The Most Popular Fundraising Ideas for Cancer Causes
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The Best Fundraising Idea For Cancer Organizations
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The Most Cost-Effective Fundraising Idea for Cancer Causes
Promoting Fundraisers for Cancer Causes
The foundation of any great campaign is a solid fundraising idea. From there, it’s all about how you market that great idea!
As you brainstorm marketing ideas, keep these platforms in mind:
Does your organization want to promote its fundraiser for cancer on Google?
Other Great Fundraising Ideas for Cancer Causes
Luminaria Ceremony
Luminaria cereomonies are a way to honor those who have lost their battles with cancer while raising money for those still fighting to beat it and prevent it.
You can raise money by selling luminaria kits and scheduling a time and a place to hold the ceremony.
During the event, individuals can decorate paper lantern bags with the names of loved ones who have battled or are battling cancer. Then, all at once, everyone lights their lanterns and you have speeches and a moment of silence in honor of the fight against cancer.
Charity Concert
Charity concerts can be big money makers, but they’re a bit higher maintenance than some of the other fundraising ideas on this list.
To be successful, you’ll need a venue, performers, promotions, concessions, proper equipment, and decorations. The less you spend on those essentials, the more you’ll make for every ticket sold.
Know you’re audience and plan your event accordingly. Make sure to keep the focus on the beneficiaries of your event, those fighting cancer and those who have survived it.
Walkathons
Get some exercise and raise money all at once! Walkathons are a fundraising staple, especially for cancer-related nonprofits and causes, such as the Breast Cancer Walk.
Usually organized by a specific community or organization, walkathons ask participants to secure donation pledges based on the distance they’re able to walk.
Pledges will be the driving force of the fundraiser, but make sure that your walkathon offers items for sale such as concessions and commemorative t-shirts.
Restaurant Partnership
Many local and national restaurants are open to partnering with charities for fundraising nights. You can work with a major chain, like Panera Bread, or talk to local joints.
Typically, the way restaurant partnerships work is straight forward. Restaurants will host a night in your honor, where a portion of all sales are donated to your cause.
If the cancer you’re raising money for has a dedicated month, try to organize the partnership to coincide with that month. Then, post signs about the month, the fundraiser, and the cause throughout the restaurant.
Checkout Charity
Have you ever had someone ask if you’d like to add $1 to your bill to donate to XYZ cause? That’s checkout charity, and it’s a great way to raise money.
Find a local shop or restaurant that would be willing to collect checkout donations on your behalf or even just let you set up a donation jar near the register.
Donors already have their wallets out and usually don’t mind sparing a dollar or two. Add incentive by letting the donors sign their name to a contributor wall with more info about your cause that benefits cancer treatment.
Yoga Classes
See if you can find a local yoga instructor and studio that would be willing to partner with you to raise money for cancer research and awareness. If you can’t secure a studio, you can host at home.
To raise money, see if the instructor and studio will split the proceeds or donate them all to your cause. You should also place collection jars around the class to encourage additional giving.
Yoga is a great cancer fundraiser because it encourages healthy mind, body, and soul and can be highly restorative. Make sure to promote and get a large group to participate!
Coffee Bean Sales
Everyone needs a morning pick-me-up, right? Who doesn’t love a good cup of joe? Give your donors a caffeine rush by selling premium coffee beans branded to your cause.
You can work with a roaster or coffee shop to secure discounted coffee beans and then go out into the community to sell the beans. You want quality coffee at an affordable price.
Decide if you’ll be selling the beans in person, online, or both, and then map out your sales plan. If you can, work with an artist to create a label that foregrounds your cancer-related cause and maybe even ask a survivor if they’d be willing to let you tell their story on the package.
A Virtual Campaign
In the digital age, virtual campaigns are a powerful way to reach supporters. They eliminate physical barriers, allowing people to come together in the fight against cancer no matter where they are in the world.
Create an engaging online campaign, such as “30 Days of Giving” or “Cancer Awareness Month Challenge.” During your campaign, share daily stories, facts, and calls to action on social media to encourage donations.
Be sure to link to your donation page, so readers will know exactly how to show support when they feel inspired.
Recipe Book Sales
Selling recipe books is a great fundraising idea because it’s affordable to set up and allows you to ask for donations in exchange for a provided product. It’s even better if your recipes are catered toward clean, healthy eating for cancer patients and survivors.
Put together a cook book with the best recipes that you and your supporters have. Then, sell the book within your community.
Depending on your budget, you can either have the book professionally bound or you can do a digital version of the book for free on the computer. Its appearance is less important than the quality of the recipes!
Sell Merchandise
If you’re trying to raise money for cancer treatment or research, why not sell merchandise? By designing custom t-shirts or bracelets, you’re not only raising money but also raising awareness.
You’ll have to decide if you want to create your own merchandise or work with a fundraising company to print your design on apparel, water bottles, etc.
This cancer fundraising idea is the perfect way to remember a loved one and share their story. Design your merchandise using a motivational quote or image to inspire others to support your cause.
Have a Hospital Breakfast
If you know of someone who was hospitalize, then you know that small gestures of kindness make a huge difference in someone’s experience. Bring some happiness to the patients by hosting a hospital breakfast.
For this fundraiser to work, you’ll need to partner with the hospital to see if you can host the breakfast in their cafeteria. Invite members of the community to participate and let them know why you’re raising money.
Charge admission and set up a donations table to accept additional gifts.
Organize a Tree Planting Event
With a tree planting fundraiser, people are able to plant trees dedicated to those fighting cancer, and you can raise money for research or treatment. Plus, this event is environmentally friendly and has a lasting impression on participants.
For the event, sell saplings and encourage attendees to plant them in their backyards. Spend some time talking about the reasons why you’re raising money.
Make sure to set up a table where guests can make an additional contribution or sell concessions to raise additional money for the event.
Successful Cancer Fundraising Campaigns
Prayers for Piper
The family of a young girl fighting Burkitts Lymphoma started this fundraiser to cover her medical costs and supplies, as well as provide general support. Thanks to donations from over 115 donors, the campaign far exceeded its $8,000 goal and still has time to raise much more. Check it out here!
Rose Curth Cancer Foundation
So far, the Rose Curth Cancer Foundation has raised over an astonishing $113,000. In honor of Rose Curth, who passed away from brain cancer, the Foundation was created to give money to the families and victims of cancer. It’s a great cause and a well-run campaign. Check it out here!
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