Fundraiser Ideas for Small Groups

When it comes to fundraising, small groups often face unique challenges, but they also have distinct advantages. With fewer people, there is a sense of closeness and a more personalized approach to organizing events and activities.

Whether you’re raising funds for a local cause, a school project, or a community initiative, there are numerous creative and effective fundraiser ideas for small groups that can make a big impact. The key is to focus on what makes your group special and find ways to leverage your strengths to maximize engagement and donations.

From hosting intimate gatherings to leveraging the power of social media, small group fundraisers can be both fun and highly successful.

With a little creativity and planning, your group can create memorable events that not only raise money but also build stronger connections within the community. Whether you’re considering a bake sale, a virtual auction, or even a fitness challenge, there’s something for every small group looking to make a difference.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best fundraising ideas tailored specifically to smaller teams, ensuring that your efforts are effective, enjoyable, and impactful.

Why Fundraising is Important for Small Groups

Before we dive into some of the best fundraisers for small groups, let’s first understand why fundraising is important.

Financial Support

Small groups often have limited budgets and resources, making it challenging to achieve their goals. Fundraising provides a way to raise the necessary funds to cover expenses such as equipment, uniforms, travel costs, and more.

Community Involvement

Fundraising events bring people together and create a sense of community. It allows small groups to connect with their local community and build relationships with potential sponsors and donors.

Team Building

Fundraising can also serve as a team-building activity for small groups. Working together towards a common goal can strengthen bonds and improve teamwork skills.

Creative Fundraiser Ideas for Small Groups

Now that we understand the importance of fundraising for small groups, let’s explore some effective, easy fundraisers for small groups.

Host a Community Event

by Joel Muniz, Unsplash

Hosting a community event is an excellent way to raise funds while also bringing people together. You can organize a fun run, a charity auction, a talent show, or a carnival. Consider partnering with local businesses to sponsor the event or donate items for the auction. You can also sell tickets or charge a small fee for participation in the event.

Sell Custom Merchandise

Custom merchandise is a popular and effective way to raise funds for small groups. You can design and sell t-shirts, hats, water bottles, or other items with your group’s logo or slogan. Not only does this help raise funds, but it also serves as a form of advertising for your group.

Offer Sponsorship Opportunities

by John Benitez, Unsplash

Reach out to local businesses and offer them sponsorship opportunities. You can offer to display their logo on your team’s uniforms, website, or social media pages in exchange for financial support. You can also offer to promote their business at your events or include their logo on any custom merchandise you sell.

Offer a Recycling Drive

See what your city will pay for recyclable materials and start collecting from friends, family, and neighbors.

Or, look into how you can safely dispose of items like paint, medications, and electronics, then charge a small donation fee to take those items off people’s hands.

They’ll be relieved to be free of the junk they’ve been collecting in the garage or basement and you’ll have money for your cause for the small price of hauling these tricky items to the correct facilities.

Hold a Garage Sale

Depending on your small group’s location, you might be able to hold a neighborhood garage sale. If you and your colleagues don’t live close to each other, see if you can find a parking lot to set up in (with luck, a church or business might be willing to lend you this space for free).

Everyone loves a bargain, so ask friends, family, and neighbors if they’ll donate items to your garage sale. You can even have an online garage sale and sell your items virtually, instead. 

Sell Candy Boxes or Bouquets

There are fundraising candy companies that will sell you packages of candy to sell individually, but you might want to think outside the box (or in it, in this case).

Buy different types of candy in bulk and create boxes (or baggies) for people to choose from: chocolate lovers vs tutti frutti, for example, or old fashioned vs trendy.

Put together mystery boxes: anyone who loves candy will love to be surprised. You could also use some glue and skewers to create candy bouquets, or candy arrangements, for a special holiday like Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.

Place them in pretty mugs (use some florist foam at the bottom to stick the skewers into) or dollar store buckets or vases along with a nice ribbon or small card for people to fill out.

This easy fundraiser for small groups requires a little upfront effort but selling candy is about as easy as taking it from the proverbial baby.

Host a Bake Sale or Food Drive

Bake sales and food drives are classic fundraising ideas that are still effective today. You can organize a bake sale at a local event or set up a booth at a busy location. You can also partner with a local grocery store to host a food drive and collect non-perishable items for those in need. 

Create a Crowdfunding Campaign

Crowdfunding has become a popular way to raise funds for various causes. You can create a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter and share it with your network.

Be sure to include a compelling story and explain how the funds will be used to make an impact. The best fundraisers for small groups take advantage of technology to raise funds online.

Host a Sports Tournament

If your small group is a sports team, consider hosting a sports tournament as a fundraiser. You can invite other teams to participate and charge a registration fee. You can also sell concessions or offer sponsorship opportunities for local businesses to advertise at the event.

Organize a Raffle or Silent Auction

by Christopher Goodwin, Unsplash

Raffles and silent auctions are popular fundraising ideas that can be easily organized by small groups. You can ask for donations from local businesses and create prize packages for the raffle or auction.

You can also sell raffle tickets or auction items at local events or online. It’s not surprise that we think this is one of the best fundraisers for small groups, but the ability to use technology to host and share your auction makes it a great option.

Partner with a Local Restaurant

Many restaurants offer fundraising opportunities where they donate a portion of their sales to a cause. Reach out to local restaurants and ask if they would be willing to host a fundraising night for your small group. You can promote the event and encourage your network to dine at the restaurant on that specific night.

Tips for a Successful Fundraiser

No matter which fundraiser idea you choose, there are some tips that can help ensure its success.

Set Clear Goals

Before starting any fundraiser, it’s essential to set clear and achievable goals. This will help you stay focused and measure the success of your fundraiser.

Utilize Social Media

by Jon Tyson, Unsplash

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your fundraiser and reaching a larger audience. Create a social media page for your small group and share updates, photos, and information about your fundraiser. You can also use social media to thank donors and sponsors and keep them updated on your progress.

Get the Community Involved

Fundraising is not just about raising funds; it’s also about building relationships and creating a sense of community. Get the community involved by inviting them to your events, asking for their support, and thanking them for their contributions.

Show Appreciation

It’s essential to show appreciation to your donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Consider sending thank-you notes or hosting a special event to recognize their contributions. This will not only make them feel appreciated but also encourage them to continue supporting your small group in the future.

Small But Mighty

Fundraising as a small group can be incredibly rewarding, both in terms of the funds you raise and the connections you strengthen within your community. The key to success is focusing on what your group does best and choosing ideas that align with your collective strengths and passions.

Whether you’re hosting a low-key event or taking advantage of online platforms, small group fundraisers allow for a personalized touch that larger campaigns may lack, giving supporters a more intimate and engaging experience.

Remember, the most important part of any fundraising effort is the impact it has on the cause you’re supporting. By working together and thinking creatively, small groups can create powerful campaigns that leave a lasting impression. No matter how big or small your group is, every effort counts and contributes to making a difference.

So, start brainstorming, get your group together, and begin planning an event that not only raises funds but also builds a sense of community and purpose. Your collective efforts can achieve remarkable results!