5 High-Impact Summer Fundraising Activities That Actually Work

Summer may bring slower inboxes and lighter event calendars, but that doesn’t mean your fundraising efforts need to stall. In fact, summer can be the perfect time to run creative, mission-driven fundraising activities that cut through the noise and strengthen donor engagement.

Here are five proven fundraising activities that deliver real results without requiring a gala-level budget or a 20-person team.

1. Run a Peer-to-Peer Challenge Campaign

Summer is ideal for movement-based or themed challenge campaigns that tap into people’s desire to get outside and be active.

Examples that work:

• "Walk 100 Miles for Housing" or "Bike for Books" campaigns

• Matching gifts unlocked by milestones (e.g., $5,000 raised = sponsor match)

• Leaderboards to gamify giving and sharing

Why it works: It builds community, leverages your supporters’ networks, and encourages repeat giving and engagement.

2. Launch a Summer Match Drive

Capitalize on the power of urgency and leverage a sponsor or major donor’s generosity to double (or even triple) your impact.

Keys to success:

• Keep the campaign short (1–2 weeks)

• Use bold, visual storytelling to show what each dollar supports

• Create daily progress updates to maintain momentum.

Why it works: Matching campaigns often outperform standard appeals and bring lapsed donors back into the fold.

3. Host a Micro-Event with a Fundraising Focus

While large-scale galas are off-season, smaller, donor-hosted gatherings can still raise significant funds and build valuable relationships.

Ideas:

• BBQ with a short mission pitch

• Rooftop mixer with a donation ask

• Summer wine tasting or farm-to-table dinner

Why it works: Small events feel personal, require minimal staff time, and are great for donor cultivation and stewardship.

4. Create a “Summer Impact Series” Giving Campaign

Frame a multi-week digital campaign around a specific program or seasonal need. Focus on storytelling with a single goal in mind.

Structure:

• Highlight one story or impact area per week

• Use consistent branding and CTAs across email, social, and your website

• Tie each donation ask to a clear outcome (e.g., $30 = one backpack of supplies)

Why it works: This campaign structure creates a narrative arc, drives return engagement, and gives donors a reason to keep coming back.

5. Run a Birthday or Milestone Fundraising Campaign

Encourage supporters to dedicate their birthdays, anniversaries, or personal milestones to your cause.

How to implement:

• Provide toolkits with messaging, graphics, and platform links (Facebook, Givebutter, etc.)

• Highlight one or two stories in your newsletter or social media

• Recognize fundraisers publicly to build momentum

Why it works: It personalizes the giving experience and empowers your community to become ambassadors while raising unrestricted funds.

Final Thought

Summer doesn’t have to be a fundraising dead zone. With the right strategies, you can turn the season into a powerful fundraising moment and set the stage for a strong fall. These five activities have proven effective for organizations of all sizes, and they can work for you too.

Need help designing and launching one of these campaigns? Hairpin Consulting can help you develop smart, effective fundraising strategies, regardless of the season.