Your nonprofit needs funding. That’s not news to anyone working in the sector—Americans donated $592.50 billion to charitable causes in 2024, representing a 6.3% increase from 2023. The question isn’t whether people want to give. It’s whether your fundraiser gives them a reason to participate.
When fundraising becomes fun, people show up. David Johnson, Cane Bay, experienced this firsthand when he was “arrested” for a charity event and had to call friends to donate enough money for his release. Johnson, whose company provides financial consulting services, enjoyed the experience because it turned giving into something interactive. This approach works—here are six ways you can make fundraising more engaging for your donors.
1. Plan a Treadmill Race
Regular physical activity adds years to your life. Research shows that people performing two to four times above recommended moderate physical activity levels had a 26% to 31% lower all-cause mortality. Why not channel that health benefit into fundraising?
Host a treadmill race where participants commit to a specific time on the machine. They collect pledges from supporters based on miles completed. You can partner with a local gym for the event or let people compete virtually using their home equipment. The format works because it combines personal fitness goals with charitable giving—both things people already care about.
Track progress publicly on a leaderboard. Add friendly competition. Create team challenges. These elements keep participants engaged and encourage them to reach out to more potential donors. A few minutes a day of physical activity makes a difference, and your participants can turn those minutes into meaningful donations.
2. Serve Breakfast for a Cause
The right breakfast can help your heart, and it can also help your nonprofit’s bottom line. This fundraiser transforms a morning meal into mission support.
Secure donations of breakfast items from local businesses—muffins, fruit, bagels, coffee, and other morning staples. Create a menu that shows each item alongside its impact. For example, buying a bagel could provide school supplies for one child. Purchasing coffee might fund an hour of counseling services. This transparent connection between purchase and impact motivates buyers.
Take pre-orders throughout the week leading up to your event. Recruit volunteers to handle deliveries on the designated morning. The model works because it’s convenient for donors (breakfast delivered to their door) and creates volunteer engagement opportunities. Plus, local businesses get positive exposure for their contributions.
3. Put on a Murder Mystery
Interactive entertainment naturally creates engagement. A murder mystery fundraiser combines theatrical fun with charitable giving through registration fees.
Participants pay to join the event and receive character assignments in advance. Encourage costume participation—people love dressing up for themed events. The mystery unfolds throughout the evening as participants gather clues and interact with other characters.
Partner with local businesses to donate prizes. Award them to participants who correctly identify the culprit or who delivered the best performance. The format succeeds because it offers value beyond just donating—attendees get an evening of entertainment, social interaction, and the satisfaction of supporting your cause. Consider hosting multiple rounds if your first event sells out. Mystery themes can change seasonally to maintain interest.
4. Host an Amateur Film Contest
Most people carry powerful video cameras in their pockets. Your smartphone-based film festival taps into this creative potential while building community around your cause.
Invite participants to create short films using their phones. Provide basic tips on framing, lighting, and editing to help novice filmmakers. Set a theme related to your nonprofit’s mission. Charge a small entry fee and set viewing event tickets at an accessible price point.
During the festival screening, let audience members vote for their favorites through donations. Higher donation amounts could count as multiple votes. This approach generates revenue from both entry fees and voting, while also creating shareable content that extends your reach beyond the event itself. Winners can receive recognition on your website and social media channels.
5. Hold a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts require minimal upfront investment but create maximum participant engagement. Charge registration fees per team and offer additional hints in exchange for donations during the event.
Hide designated objects around your community before the hunt begins. Create clues that incorporate local landmarks and businesses—this builds community connections and might lead to future sponsorship opportunities. Teams compete to find the most items within a set timeframe.
Award prizes to winning teams. Consider multiple categories: fastest completion, most creative photo documentation, best team costumes. The multi-category approach means more participants feel recognized. This event works particularly well for family participation, expanding your donor base to include younger supporters who might become long-term advocates.
6. Organize a Themed “Race.”
A standard 5K is fine. A zombie-themed 5K where participants dress as undead runners creates an unforgettable experience. The themed approach transforms traditional fundraising into something shareworthy.
Choose any theme that resonates with your audience—zombie apocalypse, superhero squad, favorite sci-fi characters, decades throwback, or seasonal celebrations. Encourage participants to dress accordingly. Some will go all-out with elaborate costumes, generating social media content that promotes your event organically.
Participants collect pledges based on completion, distance, or time. Add obstacles or checkpoints that tie into your theme for extra engagement. The success of themed races comes from their Instagram-worthy nature—participants want to share photos and videos, which expands your reach to potential future donors.
Consider offering virtual participation options. Monthly giving increased by 5% in 2024 and now comprises 31% of online nonprofit revenue, showing that recurring, flexible giving options appeal to modern donors. A virtual race component lets people participate from anywhere while still supporting your cause.
Make It Memorable
All nonprofits need money to operate. But your approach to fundraising matters as much as your cause. Individual donors gave an estimated $392.45 billion in 2024, representing 66% of total giving—these individual contributors respond to experiences that engage them emotionally and socially.
When you transform fundraising from obligation into entertainment, people look forward to your events. They bring friends. They participate year after year. Your fundraiser becomes an anticipated community tradition rather than another donation request.
The key lies in creating value beyond the donation itself. Whether that’s an evening of mystery-solving entertainment, a morning of healthy competition on treadmills, or a day of costumed racing through your community, give people a reason to participate that goes beyond “support this cause.” When you do, your fundraising becomes both more effective and more sustainable.
Start planning your next event with participation and engagement as primary goals. The donations will follow when people genuinely want to be part of what you’re creating.
