Top 5 Unexpected Ways to Fundraise During a Summer Heatwave
When the temperature rises, outdoor fundraising events can lose their appeal, but that doesn't mean a campaign has to lose momentum. Extreme summer heat can spark fresh, fun, and unexpected ways to keep supporters engaged. By leaning into what people naturally do when the heat hits, you can turn the season's challenges into creative fundraising wins.
Here are five surprising yet effective ways to keep fundraising efforts going strong during a heatwave:
1. “Stay Cool” Gift Card Sales Drive
Help supporters beat the heat while boosting contributions. Launch a themed gift card sales push focused on cool indoor escapes like coffee shops, movie theatres or air-conditioned shopping malls. Here are some great ways to chill out while supporting your cause:
In Ontario and Quebec, Club Piscine gift cards are perfect for pools, gazebos or shade umbrellas. A great way to cool off while heating up contributions.
2. Indoor Challenge Weeks
If the outdoors are off-limits, bring the fun inside. Host a series of themed indoor challenges that supporters can complete at home. Try a movie marathon, a DIY crafting session, or a video game tournament. Offer small prizes like gift cards for streaming services, gaming or art supply retailers to keep things exciting. Here are some ideas:
Encourage participants to share their progress using the fundraiser’s dedicated hashtag, or promote the challenge through the fundraiser’s newsletter or group email. It's an easy-breezy way to keep the community active and involved from the comfort of their couch.
3. Home Improvement Push
A heatwave is the perfect excuse to stay inside and tackle that long-overdue home project. Leverage this moment by encouraging supporters to purchase FundScrip gift cards for hardware stores, home goods retailers, and garden centres.
Whether they’re installing new shelving, refreshing a bathroom, or updating a garden nook in the early morning hours, remind them that with a few gift card purchases, they can check off their to-do list and help a good cause.
4. Hydration Station Contest
Turn hydration into a fundraising opportunity with a refreshing summer contest. Invite supporters to create their most delicious iced drink, smoothie, or fruit-infused water using ingredients purchased with grocery gift cards through FundScrip.
Ask participants to submit photos of their creations for a chance to win a small prize or be featured on the fundraising page.
5. Virtual “Summer Nights” Raffle
After a hot day, a relaxing evening indoors becomes the ideal setting for a virtual raffle. Offer a selection of gift cards to popular restaurants, streaming platforms, or delivery services. Supporters can enter by purchasing select gift cards, making it easy for everyone to get involved.
With minimal planning and a wide appeal, this is a simple, digital-friendly way to drive excitement and funds for the campaign.
Make the Most of Summer
No matter which idea you choose, don’t forget to encourage supporters to share their photos, stories, or entries on social media. Seeing others take part can inspire new people to join and keep the energy flowing through even the hottest days.
With a little creativity, summer’s most sweltering moments can become cool fundraising successes. FundScrip makes it easy for people to support a good cause by simply doing what they already love to do. If you haven’t already started a FundScrip campaign, we encourage you to check out how it works!