10+ Proven Fundraising Ideas for Starting a Family

10+ Proven Fundraising Ideas for Starting a Family
Raise money for adoption.
Raise money for IVF.
Raise money for medical expenses.
Raise money with crowdfunding.

The Most Effective Fundraising Idea

Matching Gifts

The Most Convenient Fundraising Idea for Starting a Family


  • What are matching gifts?

    Matching gifts are a fundraising strategy wherein some donors may be able to get their employer to match their contributions, effectively doubling or even tripling donations. Be conscious that while this is a highly convenient fundraising method, some corporations have requirements about what types of causes they will match gifts for.

  • Why is it great?

    Matching gifts allow you to raise funds for your family without asking others to break the bank themselves. All matched donations come from businesses, saving your supporters money.

  • How can I begin?

    Educate your supporters about matching gifts. Explain what matching gifts are, how they can look up their employer’s information in a matching gift database, and how to submit a matching gift application.




Crowdfunding

The Best Fundraising Idea for Starting a Family


  • What is crowdfunding?

    Crowdfunding is a fundraising method that helps individuals raise money for any cause through an online donation page. You can tell your story and share your fundraiser with friends and family, all conveniently online.

  • Why is it great?

    Crowdfunding is a top fundraising option for starting a family because it is cost-effective and easy to get started. Plus, you can use the platform to truly tell your story of who you are, why you want to start a family, and why you need the financial help.

  • How can I begin?

    First, you’ll want to pick a crowdfunding platform. Look for one that will allow you to create a true narrative around your desire for starting a family. Then, to begin your campaign, you simply set a fundraising goal, create your crowdfunding page, and promote your campaign. It’s that easy.

Use our most popular fundraising idea to raise money right now.

Other Great Fundraising Ideas

Recipe Book Sales



Selling recipe books is a great fundraising idea because it’s affordable to set up and lets you to ask for donations in exchange for a provided product. Include a page within the book to tell the story of your fundraising need for starting a family.

Put together a cook book with the best recipes that you and your friends have. Then, sell the book! 

Depending on your budget, you can either have the book professionally bound or you can do a digital version of the book for free online. Recipe quality trumps book appearance!


Car Wash



If its spring, summer, or even early fall and you’re looking to host a classic fundraiser, a car wash might be just what you need. It’s a simple way to raise some money to cover the costs of starting a family.

As most people know, to host a car wash you’ll gather the supplies, set up shop in a high-traffic parking lot, and offer car washes to passersby.

To fundraise, you can either ask for donations for your handy-work or you can charge a small fee per wash. Either way, make sure you’re early to set up and put promotional flyers around the community.


Dog Walking



Dog walking fundraisers are very simple. Find a few local folks who need the pups exercised and make arrangements to be their dog walker. Of course, if you’re pregnant, you’ll want to be careful not to jeopardize your health in any way.

Put together a flyer or even website with your info, experience, and a short write-up explaining that this is your fundraising idea for starting a family. Tell your story in a concise way!

To make money, you can either set a fee or just ask for donations. Who knows, you might even meet someone who will be willing to help out with babysitting your future child!


Charity Auctions



Charity auctions bring out everyone’s competitive spirits for a night of bidding wars and excitement. You’ll likely need to partner with a bigger organization, like a charity designed to help families cover medical costs, in order to host one.

For your auction to be a smash hit, you’ll want to secure a bunch of sought after items and auction packages. Then, you can run a silent or live auction to start raising money.

The best charity auctions have a live and a silent portion, allowing your organization to capitalize on the fundraising opportunity. To see a great turnout, pair your auction with another event.


Yard Sale



Yard sales are an easy way to raise funds and de-clutter your home in one fell swoop. As long as you have a good mix of high- and low-value items, you’ll be all set. Plus, you can clean out some to make room for your family’s new addition.

Pick a date, promote around town, and get organized. Strong advertising, solid items, and reasonable pricing will be your keys to success.

Yard sales are especially lucrative for individuals and organizations who have donors who are based locally, so select accordingly with this fundraising idea. You can always sell items online via eBay or Craigslist to supplement.


Cook-Off Fundraiser



Are you a talent in the kitchen? Do you have a lot of friends and supporters who love to cook? A cook-off fundraiser might just be your ticket to success. Plus, you can hone your family-cooking skills during the experience.

Have participants enter their culinary creations into a contest, judged by event attendees. To vote, ask attendees to deposit a donation in their favorite food’s donation box.

At the end of the competition, tally everyone’s donation collections and the chef with the most money wins. To maximize participation, be sure to promote, promote, promote, and share the story of your family in the promotions.


Penny Drive



Penny drives are the perfect low-stakes fundraiser. There are many variations on penny drives from “make-a-snake” to “penny wars.” But they’re all rooted in the same principle: small donations can add up to a very large sum.

Get started by setting up a collection jar in a high-traffic area, put a sign explaining your cause next to the jar, and collect donations from people who walk by.

It’s really that simple! You’d be surprised how much you can make with such a simple set up. Pennies add up! When people hear about your desire to start a family and why you need the money, they’ll be thrilled to know they can help for such a small financial sacrifice.


Envelope Fundraiser



Envelope fundraisers aren’t that well known, but they’re quite easy to plan and execute well. To prep, you’ll need envelopes and a bulletin board in a prominent location. This works best on neighborhood or school bulletins.

Put your envelopes on the bulletin board and assign each a dollar value. Then, interested donors walk by and put cash that matches the dollar value in the envelope. 

The overhead costs are practically non-existent, and it’s a low-stress fundraiser. Just be strategic about the number of envelopes you put out and the dollar amounts you assign them and make sure to post a flyer about the fundraiser and your future family!


Matching Gifts



Matching gifts are an easy fundraising option for nonprofits and qualified fundraising organizations. Through gift matching, nonprofits can readily double a donors’ gift. Like with charity auctions, you’ll want to look to receive help from a nonprofit.

When an employee of a company with a corporate gift matching program donates to your nonprofit, you might be eligible for a matched gift from that company. 

The programs are meant to help companies support the charitable interests of their employees while giving back, and they’re great programs for nonprofits to capitalize on. See if they can help you start your family, too!


Want to learn more about corporate giving programs?

Top Resources to Help You Fundraise

117+ Fundraising Ideas for all Causes


This comprehensive resource contains over 200 fundraising ideas.

Still looking for more fundraising ideas and inspiration? Good thing we’ve compiled a diverse list of over 100 fundraising ideas to help you! You’ll select a fundraiser in no time!


Crowdfunding: The Beginner’s Guide


This crowdfunding guide will help you plan your campaign if you choose crowdfunding as your fundraising idea.

Crowdfunding is one of our top fundraising ideas. If you’re interested in pursuing it but not sure where to start, this guide will give you all the necessary background.


Donation Requests: 45+ Companies That Donate


Check out what companies will fulfill your donation requests.

Have you requested donations from companies? There are many businesses in your community that might be open to donating. This guide shows you where to look!