• AmazonSmile: When supporters shop on AmazonSmile, a portion of their eligible purchase is donated to your organization. Encourage supporters to use this feature for all their Amazon purchases.


• Grocery Store Loyalty Programs: Many grocery chains have loyalty programs that donate a percentage of sales to participating schools or organizations. For example, Kroger’s Community Rewards program allows shoppers to link their loyalty card to your organization.


• Cash Back and Coupon Sites: Programs like iGive or FlipGive offer cash back when users shop through their platforms. A percentage of each sale is donated to the selected organization.

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2. Recycling and Collection Drives

• Recycling Programs: Partner with organizations that pay for recyclable materials. Items such as old electronics, cell phones, and ink cartridges can be recycled for cash.


• Clothing Drives: Companies like Savers or Thrift+ offer cash for donated items that are in good condition. Organizations can collect clothing or household items and arrange a pickup.


• Box Tops for Education: By collecting digital or physical Box Tops from products, schools can earn funds. Encourage families to scan receipts or bring in their Box Tops as a simple way to contribute.

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3. Corporate Sponsorship and Matching Gifts

• Employer Matching: Many companies match employee donations, even for small contributions. Encourage supporters to check if their employers offer a matching gift program.


• Corporate Sponsorships: Local businesses often sponsor community events or fundraisers in exchange for brand exposure. Inquire about sponsorships from businesses that align with your cause.


• Payroll Deductions: Companies sometimes offer payroll deduction options for employees who want to donate a small portion of each paycheck to a charity.

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4. Community Events with Partnered Donations

• Dine-to-Donate Nights: Partner with local restaurants to host a fundraising night. A percentage of sales during the event goes toward your organization, and supporters get to enjoy a meal out.


• Shopping Days: Retail stores may allow organizations to host a shopping day or weekend where a portion of the sales go to your cause. Often, this works well with local boutiques or bookstores.


• Holiday or Seasonal Drives: Partner with stores during holiday seasons to encourage community members to round up their purchase or make a small donation to your organization at checkout.

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5. Online Platforms and Social Media Fundraising

• Facebook Fundraisers: Facebook allows users to create fundraisers for birthdays, holidays, or specific causes, with 100% of the donations going to eligible charities.


• Crowdfunding Sites: Platforms like GoFundMe and Givebutter offer free-to-use fundraising tools (though they may charge small processing fees), which allow you to reach a large audience quickly.


• Amazon Wishlist: If you need specific items rather than funds, create an Amazon wishlist. Supporters can purchase these items directly, helping you meet material needs without a cash transaction.

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6. Volunteer Grant Programs

• Corporate Volunteer Programs: Some companies make donations based on volunteer hours. Employees who volunteer a set number of hours can apply for grants to their organization through their employer.


• Partnership with Large Employers: Some companies like Disney, Microsoft, and Starbucks offer volunteer grants, paying nonprofits for hours employees volunteer. Encourage supporters to inquire with their companies about such programs.

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7. Digital and Contactless Giving Options

• Cash-Back Apps: Apps like Shopkick, Rakuten, and Swagbucks allow users to earn cash or rewards, which they can donate to your organization. Encourage supporters to use these apps and donate their rewards.


• Round-Up Apps: Apps such as RoundUp App or Coin Up allow donors to “round up” their everyday purchases, with the extra change going to a cause of their choice.


• Donation Cards for Events: Instead of traditional fundraising events, offer digital donation cards. Supporters can download or scan a QR code to donate at no additional cost.

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8. Utilizing Technology and Digital Resources

• Frequent Flyer Miles: Encourage supporters to donate their frequent flyer miles if they are associated with a travel-based company or need to cover travel costs.


• Unused Gift Cards: Gift cards are often unused or forgotten. Some websites let people donate the remaining balances on cards, turning these unredeemed amounts into funds for your organization.


• Survey and Feedback Platforms: Platforms like SurveyMonkey or i-Say offer paid surveys. Encourage supporters to complete surveys and donate their earnings.

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Tips for Promoting No-Cost Fundraising Campaigns

• Create a Monthly Newsletter: Highlight one or two no-cost fundraising methods each month to keep the community engaged without overwhelming them.


• Social Media Awareness: Regularly share reminders on social media, especially during holiday seasons, about no-cost fundraising opportunities.


• Use Visuals and Testimonials: Show real-life impact stories to demonstrate how small actions make a big difference.

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Conclusion

No-cost fundraising methods allow supporters to contribute meaningfully without any financial strain, making it accessible for a broad audience. With creative approaches and strong partnerships, no-cost fundraisers can become a reliable income source while building a sense of community and support.