Charity events don’t just raise money — when done right, they can create an immersive experience for donors and supporters. When event creators provide a true emotional connection, it can create lifelong donors and advocates. 

Looking to cultivate a charity event that’s memorable and effective? We’ve highlighted some of the country’s best local charity fundraising events to give you inspiration.

Nashville local charity event ideas

Nashville is known for more than just music — the city also boasts a variety of historically Black colleges and universities. So, it’s fitting that the Absolutely A.X. Affinity Chapter of T.S.U. Alumni Association hosts an annual scholarship fundraiser for Tennessee State University students.

The occasion features games, food trucks, and entertainment from the city’s best DJs. And with support from their community, their events have garnered more than $300,000 in scholarship funds

Partner with a local university to make your own scholarship fundraiser a success. They’ll be able to supply a venue, and they could also connect you with alumni willing to help or donate.

New Orleans local charity events

New Orleans is known for its jazz music, Mardi Gras celebrations, and local flavor. The city also attracts curious travelers who frequent historic cemeteries. To help preserve these landmarks, A.R.V.L.F.C. organized a fundraiser that benefited Save Our Cemeteries — a non-profit dedicated to cemetery protection.

Their Vampire Masquerade Ball was tastefully themed around New Orleans’ signature mysticism. Attendees received tarot readings and browsed a selection of enchanting goods.

When considering a theme for your fundraiser, think about the qualities of your cause and what would be appropriate to its supporters. Since the Vampire Masquerade Ball brought out people who wanted a bewitching experience, the spooky concept was suitable.

Hopkinsville local charity event ideas

Hopkinsville, KY, is a small town with a tight-knit Black community dedicated to advancement and empowerment. Manifest Magic: Black Girl Cooperative aims to carry out this mission. This organization is known for hosting events throughout the year that benefit local social justice and community support programs.

For their annual Best in Black Gala, guests dressed in their finest black-tie attire and enjoyed casino games and a seated dinner. The evening also included awards and a best-dressed competition.

While galas are typically formal, you can add experiences that make them more lively. For instance, consider incorporating contests and awards. 

Houston local charity event ideas

Houston is known for its southern charm and hospitality, so it’s not surprising that this city is home to charity events that embody being a good neighbor. Undies for Everyone supports the mission of providing underwear to children living in poverty.

Their BINGO and BRIEFS tournament put the fun in fundraiser. Guests enjoyed a bingo game and had the chance to enter a raffle to win over $2,000 worth of prizes.

Undies for Everyone creators raised money through tiered ticketing, but they also offered raffle tickets, game entries, and other add-ons. Their ticket checkout even had an option for those who couldn’t attend to donate. Discover how to amplify fundraising with this method in our donation ticketing guide.

San Antonio local charity event ideas

San Antonio is a melting pot with many refugee and immigrant communities. Ukrainian San Antonio aims to celebrate Ukrainian culture and help those impacted by war.

For example, their Ukrainian Vintage Fashion Show presented Ukraine’s diverse heritage and highlighted prominent Ukrainian fashion designers. The Ukrainian Borscht Fundraiser encouraged San Antonio foodies to come and enjoy a bowl of borscht — a stew made with beets, beef, potatoes, and veggies.

When hosting a cultural event, think about creating connections with attendees. For many, this may be their first time immersing themselves in a different culture, so take this opportunity to tie your event to current issues. 

Consider holding a panel or inviting a guest speaker. Adding an educational element gives your event a greater purpose and could help enhance donations.

Atlanta local charity event ideas

Atlanta’s social scene is always booming — even for the kiddos. East Suburban Atlanta Chapter of Jack & Jill put a twist on the usual gala and hosted an event open to adults and children.

Kids and their parents were asked to don their fanciest formal attire and freshest sneakers. The night was filled with activities and fun for the whole family. The event raised money for the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and The Boys and Girls Club of Conyers.

When planning a fundraiser for families, think about incorporating activities that entertain both kids and adults  Consider adding an interactive magic show or a fun photobooth with props and costumes.

Miami local charity event ideas

Miami is a hub for chic fashion and influential art. So, it makes sense that Girls Inc. of Greater Miami combined fashion and art for their Fashion Meets Art Brunch event. Attendees enjoyed a fashion show featuring designs worn by mentees at the Girls Inc. of Greater Miami. Guests were also treated to a fashion art exhibit.

To recreate this event, seek out artists in your area to participate and create a local connection. And don’t forget about marketing. Use Eventbrite Boost to target your ideal audience and increase attendance. Want to attract Millennial art lovers? The intuitive recommended audience tool lets you market your event directly to them.

Orlando local charity event ideas

Orlando isn’t just Disney — it offers vibrant nightlife after hours. Maverick Events and Promotions celebrated Orlando’s fun vibe with a party benefiting Base Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation.

For their Nightmare on Church Street Halloween bash, guests enjoyed a spooky good time filled with fun and food from Orlando’s best restaurants. Party-goers also showed off their costumes for the chance to win huge prizes.

When throwing your own exciting fundraiser, think about how to put a unique spin on it. For inspiration, check out our list of Instagram-worthy party themes.

Norfolk local charity event ideas

Norfolk, VA is home to 10 watershed treasures — including the Chesapeake Bay. So it’s no wonder that G.R.O.W. Foundation’s “Sailing for a Cause” event took guests on an elegant cruise down the Elizabeth River.

The masquerade soiree included guest speakers, giveaways, and endless dancing, all in honor of domestic violence awareness.

If you plan your own boat bash, be sure to secure RSVPs. Your guest list will indicate how large of a boat you’ll need to accommodate everyone. Easily manage your attendees with Eventbrite’s online RSVP tool.

Statesville local charity event ideas

Statesville, NC may be small, but the town of 27,000 boasts an array of museums, wineries, and outdoor attractions, with hot air ballooning being a staple. Carolina BalloonFest is an annual festival that merges charity and hot air ballooning.

Attendees partook in balloon launches and other fun festivities. The weekend-long festival helped raise money for local community organizations.

If you’re thinking about organizing a multi-day event, consider tiered ticketing. For example, some people may want to attend one day, while others may want to join for the entire event. Offering more than one ticket type lets you expand your ticket-selling strategy.

Washington, D.C. local charity event ideas

Despite being one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., the nation’s capital falls behind in pet adoption rates. Creators at The Wharf recognized this disparity and set out to raise awareness for dog adoption. Their Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash put a four-legged spin on the typical race.

Dog owners entered their pups in a 70 yard-dash, and the winning pooch (and their human) received a trophy, cash prize, and bragging rights. Entry fees from the event were donated to Rural Dog Rescue — a non-profit dedicated to rescuing dogs and finding them forever homes.

Putting a cool twist on the usual walk/run event is easy, but the real challenge is attracting registrants. Ensure you sell out your walk or run event by leveraging digital marketing. Eventbrite Boost provides all the digital marketing tools you need in one place.

Philadelphia local charity event ideas

In addition to its friendly people, Philly is home to an extensive network of entertainment and dining experiences. The Trauma Survivors Foundation tapped into this network to create their Black Tie & Sneakers Masquerade Gala.

The upscale event featured some of the city’s best in entertainment and cuisine. Guests enjoyed live music from the area’s top party bands, and they dined on gourmet food from Philadelphia’s most beloved chefs.

To create your own banquet, start with crafting the perfect menu. Need inspiration? Check out our 30 catering ideas that’ll make your event stand out.

Pittsburgh local charity event idea

The skyline and topography make Pittsburgh an attractive location for filming blockbuster films. It also provided the perfect backdrop for K.S. Events Global’s James Bond Soiree. The event celebrated the classic British agent films and benefited Animal Friends, a non-profit dedicated to rehoming animals.

This two-night gala included a “James Bond immersion experience,” where party-goers got to feel like a star in a 007 movie. The event also included a live stream option so that at-home guests could join the festivities.

When organizing a hybrid event, include elements that engage your at-home guests too. For instance, include an option for attendees to join networking breakout rooms. Or, gamify the experience with trivia games and quizzes.

New York local charity event ideas

New York is home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the country. So, this diverse city was the perfect location for Nikki Hiltz’s annual Pride 5K.

With the help of Lululemon New York City the event raised funds to support the Trevor Project — a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. This event extended beyond New York, as people from across the country had the chance to attend virtually.

5K walks/runs are popular fundraisers because they combine fitness with a good deed. Want to plan your own? Check our guide to hosting a 5K fundraiser.

Chicago local charity event ideas

Organizers in the Windy City have a selection of dazzling locations to host a charity event. Primera Foundation chose the world-renowned Brookfield Zoo as the backdrop for their annual STEM Fest — a family-friendly occasion that celebrated tomorrow’s leaders in STEM.

Guests enjoyed educational games and interactive demonstration tables. They also received all-day general admission to the zoo, which included a carousel ride, access to animal exhibits, and a dolphin show.

Hosting a family-friendly event at a zoo or museum gives guests more activity options. Plus, it keeps kids occupied and engaged.

Indianapolis local charity event ideas

Indianapolis is the center of the midwest and home to sports and family fun. Its friendly and relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal location for a casual fundraiser like IndyPAWW’s Ales for Adoptable Tails Festival.

Attendees dined on Indianapolis’ best eats and sampled beer, wine, and seltzers from local breweries and wineries. The day also included live music, contests, and games. Funds raised went to IndyHumane, an animal welfare organization.

Beer and wine tasting is a growing trend in event planning. To organize a beer-centric fundraiser, follow these tips for planning a beer festival.

Detroit local charity event ideas

Detroit is bountiful with culture and history, but has faced many challenges in recent years. Jordan & Ashley Seigel Scholarship Fund recognizes the need for community development and the social well-being of Detroiters.

Harvest Fest collected money for local students and families experiencing hardship. The fall-themed fest featured live entertainment and endless food and drinks. Additional funds were raised with raffle tickets.

Consider doing a fundraiser to bring basic goods to local families in need. Enhance your fundraiser by inviting past recipients to share how your contributions have impacted their lives. Hearing stories helps people to see their donations’ effect and creates an emotional connection.  

Community charity events are beneficial any time of year, but they are especially meaningful during the holiday season, when food and resource insecurity is highlighted. Check out our guide for running a holiday charity event to learn more.

Tucson local charity event ideas

Tucson boasts a thriving culinary scene. Take inspiration from The Southern Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and infuse this culinary spirit into your next fundraiser.

This volunteer event put a compassionate spin on the usual brunch outing. Participants prepared meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

If your event involves providing food to those in need in your community, you could use some helping hands. Check out our guide for recruiting and retaining volunteers.

Phoenix local charity event ideas

When you think of Phoenix, sunshine and luxury resorts may come to mind. However, this city is also famous for its championship golf courses, where the warm weather is ideal for a charity golf event.

Scottsdale-PV Rotary Club took advantage of the perfect ambiance with their annual golf tournament. Attendees were treated to skill competitions and other fun activities. The creators enhanced their fundraising by offering raffles and an auction. Proceeds from the event benefited local Phoenix charities.

Take your golf tournament to the next level by incorporating a theme — i.e., 1970s throwback or roaring 20s. Have guests dress up accordingly and tee off in style. 

Las Vegas local charity event ideas

Las Vegas is known for its world-class entertainment, but it’s also a city of great resilience. The Country Strong Project music festival raised funds for the 1 October Permanent Memorial — a gallery commemorating the lives lost in the 2017 mass shooting. The event united the community and brought out some of the best local artists. 

A charity music festival does more than benefit a worthy cause — it also bolsters your local economy and supports the area’s music scene. To create your own experience, look into getting sponsors. Having sponsors on board will help offset the costs and bring much-needed fundraising revenue.

Omaha local charity event ideas

Omaha’s creative spirit is evident from public art displays to contemporary art centers, award-winning museums, and local galleries. So, organizing an art event here was a no-brainer — just ask the creators at Owlish. Their art fundraiser auctioned work from Omaha’s best artists, and funds from the auction benefited LGBTQ+ adults.

To successfully sell art at your own charity auction, think about the demographics of your audience to determine their budgets and preferences. Consider displaying the art online before your event, allowing people to preview the work and learn more about the artist.

San Francisco local charity event ideas

San Francisco is home to iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, which provided a unique setting for Rotary District 5230‘s bridge walk. Community members gathered to walk, run, or ride across the Golden Gate Bridge — all in honor of ending polio.

Bridge run/walk events allow participants to unite for a good cause and enjoy a stunning view. They also garner special interest and get media coverage that can benefit your charity.

San Diego local charity event ideas

San Diego is known for its gorgeous warm weather and scenic beaches. But, unfortunately, it’s also one of the most biologically threatened counties in the United States — it shelters about 200 endangered plants and animals. 

If wildlife is a focus for your fundraising plans, take inspiration from Kathleen Kastner. Her fundraising gala aimed to save endangered Asian elephants. Proceeds from the event helped develop technology that prevents elephant railway deaths. 

Make an impact with your event by including conversations that connect people to your cause. Include a Q&A with community leaders that allow attendees to learn more about the issues you advocate for.

Los Angeles local charity event ideas

Los Angeles is home to Hollywood — the heart of the film industry. This city is central to movie buffs and is known for hosting film festivals. Friends of the Los Angeles River added their event to the list of cinema festivals with River Fest. 

River Fest invited movie lovers for a free evening of films and fun. The selection of movies centered around art, environmental justice, community health, and climate adaptation. Attendees also enjoyed plenty of photo-ops, live music, and activities.

Consider hosting your own film festival to gather the movie fans in your area. Sponsors can help advertise and cover the cost of film rights, and you can add in some extra fundraising with concession sales and raffles.

Seattle local charity event ideas

You might associate Seattle with its fantastic coffee, but this city also offers fantastic outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and biking. And the art scene here is popular, too. Peace Peloton combined Seattle’s best qualities with their Columbia City Night Market event. 

Patrons were encouraged to walk, bike, or rollerblade to this artisan market. Attendees gathered to shop at local businesses and discover new artists. Non-profits and community organizations also took out booths at the event.

While this event didn’t make fundraising its primary focus, it still helped raise awareness for local causes. If you’re a retailer, adapt this idea to fit your brand. For instance, host a pop-up shop with proceeds from sales going to a charity of your choice.

How do you organize a charity event?

Now that you have inspiration for local fundraising events, how do you plan one? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Make a difference with Eventbrite

We hope the local charity ideas highlighted motivate you to create your own immersive experience. Ready to start the planning process? Sign up for Eventbrite to get started.