Searching for a Fundraising Idea That Actually Works?

If you’ve ever googled “fundraising ideas” and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. There are thousands of suggestions out there—but most either require a ton of volunteer time, cost money to set up, or fall flat when it comes to results.

The good news? There are a few easy fundraisers that still deliver real impact.

In this post, we’ll compare four popular fundraising campaigns used by private schools, alumni groups, and mid-sized nonprofits—including our own done-for-you option at Vacanva—so you can pick the right approach for your goals and bandwidth.

📸 1. Vacanva Portrait Fundraiser

The Easiest Fundraiser With the Highest Donor Value

How It Works:
Supporters book a custom professional portrait session through your campaign link. They get a beautiful photo experience and a 16x20” print. You keep 100% of their $99 donation (minus card processing fees). Our team handles all the logistics.

Why It’s a Great Fundraising Idea:
...

Because no one wants to sell wrapping paper again.

Let’s be honest: most traditional fundraisers are exhausting. Bake sales, car washes, spaghetti dinners — they’re time-consuming, often unprofitable, and everyone’s done them a hundred times. You want results, not burnout.

So we’ve rounded up fundraiser ideas that don’t suck — the ones your donors actually want to participate in, your volunteers won’t dread, and that genuinely move the needle for your mission.

🚫 The Problem With Traditional Fundraising

Here’s the usual deal:

• Your volunteers spend weeks planning an event

• You buy supplies, print flyers, make social media posts

• A few people show up… and you raise just enough to cover expenses

Sound familiar?

It doesn’t have to be that way. Fundraising should feel energizing — not exhausting. Here are 7 ideas that actually work (plus a bonus one you’ve probably never tried).

1. Photo Fundraisers (Portraits with Purpose)

📸 Turn smiles into dollars

Donors book...

High-Impact Fundraisers (High ROI, Low Stress)

These ideas generate real money without draining your staff or volunteers.

1. Photo Fundraisers

📸 Best for: Schools, alumni clubs, local chapters, and donor-based nonprofits
Instead of selling popcorn or asking for pledges, offer donors a professional portrait session they’ll actually want. Donors give, then book a session at their convenience.
✅ No upfront costs
✅ No event hosting required
✅ Works nationally with local photographers

Tip: Try a partner like Vacanva that sets it all up for you.

2. Matching Gift Campaigns (Also Available on a Vacanva Campaign)

Work with local businesses or corporate partners to match every dollar donated. This doubles your donations while encouraging more people to give.

3. Text-to-Give Campaigns 

Make donating as easy as sending a text. These work especially well during events, virtual campaigns, or media appearances.

4. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising 

Turn your supporters into your best fundraisers...

10 Easy Ways to Boost Your Nonprofit SEO in Under an Hour

Search engine optimization (SEO) may sound technical or time-consuming, but even small nonprofits can make a big impact with a few simple steps. Whether you're sharing new fundraiser ideas, working to manage volunteers more effectively, or diving into strategic planning, your website plays a key role in your success.

These 10 quick actions can help improve your visibility in search results—and they can all be done in under an hour.

1. Add or Update Page Titles with Keywords

Your homepage, donation page, and key program pages should each have a unique, keyword-friendly title. Titles like “Support Arts Education | [Nonprofit Name]” or “Easy Fundraiser Ideas for Schools” help Google (and your audience) know what your page is about.

2. Write Meta Descriptions That Connect With Your Audience

Meta descriptions are the short summaries that appear under your page title in Google search results. While they don’t directl...

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: How to Host a Luxury School Fundraiser

Why not elevate school fundraisers from ordinary to extraordinary? By hosting a luxury fundraiser, you can transform how your private school PTO or Booster parents engage. This approach, consequently, inspires greater generosity. Instead of focusing solely on tangible items, you should tailor experiences that high net worth individuals crave. For instance, picture a sophisticated photo fundraiser capturing beautiful moments and driving lasting change, without needing an in-person event! Consequently, this approach not only increases appeal but also creates a memorable occasion with purpose. So, are you ready to see how luxury and philanthropy can effectively support education?

Transforming Ordinary Fundraisers

Elevating your fundraiser requires a shift in both mindset and approach. Let’s explore how to cater to high net worth individuals through exquisite experiences. Accordingly, engage donors meaningfully.

Cre...

Make Memories That Matter: Join Our Family Portrait Fundraiser

Join the excitement of our Family Portrait Fundraiser!

It's not only a perfect chance to gather your loved ones, but also an opportunity to capture unforgettable moments and support a meaningful cause. Furthermore, every session contributes directly to positive change in our community! Whether you're a nonprofit seeking new fundraising ideas, a donor eager to make an impact, or a photographer excited to showcase your talent, this program is all about uniting people.

In fact, it's one of those easy fundraiser ideas that can fit into a school fundraiser or any other nonprofit. The versatility of this event makes it an excellent addition to any PTO or booster club campaign, fostering collaboration and community spirit. So, let's celebrate family, fun, and giving back—one photo at a time!

Capture Memories, Support Causes

Family portraits are more than just images; indeed, they're experiences that support meaningful caus...

📣 Vacanva Campaign Promotion Guide
How to Schedule Your Emails and Social Media Posts
For Vacanva Photo Fundraisers

📨 Email: How to Schedule Campaign Emails

Use the resources below to learn how to schedule your campaign emails and link images to your fundraising page.

Most email platforms have a similar process for adding a live link to an image, but see below for the specific instructions for the most popular platforms. 

• Select the image block: In your email design, locate the image you want to link and click on it. 
• Access the link options: A toolbar or editing pane will appear. Click on the "Link" option. 
• Choose the link type: A modal or pop-up will appear. Select the type of link you want to create (e.g., web address, file, etc.) from the "Link to:" dropdown menu. 
• Enter the URL: For a web address, enter the full URL (including http:// or https://). 
• Configure link behavior: You may have options to open the link in a new window or the same window. Select your preference....

Annual Fundraising Planning Checklist for Busy Development Directors

Stay Focused, Aligned, and Ahead All Year Long

For most development directors, the hardest part of fundraising isn’t inspiration—it’s bandwidth. Between managing relationships, writing grants, running campaigns, and keeping your board in the loop, strategic planning often gets pushed to the back burner.

This annual fundraising planning checklist is designed to help you organize your year efficiently, align your efforts with key donor touchpoints, and reduce last-minute stress. Use it as a printable, editable guide you can revisit each quarter.

Quarter 1: January – March

Focus: Stewardship, Planning, and Soft Launches

• Send year-end gift receipts and thank-yous

• Report back to donors on last year’s impact

• Hold a development team and/or board fundraising strategy session

• Set annual fundraising goals and calendar out key campaigns

• Identify new donor segments or lapsed donors to re-engag

  ...

Taking family portraits can be a fun experience for everyone involved. Here are a few tips to help make your family portrait session a success:

1. Choose a comfortable and familiar location. If your family is relaxed and comfortable, they'll be more likely to enjoy the experience and feel natural in front of the camera. Our Connection Designers (client managers) will help you pick a great spot where your family can truly enjoy their portrait experience with a style that fits your personal vibe. 

2. Dress Mom first, then pick everyone's outfits around Mom. This is the opposite of what most mamas are likely to do, but we have found that if Mama feels good, there will always be polos or button downs in the right colors for the boys and super cute girls outfits, and there will be less personal judgement looking back. Take care of you Mom!

3. Take breaks if necessary. If young children or other family members need a break or get antsy, take a few minutes to let them run around or do s

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Having kids' portraits in a home can have several positive effects on a child's self-esteem. Here are a few reasons why:

1. A sense of belonging: When children see their pictures displayed in their home, it gives them a sense of belonging and importance. It reinforces the message that they are valued and loved, and this can help boost their self-esteem.

2. Positive reinforcement: Seeing their portraits displayed in a prominent place in the home, such as the living room or hallway, can serve as positive reinforcement for children. They can see that their accomplishments and achievements are recognized and celebrated by their family, which can help build their confidence.

3. Personal identity: Portraits can also help children develop a sense of personal identity. When they see themselves reflected in photos around the house, they can begin to understand who they are as individuals and feel more confident in their own skin.

4. Memories and connections: Having family portraits disp

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