fundraiser ideas

There's plenty here to inspire you. Whatever you do—make sure it is fun!

get active | celebrate | get fancy | be creative

get active

Free-throw contest: Invite classmates, teachers and fans to pay an entry fee to go up against the basketball stars in a free-throw or three-pointer contest.

Youth sports clinic: College or high school athletes can host a youth instructional clinic for young athletes in the area. Charge a registration fee to donate.

Ball games: Round up your friends and encourage them to make teams for a baseball, Wiffle ball, or kick ball tournament. Charge a registration fee for each player or for a team.

Fitness class: Host a spin, Zumba, yoga or boot camp class at a local studio. Charge a participant fee and ask the instructor to donate their time to teach the class.

Road race or bike: Host a 5K or bike ride in your home town. Charge a registration fee and donate the proceeds.

Golf tournament: Host a tournament and charge a fee for participating foursomes. Reach out to businesses and invite them to be your corporate sponsors.

Team events: Form a rock climbing, fitness, weight loss, or rowing team to train together and fundraise for Boston Children's. It's easier together!

Dance Marathon: Rally classmates and an advisor/teacher to host an unforgettable, multi-hour "party with a purpose" filled with dancing, music, games, and more. For more: bostonchildrens.org/DanceMarathon

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celebrate

Party with purpose: Already hosting a holiday, birthday, or Super Bowl party? Make it charitable! Ask guests to make a donation in lieu of gifts or favors.

Special occasions: Wedding, anniversary, graduation, bar/bat mitvah, communion—whatever the occasion make it even more special by asking guests to donate in lieu of gifts. Or, honor your guests by donating in their name.

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get fancy

Gala: Recruit some friends to help plan and host an evening of food, music, and great company.

Silent auction: Solicit donations for an auction and have friends, family and co-workers bid on items—at the office or an event.

Benefit concert: Know a talented band or performer? Invite them to perform and charge an entrance fee.

Talent show: Show off your talent! Charge at the door and sell tickets in advance and charge at the door.

Silent auction: Collect prizes for your auction: gift certificates, baskets, sports tickets, lunch with your president, a close parking space, or a one-week vacation. Suggest a minimum starting bid and watch the excitement begin!

Office theme parties: Invite your whole staff to socialize for a small donation.

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be creative

Read-a-thon: Ask family and friends to donate for every book you read over the week or month.

Car wash: Host a car wash in the school parking lot and charge a small amount as donation.

Penny wars: Place a canister in every classroom and challenge each grade or class to collect the most change.

Art show: Ask students to create a piece of art to "sell" at an art show.

Yard sale: Ask the community to donate items for a yard sale at your school.

Lemonade stand: Tried and true! Host a stand in your neighborhood or at a school sports game.

Talent show: Show off student—and even staff and parent—talent! Charge at the door and sell tickets in advance.

Pancake breakfast: Host breakfast in the school cafeteria for a small donation. Ask the principal and teachers to serve.

Concert or school play: Is your school band, orchestra or choir putting on a performance? Charge a small admission fee or ask for donations from the audience during intermission.

Student vs. faculty: Organize a special game where the student-athletes go up against the school administration and teachers! Charge admission and donate those funds.

Extra Life: Unite with thousands of players around the world in a 24-hour gaming marathon. Play from your home or online—on any day you choose. Any kind of game qualifies! For more: bostonchildrens.org/extralife

Clash for charity: Take advantage of an important game against your rival: see which team can fundraise more in the week leading up to the big game.

Snack stand: Host a snack or coffee stand during finals week.

Win-win: Invite a local business to be your sports teams' official sponsor for the season. Have them pledge a set donation for every win this season.

Paint night: Jump on the latest craze and organize a paint night with friends! Many studios will partner with you and donate a portion of the class fee.

Ice cream social: Give everyone an excuse to take a break and indulge during the summer months. Donate the net profits.

Company picnic or BBQ: Celebrate by throwing a company BBQ, picnic or potluck. Invite colleagues to make a small donation in order to participate. Come together to enjoy a fun afternoon all while giving back!

Dress down day: Get human resources' approval to set a day for staff to dress casual for a donation.

Matching gifts: Don't forget matching gifts. Take your fundraising to the max. Ask your company's human resources or finance department about corporate matching gifts.

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