FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Beach/Coastal Clean-up?

Discover essential resources for fundraising beach clean-ups, from grants and sponsorships to creative campaign ideas that engage your community.

Top 5 grants for Beach/Coastal Clean-up nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Beach/Coastal Clean-up. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

NOAA Marine Debris Program Prevention Grant

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

$50,000 - $350,000

Government

Funding for projects that prevent marine debris through education and outreach, including beach cleanups. Open to nonprofits, including faith-based organizations.

Apply

Keep America Beautiful Community Restoration and Resiliency Fund

Keep America Beautiful

Up to $20,000

Foundation

Grants for affiliates and partners to support beach and coastal cleanup projects. Religious organizations are eligible if they have a community service focus.

Apply

Eco-Living Fund Grants

Charlottesville Area Community Foundation

Up to $5,000

Foundation

Funding for projects that promote environmental stewardship, including coastal cleanup initiatives. Open to 501(c)(3) organizations, including religious entities.

Apply

SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants

Restore America's Estuaries

Up to $500,000

Government

Grants for projects addressing water pollution and habitat degradation in Southeast New England. Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply.

Apply

American Water Charitable Foundation Keep Communities Flowing Grant

American Water Charitable Foundation

Varies

Foundation

Grants for water and environmental projects, including coastal cleanup. Faith-based organizations are eligible if they meet specific criteria.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Beach/Coastal Clean-up nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Beach/Coastal Clean-up efforts.

Technology
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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Beach/Coastal Clean-up

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%
2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

2.9% payment processing fee per order

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

3% + $0.30 per pledge Pledges under $10 have a discounted micropledge fee of 5% + $0.08 per pledge
Platform fees
$0
5% of funds raised
3.7% of the ticket price plus $1.79 per sold ticket Variable, depending on ticket price and event location
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
5% of total funds raised if a project is successfully funded
Monthly fees
$0 / month
No monthly fees
$7.50/month to access Eventbrite pro plan with the nonprofit discount
No monthly fees
No monthly fees
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
N/A
4.5/5
4.1/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
N/A
4.6/5
4.2/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
N/A
4.3/5
3.9/5

The only 100% free
fundraising platform
for nonprofits

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10 Best fundraising ideas for Beach/Coastal Clean-up in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Beach/Coastal Clean-up.

1

Adopt-a-Beach Digital Campaign

Launch a virtual 'Adopt-a-Beach' program where donors can sponsor a section of coastline. Use drone footage and interactive maps to show real-time cleanup progress and impact of donations.

2

Coastal Cleanup Challenge

Organize a multi-day coastal cleanup challenge where teams compete to collect the most trash. Use a mobile app to track progress and gamify the experience with rewards and leaderboards.

3

Ocean-Friendly Product Line

Develop a line of eco-friendly products (reusable bags, water bottles, sunscreen) with proceeds supporting beach cleanups. Partner with local artists for unique designs.

4

Beach Cleanup Dating Event

Host a singles event combining beach cleanup with speed dating. Participants rotate partners while collecting trash, fostering connections and environmental awareness.

5

Corporate Coastline Guardians Program

Develop a tiered corporate sponsorship program where businesses 'guard' sections of coastline through financial support and employee volunteer days.

6

Virtual Ocean Cleanup Simulator

Create an engaging online game where players clean virtual oceans. Integrate microtransactions and sponsorships, with proceeds funding real-world cleanup efforts.

7

Beachcomber's Treasure Hunt

Organize a beach treasure hunt where participants search for hidden tokens among litter. Tokens can be exchanged for prizes donated by local businesses, encouraging cleanup and community involvement.

8

Ocean-Plastic Fashion Show

Host a fashion show featuring clothing and accessories made from recycled ocean plastics. Partner with local designers and schools to create unique pieces and raise awareness.

9

Coastal Cleanup Fitness App

Develop a fitness app that tracks beach running or walking while prompting users to collect litter. Gamify the experience with achievements and community challenges.

10

Microplastic Awareness Workshop Series

Conduct hands-on workshops teaching participants about microplastics, their impact, and how to reduce personal plastic use. Include a beach cleanup component and sell eco-friendly alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">How do I start a successful beach cleanup fundraising campaign?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">To start a successful beach cleanup fundraising campaign, begin by setting clear goals and a timeline. Choose a specific beach or coastal area to focus on and research local environmental challenges. Partner with local organizations or schools to expand your reach. Utilize online fundraising platforms like Zeffy, which offers free tools specifically for nonprofits. Create compelling content showcasing the impact of ocean pollution and how donations will make a difference. Leverage social media to spread awareness, using hashtags like #BeachCleanup and #SaveOurOceans. Consider organizing a volunteer cleanup event to coincide with your fundraising efforts, like participating in the International Coastal Cleanup Day held annually in September. Offer incentives for different donation levels, such as eco-friendly merchandise or recognition on your website. Remember to keep donors updated on progress and impact throughout the campaign.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">What are the most effective fundraising methods for coastal cleanup organizations?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">Coastal cleanup organizations can employ several effective fundraising methods. Online crowdfunding through platforms like Zeffy is highly effective, allowing supporters to easily donate and share campaigns. Peer-to-peer fundraising, where volunteers create personal fundraising pages, can significantly expand reach. Hosting themed events like 'Ocean Gala' or 'Beach Bash' can attract donors while raising awareness. Corporate partnerships with environmentally conscious businesses can provide substantial funding and resources. Grant writing for environmental and conservation funds is crucial; in 2023, over $5 billion was awarded in environmental grants. Monthly giving programs ensure steady income; on average, monthly donors give 42% more annually than one-time donors. Merchandise sales of eco-friendly products like reusable water bottles or bags can generate income while promoting your cause. Lastly, consider 'Adopt a Beach' programs where donors sponsor specific coastal areas for cleanup and conservation efforts.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">How can I measure the impact of my beach cleanup fundraising efforts?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">Measuring the impact of beach cleanup fundraising efforts is crucial for transparency and future campaign optimization. Start by tracking quantitative metrics such as total funds raised, number of donors, average donation size, and donor retention rate. Utilize fundraising software like Zeffy, which offers built-in analytics tools. For cleanup events, record data on volunteer participation, pounds of trash collected, and area of coastline cleaned. This data can be compared to baseline measurements to demonstrate improvement over time. Conduct pre- and post-cleanup surveys to assess changes in local marine life and water quality. Calculate your return on investment (ROI) by comparing funds raised to campaign costs. Engage with donors through impact reports, showing how their contributions directly affected cleanup efforts. Use social media analytics to measure campaign reach and engagement. Lastly, consider long-term impact metrics such as reduced pollution levels, increased biodiversity, or improved community awareness, which can be assessed through periodic environmental studies or community surveys.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">What are the best online platforms for beach cleanup fundraising?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">For beach cleanup fundraising, several online platforms stand out, with Zeffy leading the pack due to its nonprofit-specific features and zero platform fees. Zeffy offers customizable campaign pages, donor management tools, and integrated social media sharing. Following Zeffy, GoFundMe Charity is popular for its wide reach and user-friendly interface. Facebook Fundraisers can be effective due to the platform's massive user base and easy sharing capabilities. Classy is another strong contender, offering peer-to-peer fundraising options ideal for volunteer-driven cleanups. For more established organizations, Blackbaud's everydayhero provides robust CRM integration. When choosing a platform, consider factors like transaction fees, ease of use, and integration with existing systems. In 2023, online giving grew by 12.1% year-over-year, highlighting the importance of a strong digital fundraising presence. Remember to optimize your campaign page with compelling visuals, clear goals, and regular updates to maximize engagement and donations.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">How can I engage corporate sponsors in my coastal cleanup fundraising efforts?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Engaging corporate sponsors in coastal cleanup fundraising efforts can significantly boost your campaign's reach and impact. Start by researching companies with environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives or those in industries directly impacted by ocean health, such as tourism or seafood. Develop a compelling sponsorship package that outlines clear benefits, such as brand visibility, employee engagement opportunities, and positive PR. Offer tiered sponsorship levels to accommodate different budget sizes. According to a 2023 study, 85% of consumers have a more positive image of companies that support environmental causes. Propose creative engagement ideas like 'Corporate Cleanup Days' where employees participate in beach cleanups, or 'Matching Gift Challenges' to incentivize employee donations. Utilize platforms like Zeffy, which offer tools for managing corporate partnerships and tracking contributions. Demonstrate the tangible impact of sponsorships through regular reports and recognition events. Consider creating a corporate advisory board to deepen engagement with key sponsors. Remember, successful corporate partnerships are built on mutual benefit and long-term relationship building.</div>