with a local artist or teacher

A paint and sip is a fun fundraising idea that combines two things people love: painting and sipping wine. Supporters donate to a cause they care about and have a great time to boot.

Here are a few tips to get things started:

• Find an artist or teacher willing to donate their time.

• Find a local business willing to donate the materials.

• Work with your community centre or venue to choose a date and location.

• Create and send out invitations to donors and the community.

• Sell tickets online using Zeffy's free ticketing platform.

• Sell or offer snacks and refreshments to keep everyone happy and raise more money.

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8. Organise a surprise flash art sale

A surprise flash art sale can invite participants to either display their art or buy from a local artist. It's the perfect fundraising idea to garner community involvement in something that matters.

• Put out a call for artists and host a competition to choose the winning artist.

• Create a buzz with posts on social media, hidden posters and various ticket packages.

• Use local personalities and media to help spread the word.

• Partner with a local restaurant or ask volunteers to make and sell snacks and refreshments.

• Try to create a sense of urgency before and during your event.

• Sell tickets online using Zeffy's free ticketing platform.

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Fundraising ideas for sports clubs and teams

Fundraising ideas for clubs and sports teams are almost endless. We've listed some of our favourites, along with a few tips for each, to get your brainstorm started. Whether you're running an AFL club, NRL side, netball team, soccer club, cricket association or any community sports group, there's something here for you.

A note on tax-deductible donations for sports clubs: most sports clubs and associations can't get DGR endorsement directly, which means donations to your club are not tax-deductible for your supporters. If your club wants to offer tax-deductible donations, the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) acts as the DGR umbrella for AU sport, channelling donations that donors can then claim on their tax return.

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9. Host a car wash for your footy club or any team

A classic summer fundraising idea, a car wash is a tried and tested way to raise funds. Participants pay to have their car washed and members of your footy club, netball team, soccer squad or any club can sell entry tickets and get to work.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• If a car wash isn't your thing, a pet grooming fundraiser works just as well.

• Choose a date and location (make sure there's an outdoor tap you can use).

• Reach out to local businesses to get your supplies donated.

• Get some volunteers or teammates to make posters and share the event on their socials.

• Consider a raffle run through a state-compliant platform. Raffles are regulated as minor/community gaming in each state and territory. Check with your state regulator before selling tickets.

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10. Host an equipment swap to raise money for your sports club

A sports-equipment swap for your footy club, cricket team or any club is a fun way to bring your sports community together, give gently used equipment a second life and make it more affordable for everyone.

Get things started by:

• Choosing a date and finding a location big enough to accommodate a lot of people and equipment.

• Getting some volunteers or teammates to make posters and share the event on their socials.

• Hosting a sausage sizzle or a BBQ at the same time to raise even more money and make the event feel like an occasion.

• Running a raffle (subject to your state's minor gaming rules) to raise more money during the event. You could even give away some new equipment as prizes.

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11. Run a canteen at local sporting events

Maybe your team (or your kid's team) plays at a ground without a canteen. Maybe you can access the canteen at your local park. Either way, opening a canteen during games is a smart way to raise money consistently throughout the season.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your canteen:

• Make sure you're aware of any food and safety regulations you need to follow.

• Plan a menu and get as much of it donated as you can.

• Buy any packaging you're going to need.

Work out any logistics for equipment:

• BBQ

• Coolers or refrigerators

• Plates, cups, napkins, utensils, etc.

• Sign up volunteers.

• Come up with a few combos to increase your sales.

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12. Raise money for your sports team with a penalty shootout peer-to-peer fundraiser

This fundraising event is a bit more involved to organise, but the payoff will be worth it. A peer-to-peer shootout is a fun way to get opposing teams together, bring parents and fans into the game and get community members out for a good time.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Find a peer-to-peer fundraising platform to help you organise it all and allow participants to set up and run their own mini-campaigns (and charge a registration fee).

• Choose a date and location (make sure you reach out to your local council if you need to rent or use a facility).

• Plan prizes (and even a grand prize) for donors and participants to encourage everyone to take part.

• Get some volunteers or teammates to make posters and share the event on their socials.

• Host a BBQ or sausage sizzle at the same time to raise even more money.

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Fundraising ideas for religious organisations

Religious organisations are the largest charity subsector in Australia by count (ACNC Australian Charities Report), and they often rely on tried and tested fundraising ideas. Why? Because they work. Our four top ideas are a mix of easy, inexpensive and creative, suited to faith communities of all kinds.

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13. Host a family photo day

Family photo days are a memorable way to get members of your community to drop by and support your organisation.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning yours:

• First things first, choose a date and book a photographer (you might even find one in your congregation).

• Find a fundraising site that can help you sell photo packages, book time slots and accept donations. We're partial to Zeffy.

• Use your organisation's communication channels to get the word out.

• Enlist some of your creative members to make posters and props for the photo shoot.

• It's fun to set up multiple stations with various backdrops, props and themes.

• Set up a welcome and registration table so donors know what to do when they arrive.

• You can set up an online store to sell branded merchandise and encourage participants to get a photo wearing your organisation's colours.

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14. Host a charity auction online or in person

This is a classic fundraiser idea and still a great one. A few tips to kick things off:

• Mix things up by choosing a theme for your charity auction.

• Reach out to your congregation and local businesses for donations, gift certificates, products, etc.

• It's always fun to have part of your auction hosted by an auctioneer: they add entertainment and a sense of urgency.

• Consider booking some live entertainment and selling snacks and refreshments to raise extra money.

• Accept card and contactless payments so donors can give easily on the night.

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15. Publish a congregation or community cookbook

We all know the best way to capture the hearts and minds of most people is through their stomach. Every family has their go-to recipes. Why not start collecting them?

• Start small and reach out to your congregation (you could even reach out to family members who've moved away).

• Ask local restaurants if they'd like to contribute a recipe or some tips.

• Get in touch with a graphic designer to help you design the layout of your cookbook.

• Photographing the contributors and their dishes at home or at work is a great way to add a personal touch.

• Set up an eCommerce store to sell copies of your cookbook online.

• Host a launch party where contributors can sign their recipes and give extra tips. You can even sell tickets if you include dinner and drinks.

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16. Host a faith-community trivia night

A trivia night is a great way to get your community involved with your organisation and your fundraising efforts. It's a great excuse to get together, learn something new and have a good time. Theme it around your faith community or run a general-knowledge night: either way it's a winner.

• Use your organisation's communication channels to get the word out.

• Enlist some of your creative members to make posters.

• Find a Trivia Master to host the night.

• Reach out to volunteers and ask them to prepare snacks and refreshments you can sell during your event.

• Keep things interesting by letting teams purchase lifelines to help them out with harder questions.

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Fundraising ideas for animal welfare organisations

Creative fundraising ideas for animal welfare not-for-profit organisations are pretty fun to come up with. We've come up with a few to get your creative juices flowing, but the ideas are endless.

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17. Run a puppy and kitten cuddling booth

This is one of those ideas that is really, genuinely great. It has everything you could want: cute puppies and kittens, stress relief and a thoroughly worthy cause.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Choose a date and location (reach out to a local school, uni, workplace or community centre: anywhere where stress is higher than normal).

• Consider making some custom merchandise for people to purchase while they wait.

• Reach out to food trucks or restaurants to provide snacks and refreshments and earn a little more money for your cause.

• Use your social media and the social media of the venue to spread the word.

• Think up a few different packages: 5 minutes of cuddle time, 10 minutes, cuddle time plus a cosy hoodie, etc.

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18. Design and sell custom merchandise

Can you ever have enough dog-print hoodies or cat-themed blankets? We didn't think so.

Keep things interesting and encourage supporters with a few tips:

• Think of designs that work for people and their furry friends (clothing for pets is an adorable business).

• Reach out to your donors and volunteers to ask for help with fun designs.

• Host a fashion show where pets and people can model and buy your merchandise. Sell tickets to your event and have drinks and snacks available for sale too.

• Set up a photo booth where people and their pets can take photos with your merchandise and some creative props.

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19. Host a bake sale for pets

We've all heard of not-for-profit organisations hosting bake sales as a way to raise money. Well, here's an adorable twist: a bake sale for pets.

• Make sure you follow any health and safety regulations (yes, they can even apply to pet food).

• Recruit more volunteers than you think you're going to need.

• Coordinate your bakers so you don't end up with fifteen trays of the same treat.

• Get some volunteers to make posters advertising your bake sale for pets and share the news on their socials.

• Set up a good-looking table or two with a few deals to encourage people to buy more.

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20. Organise a pet photography contest

People love taking pictures of their pets. Why not put those pictures to work by hosting a pet photography contest? Participants can submit their best shots (for a small entry fee or donation) and win a day at a pet spa, a matching human-and-pet wardrobe, or whatever prize suits your community.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Find a free fundraising platform that can help you plan your event and sell tickets to your finalists' photography show.

• Offer various entry packages: one image, two images, framed print, etc.

• Get some volunteers to make posters advertising your contest and share the news on their socials.

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Fundraising ideas for healthcare organisations

From cancer research to patient support programs and helping families visit sick loved ones, healthcare organisations need all the support they can get. In Australia, Medicare covers most acute care, so healthcare fundraising typically centres on research funding, non-Medicare services, hospital-foundation appeals, rural-health charities and patient and family support programs. We've put together a few easy fundraising ideas to help your organisation raise money.

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21. Host a medical webinar or series of webinars

When it comes to healthcare, the learning curve can be pretty steep. Whether it's caring for loved ones, navigating the health system, changing your diet or finding support groups, there are always people who could use a little guidance. A series of webinars (available for a donation) can really help.

• Try to attract a mix of industry experts and everyday people willing to share their stories.

• Plan the content of your webinars ahead of time to make sure you cover the key points.

• Spread the word online, in your hospitals and on social media.

• Offer additional resources for additional donations (printed guides, nutritionist tips, etc.).

• Find a platform that can help you produce and share your webinars.

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22. Launch a patient stories campaign

Real stories from real patients are always a successful way for fundraising organisations to raise money. Cancer survivors, family members, healthcare workers: everyone has a story to tell, and their stories can offer support to those in need and encourage others to donate.

• Reach out to your members, volunteers, friends and family, and local healthcare institutions to find willing contributors.

• Offer the stories in a variety of formats: written, podcast style, video or illustrated.

• Spread the word online, in your hospitals and on social media.

• Host a story night where the community can come and listen, support your cause and connect with each other.

• Sell snacks, drinks and custom merchandise during your event.

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23. Assemble and sell wellness subscription boxes

Subscription boxes are a great way to get your community and local businesses involved in your cause. Offering a monthly box, or boxes for special occasions, is a great way to raise money and give donors something in return.

• Reach out to your members, volunteers, friends and family, and local healthcare institutions to find willing contributors.

• Consider offering themed boxes (for families, for siblings, healthy snacks, arts and crafts, baking, etc.).

• Get creative and come up with boxes that appeal to a variety of people.

• Find a free online eCommerce platform to help you sell them.

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24. Offer an online cooking class to raise money

Eating healthier or cooking with specific dietary restrictions can be a daunting task. By offering health-specific cooking classes online you can help take a bit of the stress out of it while fundraising for your cause.

• Reach out to your members, volunteers, local restaurants or local food personalities to find willing contributors.

• Find a well-equipped kitchen with a lot of natural light to host your online cooking class.

• Plan the content of your cooking classes ahead of time.

• Spread the word online, in your hospitals and on social media.

• Offer additional resources for additional donations (printed recipes, cooking tips, ingredient notes, etc.).

• Find a platform that can help you produce and share your cooking classes.

• Leave time for a Q&A session at the end.

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Fundraising ideas for social and human services

25. Host a services auction for your not-for-profit organisation

An auction is a classic fundraiser idea, and it's still a great one. A few tips to kick things off:

• Mix things up by choosing a theme for your charity auction.

• Try hosting an early bird auction online.

• Reach out to your members, past donors and local businesses for donations, gift certificates, products, etc.

• It's always fun to have part of your auction hosted by an auctioneer: they add entertainment and a sense of urgency.

Consider booking some live entertainment and selling snacks and refreshments to raise some extra money.

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26. Launch an impactful stories campaign to raise money

Real stories from real people are always a successful way for not-for-profit organisations to raise money. Everyone has a story to tell, and their stories can offer support to those in need and encourage others to donate.

• Reach out to your members, volunteers, friends and family, and local institutions to find willing contributors.

• Offer the stories in a variety of formats: written, podcast style, video or illustrated.

• Spread the word online, around your community and on social media.

• Host a story night where the community can come and listen, support your cause, etc.

• Sell snacks, drinks and custom merchandise during your event.

• Accept card and contactless payments so donors can give easily.

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27. Start a random acts of kindness peer-to-peer campaign

Peer-to-peer campaigns are always a little more complicated to run, but the payoff is usually worth the extra effort. Hold the door open for the person behind you. Say thank you to someone whose work often goes unnoticed. Random acts of kindness are an amazing way to connect your community and raise money for your cause.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Find a free peer-to-peer fundraising platform to help you organise it all and allow participants to set up and run their own mini-campaigns.

• Choose a date and length for your peer-to-peer random acts of kindness campaign.

• Offer suggested milestones (perform 100 acts of kindness, 500, etc.).

• Plan prizes for donors and participants to encourage everyone to take part.

• Get some volunteers to make posters and share the event on their socials.

• Host a BBQ or sausage sizzle at the same time to raise even more money.

Encourage participants to share the stories behind their random acts of kindness at your event or on social media.

• Organise an online fundraising campaign to raise more money during the event.

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28. Host a documentary screening to raise awareness and money

These days there's a documentary or two for every topic and cause. So why not host a documentary screening to raise awareness about your cause while raising money for it?

• Choose a date and location: a local theatre, community centre, park, etc. (outdoor screenings are a great option if the weather is nice).

• Get some volunteers to make posters and share the event on their socials.

• Set up a concession stand to sell picnic packs, snacks and refreshments to earn extra money.

• Sell tickets to a trivia or bingo game viewers can fill out while watching the documentary.

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Fundraising ideas for disaster relief

29. Host a disaster relief webinar

When it comes to disaster relief, the learning curve can be pretty steep. Whether it's filtering and treating water, making the most of what you have around, contacting the right agencies for your situation, or first aid, there are always people in need of a little guidance. A series of webinars (available for a donation) can really help.

• Try to attract a mix of industry experts and everyday people willing to share their stories and expertise.

• Reach out to local government for input and advice.

• Plan the content of your webinars ahead of time to make sure you cover the key points.

• Spread the word online, in your hospitals and on social media.

• Offer additional resources for additional donations (help from legal advisers, nutritionists, etc.).

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30. Raise money with an online silent auction

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• Mix things up by choosing a theme for your silent auction.

• Try hosting an early bird auction online.

• Reach out to your donors (current and past) and local businesses for donations, gift certificates, products, etc.

• Spread the word online and on social media.

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31. Launch an interactive online map

Creating an interactive online map for disaster relief can be a valuable tool for coordinating efforts and providing real-time information to those affected.

A few tips to help get things started:

• Choose a user-friendly platform. Google Maps is a common and well-known choice.

• Define your area and what you want to include (healthcare, food, emergency services, evacuation routes, community centres, etc.).

• Reach out to collaborate with local government agencies and departments.

• Reach out to local media outlets to stay informed and partner up.

• Consider integrating with social media platforms so you and others can easily share information and stay up to date.

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32. Try your skills at a social media challenge

This one might seem easy, but getting a social media challenge to catch on, where participants pay to play, takes a bit of luck and a lot of work.

A few tips to help:

• Come up with a challenge that is related to your cause.

• Choose a date and length for your social challenge campaign.

• Find a free peer-to-peer fundraising platform to help you organise it all and allow participants to set up and run their own mini-campaigns.

• Reach out to local personalities and ask them to participate and share their video with their followers on social media.

• Reach out to local media to get them involved.

• Plan prizes for donors and participants to encourage everyone to take part.

• Get some volunteers to make posters and share the event on their socials.

• Host an event to celebrate the winners and raise even more money.

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Fundraising ideas for advocacy groups

Advocacy groups often fly under the radar, which makes it all the more important to host creative and engaging fundraising campaigns.

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33. Start a fundraising letter-writing campaign

Hosting a letter-writing campaign is a great way to mobilise your community and encourage them to advocate for your cause and raise awareness.

Here are a few tips to get your next letter-writing campaign off to a good start:

• Determine who your target audience will be: lawmakers, government officials, business leaders or any people or groups with the power to make a change related to your cause.

• Pre-write a few examples for your community to use as-is or as a starting point.

• Provide clear instructions:

• How to address the person you are writing to.

• What their address is.

• Any particular information they need to include.

• The deadline to send the letters.

• Choose a free online fundraising platform to help you launch your fundraising campaign and stay in touch with your community.

• Reach out to influencers and allies to help you spread the word.

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34. Host a documentary screening to raise awareness and money

These days there's a documentary or two for every topic and cause. So why not host a documentary screening to invite donors to learn about your cause while raising money for it?

• Choose a date and location: a local theatre, community centre, park, etc. (outdoor screenings are a great option if the weather is nice).

• Get some volunteers to make posters and share the event on their socials.

• Set up a concession stand to sell picnic packs, snacks and refreshments to earn extra money.

• Sell tickets to a trivia or bingo game viewers can fill out while watching the documentary.

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35. Launch a podcast series

It may sound daunting at first, but a podcast series is a great way to share stories, spread the word, encourage multiple voices and points of view, and connect with current and new audiences. You can charge a type of admission fee for listeners or invite donors to contribute. The trick: ask for help.

• Write an interesting narrative and plan out your episodes.

• Reach out to local studios or invest in some quality equipment.

• Come up with a release schedule (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or all at once).

• Contact local businesses for sponsorship.

• Reach out to specialists and people affected by your cause to be guests on your show.

Get some volunteers to share the podcast on their socials and reach out to local media to help spread the word.

• Set up a donation form on a free fundraising platform.

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36. Reach out to local businesses to find corporate sponsors

Getting corporate sponsors to donate to your not-for-profit or sponsor your next fundraising event might not be the first thing on your to-do list, especially if you're a small-to-medium-sized charity. But it can be worth the time.

A few tips to help you out:

• Spend some time developing your corporate sponsorship presentation.

• Come up with a list of potential businesses that may be interested in sponsoring your not-for-profit.

• Learn everything there is to know about the businesses you're approaching for sponsorship. Show up prepared.

• Find a local volunteer who knows the area and the businesses to help your not-for-profit.

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Fundraising ideas for your community-focused not-for-profit organisation

Peer-to-peer fundraising is amazing because you can get out into your community and have fun with your friends and neighbours. Read more about social sharing and community-driven fundraising on our Zeffy blog.

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37. Plan and run a historical walking tour to raise money and awareness for your cause

A historical walking tour is a great way to get people involved in your community's history and interested in your not-for-profit organisation's cause. All it takes is a little research and a few willing volunteers.

• Start by reaching out to your network of volunteers and community members to find people passionate about urban planning, architecture, history, local business or anything to do with your community.

• Plan out a walking route with them.

• Find a free online ticketing platform to plan your schedule and sell your tickets.

• Get some volunteers to make posters and share the walking tours on their socials.

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38. Launch a local business coupon book to fundraise

A local business coupon book is a creative way to support local businesses, attract new donors to your not-for-profit and create a sense of community while you fundraise.

Here are a few step-by-step guidelines to help you launch your local business coupon book:

• Reach out to local businesses and invite them to participate in the coupon book. Clearly explain the benefits of participation, such as increased visibility, customer acquisition and community support.

• Decide on the format of your coupon book. It could be a physical booklet or a digital version accessible through a mobile app or website.

• Establish terms and conditions for participating businesses.

• Develop a pricing structure for businesses interested in featuring coupons in the book.

• Work with a graphic designer or use design tools to create an appealing layout for your coupon book.

• Collect the necessary information and coupons from participating businesses.

• Find a free online fundraising platform to sell your digital or printed coupon books.

• Use local newspapers, community bulletin boards, social media and partnerships with local influencers or organisations to generate awareness.

• Encourage businesses to offer limited-time deals or exclusive promotions to create a sense of urgency.

• Stay engaged with the community through social media, newsletters and events.

• Follow up with local businesses, donors and volunteers to collect feedback and say thank you.

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39. Neighbourhood block parties are a great way to bring communities together

As far as fundraising events go, a neighbourhood block party is one of the best fundraising ideas around. It's not the easiest to implement, but once you host one, the next one gets a lot easier to manage.

• Contact your local council to find out about permits and by-laws (for closing your street, serving food and drink, alcohol permits, etc.). For alcohol, check your state liquor licensing requirements. Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law is an excellent free resource for AU charities navigating event compliance.

• Choose a date and location for your block party.

• Recruit volunteers and find a free online event management platform to help you organise, sell tickets and keep track of everything.

• Use posters, social media and word of mouth to spread the word around your community.

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40. Host a tech workshop to fundraise

The gap between technology and those who know how to use it is growing constantly. Your not-for-profit can help by enlisting members of your community who are a bit more tech-savvy to host tech workshops that focus on teaching others the ins and outs of the tech we all use today.

• Reach out to your volunteers, donors and local businesses to find people willing to share their knowledge of tech.

• Find a location to host your workshops and consider making them available online as downloadable webinars.

• Plan your workshops ahead of time and try to host a range of skill levels and technologies.

• Find a free online fundraising platform to help you organise and sell tickets to your workshops.

• Recruit volunteers to make posters and spread the word through social media, community centres and local businesses.

• Ask for ideas and feedback to find out what people are interested in learning.

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Easy fundraising ideas

41. Themed bake sales

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Choosing a theme for your next bake sale will add an extra layer of fun and creativity to a good old-fashioned bake sale.

• Cupcake wars.

• Movie magic.

• Superhero themed.

• Rainbow delights.

• Fairytale feasts.

• Under the sea.

• Emojis.

• DIY decorating station.

• Outer space.

• Garden party.

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42. Themed dress-up day

A themed dress-up day is an easy way to raise money. Participants dress up according to a specific theme and typically make a donation to participate. You can even sell snacks and refreshments to raise extra money.

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43. Fitness challenge

A fitness challenge is a fun way to encourage physical activity, adopt a healthier lifestyle, achieve specific fitness goals and raise money for your not-for-profit. You can tailor these challenges to various fitness levels and can even make it a peer-to-peer campaign by reaching out to workplaces, communities, online platforms or fitness facilities. A few examples: a step challenge, yoga challenge, push-up challenge, healthy eating challenge.

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44. Trivia night (general or themed)

A trivia night, often called a pub quiz or quiz night, is an event where teams or individuals compete in answering questions on various topics. You can host a general trivia night or make it a themed night and charge a participation fee, get people to give additional donations for lifelines, etc.

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45. Community picnic

A community picnic is a great way to easily raise some money for your cause. Pick a location, sell pre-made picnic packs and branded blankets to raise extra money and consider offering games or fun activities too.

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46. Gallery night

Hosting a gallery night is an easy way to show off your community's artistic talents. Find a venue, recruit some artists, order some drinks and snacks and raise some money by encouraging attendees to buy some local art, with a portion of the proceeds going to fund your cause.

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47. Car wash

Hosting a car wash doesn't take much: a group of willing volunteers, some basic equipment and a sunny day. Make it an event by setting up a BBQ or finding some live entertainment to keep people busy while they wait.

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48. Photo contest

We all take literally thousands of photos a year. Why not put them to good use with a photo contest? Get donors to submit their best photo(s) of the year (themed or not), assemble a panel of judges and select the winning photos. You can even host a photo exhibit to showcase and sell the winning photos.

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49. Pet wash day

We all love our pets, especially when they're clean. Organise a pet wash day, get donors to sign up in advance, offer a couple of packages (full wash and dry, wash and groom, etc.) and set up a homemade dog treat table to raise a bit of extra money.

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50. Family photo day

Sure, we all take a lot of pictures these days, but how many of them are truly great? A family photo day is an excellent fundraiser. Find a location, a photographer, get creative with a few backgrounds and sets, choose a free fundraising platform to schedule everyone and sell tickets and various packages.

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51. Puppy and kitten cuddling booth

Find a few puppies and kittens, show up where people are stressed (work, school, the park, etc.) and ask for donations to spend a few minutes cuddling. You'll be sure to reach your fundraising target in no time.

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52. Services auction

There are silent auctions, online auctions, regular auctions, and then there are services auctions: an auction where members of your community, volunteers or donors can volunteer a skill to help whoever donates the most.

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53. Disaster relief webinar

When it comes to disaster relief, the learning curve can be pretty steep. Whether it's filtering and treating water, making the most of what you have around, contacting the right agencies for your situation or first aid, there are always people in need of guidance. A series of webinars (available for a donation) can really help.

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54. Letter-writing campaign

Hosting a letter-writing campaign is a great way to mobilise your community and encourage them to advocate for your cause and raise awareness.

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55. Historical walking tour

A historical walking tour is a great way to get people involved in your community's history and interested in your not-for-profit organisation's cause. All it takes is a little research and a few willing volunteers.

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Low-cost fundraising ideas

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56. Used book sale

Books are one of those things that tend to pile up at home. A used book sale at a local venue is a unique fundraising idea and a great way for donors to get rid of the books they've already read and pick up a couple of new ones while they're at it. To raise additional funds, charge a small fee for participants to pay upon entry to the sale.

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57. Community mural project

This fundraising event is a little more involved than some of our other ideas, but the work is well worth the payoff. An indoor or outdoor mural is a creative fundraising idea that will not only help your not-for-profit raise money, it will also build awareness about your cause.

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58. Equipment swap

A sports-equipment swap for any club or team is a fun way to bring your community together, give gently used equipment a second life and make it more affordable for everyone.

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59. Charity auction

This is a classic fundraiser idea, but that doesn't change the fact that it's still a great way to raise money for your cause. Mix things up by choosing a theme for your charity auction or hosting an early bird auction online.

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60. Custom merchandise

Can you ever have enough dog-print hoodies or cat-themed blankets? We didn't think so. Keep things interesting by asking your community to help with designs. Make limited-run merchandise and try to offer things that make sense for your not-for-profit organisation.

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61. Patient stories campaign

Real stories from real patients are always a successful way for not-for-profit organisations to raise money. Cancer survivors, family members, healthcare workers: everyone has a story to tell, and their stories can offer support to those in need and encourage others to donate.

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62. Impactful stories campaign

Real stories from real people are always a successful way for not-for-profit organisations to raise money. Everyone has a story to tell, and their stories can offer support to those in need and encourage others to donate. Reach out to the people you've helped, friends and family, members of your team: anyone with a story to tell, and help them tell it in whatever way they feel comfortable.

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63. Online silent auction

This is a classic fundraiser idea with a digital twist, and it's still a great way to raise money for your cause. Mix things up by choosing a theme for your charity auction or hosting an early bird auction online.

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64. Documentary screening

These days there's a documentary or two for every topic and cause. So why not host a documentary screening to raise awareness about your cause while raising money for it?

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65. Local business coupon book

A local business coupon book is a creative way to support local businesses, attract new donors to your not-for-profit and create a sense of community while you fundraise. Reach out to local businesses (like a local bowling alley, restaurant, etc.) and invite them to participate in the coupon book. Decide on the format: a physical booklet or a digital version accessible through a mobile app or website.

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66. Webinars

Webinars are a convenient and inexpensive way to share the knowledge your not-for-profit has collected and help others learn something new that can make their lives easier. Plus, you don't need a lot of equipment to pull this one off.

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67. Virtual fitness classes

Virtual workouts are the same as regular workouts, but you can do them from the comfort of your home for a lot less money. Start small by offering a selection of one or two types of workouts and slowly grow your library of classes. You can even eventually launch a line of branded workout merchandise.

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68. DIY craft kits

A DIY craft kit is a great fundraiser to launch right before a public holiday, a long weekend or any Wednesday night. Parents are always looking for ways to entertain their kids, and adults are always looking for new projects. And if you can support a good cause at the same time, it's almost too good to be true.

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69. Mystery box fundraiser

A mystery box is a box full of unknown products or crafts related to a specific theme and, in the case of a not-for-profit organisation, sold for a suggested donation.

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70. Online gaming tournament

To host an online gaming tournament, all you need is an online game such as Mario Kart or Among Us and a free peer-to-peer online fundraising platform to help you organise the teams. Teams or individuals can pay to sign up and you can even offer additional lives and pre-made snack boxes for extra donations.

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71. Themed story night (ghost stories, love stories, etc.)

Themed story nights are a quick and easy way to raise money for your not-for-profit. Do a bit of research, find some great storytellers, find a cosy venue, plan some snacks and drinks and spread the word.

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Creative fundraising ideas

72. Run a talent show

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Hosting a talent show can be an entertaining way to raise money for your not-for-profit and it makes a great annual fundraiser. Sure, it's a bit more work than your average fundraiser, but it's a great way to build awareness and do something good for your community.

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73. Paint and sip night

A paint and sip night is as easy to organise as finding a painting teacher, ordering some wine and supplies and getting donors to sign up.

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74. Canteen fundraiser

Maybe your team (or your kid's team) plays at a ground without a canteen. Maybe you can access the canteen at your local park. Either way, opening a canteen during games is a smart and consistent way to raise money.

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75. A community cookbook

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We all know the best way to capture the hearts and minds of most people is through their stomach. Every family has their go-to recipes. Why not start collecting them to put in a book and sell to raise money for your community group or not-for-profit organisation?

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76. DIY craft or cooking kits

Create and sell DIY craft or cooking kits related to your cause or themed around current trends. For example, you could sell kits for making handmade greeting cards or baking special treats. Include instructions and materials and promote them through your network and social media platforms.

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77. Wellness subscription boxes

Subscription boxes are a great way to get your community and local businesses involved in your cause. Offering a monthly box, or boxes for special occasions, is a great way to raise money and give donors something in return. You can make subscription boxes for any theme or time of year, including a wellness version.

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78. Random acts of kindness campaign

Peer-to-peer campaigns are always a little more complicated to run, but the payoff is usually worth the extra effort. Hold the door open for the person behind you. Say thank you to someone whose work often goes unnoticed. Random acts of kindness are an amazing way to connect your community and raise money for your cause.

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79. Interactive online map

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Creating an interactive online map for disaster relief can be a valuable tool for coordinating efforts and providing real-time information to those affected. Choose a user-friendly platform (Google Maps is a common and well-known choice), define your area and what you want to include (healthcare, food, emergency services, evacuation routes, community centres, etc.), and reach out to collaborate with local government agencies and departments.

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80. A podcast series

It may sound daunting at first, but a podcast series is a great way to share stories, spread the word, encourage multiple voices and points of view, and connect with current and new audiences. The trick: ask for help.

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81. Neighbourhood block party

As far as fundraising events go, a neighbourhood block party is one of the best fundraising ideas around. It's not the easiest to implement, but once you host one, the next one gets a lot easier to manage.

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82. A glow-in-the-dark bike ride or fun run

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We're all familiar with the classic charity bike ride or 5K fun run. You can make them a bit more creative by encouraging or selling participants glow-in-the-dark kits.

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83. Fashion show swap

You've heard of a fashion show: well, this is a fashion show swap. Participants show off the clothes they've grown out of or tired of and people can buy them for a donation to your cause or swap them for some of the clothes they've brought.

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84. Stargazing night

There's just something unique about watching the stars. Invite community members to bring their telescopes and blankets and invite a professional to assist with identification. Charge an entrance fee and sell custom merchandise too.

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85. Home spa day kits

We all love a relaxing spa day but not all of us can make it to the spa. A home spa kit will let everyone bring the spa to them. Select a few products (maybe ask local businesses to donate them), wrap them nicely in a box and sell them online.

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86. Pet photo calendar

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Landscape calendars, firefighter calendars, activity calendars: there's a calendar for everything, so why can't there be one for your pets? Many websites can help you put a calendar together and you can even brand them with your not-for-profit's colours and logo.

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87. Water balloon dodgeball tournament

Organising a water balloon dodgeball tournament will set your not-for-profit apart and make it a summer fundraising event to remember. Participants can purchase water balloons and compete for awards like first place, wettest team, driest team and loudest team. Zeffy's event management tools for not-for-profits can help you organise it, sell online tickets and keep donors up to date.

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88. Soup and bowl fundraiser

Empty Bowls began as an international project to fight hunger and has grown into a larger movement used by not-for-profits around the world to raise money for their causes. The bowls are normally handmade or personalised by artists and art organisations, filled with homemade soup, stew, chilli, etc., and sold to donors to support local not-for-profits. It's a beautiful, community-building event that works as a regular annual fundraiser.

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89. Let your anger out

Keeping our emotions inside is a common and unhealthy reality. Your not-for-profit can help and raise money for your cause by hosting a "let your anger out" event. Participants can make a donation to smash, chop, throw, stomp and break anything and everything you've been able to collect.

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Quick fundraising ideas

90. Sell merchandise

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Create custom merchandise that reflects either your cause or your community, or both. You can even get donors bidding in a silent auction for merchandise to double the donation for exceptionally well-made items.

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91. Flash art sale

Just like a regular art sale, but a lot quicker. All you need is a selection of local art, a location and a free online fundraising platform that lets you accept in-person payments. You can host your flash sale at local farmers markets, in the town square, at festivals or on a random Saturday afternoon.

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92. Penalty shootout

A penalty shootout is a great peer-to-peer campaign that brings community and competing sports teams together for a good cause. Spread the word, encourage people to sign up and raise money, and then let the friendly competition begin.

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93. Faith-community trivia night

Like a good old-fashioned trivia night, but with a faith-themed twist. Participants can form their own teams and then sign up for a donation. During the trivia night, you can sell lifelines, snacks and refreshments.

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94. Pet photography contest

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People love taking pictures of their pets. Why not put those pictures to work by hosting a pet photography contest? Participants can submit their best shots (for a small entry fee or donation) and win a day at a pet spa, a matching human-and-pet wardrobe, or whatever suits your community.

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95. Online cooking classes

Eating healthier or cooking with specific dietary restrictions can be a daunting task. By offering health-specific cooking classes online you can help take a bit of the stress out of it while fundraising for your cause.

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96. Documentary screening

These days there's a documentary or two for every topic and cause. So why not host a documentary screening to raise awareness about your cause while raising money for it?

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97. Social media challenge

This one might seem easy, but getting a social media challenge to catch on takes a bit of luck and a lot of work. A free peer-to-peer fundraising platform will help you organise it all and allow participants to set up and run their own mini-campaigns.

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98. Corporate sponsorship

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Getting corporate sponsors to donate to your not-for-profit or sponsor your next fundraising event might not be the first thing on your to-do list, especially if you're a small-to-medium-sized charity. But it can be worth the time.

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99. Tech workshop

The gap between technology and those who know how to use it is growing constantly. Your not-for-profit can help by enlisting community members who are a bit more tech-savvy to host tech workshops that focus on teaching others the ins and outs of the tech we all use today.

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100. Text-to-donate campaign

Text-to-donate is a mobile fundraising method that allows anyone to make a donation with a simple text message. Text-to-donate campaigns exist in Australia but availability depends on your telco and payment partner, so confirm the setup before you promote a number publicly.

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101. Run a raffle

A quick-fire raffle is a raffle in which the tickets are sold and the winning number is drawn in a short period of time, for example within 10 to 30 minutes. This is a great way to impart a sense of urgency and add a bit of a twist to your next community event.

Important: raffles are regulated as minor or community gaming in every Australian state and territory. The rules differ significantly:

• NSW: Community Gaming Act 2018, regulated by NSW Fair Trading.

• VIC: Minor Gaming Permit required above $20,000 prize value (VGCCC). Cash prizes are banned in VIC. (VGCCC community and charitable gaming)

• QLD: Large raffles are called "art unions", regulated by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation. (ACNC fundraising in Queensland)

• WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT: Each has its own regulator and thresholds.

Check with your state regulator before you sell tickets. Raffle tickets are never tax-deductible.

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102. Day of service

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A day of service is a day your not-for-profit organisation sets aside to encourage participants to do something good. It can be a small favour for a neighbour, some community service or the generous gift of their time to a not-for-profit in need.

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103. Personalised shout-outs (candy grams, etc.)

Personalised shout-outs are messages sent via candy gram, carols, code, elf, ghost or whatever creative format fits your event. Each message is sent for the cost of a donation.

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104. Virtual thank-you jars

A virtual thank-you jar is exactly what it sounds like: a digital jar that donors can drop a few coins into.

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105. Recipe swap

You know it. I know it. We all know it. Or wish we did. A recipe swap is the perfect time to get that recipe you've always wanted.

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Annual fundraising ideas

106. Charity walk or run

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107. Run an EOFY appeal (May-June)

The end of the Australian financial year on 30 June is the single biggest giving peak in the AU calendar. Donors maximise tax-deductible gifts before the year-end, and every Tier-1 AU charity (Australian Red Cross, Cancer Council, The Smith Family, Beyond Blue) runs a dedicated EOFY campaign. You should too.

Send at least three emails: early June, mid-June and 29-30 June. Lead with impact. Make sure your receipt or donation page includes the line "Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible" with your ACNC registration details and ABN. Donors can verify your DGR status on ABN Lookup. Source: ACNC DGR factsheet.

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108. Community yard sale

A lazy long weekend, a street full of neighbours. One person's stuff is another's treasure. Encourage participants to sell as much as they can with proceeds going to a good cause. Don't forget to throw in a BBQ and some entertainment.

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109. School fun night

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A school fun night is a fun way to spend a night with your family and friends. Families buy tickets, treats, snacks and drinks and go from activity to activity winning tickets and prizes as they go. A creative way to raise money for your school P&C every year.

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110. Food truck festival

This one is a great way to raise money for your cause, and if it's successful, a good one to repeat every year. Reach out to local and visiting restaurants and food trucks and invite them to your food truck festival. Remember the live music.

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111. Pet fashion show

A pet fashion show is just like a regular fashion show, but for pets. You can even encourage participants and their pets to wear matching outfits.

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112. Annual plant sale

This one will take a bit more organisation but, with the help of a local nursery, can be a beautiful way to raise money for your not-for-profit. You can even make an event out of the pickup day with a BBQ, live music and tips on caring for your plants.

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113. Online raffle

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Charitable raffles are a popular fundraising idea, but in Australia they are regulated separately from other fundraising as minor or community gaming. Rules vary significantly by state and territory: NSW Community Gaming Act 2018 (NSW Fair Trading), VIC Minor Gaming Permit above $20,000 prize value with cash prizes banned (VGCCC), QLD "art unions" via the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, and separate regulators in WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT. Check the requirements in your state before promoting your raffle. Raffle tickets are never tax-deductible.

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114. Golf tournament

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115. A mini putt tournament

Organising a charity golf tournament is an excellent way to engage donors while raising funds. But have you ever thought of organising a mini putt tournament? If there's a mini putt course nearby, it's worth looking into. With a mini putt tournament, the whole family can join in and, if you time it right, you can even use the fundraising event to advertise and hype up your more serious upcoming charity golf tournament.

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116. Corporate sponsorships

Getting corporate sponsors to donate to your not-for-profit or sponsor your next fundraising event might not be the first thing on your to-do list, especially if you're a small-to-medium-sized charity. But it can be worth the time.

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117. Read-A-Thon

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When it comes to fundraising for schools and libraries, there aren't many educational fundraising ideas that appeal to a wide range of people and age groups. In fact, there might only be one: a Read-A-Thon. A Read-A-Thon is a peer-to-peer fundraising event that encourages people (often children or students) to read as many books or pages as they can within a set period of time.

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118. Swim-A-Thon

A Swim-A-Thon is a lot like a Read-A-Thon, but participants swim as far as they can instead of reading as many books. It's also a perfect peer-to-peer campaign to run on a yearly basis, especially for swimming clubs or school P&Cs.

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119. Virtual book club

A virtual book club is a creative way to get people reading and raise funds for your not-for-profit organisation. With a bit of creativity, you can get existing free online fundraising platforms to do a lot of the organising work for you (use eCommerce stores to sell books and branded merchandise, use peer-to-peer solutions to encourage members to choose a book and prepare questions, etc.).

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120. 24-hour challenge

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A 24-hour challenge is where participants sign up to do something for 24 consecutive hours. They can sign up as a team or individually and, in classic peer-to-peer style, will raise money for their efforts.

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121. Pet parade

Well, we'd definitely attend a pet parade. Wouldn't you?

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122. A charity BBQ competition

Instead of this summer's traditional BBQ fundraiser, turn it into a friendly (but very serious) BBQ competition. Donors can sign up for your peer-to-peer campaign and raise money to support your cause and their BBQ skills. Guests can buy tickets online or at the event and taste-test everyone's signature dish. Once they've tried them all, everyone can vote for their favourite.

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123. Charity car and dog wash

Hosting a car wash to raise money for your cause is a classic summer fundraising event. No one will complain about donating a few dollars for a good cause and driving away with a sparkling car. But that doesn't mean you can't explore other money-making possibilities. What about washing their dog while you wash their car?

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124. Autumn leaf-raking fundraiser

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In Australia, autumn runs from March to May, making this a great late-summer-to-autumn fundraiser. Ask donors to sign up to help others rake their lawns and celebrate the end of a good day's work with a potluck dinner and a live show.

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125. Costume swap

A lot like a clothing swap or an equipment swap, a costume swap is exactly what it sounds like: an event people can sign up for and attend where they swap costumes, whether for Halloween, school dress-up days or any other occasion.

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126. A formal gala

Planning a fundraising gala can seem daunting at first. But don't worry: we've come up with a few essential steps your not-for-profit can take to ensure your preparation phase runs smoothly. A gala is also a perfect occasion to run a silent auction. Platforms like GalaBid specialise in AU charity gala auctions with mobile bidding.

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127. Carolling for your cause

There's nothing like being sung to during the holidays. Gather a group of carollers, practise a few carols and start spreading that holiday joy while asking for donations for a good cause.

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Last-minute fundraising ideas

A quick and easy way to pull together a fundraiser includes online fundraising. You can save time and money if you don't have to organise an onsite event. Read more about our online fundraising ideas on our Zeffy blog.

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128. Social media blitz

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Reach out to your team members, volunteers, current donors, local businesses and personalities and get them all to share a pre-written message to encourage donations and build awareness for your cause.

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129. One-day online auction

Maybe you have a collection of leftover donations, or some merchandise you'd like to clear out, or a local business just made a generous donation. A one-day online auction is a great way to build a sense of urgency and raise some money for your cause.

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130. An emergency appeal email

A well-crafted email with a clear, strong call to action may sound simple, but it can be a successful way to encourage donors to donate, especially for an urgent cause.

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131. Limited-run or limited-time merchandise sale

Partnering with local artists or personalities to create limited-edition merchandise is an excellent way to promote your cause and raise money. You can offer the merchandise online for a limited time or produce a limited number of each piece.

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132. Personalised thank-you messages

It's not news that saying thank you is good for us. We all know that a simple thank you builds trust and closer bonds with the people around us. But what is also true is that just witnessing a thank you can bring entire groups of people closer together, strengthening relationships and creating a desire to help and connect even more.

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133. Virtual bingo night

A virtual bingo night can be thrown together pretty quickly and is a fun way to raise money for an urgent cause.

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134. 50/50 raffle

A 50/50 raffle is a simple fundraising tool to add to any event. All you need is an enthusiastic crowd, a group of volunteers and raffle tickets. In a 50/50 raffle, the prize is half of the money collected, so everyone should be interested in purchasing a ticket. The more tickets you sell, the higher the pot.

Remember: raffles in Australia are regulated as minor or community gaming. Check with your state regulator before selling tickets. Raffle tickets are never tax-deductible.

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135. Emergency fundraising countdown

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Nothing raises money faster than a sense of urgency. A simple countdown on local radio or TV stations, on your website or on your social media can engage donors and raise money for your cause.

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136. Minute-to-win-it challenge

A minute-to-win-it challenge involves participants taking part in a series of 60-second challenges to raise money for a good cause. Great energy, low setup cost and easy to run at community events.

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137. Morning coffee challenge

Instead of buying a coffee on your way to work or on your next coffee break, encourage your donors to skip one coffee a week and donate the money they would have spent to a good cause.

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138. Reach out to lapsed donors

Regardless of the reason why some donors lapse, a not-for-profit should consider re-engaging them. Why? Because they were once interested in donating their time, energy and money to your cause. So, with the right messaging, they might just be convinced to give again.

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139. Community clean-up

With a quick call to action you can engage your supporter base to spend a day or afternoon cleaning up their community while raising money for a cause they care about.

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140. A virtual Dance-A-Thon

A Dance-A-Thon is a fun way to get people moving while they raise money for a good cause and have fun while they do it.

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141. Holiday gift wrapping

Every year we all go through the stressful present-buying and wrapping spree. Why not relieve a bit of that stress by offering to wrap everyone's gifts for a small donation? You can even get custom wrapping paper or gift tags made.

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142. Pancake breakfast

A delicious pancake breakfast always attracts a crowd. You can host one almost any time, for any reason. After all, who doesn't like pancakes? Or, if you're feeling adventurous, waffles.

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Fundraising ideas for universities and student clubs

143. Alumni networking events

Plan quarterly events in major cities where alumni are concentrated. To raise funds, create a tiered ticket system (for example, $50 for recent graduates, $100 for established professionals) and partner with alumni-owned businesses for venue sponsorships. For events, organise panel discussions on industry trends and offer structured networking sessions.

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144. Themed dinners

Choose a theme that resonates with the university's history or future aspirations (for example, "Innovation Through the Ages" or "Sustainability Summit"). Secure a prominent alumnus or industry leader as a keynote speaker and create a menu featuring local cuisine or dishes inspired by the theme. To increase the money raised, organise a silent auction with items donated by alumni and local businesses.

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Online fundraising ideas

145. Virtual charity auctions

Use specialised online auction software to create an engaging bidding experience. Solicit unique items or experiences from local community businesses and alumni (vacation packages, signed memorabilia, exclusive tours), create detailed item descriptions with high-quality photos and start fundraising. Run the auction for one to two weeks, with daily email updates to bidders and host a live-streamed event on the final night to drive last-minute bids.

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146. Social media challenge

A social media challenge is one of the easiest virtual fundraising ideas. Develop a challenge that's easy to do and share (for example, "30-second talent showcase" or "Book spine poetry"). Launch the challenge with influential alumni or community leaders, set up a dedicated fundraising page linked to the challenge and offer prizes for the most creative entries or highest fundraisers.

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147. Live-streamed event

Partner with a popular streaming platform (for example, YouTube or Twitch) and plan a 12-hour stream featuring a mix of entertainment (music performances, comedy sketches) and educational content (mini-lectures, Q&A sessions with guest speakers). Set up a live donation tracker with milestone goals and corresponding challenges or rewards, and secure corporate sponsors to match donations during specific hours for extra fundraising success.

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Online tools and platforms to help you with your not-for-profit's next fundraiser

When it comes to online platforms and tools to help your small-to-medium-sized AU charity organise its next fundraiser, the AU market has a strong set of purpose-built options. Here's an honest, charity-POV shortlist of the platforms that matter most in Australia:

• 1. Zeffy: the only 100% free ticketing, donations, memberships and auctions platform for AU charities, with no platform fee, no transaction fee and no credit card fee ever. Includes automated DGR-compliant receipts for gifts of $2 or more.

• 2. Humanitix: AU-native NFP ticketing platform and Public Benevolent Institution (PBI); 100% of profits go to charity. NFP rate 2.5% + $0.50/ticket. The most direct free-ticketing comparison to Zeffy in Australia.

• 3. TryBooking: AU-founded, data hosted in Australia; $0.50 per ticket plus 2.5% processing. The school and community sports default across AU.

• 4. GiveNow: Australia's original all-in-one fundraising platform, operating since 2001. 100% Australian-owned and operated, data stored in Australia. Platform fee 1.5% to 3.5%.

• 5. Raisely: Melbourne-born; free tier with optional donor tip or flat 4% transaction fee. Strong design and peer-to-peer features for small-to-mid charities.

• 6. MyCause: 100% Australian-owned; 0% platform fee; serves both personal causes and registered charities.

• 7. GalaBid: AU's leading specialist for silent and live auctions at charity galas, golf days and school fetes. Free to start.

• 8. Funraisin: Sydney-based enterprise peer-to-peer platform used by some of Australia's biggest P2P events. Best suited to larger charities with dedicated digital teams.

Re-verify every fee on the platform's live AU pricing page before you commit: fees and tip models can change.

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Tips for organising your next fundraiser

Maybe you're a checklist person, or maybe you're a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants person. If you're a checklist person, this section's for you. If not, we definitely recommend taking a look anyway.

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And it's always a good idea to check any local rules and regulations, especially when you sell raffle tickets, serve alcohol or sell food. Contact your local council or refer to Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law for free AU-specific event compliance guidance.

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Ready to host your next fundraiser?

Hosting your first or next fundraising event doesn't have to be a daunting, impossible task. With a little creativity, a lot of help (just ask!) and one of the best fundraising sites for AU charities (like, say, Zeffy), you can make your next fundraising event a success.

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