Fundraiser theme ideas

Why adding a theme to your fundraiser is beneficial

One of the first steps to a successful fundraiser is getting people to participate. Giving your fundraising event a theme helps spark interest and draws attention to your chosen cause. The more participants you have, the more likely you are to meet your fundraising goal. Picking out an entertaining fundraiser theme is a fun way to pique interest, encourage people to attend and potentially bring in more donations.

5 entertaining fundraising theme ideas

As you decide on a theme, be sure to consider the common interests of those you're inviting and that your theme is relevant to your cause. We’ve provided a list of five entertaining fundraising theme ideas to help you narrow down your search.

1. Popular cities or locations

Picking a city theme for your fundraising event can make for a fun time. Some popular city theme choices are New York, Las Vegas, Paris or London or you can choose locales such as Hollywood, the beach, backyard garden or circus. Go all out and embrace the ambiance of your chosen city with decorations, cuisine or activities, and create a night to remember for your guests.

2. Decades

Get nostalgic with a decade-themed party. You can celebrate the 1920s, 1960s, 70s, 80s or any time before or after. Use your chosen decade’s history, pop culture and music to build out specific elements of your event such as the dress code, activities and refreshments. Encourage your attendees to dress the part by offering a prize for the best outfit.

3. Movies

Basing the theme on a popular or classic movie is a great way to increase attendance and participation as people are likely to be familiar with it and connect with the event. You can host activities or games based on your chosen movie or encourage participants to dress up as their favorite characters. If you’re hosting a fundraiser for a specific audience — students or at your workplace — be sure to choose a movie that will appeal to them.

4. Seasons

Seasonal themes are a great way to embrace the coming of a new season and increase interest in your fundraiser. Pool parties, harvest festivals, winter galas and spring flings are just a few seasonal options, and you can also choose specific holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's. You can also mix-and-match the seasons like “Christmas in July” or a beachwear party in January.

5. Activities

Choose a sport or activity like game nights, video games or cooking for your event. Giving your audience a hands-on way to participate can truly create a fun atmosphere. The theme can be as broad or as niche as you want it to be. You might choose to include the activity itself in the day’s agenda, such as a community softball game or a video game tournament, or you might simply use the theme in your decoration or location choices.

Looking for more information on fundraising?

Our fundraising guide is full of helpful tips and ideas to help get you started.

See Our Fundraising Guide

Your help supports patients like Josie

Josie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 3, in 2021. The primary tumor was on her adrenal gland, but she had cancer from her jaw all the way to her shins and in her bone marrow by the time it was discovered. Within two days, she was referred to St. Jude.

Josie’s treatment included chemotherapy, surgery, proton therapy, two autologous stem cell transplants and antibody therapy. She finished treatment in December 2022, and remains cancer free.

Her mom credits St. Jude with making a bad situation not only bearable but positive. “St. Jude lets these kids still be kids while they’re fighting for their life. Their caregivers don’t have to think about anything but getting them better.”

Donate Now Read More Patient Stories

St. Jude patient Everly

Start fundraising for St. Jude and make a difference 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.

Start a Fundraiser Explore More Ways to Give

Entertaining fundraiser theme ideas

Why adding a theme to your fundraiser is beneficial