Cancer Fundraising Ideas

Cancer has impacted nearly everybody’s life, either directly or because of a loved one, co-worker, friend or family member. So it’s no surprise that there are thousands of Cancer Awareness and Support groups out there trying to find a cure and fundraising for their cause. How do you make your next fundraiser stand out amid the crowd?

The first and often the most difficult decision is deciding what type of fundraiser to do. Most of us have heard of Relay for Life events, but in West Morris, NJ, they held a Bark for Life fundraiser in which the runners and walkers brought along their favorite pooch to keep them company along the way, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. In Chandler, AZ, photographer Floyd Alvin Galloway combined an exhibition of his photographs with another, more recently developed interest, prostate-cancer research. A reception in conjunction with the exhibit “My Black I: A Photographic Life Experience” was a fundraiser for Zero — The Project to End Prostate Cancer. Fundraisers by other Cancer Awareness & Support Groups include restaurant nights, product sales, disco nights, sports events, daffodil days, head shaving, pajama days, and penny drives.

Check out our complete list of fundraising products and do-it-yourself fundraising ideas for your next cancer fundraiser.

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Do-It-Yourself Cancer Fundraiser

You can also choose from a wide variety of Cancer Awareness and Support DIY fundraising ideas to supplement your program. How about a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, I Dare You, Cuffing Contest, Favorite Photos Contest or thons of every type? Perhaps one of these successful and creative ideas can be adapted for your Cancer Awareness fundraiser.

Don’t Come Event – A don’t come fundraising event is a clever way of asking for donations in a novel and humorous manner. This event will never actually happen — other than on paper. You send invitations to supporters – and potential supporters – for a spectacular event with scrumptious food, exciting entertainment, and a glamorous guest of honor. The sky’s the limit since the event won’t actually occur. Let your imagination run wild! Read more…

Hair Shaving or Growing -When my brother was diagnosed with leukemia, I put together a head-shaving fundraiser. I asked several of his friends to volunteer, and the response was so great that we cut off the number of to-be-head-shavers at 13. We took pictures of each volunteer and made posters which we placed in local businesses and asked people to vote on who they thought would be the “Best Baldie”.  Read more…

Blind Auction – A blind auction is mostly about fun but can be a great fundraiser for your group as well. It works best in conjunction with an ongoing event such as a luncheon or dinner meeting. Here’s how it works. Get as many people as you can that will be attending the event to bring a wrapped package. Read more…