For a lot of nonprofits, the fundraising landscape has been shifting quite a bit. Between budget cuts and frozen grant programs, many organizations, especially local clubs, schools, and grassroots causes are starting to feel the squeeze. As a result, some are scaling back on programs and events. Others are searching for new ways to raise funds throughout the year.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
While it might feel like the odds are stacked against you, there are still easy fundraising ideas that can help keep your mission going. From silent auctions to themed community events, it’s possible to raise money without team or budget constraints. The key is finding what works best for your community and using tools that make it simple to get started.
Whether you’re part of a parent-teacher group, a youth sports league, or just know someone trying to keep an important program afloat, this guide offers real-world fundraising ideas that can help bring some stability back into the picture. In a time when funding is anything but guaranteed, these ideas can help give organizations a more reliable path forward.
Why Fundraising Is Getting Harder in 2025
For many organizations, this year has brought a wave of fundraising challenges and overall uncertainty. Government support that once helped keep programs running smoothly is now on pause or gone entirely. Youth clubs, school groups, and small nonprofits are suddenly finding themselves without the funding they’ve counted on for years.
It’s not just about budget cuts, either. Costs are rising across the board, from event rentals to the day-to-day supplies needed to operate. At the same time, many longtime donors are tightening their wallets, not because they don’t care, but because they’re being pulled in more directions than ever before.
Volunteers are feeling it too. With fewer hands on deck, fundraising takes more time and energy, something not every organization can afford to spare. When you add it all up, it’s easy to see why so many groups are being forced to scale back or hit pause on important programs all together.
Planning ahead feels harder. Taking risks feels riskier. But fear not, with online fundraising becoming increasingly more popular and accepted, there is light at the end of the tunnel!
The Importance of Adapting Your Fundraising Strategy
In a perfect world, every organization would have stable funding year after year. But when grant programs are put on hold and donations slow down, sticking to the same old fundraising methods can leave you stuck.
That’s why flexibility matters more than ever.
Instead of solely relying on funding that could suddenly pause or hoping past events perform the same way, more nonprofits are starting to rethink their approach. Some are testing out silent auctions. Others are running online raffles or finding success with an assortment of fundraising activities that build real community support.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer but that’s actually the point. When you try a few different ideas, especially ones that don’t require a big team or a ton of overhead, you’ll start to see what works best for your group.
Being open to change doesn’t mean giving up on what’s worked before, you’re simply giving yourself more ways to succeed. And with how uncertain the fundraising landscape has become, now is the perfect time to consider adapting.
7 Easy Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work
When funds get tight, the last thing you want is a fundraising plan that’s hard to pull off. The good news? There are simple, proven ways to raise money, even with limited resources. These ideas are flexible enough to fit your community and easy enough to get off the ground with some help.
1. Silent Auctions
Silent auctions work well because they bring people together and give them something fun to engage with. You can host one at a live event or take it online to streamline the bidding process and reach a wider audience. Either way, silent auctions continue to be a tried and true way to raise funds.
2. Raffles and 50/50 Draws
Raffles build excitement, especially when the prize is something people really want. A 50/50 draw is simple and low-cost, but if that’s not your style, you can raffle off a set prize like a travel package, gift basket, or even a fixed cash amount. It’s a straightforward way to raise funds fast and generate plenty of excitement along the way.
3. Community Yard Sales
Ask your supporters to donate items they no longer need and host a big community-wide sale. These events are easy to set up and often draw a good crowd. Plus, any items left over can often be donated again or used in a future silent auction, helping more than one cause.
4. Themed Nights
From fun trivia and karaoke nights to family movie nights in the park, themed events give people a reason to show up and have fun. You can charge a small admission, sell snacks, and even add mini games into the mix to keep guests engaged. There’s plenty of room for creativity with is one.
5. Peer-to-Peer Campaigns
Let your supporters do the fundraising for you by setting up their own donation pages and sharing with friends and family. This works especially well for teams or groups as everyone gets involved and helps hit a larger goal together.
6. Dine and Donate
Select a local restaurant to partner with and host a fundraising night where a percentage of the evening’s sales goes to your organization. Restaurants enjoy hosting events like these because it allows them to support a good cause while opening their doors to new customers. Raise funds, enjoy delicious food, and support a restaurant within your community. It’s a win-win for everyone.
7. Branded Merch
Selling products like mugs, water bottles, accessories, and apparel is a perfect way for people to support your cause while walking away with something tangible. If the products are branded, that’s even better! For organizations like animal shelters, selling pet-themed calendars that feature their animals is a great way to personalize the products for sale.
Like everything mentioned above, a little creativity can go a long way!
For all these easy fundraising ideas, check out CommuniBee Suite as it’s transforming the future of fundraising. Manage events, sell tickets, merchandise, memberships, and accept donations all while seamlessly integrating with Bid Beacon and Raffle Rocket.
Fundraising Tips for Navigating Budget Cuts
If you’re facing a funding shortfall, you’re not alone and you’re not out of options either. These simple tips can help keep things moving, even when the budgets tight.
Keep It Simple
No need to plan a huge gala to raise money. Digital efforts like running an online raffle or silent auction are easier to organize and still bring in strong support. Just remember to use email and social media to get the word out.
Don’t Overcomplicate the Tools
If your team’s short on time or experience, look for tools that take care of the heavy lifting. Platforms that handle things like bids, ticket sales, or email reminders can save a ton of time (and headaches).
Ask Around
Sometimes support comes from unexpected places. For example, a local shop might be happy to donate goods or services to an upcoming auction or raffle. A nearby restaurant could offer a dine and donate night. The point being, community members are typically happy to offer support, they just need to know how.
Stay in Touch
Even when you’re not running a fundraiser, it helps to stay visible. Use social media to stay connected with those in your community, send thank-you emails to past supporters, and simply highlight activity or recent wins for your organizations. Showing people that you’re still around helps to build trust and keeps your cause top of mind.
Popular Fundraising FAQs
What are some easy fundraising ideas for small nonprofits?
Honestly, you don’t need a huge budget or team to pull off something effective. Try a silent auction, host a dine and donate night, or run an online raffle. Donation drives with a fun theme can work too. The simpler the setup, the more likely it is to actually happen, and the easier it is to get your community involved.
How can we raise money without spending a lot upfront?
The key is avoiding overhead. Ask local businesses for help as they might donate items or host an event for you. If you use platforms that handle the tech side (like ticketing or auction bidding), that’s one less thing to worry about. And don’t underestimate the value of in-kind donations; things like spa packages, gift cards, or even someone’s time can go a long way.
What’s the best way to promote a fundraiser on a tight budget?
Start with what’s free. Post on your socials, text your regulars, and send an email to your mailing list if you’ve got one. Don’t forget to spread the word around your community either. Sharing personal stories tied to your fundraiser and its mission often gets more traction than a generic ask. Think “help us buy new jerseys for the team” rather than a simple, “support our fundraiser.”
My organization hasn’t been hit by budget cuts or freezes, should I still be worried?
Now more than ever, it’s worth thinking about, even if you aren’t currently affected. Just because things are stable now doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way forever. Lots of groups get caught off guard when a big grant disappears, or an annual event underperforms or gets cancelled all together.
The smartest move? Start considering what funding diversification might look like for your organization. Experiment with fundraising activities like online raffles, silent auctions, or partnership programs to see what works best for your group. Ultimately, the goal is to not be overly reliant on any one thing so you’re better prepared if fundraising challenges come up.
