Summer means one thing for nonprofits: people are ready to get outside and get active. It’s the perfect time to launch a-thon fundraisers that tap into this energy while maximising your peer-to-peer fundraising potential. When participants rally their personal networks, you’re not just raising money—you’re expanding your reach and building lasting awareness for your cause.
Feeling inspired to add an a-thon to your summer strategy? The possibilities for these campaigns are endless, and we’re here to help you get creative.
Check out our list of a-thon fundraising ideas below.
5 Fun Summer A-Thon Fundraising Ideas
A hybrid run/walk/roll in the park
Encourage supporters to participate in a virtual run, walk, or roll at a park in their community.
Include an in-person element by setting up a walk on a set day at a popular park near your organisation. People can sign up, set a personal fundraising goal, and use social media to raise money and awareness on behalf of your cause.
Promote your anything-a-thon on social media, but distribute printed flyers and postcards with QR codes to reach even more community members who may want to participate.
A virtual swim-a-thon
A hybrid dog walk-a-thon
Kick things off with an in-person walk at a community park or nature reserve. Invite participants to gather pledges for each mile walked that day. Then, they can log miles walking their dogs virtually for the rest of the month.
Partner with local businesses, such as a pet shop or vet, to offer discounts or prizes, motivating more people to participate. Encourage walkers to share their progress using a unique hashtag, amplifying the impact and inspiring others to join.
Virtual beach-read-a-thon
Almost everyone hopes to spend time reading a good book by the pool or sea. Invite supporters to ask everyone in their social network to pledge for every page or hour read.
Set a time limit for your charity reading challenge and have readers post pictures of themselves engrossed in a novel while enjoying their favourite beach spot. Create a leaderboard of the top participants and award prizes for each category.
DIY challenge-a-thon
Tips for a Successful A-Thon Summer Fundraiser
- Give supporters a goal worth chasing. A specific, achievable fundraising target makes it easier for participants to track progress and stay inspired.
- Make it easy for people to participate, gather pledges, and promote their progress using your fundraising platform. Supplying social media graphics and email templates as additional resources is also a good idea.
- Incentivise fundraising with fun rewards. Offer a dinner for two to the top team, or smaller prizes like custom merch (like branded T-shirts) or ice cream gift cards to keep participants engaged.
- Stay in touch. Simple reminders and a bit of encouragement can go a long way during a fundraiser.
- Follow up with a thank you. Let donors know their gift made a difference—it’s a small gesture that helps build lasting support.
So there you have it, five fun summer a-thon fundraising ideas! And, if you’re looking for a better way to manage your fundraiser, we’d love it if you gave Eventgroove a try. Our non-profit fundraising platform is a powerful tool to help you drive your efforts to new heights. Plus, our integrated printing services make ordering printed postcards, flyers, and invitations branded to your fundraiser easy.
0 Comments