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50+ Best Online or Catalog Fundraisers for Nonprofits & Charities
Nonprofits and charitable organizations often need flexible fundraisers that generate meaningful revenue without draining staff time or volunteer capacity. Whether you’re raising funds for programs, services, outreach, or operational costs, the most effective nonprofit fundraisers are easy to launch, simple to explain, and appealing to a broad donor base.
Online and catalog fundraisers work especially well for nonprofits because they scale beyond a single event and allow supporters to give while receiving something tangible in return. Below, we break down what to consider when choosing a fundraiser and highlight proven fundraising options that consistently work for nonprofits of all sizes.
Table of Contents
What to Consider When Choosing a Fundraiser for Your Nonprofit
Nonprofits often rely on small teams and volunteers, so fundraising programs should prioritize efficiency, predictability, and donor appeal.
- DIY vs. partnering with a fundraising company: DIY fundraisers like bake sales or one-off events can work, but they require significant planning, staffing, and coordination. Partnering with a fundraising company allows nonprofits to raise funds using established products, pricing, and logistics, which reduces administrative burden and makes campaigns easier to repeat year after year.
- Online vs. catalog fundraisers: Online fundraisers are ideal for nonprofits with supporters spread across different cities or states, such as donors, alumni, or members. Catalog fundraisers still perform well for organizations with in-person volunteers, events, or community touchpoints. Many nonprofits see the best results when they offer both options at once.
- Upfront costs: Cash flow matters for nonprofits. Fundraisers with no upfront costs reduce financial risk and make it easier to get board or leadership approval. Programs where payment happens after orders are collected help organizations protect limited budgets.
- Product type matters: Nonprofit supporters often include families, professionals, and community members, which makes food, coffee, candles, and practical items strong sellers. Products that feel giftable or useful tend to perform better than novelty items, especially for donor-heavy audiences.
- Profit margins: Profit margins determine how much effort a fundraiser is worth. Fundraisers offering 40–50% profit margins allow nonprofits to raise meaningful funds without relying on high-volume sales or constant promotion.
- Shipping and delivery: Efficient delivery is critical for nonprofits that do not have storage space or staff available for sorting orders. Fundraisers that include free shipping, pre-sorted orders, or direct-to-home delivery significantly reduce volunteer workload.
- Group size and participation: Some nonprofits rely on a small core team, while others have large volunteer bases. Fundraisers that work for both small and large groups and allow individual supporters to participate independently tend to be the most flexible.
- Timing and seasonality: Spring and fall are popular fundraising seasons for nonprofits, but winter and holiday fundraisers can be especially effective for gift-focused products. Timing should align with donor attention and organizational needs.
Incentives and recognition: Nonprofit fundraisers perform best when recognition is mission-focused rather than prize-heavy. Public thank-yous, impact updates, or tying fundraising goals to specific programs often motivate supporters more effectively than individual rewards.
Taken together, these considerations provide a clear framework for evaluating nonprofit fundraisers. The options below align with these priorities and are designed to deliver strong results with minimal administrative strain.
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Online Food or Item Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits
Online and hybrid fundraisers are a strong fit for nonprofits because they allow supporters to contribute regardless of location. These programs work well for email campaigns, social media outreach, and peer-to-peer sharing without requiring in-person events.
Top features
- One Brochure, Four Categories Sellers pitch one product with twenty options — no juggling multiple campaigns.
- No Upfront Costs: Start your fundraiser with $0 down.
- Free Shipping (50+ Units): Fast, organized delivery to your school or group.
- Online & Paper Ordering: Each seller gets a personal online store, plus free printable catalogs and order forms.
- Easy Distribution: All orders ship together for simple handouts without sorting hassles.
- Made in the USA: Locally sourced, all-natural ingredients with no artificial flavors or colors.
- Shelf-Stable & Popular: 20 gourmet flavors that stay fresh and sell fast.
If your group loved the Pop Daddy Pretzel and Pop Daddy Popcorn fundraisers, the new Pop Daddy Mega Brochure turns it up a notch.
One six-panel brochure, twenty crave-worthy snacks, and four full categories: hand-seasoned pretzels, small-batch popcorn, and the brand-new line of kettle-cooked chips and baked puffs.
Top features
- Gourmet and traditional flavors, including Buttery Caramel, Cheddar Jalapeño, and Movie Theater Butter
- 30–50% profit margins depending on group size
- No upfront cost to start
- Free shipping and fast delivery
- Both online and catalog sales options available
Popcorn fundraisers work well for nonprofits because the product is familiar, giftable, and easy to promote to a wide audience. Supporters often purchase multiple tins for family, offices, or events, which increases average order size. Many nonprofits use popcorn fundraisers to support general operating funds or specific program initiatives without running a time-intensive event.
Top features:
- Classic and gourmet flavors, including Chocolate Chunk, Oatmeal Raisin, Snickerdoodle, and White Chocolate Macadamia
- 30–50% profit margins depending on group size and total sales
- No upfront cost to start. Your school only pays after collecting orders
- Free shipping and fast delivery on qualifying orders
- Both online and catalog sales options available, perfect for mixing digital outreach with in-school sales
Cookie dough fundraisers are a reliable option for nonprofits with strong community or volunteer engagement. Supporters are comfortable purchasing food products, and many buy multiple items at once. This fundraiser works well for organizations funding specific projects, since it can be launched quickly and promoted through existing email lists and social channels.
Top features
- 40% profit margin on every sale: your school keeps $6.40 per two-pair pack
- No upfront cost to start fundraising
- Free shipping and fast delivery in about 10 business days
- Online and catalog options for local and remote supporters
- Custom and bulk orders available, perfect for spirit wear drives and merch tables
Sock fundraisers are a strong non-food option for nonprofits that want a practical, year-round product. Supporters appreciate receiving something useful while contributing to a cause. This fundraiser works especially well for organizations that want a quick campaign with predictable profits and minimal logistics.
Top features:
- Gourmet candies, chocolates, and sweet or savory snacks starting at $10
- Earn 40% profit on every sale, no matter your group size
- No upfront costs, start fundraising risk-free
- Free sorting per participant and easy, temperature-controlled delivery (Oct–May)
- Available online and via paper catalogs for flexible, hybrid fundraising
This fundraiser works well for nonprofits because it offers higher-value, gift-ready products that appeal to adult donors.
Many organizations use Gourmet Goodness when fundraising for specific programs or campaigns, since supporters are more likely to justify purchasing premium items when they know exactly what their purchase supports. It is especially effective for nonprofits with donor lists that include professionals, teachers, and community leaders.
Top features:
- Gourmet pretzel flavors like Dill Pickle, Garlic Parmesan, and Beer Cheese
- Earn 40% profit on every $12 bag sold
- No upfront costs and no minimum order required
- Free shipping and fast, organized delivery directly to your group
- Run your fundraiser online or with printed catalogs, every seller gets a personal digital store
Pretzel fundraisers are a strong option for nonprofits that want a simple, fast-moving product with broad appeal.
Pretzels are easy to promote through email and social media and tend to generate repeat purchases. Many nonprofits use this fundraiser for shorter campaigns or to fill funding gaps between larger events.
Top features:
- Wide variety of seasonal products, from Yankee Candles to gourmet chocolates and home décor gifts
- 40–50% profit margins based on total sales
- No upfront cost to start, perfect for student-led fundraisers on a budget
- Free shipping and inside delivery for easy distribution at school
- Online and catalog sales options for flexible participation and wider reach
Happy Spring fundraisers are a good fit for nonprofits looking to engage supporters during peak giving seasons.
The broad product selection allows donors to find something that fits their budget while still supporting the mission. Organizations often use this fundraiser to support spring programming, outreach initiatives, or annual operating costs.
Top features:
- Over 150 festive products, including candles, chocolates, wrapping paper, and holiday décor
- 40–50% profit margins on total catalog sales (40% online)
- No upfront cost to start, perfect for PTAs, boosters, and class fundraisers
- Free shipping on orders over $2,500 for easy bulk delivery to schools
- Online and catalog options to reach local families and faraway relatives
Holiday fundraisers are especially effective for nonprofits because supporters are already in a buying mindset.
Many organizations use Christmas and gift wrap fundraisers to raise unrestricted funds or build reserves for the upcoming year. The gift-focused nature of this program often leads to higher average order values.
Catalog Food or Item Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits
Catalog fundraisers remain a strong option for nonprofits that want structured selling, predictable pricing, and easy distribution. These programs work well for organizations with in-person volunteers, community events, or supporters who prefer traditional ordering methods.
Top features:
- $10 snack favorites like chocolates, nuts, and pretzels that appeal to all ages
- Earn 40–50% profit depending on total units sold
- No upfront costs. Start your fundraiser completely risk-free
- Free shipping on orders of 50 units or more
- Catalog-only fundraiser with free brochures, envelopes, and parent letters for every participant
Snackin’ in the USA is a dependable option for nonprofits that want a classic, easy-to-explain fundraiser. The $10 price point lowers the barrier for supporters, while bulk purchasing helps increase total sales. This fundraiser works well for organizations with community-facing volunteers or regular meetings.
Top features:
- Premium coffee blends made with 100% Arabica beans from Boston’s Best Coffee Roasters
- Earn 40% profit on every sale, no minimum order required
- No upfront costs and free materials to get started
- Free shipping on qualified orders, with all products shipped directly to your organization
- Catalog-only fundraiser featuring 15 crowd-pleasing flavors in bag and single-serve formats
Coffee fundraisers perform well for nonprofits with adult donor bases. Supporters often purchase multiple bags or boxes, which increases per-order totals. Many nonprofits use coffee fundraisers to target workplace donors, board members, and professional networks.
Top features:
- Hand-poured candles made in the USA with premium fragrance blends
- Earn 40% profit on every candle sold, no upfront costs required
- Free shipping on orders of 150 units or more
- Long 75-hour burn time and beautiful gift-ready packaging
- Catalog-only fundraiser that works year-round for schools, teams, and nonprofits
Heritage Candle fundraisers are ideal for nonprofits that want a non-food, giftable product that works year-round. Candles appeal to a wide range of supporters and are easy to position as thank-you gifts or seasonal purchases. This fundraiser is commonly used for fall campaigns or donor appreciation initiatives.
Top features:
- Earn 40% profit on every $20 candle sold
- No upfront costs and free shipping on orders of 150+ units
- Six festive holiday scents in 12 oz. gift-ready jars
- Simple one-page flyer, perfect for quick, seasonal campaigns
- Hand-poured in the USA with premium fragrance oils and 75-hour burn time
This holiday candle fundraiser is a strong option for nonprofits running short, seasonal campaigns. The limited product selection makes it easy for volunteers and supporters to explain, while the holiday timing drives gift purchases. Many organizations use this fundraiser to close out the year with a focused revenue push.
Creative, DIY Nonprofit Fundraising ideas
DIY fundraisers can be a good supplement to product fundraisers, especially when nonprofits want to build community engagement or raise awareness alongside revenue. These ideas work best when goals are clearly defined and volunteer capacity is realistic, for example, if you are organizing an animal shelter fundraiser.
13. Peer-to-Peer Birthday Fundraisers
Encourage supporters to dedicate their birthday to your nonprofit using social media fundraising tools. This works best when you provide sample language and a clear impact message.
14. Community Donation Drive
Run a focused donation drive tied to a specific need, such as school supplies, hygiene kits, or food pantry items. Pair the drive with a small monetary ask to cover distribution costs.
15. “Round Up” Giving Campaign
Ask supporters to round up purchases or donations to the nearest dollar amount. This works especially well when integrated into existing events or online checkout flows.
16. Story-Based Giving Week
Share one impact story per day for a week and invite supporters to give in response. Keep each story tied to a specific dollar amount so donors understand the impact.
17. Social Media Challenge
Create a simple challenge supporters can participate in and share online, such as a fitness goal or creative prompt. Keep the barrier low and provide clear instructions for donating.
18. Used Item Collection and Resale
Collect gently used books, clothing, or household items and sell them at a community sale. This works best when items align closely with your audience.
19. Text-to-Give Campaign
Run a short, time-bound text-to-give campaign promoted through email and social channels. This is most effective when paired with a matching donation or deadline.
20. Email Matching Gift Push
Focus a campaign around employer matching gifts and provide step-by-step instructions. Many donors are unaware their gift can be doubled.
21. “Sponsor a Need” Campaign
Break your funding goal into specific, tangible needs such as sponsoring a class, meal, or service hour. Clear pricing increases conversion.
22. Community Yard Sale
Host a yard or garage sale using donated items from supporters. Promote it locally and keep pricing simple to maximize volume.
23. DIY Craft or Workshop Night
Host a low-cost craft, cooking, or skills workshop led by a volunteer. Charge a flat entry fee and cap attendance to reduce planning complexity.
24. Pay-What-You-Can Event
Offer a workshop, talk, or screening with a pay-what-you-can model. This encourages participation while still generating revenue.
25. Digital Auction
Run a short online auction featuring donated items or experiences. Limit the number of items to reduce admin work and keep bidding competitive.
26. Gratitude Campaign
Ask supporters to give in honor of someone they’re grateful for and share anonymized messages publicly. This works well around holidays or year-end.
27. Community Give-Back Day
Partner with a local business to donate a percentage of sales on a specific day. Clear promotion and a tight time window are key.
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Nonprofit Event Fundraising ideas
Event-based fundraisers work best for nonprofits when they are clearly scoped, tied to the mission, and designed around realistic staffing and attendance. These ideas focus on predictable revenue, clear pricing, and manageable logistics.
28. Ticketed Community Dinner
Host a simple dinner with a fixed ticket price and limited menu. This works best when paired with a short program explaining how funds will be used.
29. Walk, Run, or Ride Fundraiser
Organize a walk, run, or bike event with peer-to-peer fundraising pages. Keep routes simple and focus promotion on participation rather than competition.
30. Trivia Night Fundraiser
Run a ticketed trivia night at a local venue or community space. Sell team tables instead of individual tickets to increase revenue.
31. Benefit Concert or Open Mic
Partner with local musicians or performers and charge admission. Keeping the lineup short helps control costs and volunteer burnout.
32. Community Fitness Class
Host a yoga, bootcamp, or movement class led by a volunteer instructor. Charge a flat registration fee and cap attendance to simplify logistics.
33. Silent Auction at an Existing Event
Add a small silent auction to an event you already host. Fewer, higher-value items usually outperform large auctions.
34. Educational Workshop or Panel
Offer a paid workshop aligned with your mission, such as financial literacy, health education, or advocacy training. Position it as value-first, not fundraising-first.
35. Movie or Documentary Screening
Host a screening followed by a short discussion or Q&A. Charge admission and include a donation option at checkout.
36. Gala Lite or Cocktail Hour
Skip the full gala and host a shorter cocktail-style event with a ticket price. This format lowers costs while still feeling special.
37. Bingo or Game Night
Run a ticketed bingo or game night with small prizes. Keep rules simple and sessions short to maintain energy.
38. Community Festival Booth
Sell food, merchandise, or raffle tickets at a local festival. This works best when volunteers rotate in short shifts.
39. Raffle with Experience Prizes
Focus raffles on experiences rather than physical items, such as lessons, tours, or local getaways. Experience prizes often sell more tickets.
40. Fundraising Luncheon
Host a midday event with a modest ticket price and a short mission-focused program. Luncheons work well for professional donor audiences.
41. Holiday or Seasonal Pop-Up Event
Run a short pop-up tied to a season or holiday. Clear start and end times help create urgency and manage staffing.
42. Community Sports Tournament
Organize a small tournament like pickleball, cornhole, or dodgeball. Charge team entry fees and sell concessions for add-on revenue.
Quick and Easy Fundraising ideas
These easy fundraising ideas are best for nonprofits that need to raise money quickly without heavy planning, upfront costs, or large volunteer teams. Most can be launched in days, not weeks, and work well alongside product or event fundraisers.
43. Email Appeal with a Clear Dollar Goal
Send a single, focused email asking supporters to help reach a specific dollar amount by a clear deadline. This works best when tied to one concrete need or program.
44. Social Media Donation Day
Pick one day and promote giving across all social channels. Repeating the ask multiple times in a short window increases visibility without overwhelming supporters.
45. One-Week Online Giving Campaign
Run a short online campaign with daily reminders and progress updates. Keeping the window tight helps maintain urgency.
46. Matching Gift Flash Drive
Secure a matching donor and promote the match heavily for 24–72 hours. Even small matches significantly increase conversion rates.
47. Text-to-Give Push
Promote a simple text-to-give option during events, services, or meetings. This works especially well when the ask is made live.
48. Donation Jar or QR Code Campaign
Place donation jars or QR codes at partner businesses or events. Clear signage explaining the impact helps drive participation.
49. Monthly Giving Sign-Up Push
Run a short campaign focused on recurring donations rather than one-time gifts. Even small monthly commitments add up quickly.
50. Board or Staff Giving Challenge
Ask board members or staff to make the first gift and challenge supporters to match participation. Social proof helps increase response rates.
51. Employer Matching Reminder Campaign
Send a short reminder explaining how to check for employer matching gifts. Many donors do not realize this option exists.
52. Round-Up at Checkout
Invite supporters to round up their donation or purchase to the nearest dollar. This works well for online forms and event checkouts.
53. “Sponsor a Day” Campaign
Ask donors to sponsor a specific day, service, or activity at a set dollar amount. This makes the ask tangible and easy to understand.
54. Thank-You Follow-Up Ask
Send a follow-up message to recent donors thanking them and inviting a small additional gift. Gratitude-first messaging performs best.
55. Volunteer-to-Donor Conversion Email
Invite volunteers to make a small financial contribution tied to the impact of their time. Keep the ask modest and specific.
56. End-of-Month Giving Reminder
Send a short reminder near month-end highlighting unmet goals. This is especially effective for nonprofits with recurring reporting cycles.
57. Donation Challenge Countdown
Use a visible countdown tracker on your website or social channels. Progress indicators often encourage last-minute giving.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nonprofit Fundraisers
Nonprofits often balance limited staff time, volunteer capacity, and donor expectations when planning fundraisers. These are the most common questions organizations ask when deciding which fundraising approach will work best.
The best items to sell are products that appeal to a broad audience and feel useful or giftable, such as popcorn, snacks, coffee, candles, cookie dough, and pretzels. These products tend to generate repeat purchases and higher average order values, especially among adult donors. Fundraisers with 40–50% profit margins are typically the most efficient for nonprofits with limited time and volunteers.
For nonprofits, recognition and impact-based incentives usually outperform traditional prizes. Thank-you messages, public recognition, impact updates, or showing how funds directly support a specific program often motivate donors more effectively than physical rewards. When incentives are used, experience-based or mission-aligned recognition tends to resonate best.
Spring and fall are strong fundraising seasons because supporters are generally more engaged and less distracted by holidays. That said, holiday and year-end fundraisers can be especially effective for gift-based products and donor-driven campaigns. The best time to start is typically 4–6 weeks before funds are needed, allowing enough time for promotion and order fulfillment.
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Joe Wolpin, Fundraising Expert
Joseph Wolpin has spent his career running fundraising programs for schools and youth groups, helping thousands of organizations raise the money they needed. He owns Tracy Hamilton Inc., the family business behind FundraisingZone.com and SchoolHolidayShop.com, founded in 1965. He works directly with fundraising chairs, PTA leaders, and school administrators across the country.