Top 7 Ridiculous, Unique, and Unusual Fundraising Ideas

When it comes to raising money for your organization, shaking things up and breaking from the norm can pay off in a big way. Even though unusual fundraiser ideas can come across as funny or zany, they could actually draw more attention to your event and help make your organization the talk of the town.

Read on as we dive into seven unique and unusual fundraising ideas and how you can use them to meet your earning goals.

1. Laundry detergent fundraiser

Topping the list of weird and unique fundraising ideas is the laundry detergent fundraiser. It works similarly to other sales-based fundraisers in that you purchase a certain amount of laundry detergent in bulk from a participating company and sell it at a profit.

When it comes to benefits, a laundry detergent fundraiser:

• Provides useful household items to members of your community
• Reaps a relatively high profit margin
• Has universal appeal and high demand
• Comes with easy logistics, as you won’t have to worry about product shelf life

Of course, you should always think about potential cons, too. For a laundry detergent fundraiser, consider:

• Stock is often heavy, bulky, and hard to transport
• Laundry detergent may not have the same appeal as handmade or baked goods
• Many people already have brands of detergent they’re loyal to

Overall, a laundry detergent fundraiser is a solid unusual fundraising idea that might be worth testing. 

2. Reverse raffle fundraiser

A reverse raffle flips the traditional concept; instead of the first ticket drawn winning, the last ticket wins the grand prize. 

This unique fundraiser is simple: Sell tickets at a fixed price, then draw tickets individually, eliminating participants until only one remains. 

Here are some tips to make your reverse raffle event a smashing success:

• Keep the crowd engaged and suspense high by offering smaller prizes at milestone points, like the 10th or 50th ticket drawn.
  
• Incorporate food and drinks into your event to boost your earning potential.
• Offer “buyback” options for eliminated tickets for a fee. 

Check out more tips you need to know before launching a raffle fundraiser.

3. Mattress and bed sheet fundraiser

Looking for other crazy and unique fundraising ideas? How about a mattress or bed sheet fundraiser? Here are a few benefits that come to mind:

• This unusual fundraiser will definitely catch people’s attention as they’re atypical items to sell
• Bed sheets and mattresses fill an important need for many community members
• You’ll enjoy a large profit margin, especially with mattresses

However, like detergent, mattresses are cumbersome to handle (even more so). Bed sheets, on the other hand, are portable and easy to store. You’ll see a smaller profit margin, but it might be worth the trade-off.

4. Rubber duck race fundraiser

A rubber duck race is a unique family-friendly fundraiser where participants can "adopt" ducks to compete in a water race. 

Each duck is assigned a number that corresponds to the buyer. On race day, all ducks are released at the starting line of a stream, pool, or temporary waterway, and the first ones to cross the finish line win prizes.

Ducks can be sold ahead of time and decorated or personalized for added fun. Consider offering prizes for the top finishers and quirky awards like "Most Creative Duck." Pair the event with a festival atmosphere and include food, games, and entertainment to make the event even more engaging. 

A few things to consider if you're planning a rubber duck race fundraiser:

• Choose a safe and accessible waterway. Check local permits and adhere to the appropriate regulations. 
• If you're hosting the event outdoors, select a day with favorable weather and have a backup plan in case there's rain. 
• Be thorough with your cleanup efforts and ensure no ducks are left behind.

5. Seasoning fundraiser

How about adding a little flavor to your fundraising strategy? While unusual and unique, a seasoning fundraiser is a viable option—seasonings are easy to preserve and transport.

However, you do have to worry about other concerns that food-related fundraisers (such as cookie dough, candy, pizza, or subs) typically run into, including:

• The potential for cross-contamination
• Accommodating for food allergens
• Following food handling safety guidelines

Some people can’t participate in food-based fundraisers for these reasons, so this unusual fundraiser may limit your potential sales.

6. Car mat fundraiser

Selling customized car floor mats is an unconventional fundraising idea that does double duty. By branding and customizing car mats, you can advertise your organization or sponsors while making money for your cause. 

You will have some hurdles to overcome, though. Namely: 

• Customized car mats can be quite pricey
• If your logo or sponsors' logos change, the mat won’t be as effective
• Not everyone owns a car 

However, many people love displaying their support for a cause or organization with a unique, customized item. Depending on your target audience, this unusual fundraiser might be worth the cost and time.

7. Charity dips

Plunging into ice-cold water may sound like a ridiculous and funny fundraising idea, but it’s actually more common than you think. In fact, charity dips and polar plunges are a popular and fun way to raise money for various causes and organizations. 

The money comes from selling tickets to participate in the event, and the fun comes from the adrenaline rush participants feel when they dive into shockingly cold water. 

If you’re considering organizing a charity dip, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Be prepared to stave off cold temperatures with blankets, hot drinks, and dry-off areas
• Have medical staff on hand just in case

While this unusual fundraiser can effectively gain traction and attention, it might prove to be a hassle due to the necessary safety preparation.

A better alternative: RaiseRight

From selling mattresses and sheets to jumping into freezing cold water, there’s no shortage of bizarre and unusual fundraisers. But if you’re looking for a unique fundraising idea that’s also incredibly effective all year long, add RaiseRight to your arsenal. 

Consider a fundraising program with RaiseRight if you want something unconventional but also low-effort and high-reward. You can earn money just by buying gift cards, shopping online at your favorite stores, or dining at local restaurants.

This means you can easily raise funds without setting up an event, recruiting volunteers, or purchasing inventory upfront. It's a fundraiser that works for everyone, no matter their shopping habits or preferences.