Here's the hard part: zero budget and an obligation to step up as a leader, a change-maker, or a community example. If you're seeking advice in this article, it's safe to assume that you are a (relatively) small nonprofit looking to make an impact without breaking your bank. The good news is that in 2025, highly effective fundraising campaigns can be accomplished without taking a loan.
Just because they are doable does not mean they are easy; they take hard work, creativity, and consistency. However, sometimes the most challenging part is just coming up with the idea. Here are 10 zero-budget fundraising ideas to help you start your fundraiser.
1. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Challenge
Let your donors serve as your marketing engine. Create a campaign page using your fundraising software and tell your compelling story to capture your donors' attention. Include easy-to-customize digital assets like social media posts, explanation videos, and downloadable brochures/presentations. The ultimate goal should be to inspire action worthy of a donation and to get the donor to share it themselves. Creating a strategic and well-timed marketing strategy will be paramount for success. Luckily, all you need are some social media accounts.
Examples:
- Birthday Fundraisers on Facebook or Instagram
- "Run for a cause" with donation pledges
- DIY fundraising kits emailed to volunteers
2. Social Media Donation Drive
Instead of focusing all your attention on the next big short-term fundraiser, remember to spend 20 minutes each day keeping up with your social media presence. Identify a unique hashtag for your nonprofit that is action-inspiring and relatable, and craft a short but compelling story to accompany each post. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn allow you to collect donations via direct links to your campaign page. Video content, specifically reels, is easy to create and will drive the most engagement when done thoughtfully. Try to focus on the three essential marketing principles, Ethos, Logos, and Pathos, and identify their role in your content when telling your story.
Examples:
- "$10 Tuesday" giving campaign
- Hashtag challenge: #GiveBackForGood
- Instagram reels or TikToks with mission impact stories
3. Email Campaigns with Strong CTAs
Don't underestimate the power of a well-written email! Locate the donors you want to contact in your CRM and create a compelling narrative. Start with an exciting subject line and header image, then lead them to your content/story. Finally, ensure they can quickly locate your CTA (Call to Action). Craft roughly 4-6 emails at a time and schedule them out over several weeks to start seeing results. Ensure you track your data and identify what works and doesn't based on your email responses, click-through rate, open rate, and click rate.
Examples:
- Welcome email series with a donation appeal
- Story-driven email from a client or volunteer
- "Last-minute goal" email push
4. "Give It Up" Challenge
Using social media, create a hashtag that your supporters can use, then have them publicly share what they will give up for a week, month, or year! For example, this could be coffee, soda, or a streaming service. Then, instruct them to track their savings and donate the totals to your organization's cause instead. A great idea is to craft a comment for everyone: "This week I am giving up ____ to support ____. What will you give up?"
Examples:
- "No Takeout Week" for clean water
- "Skip the latte" for education
- "7 Days without Streaming" for the arts
5. Online Auction with Donated Items
Ask, ask, ask. Ask your volunteers, local businesses, or board members to donate homemade goods, services, or experiences you can auction off. Host the auctions online and promote them via email, social media, and word of mouth to get some traction. Highlight featured auction items to gain excitement and watch the bids start flowing in.
Examples:
- Hand-knit clothing items or artwork
- One-hour consulting session with a volunteer expert
- "Dinner for Two" cooked by a supporter
6. Virtual Game or Trivia Night
No location scouting is required. Just create a Zoom link and use Chat GPT to come up with some clever questions. I suggest using the prompt "Act as though you are a trivia host. Give me 50 questions that range from level 5 to 10, with level 1 being kindergarten questions and level 10 being Ivy League questions. I want the topics to be ____ and ______." Charge teams an entry fee and keep a running scoreboard of the top teams weekly. Several tools, like TriviaMaker and Kahoot, are out there to make the games feel professional.
Examples:
- Nonprofit-themed trivia round
- 90s pop culture or music bingo night
- "Pay to Pick a Category" donation twist
7. "Why I Give" Video Series
Turn your supporters into your best storytellers. Ask your donors, volunteers, or board members to record a 30- to 60-second video explaining why they support your mission. Set up a schedule to post them strategically at peak activity times on your various social media channels. Using authentic voices and stories will lead to actual results.
Examples:
- Volunteers sharing their first experience with your organization
- Client testimonial about impact
- Board member video shutout
8. Unwanted Gift Swap
Bring the community together by encouraging gently used or duplicate gift donations (example: that third Bluetooth speaker you received at Christmas). Then, organize a digital or in-person gift swap and add a "give what you can" donation option. The expectation could be that you donate half the estimated cost of the item. It's a great way to get people together and capture donor information!
Examples:
- White elephant-style virtual exchange
- Pop-up swap booth at a community center
- Donation-based access to the swap list
9. Vote-to-Win Contest
Consider hosting a pet costume contest, talent show, or photo challenge and letting people vote with their dollars. $1 = 1 vote. By the event's end, the person or team with the most donations wins. The more creativity you allow your donors to explore, the better the results will be. The activity should be inclusive and not too time-consuming to get the ideal number of submissions.
Examples:
- Cutest pet photo contest
- "Most Epic Zoom Background" challenge
- DIY Art Show Fundraiser
10. LinkedIn Shout-Out Campaign
Offer professionals and companies thank-yous in exchange for donations. Appreciation posts could include a LinkedIn recommendation, a featured spotlight on your site, or a public thank-you post. Shout-out campaigns are an excellent format for professional supporters who could use some brownie points for their careers or marketing campaigns.
Examples:
- 25$ = Personalized LinkedIn endorsement
- $50 = Supporter spotlight in monthly newsletter
- $100 = Website thank-you banner with photo
Final Thoughts
Fundraising doesn't always require a mountain of cash up front or a big venue to host all of your supporters. Tap into your creative side and remember why you are passionate about your cause. Time spent on the small details is what will make your campaigns succeed. Focus on consistent and thoughtful marketing, engaging content, and unique ideas to raise money for your organization without spending a cent.
