Disaster Relief Fundraising Ideas

Natural (and unnatural) disasters can be absolutely devastating to hundreds of thousands individuals and families. Even “small scale” disasters can decimate a local community or neighborhood. Usually the only silver-lining following these disasters is the outpouring of help from people, often total strangers, who spend their time and money on fundraising efforts for those affected. In recent years we’ve seen many such fundraising events for the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, the earthquake in Haiti, 9/11, the tsunami in Phuket and the Boston Marathon bombings, just to name a few.

One of the biggest decisions is often deciding what type of fundraiser to do. Executives with Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers said with certainty that their restaurant in tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo., would reopen. Though the restaurant took two years to rebuild, Freddy’s never really left Joplin as the company helped  with a fundraiser that contributed more than $17,000 for the Greater Ozarks America Red Cross. The fundraiser proceeds came from 48 Freddy’s locations in eight states where customers were given the option to contribute to the recovery effort in Joplin. Fundraisers by other disaster relief groups (Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, Red Cross) include thons, product sales, auctions, concerts, restaurant nights, skydiving, and wine tasting.

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

You can also choose from a wide variety of disaster relief DIY fundraising ideas to supplement your program. How about Pass the Can, Squeegee Day, Give a Buck, car washes, or thons of every type? Perhaps one of these successful and creative ideas can be adapted for your disaster relief fundraiser.

Charity Yard Sale – You know what they say…one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Yard sales (tag sales) are a great fundraiser by selling items that are already in your house. You can also ask friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to donate stuff (old furniture, appliances, kitchenware, clothes, coats, toys, books, etc.). Read more…

Drive for Dollars – This is an easy fundraising idea. All you have to do is get a large group of volunteers together and send them out into the community door to door. Their goal is to get every person to commit to at least one dollar. Read more…

Don’t Come Event – A don’t come fundraising event is a clever way of asking for donations in a novel and humorous manner. First things first! 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. Read more…