Engaging community fundraising ideas

When we come together as a community, we have the power to move mountains. When you raise money for St. Jude, you help us provide critical treatment and care for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases around the world.

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How community fundraising makes a difference

Bringing groups of people together to support a cause, like St. Jude, can help meet a need faster than pursuing solo ventures. Community fundraisers help to spread awareness further into the world and foster a sense of belonging, compassion and unity.

Top 4 community fundraising ideas

Take a look at our top 4 fundraising ideas to raise money for St. Jude within your community.

1. Themed dinners

Are you a seasoned chef or a practiced party planner? You may be interested in hosting a themed dinner party fundraising event. Combining your own personal passions with fundraising efforts is a great way to make a difference and have fun doing it. Attendees would simply donate to partake in the themed evening. Consider taking it a step further by combining the dinner with games or dinner theatre, and reward small prizes to raise additional funds.

2. Auctions

Rally your community for a live, silent or online auction benefitting St. Jude. For these options, you can reach out to local businesses and retailers to see who might be interested in donating items or experiences toward the cause. Attendees can donate to take part in the event and place bids on auction items. You might also consider combining auction events with a dinner or concert to maximize efforts.

3. Concerts and festivals

Calling all music lovers! Bring together local talent for a night of music and fun for the kids of St. Jude. You can reach out to bands or musical performers in your area to ask if they are interested in donating their time and talents. Concert-goers can make a donation to attend. Consider selling concessions for additional donations during your event.

4. Community lessons or workshops

If you have a special skill or talent, consider hosting a fundraising workshop where members of your community can donate to come and learn about your special skill. Can you juggle? Are you a painter? Do you love to dance? This option could be perfect for you. You might even consider hosting the workshop virtually on platforms like Facebook or Twitch.

Need more information about fundraising?

Check out our fundraising guide for additional resources to help get you started on your fundraising journey.

See Our Fundraising Guide

When you fundraise, you support kids like Aria

In early 2024, at 2 years old, Aria developed a rash. She also had so much bruising that her mom took her to the pediatrician to check for anemia. Bloodwork led to a shocking diagnosis the same day: acute myeloid leukemia.

She was referred to St. Jude right away. “We were really nervous when we learned we had to move six-and-a-half hours from our home with no job, no income,” said her mom. But they soon found out “how much St. Jude supports the families. Anything we needed here, they made sure we got.” Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

At St. Jude, Aria began receiving chemotherapy and quickly achieved remission. She has now returned home to Oklahoma.

Make a difference for the children of St. Jude today

Because of your support, we can provide children with cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families. Unlike other hospitals, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors. Join us and be part of our mission to save more lives.

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Engaging community fundraising ideas

How community fundraising makes a difference