Fun Summer A-Thon Fundraising Ideas to Try

sunglasses sit on a sandy beach

June 28, 2024

Get your charity’s supporters involved and raise more funds this summer with an A-thon peer-to-peer fundraiser! They’re a great way to engage your community and boost your fundraising efforts.

Take advantage of everyone’s desire to be outdoors in summer time with a-thon fundraisers. They’re a natural fit for peer-to-peer fundraising, allowing participants to raise money from their personal networks. This not only increases awareness but also boosts donations for your cause.

Feeling inspired to add an a-thon to your summer strategy? The possibilities are endless, and we’re here to help you get creative.

Check out our list of  a-thon ideas below.

summer drinks in mason jars lined up on a table

5 Fun Summer A-Thon Fundraising Ideas

Number 1

A hybrid run/walk/roll in the park

Encourage supporters to participate in a virtual run, walk, or roll at a park in their community.

Include an in-person element by setting up a walk on a set day at a popular park near your organization. People can sign up, set a personal fundraising goal, and use social media to raise money and awareness on behalf of your cause.

Promote your anything-a-thon on social media, but distribute printed flyers and postcards with QR codes to reach even more community members who may want to participate. 

Number 2

A virtual swim-a-thon

Swimming is something people of all ages can enjoy. For those who don’t know how, offer a challenge to learn! Participants can swim at a pool or take lessons at their local YMCA  and raise money for each lap or increment of time they swim. Consider partnering with local swim teams or lifeguard organisations to increase participation and promote safety. 

A stack of books in a cabana on the beach
Number 3

A hybrid dog walk-a-thon

Kick things off with an in-person walk at a community park or nature preserve. Invite participants to gather pledges for each mile walked that day. Then, they can log miles walking their dogs virtually for the rest of the month.

Partner with local businesses, such as a pet store or vet, to offer discounts or prizes, motivating more people to participate. Encourage walkers to share their progress using a unique hashtag, amplifying the impact and inspiring others to join.

Number 4

Virtual beach-read-a-thon

Almost everyone hopes to spend time reading a good book by the pool or sea. Invite supporters to ask everyone in their social network to pledge for every page or hour read.

Set a time limit for the event and have readers post pictures of themselves engrossed in a novel while enjoying their favourite beach spot. Create a leaderboard of the top participants and award prizes for each category.

Number 5

DIY challenge-a-thon

Summer is supposed to be a time for relaxing and doing what you love. Invite supporters to choose the challenge through which they’ll raise money. Challenges could include a certain number of pushups, baking a certain number of cakes, or just spending time doing a favorite hobby. This type of fundraising event allows for a lot of creativity and personalisation.

summer a-thon fundraising ideas -- dog-walk-a-thon

Tips for a successful a-thon summer fundraiser

No matter what type of a-thon you choose, follow these best practices.
  • Set clear and attainable fundraising goals. Setting realistic fundraising goals is essential. This will inspire participants to work towards a specific target, which will help ensure you reach your goal!
  • Provide the necessary tools and resources. Make it easy for people to participate, gather pledges, and promote their progress using your fundraising platform. Another essential tool is the ability to set up a personalised fundraising page. Providing social media graphics and email templates as additional resources is also a good idea. Many of the tools and resources are built into online fundraising platforms—they’re designed to streamline and enhance your fundraising process!
  • Offer incentives and rewards. Motivate participants by offering incentives and rewards for reaching fundraising milestones. So,or example, you could award a dinner for two at a local restaurant to the team that raises the most money. You could also give out other small prizes, such as custom merch like branded t-shirts or gift cards for ice cream.
  • Communicate regularly. Consistent updates keep fundraising participants engaged and motivated throughout the event. Make sure to send reminders and details on goal progress and acknowledge and thank participants for their efforts every time.
  • Follow up with donors. Be sure to thank contributors for their donations and share the impact their donation makes. Expressing gratitude can help build relationships with donors and increase the likelihood of future donations.

So there you have it, five fun summer a-thon fundraising ideas! And, if you’re looking for a better way to manage your fundraiser, we’d love it if you gave Eventgroove a try. Our nonprofit fundraising platform is a powerful tool to help you drive your efforts to new heights. Plus, our integrated printing services make ordering printed postcards, flyers, and invitations branded to your fundraiser easy. 

 

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