Fundraising ideas
10 ideas to raise money for a good cause
From a sponsored run to a pub quiz: find the fundraiser that suits you and make it an online success with Spendenaktion.
Do you want to raise money for a good cause, a club, a school, a neighbourhood project or someone who needs help? Then it often starts with the same question: what is a fun and effective way to raise money?
You can organise something, take on a challenge, sell things or approach sponsors. But you can also start a fundraiser straight away and share your story with family, friends and everyone else involved. That way people can contribute, even if they cannot attend your event or activity.
Below you will find ten ideas, each with preparation, sample amounts and practical tips. For every idea, we also show how to combine it with online donations through Spendenaktion.
Raising money together starts with a clear goal
A successful fundraiser is about more than an original idea. Above all, people want to know why you are raising money and what their contribution makes possible. Whether it is for a school playground, medical help, new sports equipment, a local project or a good cause: a clear story works better than simply asking for money.
Your own fundraiser gives that story a permanent home. You describe the goal, add photos, set a target amount if you like and share one link or QR code. The ten ideas further down this page help you get your fundraiser noticed and reach more people.
Which fundraiser suits you?
All ten ideas at a glance. Click an idea to jump straight to the explanation.
| Idea | For whom? | Preparation* | Upfront costs* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Start an online fundraiser | Anyone, even without an event | A day or less | No start-up costs |
| 2. Sponsored run or club challenge | School, sports club, group | 3 to 6 weeks | Low |
| 3. Fun challenge | Individuals, friends, colleagues | 1 to 2 weeks | Often none |
| 4. Bake sale | Class, neighbourhood, workplace | 1 to 2 weeks | Low |
| 5. Pub quiz | Club, group of friends | 4 to 6 weeks | Low |
| 6. Charity evening with auction | Foundation, club, company | 6 to 10 weeks | Medium |
| 7. Product sale | School, club | 2 to 4 weeks | Varies |
| 8. Flea market | Neighbourhood, school, club | 4 to 8 weeks | Low |
| 9. Helping-hands day | Young people, scouts, neighbourhood | About 1 week | Often none |
| 10. Donations instead of gifts | Individuals | A few days | None |
Short on time? Start with idea 1, 3 or 10. Working with a class or sports team? Look at idea 2, 7 or 9. Want to bring people together? Then a pub quiz, charity evening or flea market may suit you better.
The quickest start
Idea 1. Start an online fundraiser
The quickest way to start raising money is to set up your own fundraiser. You do not need a venue, products or a special activity. You create an online fundraiser page and ask people to donate to your cause.
This works in all kinds of situations: from a sports club that needs new equipment to a family that wants to help someone, or a neighbourhood that wants to fund a defibrillator (AED) together.
Choose a concrete goal
Explain who you are raising money for and what will happen with the proceeds.
Set your target amount
Ideally, explain how you arrived at that amount. A target amount is not required.
Create your fundraiser
Add a recognisable title, a photo and your personal story.
Share your fundraiser page
Start with the people closest to your cause and ask them to pass the link on.
Post updates
Tell people how it is going and thank everyone who contributes.
Sample calculation
Suppose 80 people donate an average of €20. That brings in €1,600 in gross donations, before platform and transaction fees are deducted.
Pitfall: creating a page and then waiting. A fundraiser becomes visible because you and your network actively share it.
Tip: make your request concrete. Not just ‘Support our project’, but for example ‘Help us raise €1,800 for new goals for our youth football team’.
Idea 2. Organise a sponsored run or club challenge
A sponsored run, bike ride, swim or sporty club challenge is ideal for a school, team or club. Every participant reaches out to their own network, so the group of potential donors grows with every person who takes part.
How to go about it
- Choose a date, route or sporting achievement and make clear agreements.
- Ask participants to approach sponsors and agree on fixed amounts or amounts per achievement.
- Create one shared fundraiser. With teams and groups, participants can link their own personal page to the shared goal as collectors.
- After the event, share the results, photos and the link so people can still donate.
Sample calculation
15 participants each find 8 sponsors. If each sponsor ends up giving €12.50, that is 15 × 8 × €12.50 = €1,500 gross.
Pitfall: asking sponsors to pay weeks after the event. Agree clearly when the final amount will be known, and then let sponsors donate through the fundraiser page. An amount per kilometre is not calculated or collected automatically by the platform.
Spendenaktion tip: use the collector feature for teams, groups and classes, so every participant can reach out to their own network.
Idea 3. Take on a fun challenge
Shave your head, take a New Year's Day dip in cold water, wear an eye-catching outfit to work for a week or come up with a challenge that suits your group. A striking challenge gives people a reason to follow and share your fundraiser.
How to go about it
- Pick a fun, safe challenge that you actually want to do.
- Link it to a clear fundraising goal: ‘At €1,000, I will do the challenge.’
- Share an announcement, progress updates and the moment itself.
- Afterwards, post photos or a video on your fundraiser.
Sample calculation
50 people give an average of €15. That makes a gross total of €750.
Pitfall: only posting at the start. It is the build-up to the big moment and the result that attract new attention.
Spendenaktion tip: show on your fundraiser page how much is still needed for the challenge to go ahead.
Idea 4. Hold a bake sale
Selling cakes, muffins, biscuits or waffles at school, at work or in the neighbourhood: a bake sale is easy to organise and gives people something tasty for their contribution.
How to go about it
- Ask a few volunteers to bake and divide the tasks.
- Choose a place and time when lots of people pass by.
- Clearly list ingredients and allergens with the products.
- Explain at the stall where the proceeds go and show a QR code to your fundraiser for extra voluntary donations.
Sample calculation
120 items × €2.50 = €300 in sales. Subtract ingredients, packaging and other costs to see what is actually left for your cause.
Pitfall: mixing up costs and proceeds. Agree in advance who pays for materials and how you keep track of sales.
Spendenaktion tip: use the QR code of your fundraiser page, so people who do not buy anything can still contribute. Handle payments for the products you sell separately; a donation page is not a web shop or a till.
Idea 5. Organise a pub quiz
A pub quiz is a sociable way to raise money with friends, club members or colleagues. Teams pay to take part, and during the evening you can ask for extra donations for your cause.
How to go about it
- Arrange a hall, clubhouse or pub and agree on the costs.
- Come up with different quiz rounds and test the questions in advance.
- Look for local sponsors for small prizes.
- Arrange registration and entry fees, and show your fundraiser during the evening for voluntary donations.
Sample calculation
12 teams of four people pay €7.50 per person: €360 in gross entry fees. Any voluntary online donations come on top of that.
Pitfall: an expensive venue or an overly long programme. Keep costs down and make sure the quiz moves along at a good pace.
Spendenaktion tip: put the fundraiser link on table cards and show the QR code on the screen. Use a suitable system for registration and ticket sales; Spendenaktion is meant for donations.
Got an idea? Give it its own fundraiser page right away
You do not have to wait until the sponsored run, bake sale or pub quiz takes place. Put your fundraiser online beforehand, so you can receive donations while you prepare and your activity gets more attention.
Idea 6. Plan a charity evening with an auction
Organise an evening with music, food, performances or an auction of donated items and experiences. It takes a bit more organising, but it can involve a lot of people in your cause at once.
How to go about it
- Put together an organising team and draw up a budget.
- Ask businesses and acquaintances to donate products, services or experiences for the auction.
- Arrange a suitable venue and promote the event.
- During and after the evening, share your fundraiser for those who do not bid, cannot attend or want to give extra.
Sample calculation
60 guests pay €10 entry and 25 auction items raise an average of €40 each. That is €1,600 gross, excluding any separate donations and before event costs are deducted.
Pitfall: letting the event costs run up. Make agreements on venue hire, catering and equipment in advance.
Spendenaktion tip: show the fundraiser page and the target amount on a screen. Record bids and auction payments separately; use the fundraiser to receive additional donations. See also raising money for an event.
Idea 7. Run a product sale
Selling biscuits, Christmas cards, candles, honey or Advent calendars works well for schools and clubs. Members sell together to their own family, neighbours and acquaintances. Is your year group raising money for its graduation ball? Read also fundraising for the Abiball.
How to go about it
- Choose products that suit your audience and the season.
- Work out what you keep per product sold.
- Where possible, work with pre-orders to limit leftover stock.
- Alongside the sale, also offer the option to donate through Spendenaktion without buying anything.
Sample calculation
30 members each sell 10 products and keep €1.50 per product: €450 for your cause.
Pitfall: only looking at the selling price. Purchasing, transport and unsold stock can greatly reduce the profit.
Spendenaktion tip: add a link to your fundraiser on the order list or flyer for people who prefer to donate directly.
Idea 8. Organise a flea market
Let neighbours donate items, sell second-hand goods or ask stallholders for a small pitch fee. That way you raise money and bring the neighbourhood together at the same time.
How to go about it
- Choose a suitable location and check whether permission or a permit is needed.
- Collect items or find stallholders for the market.
- Arrange volunteers, stalls and perhaps a simple coffee corner.
- Use signs and a QR code to draw attention to your online fundraiser as well.
Sample calculation
40 stallholders each pay €10 and your own sales bring in €250. Together that makes €650 gross, before any costs.
Pitfall: being left with unsold items. Plan in advance how you will clear up, donate or recycle.
Spendenaktion tip: not everyone carries cash or wants to buy something. With a clearly visible QR code, visitors can also make a voluntary donation.
Idea 9. Hold a helping-hands day
Washing cars, raking leaves, cleaning bikes or doing shopping for neighbours: this is an accessible way to raise money, especially for young people, scout groups and sports teams.
How to go about it
- Make a list of simple, safe jobs and set guide prices.
- Hand out a flyer explaining the cause and how to get in touch.
- For participants under 18, make sure there is parental consent and suitable supervision.
- Share the results through your fundraiser and make it easy to donate extra.
Sample calculation
10 participants each do 6 jobs that bring in an average of €7.50. That is €450 gross.
Pitfall: taking on more jobs than you can handle. Make a realistic schedule and keep safety and any materials in mind.
Spendenaktion tip: put a QR code on the flyer, so neighbours who do not need a job done can still support your cause.
Idea 10. Ask for donations instead of gifts for your birthday or anniversary
Do you have a birthday, anniversary, farewell or other special occasion coming up? Ask people to contribute to a cause that matters to you instead of giving a present.
How to go about it
- Choose a concrete cause that moves you.
- Start a fundraiser with a personal story a few weeks in advance.
- Share the link with your invitation or in your group chat.
- Afterwards, let everyone know how much was raised and thank your donors.
Sample calculation
30 guests donate an average of €15. That makes €450 in gross donations.
Pitfall: sharing the donation link only on the day itself. By then, many people have already bought a present.
Spendenaktion tip: for this fundraiser you need nothing more than a good story and your own fundraiser page.
Why an online fundraiser fits every idea
Whether you are organising an event or want to raise money without any activity: an online donation page makes it easier to reach people, keep them informed and involved.
Donating, even when someone cannot be there
A relative on the other side of the country, an old classmate or a colleague who misses your pub quiz can still contribute through the link.
Easy to share and pay
Share your fundraiser via WhatsApp, email or social media. Donors pay with familiar methods such as PayPal, credit card, bank transfer or Wero, and in Austria also EPS. Every fundraiser has a shareable QR code.
A visible goal and progress
On your fundraiser page you explain what you are raising money for. With updates you show what is happening and thank the people who help.
Raising money together as a team
With a school class, sports team or club, you add members as collectors. They get their own page, linked to the shared goal.
No costs to get started
Creating a fundraiser is free. Fees only apply to successful donations: a 5% platform fee and €0.50 per donation, VAT included. For some payment methods, transaction costs are added. Your donors are not asked for a tip, and payouts take place every Wednesday as standard. See the current fees and conditions.
Set up your fundraiser in 5 steps
You have chosen a fundraising idea. Now it is time to turn it into a concrete fundraiser.
Create your account
Go to start a fundraiser and register.
Build your fundraiser page
Add a catchy title, a clear photo, a target amount and your personal story. Explain exactly what you want to achieve with the money.
Activate and share your fundraiser
Send the link around via WhatsApp, social media, email or a flyer with a QR code.
Involve your network
Ask participants, colleagues or club members to share the fundraiser further. For a group fundraiser, you can add collectors.
Keep everyone updated
Share photos, progress and the final result. You can follow donations and payouts in your dashboard.
You do not have to wait until your fundraising event takes place. You can start the fundraiser beforehand and keep sharing it during and after the activity.
Three choices that make your fundraiser stronger
Make the goal concrete
‘We are raising money for the club’ is less clear than ‘We want to raise €1,800 for two new goals for our youth football team’. Also explain who benefits from the proceeds.
Choose a realistic target amount
Make a budget. Suppose you can reach 150 people personally, a third of them donate and that group gives an average of €15. That is about €750 gross. It is an example, not a prediction. In your budget, also allow for any organising costs and donation fees.
Let several people help
A good fundraiser does not have to rest on one person's shoulders. When you raise money together, you can tap into each other's networks. Give every participant a simple task, for example approaching sponsors, creating posts or sharing updates.
Timeline: how to prepare your fundraiser
- About six weeks beforeDecide on the goal, budget, date and tasks. Put your fundraiser online so the link can be used from the start.
- Four weeks beforeArrange volunteers, participants and local sponsors. Create a flyer, social media post or email with the fundraiser link.
- Two weeks beforeShare the fundraiser again, tell people how far you have got and encourage everyone involved to reach out to their own network.
- On the day itselfTake photos, point people to your fundraiser and give them the option to donate afterwards too.
- AfterwardsPost an update, thank everyone and later show what happened with the proceeds.
For simple fundraisers, such as your birthday or an online collection without an event, the preparation can be much shorter.
Sample texts to share your fundraiser
For family and friends
Hi! I have started a fundraiser for [cause]. We want to raise €[amount] to make [concrete result] possible. Every contribution helps. Would you like to give something or share my fundraiser? Here is the link: [link to your fundraiser]. Thanks in advance!
For a school, club or group chat
Together we are raising money for [cause]. With [activity], we want to raise €[amount]. You can easily donate through our fundraiser, even if you cannot attend the activity. Will you help? [link to your fundraiser]
For a local business
Dear [name],
We are organising a fundraiser for [concrete cause]. With the proceeds, we want to achieve [result]. We are looking for local businesses that would like to support us with a donation or suitable sponsorship. You can read more about our initiative at [link to fundraiser]. May we briefly explain our plans?
Kind regards,
[name / organisation]
Are you allowed to just raise money?
Setting up a regular online donation page is different from a door-to-door or street collection or a public event. Municipal rules, notifications or permits may apply to street collections, markets and some events. Raffles, prize draws and lotteries are also subject to their own rules in Germany and Austria; depending on the federal state and the size, a permit may be required.
So check with your municipality, the local public order office or the event organiser which conditions apply to your activity.
Please note: use the donation page for voluntary gifts. If you sell tickets, products, raffle tickets or auction lots, handle the sales, registration and any legal obligations separately.
See how others raise money
With a sponsored run, neighbourhood initiative, club project or personal fundraiser, there are many ways to get people moving. The stories of other organisers can inspire your own plan.
Verlust von unserem geliebten Freund
Wir mussten am 23.10 Abschied nehmen von unserem geliebten Freund Morris der aufgrund einer Prügelattake ums Leben kam.
Beerdigung für Nelian
🕊️ Hilfe für die Beerdigung unseres kleinen Nelian 16 Monate voller Liebe – für immer in unseren Herzen.
Projekt zur Erhaltung der Deutschschule in Dreizehnlinden (Brasilien)
Sanierung der Dachkonstruktion und des Zauns - eine Spendenaktion von Everton Altmayer, Helmut Prünster und Boris Seidl
Dexter♥️
❤️ Zwei neue Hüftgelenke für meinen vierjährigen Helden – bitte helft uns! 🐾
Abikasse 2027 der Nell-Breuning Schule Rottweil
Wir, der Abijahrgang der NBS, sammeln Spenden für unseren Abiball. Jeder Euro hilft uns weiter! 🎓💛
Frequently asked questions about raising money
What is the easiest way to raise money?
An online fundraiser is an easy way to get started. You do not need to organise an activity and can share the link as soon as your page is created. If you want more attention for your cause, you can combine your fundraiser with a sponsored run, challenge or event.
Which fundraiser raises the most money?
That depends on your audience, preparation, network and cause. A sponsored run with many participants can reach a lot of people, but a well-shared online fundraiser can too. The sample calculations on this page show possibilities and are no guarantee of the proceeds.
How do I start a fundraiser?
You create an account, fill your fundraiser page with a title, photo and story, activate the page and share the link with your network. You can do that via sign up for Spendenaktion.
Can I raise money with a school class or club?
Yes. You can set up a fundraiser for a shared goal and let team members or other participants take part as collectors. They can promote the shared goal from their own linked page. Read more about raising money with teams and groups.
Can I combine a fundraiser with an offline activity?
Yes. Put the page online beforehand and share the link and QR code at your event, on flyers and on social media. Use the platform for voluntary online donations; handle sales and any registrations separately.
Can I raise money for myself or for someone else?
Yes. A fundraiser can be about personal help, medical costs, a funeral, a local initiative, a good cause or another permitted purpose. Explain clearly who is organising the fundraiser and what the money is for.
What does it cost to set up a fundraiser?
Starting a fundraiser is free. Platform and transaction fees apply to donations received. The standard fee is 5% + €0.50 per successful donation, VAT included. Additional costs may apply for some payment methods. See the current fees.
What if I do not reach my target amount?
With Spendenaktion, you do not have to reach a target amount to be paid out. Donations received are paid out weekly according to the standard payout schedule, even if your target has not been reached.
Which idea will you turn into a fundraiser?
A good fundraiser does not have to be complicated. Maybe you will organise a sponsored run, bake sale or pub quiz. Maybe you do not need an event at all and simply want to start raising money online right away.
Whatever your idea: make your goal visible, explain why it matters and give people an easy way to contribute. With your own fundraiser you can start today and let it grow step by step.