Five Fun Summer Fundraising Ideas to Kick Off This Season

Things are sizzling up for the summer, so it’s a great time to soak in the sun and explore what your local community has to offer. After two years of social distancing, vaccination efforts, and mask mandates, the world has adapted to the new norm. There are people back at the cider mills listening to local bands (a few folks wearing masks, while others choosing to share visible smiles). Others are decorating their backyards with red, white, and blue, and getting ready for weekly BBQs. To take advantage of the season and inspire your fundraising efforts this summer, here is a list of fun activities that will engage your donors and help you raise money for your organization. 

Ice Cream Social

There are several outdoor activities that are great to help cool people down. Set up a booth or a table with information for people to learn more about your nonprofit organization and pass out ice cream at the same time. You could partner with a local ice cream shop to sponsor your event. Alternatively, you can sell fresh ice-cold lemonade! (How to make the event contact-free? Sell popsicles or ice cream in pint containers).

Outdoor Movie Screening

Host free movie nights on a big lawn (or a large indoor space in case of rain). Sell concession goods and collect donations to support your cause. This is a great way to bring families together and have a wonderful evening of entertainment for your entire community. (How to maintain social distancing at the event? Create a grid on the lawn and encourage each group to bring and lay out a large blanket to accommodate all of their guests). 

Community Barbecue 

You can attract a big crowd by hosting a community barbeque. Sell burgers and roasted corn, organize raffles and auctions, and/or coordinate an eating contest or lawn games! Make sure you have plenty of volunteers to help out. (How to make the event contact-free? Assign volunteers serve the burgers and foil-wrapped roasted corn to customers).

Garage Sale

Did you know that the second Saturday in August is recognized as National Garage Sale Day? Ask your supporters to donate “gently used” items for your garage sale as a fundraiser. There are thrifty shoppers in the neighborhood looking for a good bargain. You can attract them to your fundraiser so they can learn more about your organization and at the same time raise money for your cause. (How to make the event not too crowded? Space out rows of tables with items organized in specific categories (e.g., an area for sports items, clothing, furniture, etc.) and have ‘one-way arrow’ signage to direct foot traffic in one direction). 

Car Wash

Wax on, wax off! I bet you will see at least one car wash fundraiser at a local gas station this summer. It is a great activity for people who need a clean car and to promote your organization in high-traffic areas. Gather some volunteers and spaces to wash and dry cars, and collect money from supporters. (How to make the event contact-free? Create a QR code for people to donate from their smartphone or use a Square reader to collect payments).

Talk with your staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters to get them fired up for the summer! Don’t miss out on one of these fundraising ideas to raise awareness about your organization and collect donations for your cause. We would be happy to discuss other fun ideas (including ways to make them accessible and safe for all visitors). Contact us for a 30-minute consultation today. 

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