In 2025, fundraising is no longer just about asking for donations – it’s about engaging your audience with new ideas that spark interest and create a lasting impact. Whether you’re raising money for a nonprofit, school, or community project, thinking outside the box can make a huge difference.

Here are 10 creative fundraising ideas that will really work in 2025 and beyond!

1. Hold a virtual art auction

With the rise of digital platforms, virtual events continue to dominate. Virtual art auctions offer a fun and interactive way to raise money while showcasing local artists.

✅ How it works:

• Partner with local artists to raise donations or display their work.
• Host the auction on Zoom, Facebook Live, or Instagram Live.
• Bidding apps like BiddingOwl or Auction Ninja can be used to handle payments.

💡 Pro tip: Create a “buy now” option for those who don’t want to wait for the bidding to end!

2. Hold an eSports gaming tournament

ESports will grow rapidly in 2025, and hosting a gaming tournament can attract a tech-savvy audience while raising funds.

✅ How it works:

• Choose a popular game like Fortnite, PUBG, or Valorant.
• Charge an entry fee and give prizes to the winners.
• Stream the event on Twitch or YouTube to increase reach.

🎯 Why it works: Gamers are passionate and willing to contribute to causes they believe in.

3. Launch a podcast to share inspiring stories

Podcasting is a powerful way to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Share stories, interview donors and highlight success stories from your fundraising efforts.

✅ How it works:

• Set up your podcast on a platform like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.
• Promote your donation link during episodes.
• Offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content for premium subscribers.

🎙️ Pro tip: Invite celebrities to reach more people.

4. Create a subscription box for a cause

Subscription boxes have gained a lot of popularity, and adding a charitable element to them makes them even more appealing.

✅ How it works:

• Create a monthly box featuring handmade goods, sustainable products, or local cuisine.
• Offer different subscription tiers, with proceeds going toward your cause.
• Use a platform like Cratejoy or Subbly to manage subscriptions.

📦 Bonus idea: Include a note sharing the impact of each purchase.

5. Hold a virtual photography contest

Virtual photography contests can encourage participation from people of all ages and generate buzz.

✅ How it works:

• Set a theme (e.g., “beauty of nature,” “community hero,” etc.).
• Charge a small entry fee and invite participants to submit their best photos.
• Give prizes or feature winning entries on your website and social media.

📷 Why it’s effective: Engaging contests build excitement and encourage social sharing.

6. Hold a “cook-off for a cause

Food brings people together, and virtual or in-person cook-offs are a fun and delicious way to raise funds.

✅ How it works:

• Invite participants to cook their best dish.
• Charge an entry fee and let people vote for their favorite dish.
• Sell ​​recipe ebooks or host virtual cooking classes for extra income.

👩‍🍳 Pro tip: Partner with local chefs or influencers to attract more people.

7. Sell digital guides or ebooks

People are always looking for valuable content, and selling ebooks or digital guides on relevant topics can lead to steady income.

✅ How it works:

• Write an informative guide related to your cause or industry.
• Promote the ebook through social media and email marketing.
• Offer a “pay what you want, give what you want” pricing model to encourage more donations.

💡 Bonus tip: Bundle multiple guides for more donations.

8. Launch a virtual fitness challenge

Fitness challenges not only promote health but also inspire people to contribute to a good cause.

✅ How it works:

• Set fitness goals like “run a 5K,” “walk 10,000 steps,” or “do yoga for 30 days.”
• Use a fitness tracking app like Strava or Fitbit to monitor progress.
• Encourage participants to ask for pledges or sponsorships for each milestone they achieve.

🏅 Pro tip: Create a leaderboard to add a competitive edge.

9. Host a “Talent Show for Charity”

Everyone loves a good talent show! A virtual or hybrid talent show is a great way to engage your community and raise funds.

✅ How it works:

• Invite local artists, musicians, or even kids to showcase their talents.
• Sell tickets to the event or ask for donations during the show.
• Offer virtual voting with small donations to select the winner.

🎭 Why it’s effective: It’s fun, interactive, and brings the community together.

10. Partner with local businesses for a matching gift program

Matching gift programs can double the impact of every donation by partnering with local businesses.

✅ How it works:

• Contact local businesses and ask them to make a donation equal to the donations made during a specific period.
• Promote the campaign through social media, email newsletters, and community channels.
• Highlight the business’s support to encourage more participation.

🏢 Pro tip: Promote these partnerships as part of a “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)” initiative.

🚀 Final thoughts: Creativity drives impact!

Fundraising in 2025 is all about creativity, engagement, and leveraging digital platforms to reach a wider audience. Whether it’s a virtual art auction or a fitness challenge, these ideas can help you not only meet your fundraising goals, but exceed them.

🎯 Pro tip: Optimize your website and donation page for mobile users and use social media to maximize reach.