{"id":10541,"date":"2024-09-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pro-migration.local\/blog\/which-type-of-fundraising-event-is-best-for-your-nonprofit\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T10:53:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T17:53:48","slug":"fundraising-event-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gofundme.to\/__proxy\/pro.gofundme.com\/c\/blog\/fundraising-event-types\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Types of Fundraising Events Are Best for Your Nonprofit?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Events are the <\/span>highest-converting campaign type<\/span><\/a> on Classy. These gatherings offer supporters an opportunity to mix and mingle while supporting a good cause. From <\/span>golf tournaments<\/span> and <\/span>5K charity runs<\/span><\/a> to formal galas and wine-tasting events, <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> can leverage various <\/span>fundraising events<\/span> to secure contributions and raise awareness for their work.<\/span><\/p>\n

While <\/span>fundraising events<\/span> can generate significant revenue for <\/span>nonprofits<\/span>, <\/span>event planning<\/span><\/a> takes time and resources. Selecting the right <\/span>nonprofit event<\/span> for your target audience will improve your <\/span>fundraising efforts<\/span>. Below, we highlight nine <\/span>charity event<\/span> types to consider, including examples from <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> that have implemented them.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Host a fun run, walk, or other physical activity<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Fun runs and walks are tried-and-true favorites for <\/span>nonprofit fundraising<\/span> and resonate with a wide range of supporters. The <\/span>family-friendly<\/span> events can be as simple as a walk on a community hiking trail or grow into larger events that require road closures and special permits. The goal is to bring supporters together for enjoyable physical activity and a shared interest in your work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many nonprofits use Classy\u2019s <\/span>fundraising event<\/span> software<\/span><\/a> to register supporters for their local walks\/runs and invite them to create peer-to-<\/span>peer fundraising<\/span> pages. A mobile app integration lets fundraisers email or text a link to their Classy campaign page to friends and family, post on <\/span>social media<\/span>, or share a <\/span>QR code<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nonprofits<\/span> can also try nontraditional ideas for these fun activity-based events. Consider adventurous challenges like rock climbing, Tough Mudders, or pickleball.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Helen Woodward Animal Center<\/span><\/a> in San Diego, California, tapped into the particular interests of its community with a Surf Dog Surf-<\/span>a-Thon<\/span>. For a $50 donation, supporters received a 50-minute surfing lesson for their pooch from a certified instructor, a surfboard, and a canine life vest to use for the day. The <\/span>charity event<\/span> doubled as an excellent marketing opportunity, producing endless adorable photos.<\/span><\/p>\n\"Helen\n

2. Organize a competition with peer-to-peer fundraising<\/h2>\n

Instill jovial competitiveness among your supporters by organizing an eating, singing, dancing, or <\/span>trivia<\/span> competition. These types of nonsports competitions incur fewer costs and can work for <\/span>nonprofit<\/span> organizations of all sizes. Note that local laws may affect competitions, so be sure to clear yours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To turn the event into a <\/span>fundraising campaign<\/span>, have <\/span>community members<\/span> pay to participate in the competition or cast votes for the winners. Competitions are also a great way to bring <\/span>peer-to-<\/span>peer fundraising<\/span><\/a> to your event. Participants can share their personalized online fundraising pages with friends and family to help cover their registration costs and contribute additional donations to your cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Northwestern University Dance Marathon<\/span><\/a> has raised more than $22 million for over 38 <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> since 1975. The event hosts more than 800 supporters each year with a shared challenge to dance for 15 hours straight. To join, participants must help with a robust peer-to-<\/span>peer fundraising effort<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many organize smaller <\/span>fundraising events<\/span> before the dance to help reach their goals. In 2024, NUDM <\/span>raised $342,138<\/span><\/a> for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana and the Evanston Community Foundation.<\/span><\/p>\n\"Northwestern\n

3. Plan a nonprofit gala event<\/h2>\n

Many <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> have long used <\/span>gala events<\/span><\/a>. These annual gatherings celebrate a <\/span>nonprofit<\/span>\u2019s successes that year, building the case for ongoing support. Galas raise funds through table and <\/span>ticket sales<\/span>, activities during the event, <\/span>corporate <\/span>sponsorships<\/span><\/a>, and other appeals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Traditional fundraising galas tend to be higher-end events with <\/span>black-tie<\/span> attire, live or <\/span>silent auctions<\/span>, keynote speakers, catered meals, and entertainment. This high-level production may be easier for larger <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> with the budgets and staff needed to organize it. However, smaller nonprofits can still leverage gala-esque events, like a luncheon, high tea, soiree, cocktail party, or potluck dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Sanford Health Foundation<\/span><\/a> set an ambitious goal by hosting a Children\u2019s Gala for the first time in 10 years. The <\/span>nonprofit<\/span> used <\/span>Classy Live<\/span><\/a> during the gala for registration, seating, <\/span>check-in<\/span>, check-out, texting, and a paddle raise for direct donations to Sanford Children\u2019s Hospital. The event raised almost $1.1 million and hosted 425 <\/span>in-person<\/span> attendees.<\/span><\/p>\n\"Sanford\n

<\/h4>\nRead the full story<\/a>\n

4. Use livestreaming for a video game fundraiser<\/h2>\n

Video game livestreaming has gained popularity as a unique <\/span>virtual event<\/span> for <\/span>nonprofits<\/span>. Gamers can highlight a <\/span>nonprofit<\/span> and fundraise for a cause in <\/span>real-time<\/span> while livestreaming to their audience. The popular interactive livestreaming service Twitch has even moved to support these efforts by introducing <\/span>Twitch Charity<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to partnering with gamers, <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> can be the streamers<\/span><\/a> themselves, livestreaming games, music, or other entertainment to raise awareness for their cause and direct supporters to their <\/span>fundraising platform<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stand Up to Cancer<\/span><\/a> is a great example of how <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> can establish themselves on Twitch to encourage gamers to fundraise on their behalf. The <\/span>nonprofit<\/span>\u2019s <\/span>Twitch profile<\/span><\/a> shares information on its mission, links to its <\/span>social media<\/span>, a donation button, and information on how to start a livestream fundraiser quickly. Its profile also highlights its month-long #Up2Us event, asking Twitch users to host a fundraising stream on their channels any time in August.<\/span><\/p>\n\"Stand\n

5. Run a fashion show<\/h2>\n

Bring <\/span>New York<\/span> Fashion Week to your supporters with a festive fashion show fundraiser that gets everyone involved. Not only do people love to walk in fashion shows, but businesses, like local boutiques and salons, love to see their products and creations featured. And for each model, there\u2019s a passionate group of friends and family waiting to see them in action.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fundraise through event registration, appeals leading up to the event, and opportunities during the event, such as concession sales, merchandise, or an auction. Models can also launch peer-to-<\/span>peer fundraisers<\/span>, and <\/span>local businesses<\/span> can offer <\/span>sponsorships<\/span> or <\/span>matching donations<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Runway for Recovery<\/span><\/a> has increasingly raised funds to support breast cancer patients and their loved ones in its annual fashion show since 2007. The <\/span>nonprofit<\/span> leveraged <\/span>Classy Live<\/span><\/a> to make the show a <\/span>hybrid event<\/span> in 2021 to reach over 1,300 audience members from 13 countries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2022, the organization customized its Classy Live page to include a live chat, <\/span>fundraising thermometer<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>silent auction<\/span> bids, model interviews, and more to make the fashion show even more impactful. The event raised $375,000.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\"Runway\n

<\/h4>\n

Read the full story<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Hold an auction<\/h2>\n

An auction inspires generosity and keeps guests entertained while they socialize. Discussing <\/span>auction items<\/span><\/a> is also a way <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> can highlight their event\u2019s fundraising goals without having to request direct donations right away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nonprofit<\/span> auction software<\/span><\/a> with mobile bidding functionality can enhance the experience for <\/span>in-person<\/span> guests. It can also track bids and motivate attendees through a simplified payment process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ask board members for support gathering high-worth <\/span>auction items<\/span> from <\/span>community members<\/span> or their connections. You can also work with an auction consignment company, like <\/span>Risk Free Item Shop<\/span><\/a>, which provides items for <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> to personalize as <\/span>auction items<\/span> tailored to attendee demographics.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peloton4Parkinson\u2019s<\/span><\/a> raises money for the <\/span>Michael J. Fox Foundation<\/span><\/a> through an annual all-day spin ride <\/span>in-person<\/span> or livestreamed. With Classy Live, the event incorporated a <\/span>silent auction<\/span> that allowed supporters to bid on nearly 100 items. After doing so, its 2023 event raised 14.4% above its goal.<\/span><\/p>\n\"Peleton\n

<\/h4>\n

Read the full story<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Partner for an influencer-led event<\/h2>\n

Partnerships<\/span> with influencers<\/span><\/a> are a great way to get your message to new audiences. When influencers fundraise on your behalf, they connect with an audience that already trusts their opinions. If they endorse your brand to their followers, you may see some of their supporters begin to follow you as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Influencers can lead <\/span>fundraising events<\/span> through livestreaming or at a hybrid or <\/span>in-person<\/span> event. Make them the face of your message for an evening. And remember that influencers\u2019 audiences come in different sizes. You may partner with a <\/span>micro-influencer<\/span><\/a> with a few thousand followers but strong connections to your community, or you may find a celebrity with hundreds of thousands of followers to champion your cause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

God\u2019s Love We Deliver<\/span><\/a> hosts an Annual Golden Heart Awards event to <\/span>raise money<\/span> for hunger and malnutrition alleviation of people living with HIV\/AIDS, cancer, and other illnesses. Recipients of the service awards are often celebrities who have supported the cause, such as Scarlett Johansson and Sarah Jessica Parker, making the event primed for these well-known influencers to encourage their supporters to donate.<\/span><\/p>\n\"God's\n

8. Promote a concert<\/h2>\n

Benefit concerts<\/span><\/a> aren\u2019t the only celebrity-packed events on television. They can also be smaller scale, featuring local talent. In fact, these performers are more accessible and likely to bring their family and friends to the event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With the right <\/span>fundraising <\/span>platform<\/span><\/a>, you can ask bands to set up team pages and raise money in the weeks before the <\/span>live music<\/span> event, in addition to promoting <\/span>ticket sales<\/span>. This way, even out-of-town supporters can give.<\/span><\/p>\n

Concerts can be fun events to host once everything comes together, but these events also have substantial upfront costs. Consider the return on investment before starting the planning process, as these large-scale events may be more suitable for <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> with adequate budgets and experienced staff.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turtle Creek Chorale<\/span><\/a> hosted a benefit gala with a private <\/span>concert by Cyndi Lauper<\/span><\/a>. The nonprofit promoted the event as \u201cNo speeches. No awards. All entertainment.\u201d This musical pivot from a traditional gala event resulted in the organization raising $95,000 over its $800,000 fundraising goal for the evening.<\/span><\/p>\n\"Turtle\n

 <\/p>\n

9. Leverage a sporting event<\/h2>\n

Sporting events encourage teamwork and allow <\/span>nonprofits<\/span> to fundraise in an adrenaline-packed atmosphere. Work concession stands at your local teams\u2019 football, baseball, or basketball games with proceeds going to your cause. Run a <\/span>50\/50 <\/span>raffle<\/span><\/a> at a game to <\/span>raise money<\/span> for your <\/span>nonprofit<\/span> while spreading awareness about your mission. You can also pair up with <\/span>local businesses<\/span> to create custom <\/span>T-shirts<\/span> or limited-edition merchandise to sell at games.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nonprofits<\/span> can also use sports themes to drive their <\/span>fundraising events<\/span>, such as creating a bracket challenge around March Madness or highlighting an all-star dream team of your cause\u2019s supporters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Honor Connor<\/span><\/a> leveraged the golf course that\u2019s home to the Travelers Championship, a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, to gather supporters around its suicide prevention cause. The nonprofit hosts its annual benefit golf tournament on the course, which raised over $192,000 in 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Honor<\/a><\/p>\n

Track <\/span>nonprofit event<\/span> data to improve future planning<\/span><\/h2>\n

No matter what type of event you host, always track event data. The numbers will help you gauge the event\u2019s success, improve attendance, and determine how to reduce costs for future events. Some metrics that provide crucial insights include:<\/span><\/p>\n