Creative Fundraising Ideas

A Quick Guide

Giving Tuesday is just around the corner. Looking for fundraising ideas for COA or another cause? If you’re new to fundraising, we know how difficult it can be to get started, so we’ve created a few simple examples of fundraisers anyone can run to help generate ideas.

Digital Fundraising

• Run social media campaigns with Facebook Fundraisers or Instagram Stories

  • This can be an excellent way to share the importance of the efforts you’re fundraising for through your story and why it’s personal to you. Facebook fundraisers are how our founder, Katie Coleman, got started with patient advocacy. It’s a great starting place for those looking to share their story in a safe space with family and friends. This is a common path for many patient advocates interested in getting involved with patient advocacy.

  • COA is listed as a 501(c)(3) that can be tagged in Facebook and Instagram fundraisers.

• Host virtual events (book clubs, painting classes, cooking classes)

  • The best kinds of fundraisers are ones that both you and your audience enjoy. If you have a hobby you enjoy doing, creating a fundraiser out of it can be a great way to keep things fun.

• Organize virtual fitness challenges or gaming marathons

  • Virtual 5Ks, sporting events, or any event-based activity.

  • COA has platforms to host these events if you’d like tools to help you organize and handle payment for the event.

In-Person Events

• Set up community sales (baked goods, seasonal drinks, crafts)

• 5K run/walks, golf tournaments, sporting events

• Host raffles and contests (depending on your state and any legal requirements)

  • Gift card drawings

  • Pick-a-number calendars

  • Mystery box raffles

  • 50/50 draws

Business Partnerships

• Arrange restaurant percentage nights

  • Panda Express has an excellent national program for this.

• Place collection jars at local businesses

• Organize sponsored events

  • Golf or sporting tournaments

• Share proceeds from product sales

  • One of COA’s first fundraisers brought local businesses together to donate 30% of their sales during #OrangeUp for kidney cancer awareness month. It was a fun way to get the community involved.

Tips for Success

• Set clear goals and timelines

• Pick something that aligns with your skillset, interests, or hobbies

• Accept multiple payment methods (Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay)

  • If doing a fundraiser for COA. We have a platform you can use to take care of donations and payments.

• Start promotion early

  • At least 2-3 months in advance.

• Keep detailed records

• Thank donors promptly

• Share your personal connection to the cause

Remember: The best fundraiser is one that matches your community's interests. Start simple and expand based on what works for your audience.

If you’d like to host a fundraiser for COA or participate in an existing campaign, you can contact us at kidneycoa@gmail.com to get started.