Firefighters put their lives on the line daily, safeguarding communities. Many fire departments face financial constraints, hindering their ability. Fundraising events bridge this gap, providing essential funds for equipment, training, and resources.
This article explores 15 innovative and engaging fundraiser ideas tailored for nonprofit fire departments in 2024. From classic favorites to modern twists, these ideas offer something for every audience, ensuring a successful fundraising drive.
Our Favorite Nonprofit Fire Department Fundraising Ideas
- Online Raffle
- 50/50 Raffle
- Car Wash Event
- Firefighting Training Camp
- Silent Auction
- Pancake Breakfast or BBQ
- Customized Calendars
- Pizza Party at the Firehouse
- Movie Night
- Community Solidarity 5K Walk
- Sponsor-a-Firefighter Program
- Friendly Soccer Match
- Matching Gift Drive
- Adopt-a-Hydrant Campaign
- Firefighter Trivia Night
Classic Fundraising Ideas for the Fire Department
1. Online Raffle
Organize an online raffle to encourage donations to support the firefighting department and its heroic efforts. Raffles are great because they don’t require much cash or a grand event.
Reduce the expenses of holding the event with a successful virtual raffle. All it takes is selling tickets and promoting the raffle online. You can set the raffle ticket price based on the value of the prize.
Ensure you highlight to show gratitude after the raffle and mention how their contribution will help the firefighting department and the safety of the community.
Here’s our complete guide on hosting an online raffle →
2. 50/50 Raffle
A 50/50 raffle is an engaging way to raise funds for the local fire department. Supporters buy tickets and add their money to the pot. Half the donations go to the firefighters, and the other half to the lucky raffle winner.
Firefighters can interact with participants and share stories about how the funds will support their efforts.
Hosting a 50/50 raffle online is much easier with Zeffy. It automatically generates customizable tickets, streamlining the fundraising process.
3. Car Wash Event
Organize a car wash for a fundraiser where local heroes can offer car washing services. Their presence at the event and seeing them volunteering their time will attract more people and add credibility.
Firefighters can wear their gear while washing cars, adding a unique touch that attracts more participants. Find a suitable location and feasible event date for most people. Gather supplies, recruit volunteers, and promote the car wash with emails, flyers, and social media channels.
Encourage your community, including the local fire department, to spread the word about the event. Give clear details and share the cause with passion to inspire people to contribute.
If there is no direct car wash service fee, consider offering free car wash service at the stations and asking them to donate to the fire department.
4. Firefighting Training Camp
Many people dream of becoming firefighters, inspired by their bravery and dedication. Turn this aspiration into reality by organizing a unique training camp fundraiser. Involve firefighters to create an immersive experience that offers participants a glimpse into the profession.
To incentivize participation, consider offering prizes for those who complete the training challenges. This friendly competition will encourage more people to join in and support your cause.
Boost your fundraising by selling tickets, merchandise, and fire safety tools or gear during the event.
5. Silent Auction
Silent auctions are among the most popular and tested firefighter fundraiser ideas for nonprofits. Gather a team of staff and volunteers to organize a silent auction.
Have a varied list of auction items to capture the interest of your donor base. Include fun segments to attract more participants. For example, winners get to spend a day with the firefighters, including a ride-along in a fire truck and a fire station tour.
Selecting the right fundraiser tools can simplify the auction process for nonprofits.
Event-Based Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits
6. Pancake Breakfast or BBQ
Pancake breakfasts or BBQs are an affordable way to engage the community while raising funds. These events work best when hosted at a local restaurant. Many food business owners will be willing to support the cause and sponsor your event.
Set up and organize the event at the fire station if you can’t find a suitable place. Nonprofits can include more details on house fire safety and best practices when holding events at home. Have your team participate by preparing pancakes or BBQ dishes to engage the community.
Consider offering different ticket tiers with varying benefits, such as VIP access or exclusive merchandise like smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, t-shirts, backpacks, etc.
7. Customized Calendars
One of the best fire department fundraisers is selling customized calendars. Take photos of firefighters and create a calendar using these images.
All calendar types, from wall to desk calendars, have huge demand and are easy to sell. Use social media to sell calendars and raise funds.
8. Pizza Party at the Firehouse
Plan a pizza party at the fire station that is easy to host and caters to every generation. Here is how to host an enjoyable pizza party:
- Share behind-the-scene videos to give a glimpse into the life of a firefighter.
- Firefighters can meet and talk to community members.
- Set up food and beverage corners to enjoy some fresh pizza.
Pro Tip: Alongside a pizza party, nonprofits can host raffle baskets and a silent auction to add another funding stream.
9. Movie Night
A movie night fundraiser is a fantastic way to unite supporters in a fun and family-friendly setting. To create buzz and engage your audience, start by asking supporters to vote on their preferred movie through a social media poll.
Consider various formats to suit your location and audience when setting up the event. For example, if you have access to an open area, organize a classic drive-in movie experience that allows supporters to enjoy the film from the comfort of their vehicles.
Reach out to local fire department organizations, businesses, or churches to explore potential partnerships and secure their support for your cause. Be sure to obtain the proper licensing to screen the movie, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
By offering an enjoyable and nostalgic experience, a movie night fundraiser can effectively raise funds while strengthening the bond between your organization and the community.
Community Engagement Fundraising Ideas
10. Community Solidarity 5K Walk
Plan a 5k run or walk for the fire department fundraising and charge participants an admission fee to join the event.
To make it more engaging, use themes related to firefighting, community safety, or local heroes. Collaborate with the local community, schools, and other groups to increase participation.
Choose a safe and scenic route suitable for different age groups and donor bases. Check the safety and legal regulations and permits for the 5k walk compliance.
Sell t-shirts before the walk so people can wear them during the event to raise more funds. Approach local businesses to sponsor the event and supply the essentials, such as snacking options, water, and other items.
11. Sponsor-a-Firefighter Program
The sponsor-a-firefighter program can help local heroes get the latest and safest equipment and raise awareness about the sacrifices firefighters make to protect and serve people.
Define funds needed for the firefighters and what they will be used for. This transparency helps donors understand the impact of their contributions.
This is one of the popular fire department fundraisers where sharing personal stories and experiences of firefighters is a good idea. This helps build a connection with the firefighter and encourages community members to contribute.
Recognize the supporters by giving them a plaque at the firehouse. To show gratitude to the contributors, including a thank-you note in newsletters and social media callouts.
12. Friendly Soccer Match
Organize a friendly game to entertain and engage supporters as it brings the community together.
Set up an online campaign for this one-of-a-kind fire department fundraiser. Local high schools or colleges have soccer stadiums where you can hold the event for less or no money.
Selling fire-department or team-themed merchandise is a great way to increase donations. Plan for halftime activities to entertain the supporters, collaborating with local bands, dance groups, or a skills competition.
The possibilities for raising funds are endless in such events, but a successful fundraising campaign requires strategic planning and volunteer support.
Cost-Saving Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits
13. Matching Gift Drive
Matching gift drives are a cost-effective way to maximize the impact of your fundraising efforts. Studies reveal nonprofits receive $2 – $3 billion in donations yearly from matching gift programs.
Many businesses offer matching gift programs as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which fire department nonprofits can leverage to increase donations.
By partnering with different companies, you can encourage employees to contribute to your cause, knowing that their donations will be matched by their employer. This approach can double or even triple the value of each contribution, making it an attractive option for donors.
By tapping into the power of corporate matching gift programs, fire department nonprofits can significantly boost their fundraising efforts without incurring substantial costs.
14. Adopt-a-Hydrant Campaign
Asking for hydrants is a great way to give the community a direct purpose. Community members or local businesses can fund the maintenance of a fire hydrant.
You require successful campaigning for the program and passionate volunteers to take your efforts forward. Volunteers come forward for such campaigns and physical maintenance, which reduces the need for paid labor.
Focus on an awareness campaign on why fire hydrant maintenance and safety are important. This will lead to broader support for the fire department’s mission.
15. Firefighter Trivia Night
Pairing a trivia night with International Firefighters Day (May 4) is a great way to create awareness and ask for donations. Run an online campaign for the trivia nights and form teams to participate.
The categories are often related to firefighting and fire safety, but you can cover pop culture and other topics to engage the supporters.
Holding the event helps inform the public about the dangers of unattended fires and how to prevent them. Include an online session on teaching survival methods that can save lives in the event of a fire.
Online fundraising doesn’t require vast upfront costs. Even in-person fundraisers can be hosted at the fire station to reduce expenses. Ensure you consider all the logistics around safety and permits to avoid any issues.
Case study: How Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department raised over $6,400 using Zeffy
The Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department leveraged Zeffy's free fundraising software for their 2023 Annual Golf Tournament, achieving remarkable success. They offered diverse participation options, including foursome registrations, individual golfer entries, and sponsorships.
Using Zeffy, the department raised over $6,400 and saved $320 in fees. This case demonstrates how volunteer fire departments can effectively combine traditional events with modern, cost-free tools.
Final Thoughts on Fire Department Fundraisers
By implementing creative and engaging fundraising ideas, organizations can raise essential funds, increase public awareness, and foster stronger connections between firefighters and the people they serve.
When planning your fundraiser, consider a mix of classic favorites and innovative approaches to capture the interest of diverse audiences. From raffles and car washes to training camps and community walks, there are countless opportunities to generate much-needed resources.
Choosing the right platforms can help streamline your fundraising process and reach a wider audience. Zeffy, a 100% free fundraising platform, offers a range of features designed to simplify event management, ticket sales, and donation collection, ensuring 100% of the funds raised go directly to your cause.
Fire Department Fundraising Event FAQs
