40 Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work (And How to Make Them Happen in 2025)

You’ve got a cause you care about. Fundraising transforms that care into real help.

Here, you’ll find 40 practical, creative and ethical fundraising ideas that anyone can run. Whether you’re on a tight budget or want to try something bold, these ideas bring people together and make a difference (without too much stress).

Each idea is simple to set up and kind to the planet. Some are classics. Others might surprise you. All reflect Oxfam’s commitment to equality and impact.

Let’s get the inspiration flowing.

How to choose the right fundraising event for you

Before diving into the list, take a moment to think about what will work best for you.

Fundraisers don’t always need to be flashy. The best idea is the one you’ll enjoy doing, and can follow through with the time, energy and support you have. Ask yourself four questions first.

• What’s your time and budget like? Some ideas need a few hours. Others take a few weeks. Choose something that fits your life right now.

• Who do you want to involve? Are you doing this solo, with workmates, at school, or with your local community?

• Where will it happen? Online, in person, or a mix of both? Think about what’s practical for your network.

• Does it align with your values? Ethical, inclusive and sustainable fundraisers tend to attract more support and feel better to run.

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Just pick something that feels doable, meaningful and right for you.

We’ve come across a lot of excellent campaigns in our time. Let’s look closer at some of the best fundraising ideas for Australian communities.

Fundraising ideas that actually work

At school or uni

Whether it’s for a social justice campaign, climate action, or a local emergency, schools and unis are full of fundraising potential. The best event ideas bring people together, raise awareness and make giving easy (even if it’s just a few dollars at a time). 

1. Bake sale with a twist

Bake sales are still a favourite. Set up a stall at lunch or after class. Make it ethical by focusing on homemade goods or sourcing ingredients from local or fair trade suppliers. Add gluten-free or vegan options for inclusivity.

2. Hot chocolate stand (using fair trade cocoa)

Oxfam uni groups have had great success selling hot chocolates during winter, especially in busy walk-through areas. It’s low cost, high return, and a nice chance to talk about fair trade. Make sure you use fair trade hot chocolate, of course.

3. Sustainable fashion swap

Ask students to bring clothes in good condition, then “shop” each other’s wardrobes. Charge a gold coin donation for entry. It’s affordable, fun and keeps clothing out of landfill.

4. Lunchtime concert or talent show

Bring out the music, poetry or comedy — whatever your school or uni is into. Ask for a small entry fee or donation bucket, and invite performers to share why they support the cause.

5. Read-a-thon or study challenge

This one is perfect for book lovers and introverts. Set a reading or study goal, ask people to sponsor you, and share updates online. Works especially well around exam time or term breaks.

6. Refill station for water or snacks

Set up a donation-based station during big events or O-Week. Offer filtered water, cut fruit, or zero-waste snacks. It’s low-key but makes an impact and raises awareness, too.

At work

Fundraising at work can be a great way to boost team spirit while supporting a cause. Whether you’re remote, hybrid or on-site, these fundraising ideas are easy to run and don’t need a big budget (or heaps of planning).

7. Casual dress or theme day

Invite everyone to ditch the office wear for something more fun. Maybe that’s jeans, PJs or a colour-themed outfit. Ask for a gold coin or $5 donation. Add a prize for best-dressed to get people involved.

8. Coffee cart for a cause

Set up a DIY fair trade coffee station, or team up with a local cafe to donate a portion of sales for the day. It’s a simple idea that creates a moment of connection on busy mornings.

9. Office challenge (with a fundraising twist)

Step counts, trivia quizzes, desk yoga — pick a challenge you’ll all enjoy and get the whole team on board. Colleagues can donate to take part, and you can even offer a small prize or shout-out for the winner.

10. Pay-to-play lunch games

Run a lunchtime competition: ping pong, trivia, charades, or paper plane throw. Whatever works for your space. Ask for a donation to enter. It’s light-hearted, low-effort and gets people away from their desks.

11. Skill share sessions

Have a team member who can lead a drawing class, run a resume workshop or teach a language? Host a lunch-and-learn where attendees give a donation to join. It’s a fundraiser and a great way to build skills.

12. Matched giving from your employer

Does your workplace offer donation matching? Encourage your team to take advantage. You raise $250, your employer matches it, and your impact doubles.

Fundraising ideas to do with your community

Some of the most meaningful fundraising happens close to home. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, you’ve got a simple aim: bring people together. You know your community best, but here are some things you can try.

13. Trivia night at the local hall or pub

Trivia is a much-loved Aussie classic. Charge a small entry fee, set up a few rounds of questions, and offer donated prizes or bragging rights. Some of our Oxfam groups in regional towns run these regularly, and they’re a great way to connect across generations.

14. Open garden day

This is another one that some of our Oxfam groups do regularly. If you or someone you know has a beautiful backyard, veggie patch or native garden, open it up for a day and ask for a donation on entry. Add tea, cake or live music if you can. These events are gentle, joyful, and surprisingly effective.

15. Community movie night

Project a family-friendly film in a local hall, school or even someone’s backyard. Ask for a gold coin donation or run a small snack stall to raise extra money. Choose a film with a message or link it to the cause you’re fundraising for.

16. Book swap or secondhand sale

Invite neighbours to bring pre-loved books or household items and browse what others have shared. Entry by donation. Any leftovers can go to a local op shop.

17. Art show or craft market

Celebrate local talent. Set up a one-day exhibition or market stall with handmade goods, student artwork, or First Nations creations (with appropriate permissions). Take a percentage of sales or ask for donations on the day.

18. Community clean-up fundraiser

Organise a group to pick up rubbish at the park, beach or bush trail, and ask for pledges per bag collected. It’s a great way to raise money while caring for Country.

Online or at home

Not every fundraiser needs a venue or a big budget. Some of the best ideas happen right where you are — on your couch, in your kitchen, or through your phone. Here are six of the best money-raising ideas you can do from home.

19. Birthday fundraiser

Instead of gifts, ask friends and family to donate to a cause you care about. Platforms like Facebook or GoFundraise make this easy to set up, and it’s a beautiful way to turn your birthday into something bigger.

20. Virtual trivia night or games evening

Host a Zoom quiz, bingo session or board game challenge. Ask for a donation to join. Keep it casual, fun and family-friendly. You can even theme the night around your cause.

21. Livestream a skill, performance or challenge

This one can be a lot of fun. Go live doing something you love (or something you’ve never tried). Cook, paint, dance, game, sing, run 5K in fancy dress — whatever fits. Add a donation link and invite your network to support you.

22. Online auction or silent bidding

Ask friends or local businesses to donate an item or service, then host an online auction via email, social media or a simple website. It’s great for handmade goods, art, vouchers or experiences.

23. At-home dinner party for a cause

Invite a few friends over, cook a meal, and ask them to donate what they might’ve spent eating out. Share a short video or story about why you’re fundraising. It’s intimate and thoughtful (and delicious).

24. Challenge fundraiser (solo or shared)

Walk 10,000 steps a day for a month. Give up sugar. Write a poem every day. Set your goal, share your updates, and ask for donations along the way. These are great for building long-term support.

Seasonal and calendar-based ideas to raise money

Special dates can be great motivation for fundraising. They give you a built-in reason to ask, a theme to build around, and a moment to bring people together. Consider these events or think about what else matters to your community.

25. Mother’s Day or Father’s Day fundraiser

Special events where people are already looking to purchase something are excellent fundraising opportunities. 

Try running a gift stall at school or in your community, with handmade items, local treats or donation cards instead of presents. Use it as a moment to honour carers while supporting a cause that cares for others, too.

26. End of financial year (EOFY) giving

EOFY is one of the most active times for donations in Australia. Remind your community that donations over $2 to registered charities are tax-deductible. Link to a cause you care about and help people give with purpose.

27. Harmony Day or NAIDOC Week event

Organise a fundraiser that celebrates culture, language and diversity — like a shared meal, story circle or art show. Always be sure to collaborate with and centre the voices of First Nations people or the community you’re celebrating.

28. Ramadan giving opportunities

If you or your community celebrate Ramadan, consider creating a giving opportunity that honours generosity and service. You might host an Iftar dinner fundraiser, or encourage donations during the month by sharing links to trusted charities. It’s a meaningful way to honour the spirit of reflection, community and generosity at the heart of Ramadan.

29. World Water Day, Earth Day or World Food Day

These awareness days are perfect moments to host a fundraiser that aligns with global justice and environmental care. Some good fundraising ideas include zero-waste challenges, fair trade coffee mornings or seedling giveaways by donation.

30. Holiday giving tree or gift-matching drive

Around Christmas or New Year, set up a simple tree or board where people can choose how to support a cause. They could donate a meal, a water filter, or a school kit. This one’s great for workplaces or schools.

Creative and unusual fundraising ideas

There are classics for a reason. But not every fundraiser has to look like a sausage sizzle or trivia night. Sometimes, the most memorable events are the ones no one saw coming. 

These creative ideas can spark curiosity and bring in new supporters. They can even turn everyday activities into something meaningful. Get ready for some fun.

31. Pet dress-up parade

Invite your community to show off their furry friends in themed outfits. Charge an entry fee, give out prizes for best costume, and post photos online for those who can’t attend in person. Bonus points for handmade or recycled costumes.

32. Storytelling night

Host an evening where people share true stories, lived experiences, or tales around a theme like courage, community or kindness. Sell tickets or collect donations at the door. It works beautifully in libraries, community centres or even backyards.

33. Silent disco

No noise complaints, no gear to lug. All you need are headphones, a playlist and a place to dance. Sell tickets or ask for donations, and encourage guests to bring their own headsets if possible. It’s accessible. And it’s probably a little out of the ordinary. 

34. Postcard fundraiser

Design a limited run of postcards with local art, student designs or messages from your community. Sell them in sets, or offer them as thank-you gifts for donors. It’s low-cost, personal and easy to post.

35. Mystery dinner or “host-a-plate” night

Each guest brings one dish, not knowing what others are making. Or, assign meal components (entree, main, dessert) and reveal the full menu on the night. Ask for a donation to attend. You’ll create a sense of surprise and celebration.

36. Community karaoke challenge

Charge a fee to perform, or to nominate someone else to take the mic (with their permission, of course). Let people “buy back” their turn if they’re shy. It’s chaotic, joyful and gets the crowd involved.

Ethical and sustainable fundraising ideas

Do you want your fundraiser to do good without doing harm? Us, too. These ideas are for you. They’re all about raising money while staying kind to people and the planet.

37. Zero-waste challenge

Ask your friends, classmates or colleagues to go a day (or week) without creating landfill waste and get sponsored for their effort. Share your wins, mishaps and tips along the way. It’s eye-opening and impactful.

38. Plant sale or veggie starter kits

Sell home-grown plants, veggie seedlings or DIY kits made with donated cuttings. It’s great for school or community gardens, and a nice tie-in to themes of growth and care.

39. Bike-to-work or car-free challenge

Get people to leave the car at home for a day, a week, or even a month. Ask for pledges per day travelled by foot, bike or public transport — good for health, the planet, and your fundraiser.

40. Upcycled craft market

Encourage local makers or students to create art or items using recycled materials, then host a pop-up market. It’s creative, waste-conscious, and can spark great conversations.

What to do once you’ve picked a fundraising idea

Found something that feels right? It’s easy to get started. Here’s how — step-by-step.

Step 1: Make a simple plan

What’s the goal? Who’s involved? When will it happen? You don’t need to overthink it. Just jot down the basics.

Step 2: Spread the word

Share your fundraiser with friends, family, your school or workplace. A quick message, post or email is often all it takes to build momentum.

Step 3: Run the fundraiser

Keep it friendly, stay flexible, and focus on connection. People give more when they feel part of something meaningful.

Step 4: Say thank you

Let supporters know what they helped make possible. A photo, story or short message can turn one-time donors into long-term allies. See where our money goes for a little inspiration here (but you don’t have to go so in-depth).
Need more help? Read how to raise donations for charity for our best advice about how to make your fundraiser a roaring success, or head over to Oxfam’s Fundraise for us page for tools, guides and encouragement.

Let’s raise money for what matters

Hopefully, these fundraising ideas show that it’s not just about raising money. It’s about a group of people showing up for people, for justice and for a fairer world.

Whether you’re planning a trivia night, sharing a donation link, or planting herbs for a school stall, you’re helping build something better. Are you ready to take the next step? Explore how to fundraise with Oxfam, support one of our current appeals such as support for the humanitarian crises in Gaza and South Sudan, or donate now to make change happen today. Every action counts. And every person (including you) can be part of the difference.