Best Fundraising Ideas 2018: Discover Unique Ways to Raise Funds

Stuck in a fundraising rut? Coming up with fresh, exciting ways to raise money can feel like a real chore. If you're looking for a boost, you've landed in the right spot. We've gathered some of the best fundraising ideas 2018 had to offer, ones that actually worked and got people excited to give. Ready to ditch the same old bake sale? We'll explore simple and effective strategies you can kick off quickly, like ongoing donation programs that keep the funds rolling in. Plus, we'll dive into creative contests and raffles that can inject some fun into your fundraising efforts. And for those aiming big, we've got unique event ideas that can make a real splash. So, whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just starting out, get ready to discover some fantastic inspiration to make your next campaign a success.

Best Fundraising Ideas 2018: Simple & Effective

Quick Wins for Your Cause

Alright, so you're looking for fundraising ideas that don't require a ton of effort but still bring in the dough, right? Think about things that are easy for people to participate in and even easier for you to set up. One super simple idea that was popular in 2018 was setting up a "round-up" program. You know, like when a store asks if you want to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar and donate the difference? You can do that online or even at physical events with a simple jar. It's amazing how quickly those small amounts add up. People barely notice the extra few cents, but collectively, it can make a real difference.

Another straightforward approach is leveraging social media. Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? While that was a few years before 2018, the principle remains. Think of a simple, engaging challenge related to your cause that people can easily do and share online. In 2018, we saw a lot of success with "donate your birthday" campaigns on Facebook. It's literally a few clicks for your supporters to set up, and their friends get a nudge to donate to your cause instead of buying them another gadget they probably don't need. It's low-key but surprisingly effective.

Low-Effort, High-Impact Strategies

Don't underestimate the power of peer-to-peer fundraising either. It sounds fancy, but it's really just empowering your supporters to fundraise on your behalf. Give them the tools – a simple online platform, some pre-written email templates, maybe even some branded social media graphics – and let them reach out to their own networks. Think of it like having an army of mini-fundraisers working for you! In 2018, many organizations saw success with fitness-related peer-to-peer campaigns, like virtual 5Ks where people could participate from anywhere and ask their friends to sponsor their run.

Ongoing Best Fundraising Ideas for 2018

Okay, so you've got those quick wins rolling, but what about the fundraising equivalent of a marathon, not a sprint? I'm talking about those consistent, reliable streams of income that keep your organization humming. Think of it as less "flash in the pan" and more "steady drip of awesome." One idea that really gained traction in 2018 was beefing up corporate matching gift programs. Seriously, it's like finding free money! Lots of companies will match their employees' charitable donations, sometimes even dollar for dollar. Your job? Make it ridiculously easy for your donors to find out if their employer has a program and how to apply. A simple link on your donation page can work wonders. Another smart move is to cultivate monthly giving programs. Instead of asking for one big chunk, ask for a smaller, recurring donation. It's easier for people to budget, and for you, it creates predictable income. Plus, those monthly donors often become your most loyal supporters. They're invested in your mission, not just a one-time feel-good moment.

Creative Contest & Raffle Fundraising Ideas

Get People Involved with Fun Competitions

Want to inject some excitement and friendly competition into your fundraising? Contests are your ticket! Think beyond the typical bake-off. In 2018, we saw some really clever ideas take off. Pet photo contests were huge – who doesn't love showing off their furry friends? You can charge a small entry fee per photo and let the public vote for their favorites online with a small donation per vote. It's adorable, engaging, and a pretty easy setup. Another fun one is a talent show, but with a twist. Maybe a "lip-sync battle" or a "funniest home video" contest. People love to show off (or make fun of themselves!), and it's a great way to get the community involved while raising funds.

Raffles: Everyone Loves a Chance to Win

Raffles are a classic for a reason – people love the thrill of potentially winning something cool! The key is to offer prizes that people actually want. Forget the dusty old gift basket; think experiences or high-value items. In 2018, "experience" raffles were all the rage. Think a weekend getaway, tickets to a popular concert, or even a cooking class with a local chef. These kinds of prizes feel more special and can motivate more people to buy tickets. Another smart raffle idea is a "themed" raffle. For example, a "spa day" raffle with a massage, facial, and other pampering goodies, or a "sports fan" raffle with signed memorabilia and game tickets. Tailoring the theme to your audience can really boost ticket sales.

Make it Creative, Make it Shareable

The secret sauce to successful contest and raffle fundraising is making them creative and easy to share. Use eye-catching visuals for your promotions – think bright colors and fun graphics. Make it super simple for people to enter contests or buy raffle tickets online. The more convenient it is, the more likely people are to participate. Also, don't forget to leverage social media! Encourage participants to share their contest entries or their excitement about buying raffle tickets. Run social media contests alongside your main event to generate even more buzz. A little creativity can go a long way in making your fundraising efforts stand out and bring in those much-needed donations.

Unique 2018 Fundraising Events for Big Impact

Experiences Over Things: Pop-Up Picnics & More

Alright, let's ditch the stuffy galas and think outside the box. People are craving experiences, right? So why not make your fundraiser an experience in itself? Pop-up picnics were a surprisingly big hit in 2018. Think of it: a beautiful outdoor space, maybe some live music, and gourmet picnic baskets people can purchase. It feels exclusive and fun, not like another boring fundraising dinner. You can partner with local restaurants or caterers to handle the food, making it less work for you. Another cool idea that gained traction was "living room socials." Instead of one big event, encourage your supporters to host small gatherings in their homes. They provide the space, you provide some fundraising materials and maybe a suggested activity, and their friends donate to attend. It's personal, intimate, and reaches a different audience than your usual big event.

And if you're looking for something a bit more artistic, consider a "color al fresco" event. Imagine an outdoor painting party where participants create their own masterpieces while enjoying snacks and drinks. You can charge a participation fee and even auction off some of the finished artwork. It's interactive, creative, and a great way to engage people who might not be drawn to traditional fundraising events. The key here is to offer something different, something memorable. People are more likely to open their wallets for an experience they'll actually enjoy and talk about.

Get Interactive & Unexpected

Want to really grab people's attention? Think about events that are a little unexpected. Remember escape rooms? They were still going strong in 2018, and some clever organizations turned them into fundraising opportunities. You could host a special "fundraising night" at a local escape room, with a portion of the ticket sales going to your cause. It's a fun, team-building activity that people are already willing to pay for. Or how about a "themed trivia night"? Pick a popular movie, TV show, or historical period, and host a trivia competition. Charge an entry fee per team, offer prizes, and watch the competitive spirit (and donations) flow. It's a great way to engage a specific fanbase or interest group.

Don't be afraid to get a little quirky either. "Wacky Olympics" or "field day for adults" were events that popped up in 2018 and offered a refreshing change of pace. Think silly relay races, giant Jenga, or even a three-legged race. It's all about creating a lighthearted and fun atmosphere where people can let loose and donate to a good cause while they're at it. The more unique and memorable your event, the more likely it is to stand out and make a big impact – both in terms of funds raised and awareness generated.

Wrapping Up the Best Fundraising Ideas of 2018

So, there you have it – a look back at some of the best fundraising ideas 2018 brought to the table. From simple ongoing efforts to engaging contests and memorable events, the key takeaway is that creativity and connection can make all the difference. While these ideas worked wonders then, the spirit of innovation and community they represent is timeless. Take these sparks of inspiration and adapt them to your own needs, and you'll be well on your way to smashing your fundraising goals.