Low-Cost Fundraisers (That Raise Plenty)

The best fundraisers are affordable, easy to run, and don’t rely on selling sugary products or hosting expensive events.

Here’s what you’ll find below:

• Ideas that start at $0–$25 to launch
• Options for small teams or solo organizers
• Creative fundraisers that don’t require selling
• Free tools to simplify the entire process

And if you’re looking for a zero-cost, high-profit product fundraiser, Fun Pasta Fundraising is the perfect solution. With no inventory to buy, no event planning needed, and up to 50% profit, it’s one of the easiest ways to raise money, especially if you’re short on time, people, or budget.

Keep reading for stress-free fundraising ideas that actually work.

Quick-Start Fundraisers That Cost $0–$25 to Launch

When we say fundraising can be easy, we mean it. If you’ve got $0 to spend and just a few minutes to spare, these quick-start ideas are perfect. No big budget, no long meetings, and no stress, just smart strategies that start working the moment you hit “send.”

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Pages

This is hands-down one of the simplest ways to raise funds fast. No venues, no printed flyers, and no spaghetti dinners to plan. Just a customized donation page that your supporters can share with their friends and family. Each share brings in more eyes, and more dollars, for your cause.

We worked with a small school that launched a “Fuss Free Fall Fundraiser.” Instead of organizing an event, every family simply shared their child’s fundraising page. Within days, donations rolled in from grandparents, neighbors, and coworkers across the country.

Worry solved: “I don’t have time to plan an event.”
With peer-to-peer pages, you don’t have to. Set it up once, share the link, and let your community carry the campaign forward.

Parking Spot or Reserved Seat Auctions

No budget? No problem. Auction off premium parking spots or front-row seats at school concerts, graduations, or sporting events. It costs nothing to offer, but creates huge value for families who love convenience (and bragging rights).

Bonus tip: Let the winners decorate their space or seat with signs, streamers, or a family nameplate, it’s a small touch that adds big fun!

This kind of fundraising works great at schools, churches, and community theaters, anywhere that primo spots are in demand.

Social Media or Hashtag Campaigns

Ask for a small donation to enter (via Venmo, PayPal, or any platform you like), and create a unique hashtag to build momentum. 

And remember, you’re not only earning money but also building community and making memories.

Community Recipe eCookbook

See the full recipe -> Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo

This is one of our favorite low-cost, high-heart ideas. Invite families, teachers, coaches, or group members to submit their favorite recipes, bonus points for grandma’s handwritten notes or a kid’s doodled cupcake sketch!

Then compile them into a beautiful digital cookbook using a free tool like Canva or Google Docs, and sell it as a downloadable PDF. It’s personal, it’s fun, and it costs nothing to deliver.

Pro insight: A lot of folks skip this idea because they assume printing is a must. But digital cookbooks are meaningful, and a lot easier to manage. Plus, they’re great for supporters who live far away!

Events You Can Host With Almost No Budget

When your fundraising budget is zero but your energy is high, events like these hit the sweet spot. They’re fun, low-lift, and built to bring people together, which is exactly what great fundraising is all about. Bonus? You can host any of these with the space and supplies you already have!

Game Nights (Bingo, Trivia, Cards)

Game night is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s classic Bingo, school-themed trivia, or a few rounds of Uno and Go Fish, there’s something for everyone, and it doesn’t cost a dime to set up.

Use a school cafeteria, church fellowship hall, or someone’s living room as your free venue.

Charge a small fee per round or offer an “all night” pass.
Add little prizes like donated gift cards, snacks, or even funny trophies!

Scavenger Hunts or Neighborhood Walks

Looking for something active that works for all ages? Try a scavenger hunt or a themed neighborhood walk!

Here’s how it works:

• Map out clues or challenges around a park, downtown area, or school grounds.
• Charge a small entry fee per team or family.
• Use QR codes at each stop so participants can learn more about your cause, or donate extra on the spot.

Want to add a creative twist?

Try themes like “Pastabilities Are Endless” or “Find the Pasta Shape Clues.”

“What permits do I need for public spaces?”
Always check with your city’s parks & rec department or local authorities. Often, small walking events or hunts don’t require permits, but if you’re using public spaces, it’s smart to ask first. Stick to sidewalks and stay respectful of others, and you’re usually in the clear!

Potlucks with a Purpose

See the full recipe -> Veggie Sausage and Sweet Peppers with “Turkey” Shaped Pasta

Here’s a fundraiser that warms hearts and bellies. Ask supporters to bring their favorite dish and host a community potluck that doubles as a giving opportunity.

• Set up tables and chairs at a local school, church, or park pavilion.
• Use the event to tell stories, share updates, and invite people to scan donation QR codes at their tables.
• Add a quick testimonial, short video, or poster board display showing exactly what the funds will support (uniforms, supplies, playground equipment, etc.).

Fundraisers for Small Groups or Solo Organizers

See how Fun Pasta Fundraising helped Woodstock Academy Music Dept meet their goals

Not part of a large PTO or nonprofit? No problem. We’ve seen some of the most creative and effective fundraisers come from one person with a passion and a handful of helpers. These ideas are tailor-made for small-but-mighty groups who want to make a real impact without a big operation behind them.

Themed Online Auctions

An online auction is a powerful way to fundraise, especially when you don’t have the time or resources to plan a big event. And the best part? Most of what you need is already in your community.

Here’s how to do it:

• Ask local businesses to donate gift cards, products, or services. Many are happy to help when they know it’s for a good cause.
• Set up the auction using tools you already know: Facebook posts, Google Forms, or even email.
• Create a theme to make it extra fun: “Spring Into Giving,” “Pasta & Prizes,” or “Teacher Treat Auction.”

Memorial Flags or Yard Sign Campaigns

This heartfelt fundraiser is both visual and meaningful. Invite people to make a small donation to honor someone they love, a family member, a pet, a teacher, a veteran, and then place a flag or sign in a public or neighborhood space with their name.

Here’s why it works:

• It creates a sense of connection and visibility.
• It invites emotional participation (the most powerful kind!).
• It costs very little to execute: only inexpensive flags, markers, and a small piece of land.

Donation-Only Campaigns with Incentives

Sometimes the best fundraiser is the simplest: ask for donations, but make it personal.

Offer light, low-cost thank-you perks like:

• Social media shout-outs
• Handmade thank-you cards from kids or volunteers
• A photo or video message from someone benefiting from the fundraiser

These are perfect for solo fundraisers, like:

• Running a race for a cause
• Helping with a medical bill
• Raising funds for classroom supplies or field trips

It’s proof that you don’t need a big team, big budget, or even a big event to inspire big generosity.

Creative Ways to Fundraise Without Selling Anything

Let’s face it, not everyone wants to sell products, even if they’re as fun and shelf-stable as pasta. That’s okay! There are plenty of clever ways to raise money that focus on action, talent, and community spirit instead of selling.

These ideas are ideal for groups who want to make fundraising feel more like connection and less like commerce.

Sponsored Fitness Challenges

Get hearts pumping and dollars flowing with a fitness challenge fundraiser. These are especially popular with schools, sports teams, and wellness-focused groups, and they’re super easy to launch.

Here’s how:

• Set a challenge like “Run 50 miles in 30 days” or “Do 100 jumping jacks every day for a week.”
• Participants collect pledges per mile, rep, or minute from friends and family.
• Track progress on social media or in a shared group to keep up the motivation.

Bonus tip: Ask local employers to match donations their employees raise, many companies love supporting community health and education!

You’ll inspire people to move their bodies, meet their goals, and support your mission all at once.

Teach-What-You-Know Events

You don’t need fancy equipment or big-name speakers to host a great event. All you need is someone who knows something, and a space to share it.

Ask a volunteer to lead a session on:

• Yoga in the gym
• Cupcake decorating in the cafeteria
• Crafts in the community center
• Meal planning tips via Zoom

Keep it casual, keep it fun, and invite donations instead of setting a ticket price. That removes the pressure and opens the door for anyone to participate.

Tools That Make These Fundraisers Easier (Even Free Tools!)

Running a fundraiser doesn’t have to mean juggling spreadsheets, printing flyers, or chasing checks. Today’s digital tools make it easier than ever to launch, manage, and promote your campaign, even if you’re a one-person show.

Best of all?

Most of the tools we recommend are completely free.

Collecting Donations Online

Whether you’re running a virtual campaign or hosting an in-person event, these platforms help you collect funds easily and securely:

• Donorbox: Great for customizable donation pages, recurring gifts, and peer-to-peer sharing.
• PayPal: Easy to set up and trusted by donors worldwide.
• Venmo: Popular with younger donors and perfect for quick mobile gifts.

Pro tip: Include your donation link in every email, social post, and flyer to maximize visibility.

Create QR Codes in Seconds

QR codes are the new magic buttons. They let supporters donate instantly, access your campaign page, or join your event with a single scan.

• Use free tools like QR Code Generator or Canva’s built-in QR code tool to create your own in seconds.
• Print them on table signs, posters, recipe cards, even pasta bags (yes, we’ve seen it done!).

They’re especially helpful for events like potlucks, scavenger hunts, or yard sign campaigns, where you want donors to give on the spot.

Design Like a Pro, Without Being One

Eye-catching visuals = more attention. And with tools like Canva, anyone can design professional flyers, digital invitations, or thank-you graphics in minutes.

• Start with free templates for events, fundraisers, or social posts.
• Add your group’s logo, goal, and donation link.
• Download, print, or post with just a few clicks.

Use Facebook Events or private groups to spread the word and keep supporters in the loop. It’s a great way to build momentum, especially for peer-to-peer campaigns or online auctions.

You Don’t Need Money to Make Money

If there’s one thing we’ve learned after helping thousands of groups over the past 20+ years, it’s this: you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. What you need is passion, creativity, and a little help from the right tools and partners.

Because when you bring heart to the table, people show up.

And remember, if you’re looking for a fundraiser that’s:

• Easy to run 
• No upfront cost
• Shelf-stable products 

Fun Pasta Fundraising is here for you.

We’re here to make fundraising fun again. And we can’t wait to help your group crush its goal, without the stress, the sugar, or the chaos.

Let’s raise more, with less.