Looking for cancer fundraiser ideas that truly make an impact? This guide features top fundraiser ideas for cancer, including fundraising ideas for breast cancer, fundraising ideas for cancer patients, and creative fundraising ideas for cancer awareness and research.

Here in New York City—and especially in Queens—cancer non-profits like SHAREing & CAREing have seen firsthand how local fundraisers can change lives.

This list of cancer fundraiser ideas includes classic, innovative, workplace, seasonal and school cancer fundraising ideas that work for all ages and cancer types. Many are inspired by our past successful events across NYC. Whether you’re searching for easy fundraising ideas for cancer patients or organizing a school-wide campaign, we’ve got you covered. 

Ready to make a difference? Create a fundraiser or donate to an existing one today.

Classic Fundraising Ideas for Cancer Support

These tried-and-true cancer fundraising ideas continue to draw support year after year:

1. Benefit dinners or luncheons: Host a formal meal like SHAREing & CAREing’s Annual Benefit where guests hear personal stories from survivors or medical professionals.
2. Bake sales & food stands: Set up a booth at a school, fair, or community center with donated treats.
3. Raffles and silent auctions: Ask local businesses to contribute items or services, then host a draw or bidding event.
4. Car washes: Perfect for youth or school groups, car washes are easy to organize and very engaging.
5. Donation jars: For this simple idea, set up jars in public spaces and spark friendly competition to collect the most change.

Creative & DIY Cancer Fundraiser Ideas

Add a personal twist to your cancer fundraiser with these fun, low-cost ideas:

6. Themed photo booth fundraiser: Set up a booth with props tied to cancer awareness months and charge for printed or digital photos.
7. Pink flamingo flocking: For a donation, volunteers secretly place pink flamingos on someone’s lawn overnight—a playful and visual fundraising method.
8. Craft sales: Sell handmade goods like jewelry, cards, or ornaments at school events or online.
9. Paint-and-sip nights: Partner with a local art studio or host at home to create a relaxed, creative evening.
10. Karaoke competitions: Host a karaoke night at a bar or virtually where participants donate to sing or vote.
11. Trivia nights: Host a themed trivia event in a local bar, school, or church community room.
12. Themed game nights: Game-based fundraisers like our popular Designer Bag Bingo night blend fun, prizes, and community spirit—turning a night of laughter and pink-themed decor into a powerful show of support for breast cancer awareness.
13. Community music nights: Whether hosted in local shops, cafes, or outdoor spaces, live music events featuring local artists—like our fundraiser at The Brass Owl—bring people together with performances, raffles, and refreshments in support of a great cause.

Workplace Fundraising Ideas for Cancer Awareness

Bring coworkers together and raise funds with these office-friendly strategies:

14. Dress-down or themed days: Collect small donations in exchange for casual dress or theme participation like pink days for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
15. Matching gift drives: Encourage employees to donate by arranging an employer match through HR or corporate giving programs
16. Team step or fitness challenges: Challenge teams to walk a certain number of steps or join daily wellness activities and tie the challenge to pledges or donation milestones to connect health with cancer support.
17. Office potlucks or cook-offs: Ask staff to bring dishes and charge a small tasting fee to raise funds. Share photos or create themed events around awareness months to deepen engagement.
18. Lunch & Learn sessions: Bring in a speaker to talk about cancer risk factors, early detection, or survivor stories. Follow up with a donation ask or link to SHAREing & CAREing’s health resources for further action.

School Fundraisers to Raise Cancer Awareness

From elementary through college, students can make a big impact:

19. Pink-out games or pep rallies: Host a themed sports game or rally where everyone wears pink to raise awareness and collect donations. These are especially impactful during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, combining school spirit with a meaningful cause.
20. Coin collections or jar wars: Compete by classroom or grade to see who can collect the most spare change in donation jars. These easy-to-run fundraisers are fun, cost-effective, and scalable for any age group.
21. Talent shows or concerts: Students showcase their talents while friends and families donate to attend or vote.
22. Art shows: Host a gallery night featuring student-created artwork centered around strength, healing, or awareness themes.
23. Scavenger hunts or relay races: These active events promote teamwork and awareness, especially when paired with facts about cancer.
24. Music & Performance Fundraisers: From intimate piano recitals to full ensemble concerts, live performances by youth or local artists offer a powerful and elegant way to raise funds and awareness for cancer support.

19 Healthy High School Breast Cancer Awareness & Fundraising Ideas

Online Cancer Fundraising Ideas

Digital platforms make it easier than ever to raise funds online for cancer:

25. Peer-to-peer fundraising pages: Set up a personalized campaign and share your connection to the cause to inspire others. Use SHAREing & CAREing’s fundraiser page to get started and amplify your reach.
26. Livestream events: Host an online event like a gaming marathon, fitness challenge, or Q&A session to raise donations in real time.
27. Social media challenges: Take a page from the viral Ice Bucket Challenge—create a fun, shareable activity like posting a photo in pink or sharing a personal health tip. Encourage followers to participate, donate to SHAREing & CAREing, and tag 3 friends to keep it going.
28. Virtual raffles or auctions: Sell raffle entries or auction items online and announce winners via livestream or social media. Link your efforts to an active SHAREing & CAREing fundraiser to support ongoing campaigns.
29. Email donation campaigns: Send compelling emails featuring survivor testimonials and clear calls to action.

Seasonal & Holiday-Themed Fundraisers

Use the calendar to your advantage with these festive ideas:

30. Costume parties: Think Bridgerton ball meets community fundraiser—costume parties are a fun, photo-worthy way to rally support. Guests dress to the nines, share on social media, and raise funds in style.
31. Themed parties: From Great Gatsby-style Roaring Twenties fundraiser nights to Super Bowl watch parties with a purpose, themed events spark excitement and bring people together for a cause. Add music, raffles, and a donation link, and you’ve got a winning combo.
32. Holiday gift wrapping stations: Set up at schools, malls, or local events and offer gift wrapping for donations. 
33. Thanksgiving food drives: Collect non-perishables and financial donations in partnership with local food banks.
34. Valentine’s Day raffles or galas: Offer romantic gift baskets or host a community dance to raise funds. Include messaging that celebrates love, survivorship, and continued care.
35. Spring clean-out sales: Organize a garage sale or community clothing swap to declutter for a cause.
36. #GivingTuesday: #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that follows Thanksgiving and kicks off the holiday season with generosity.
37. Seasonal celebrations: From holiday markets to events like our Winter FUNdraiser, seasonal gatherings bring warmth, entertainment, and community together to raise funds and spread awareness during festive times of the year.

Fundraising Ideas Honoring Cancer Awareness Months

Tie your fundraiser to one of many cancer awareness campaigns:

38. October (Breast Cancer Awareness): Host pink-themed events like the TWU Local 501, distribute ribbons, or run a pink-out day if you are looking for creative and effective fundraising ideas for breast cancer.
39. March (Colorectal Cancer Awareness): Organize a trivia night or wellness seminar that includes important information on prevention and early detection.
40. September (Childhood Cancer Awareness): Plan gold-themed bake sales, art shows, or school activities that focus on hope and strength.
41. November (Lung Cancer Awareness): Host an indoor wellness fair or partner with a health provider for a breathing and screening workshop. Use the event to highlight the importance of smoking cessation and prevention.

Active Cancer Fundraiser Ideas

Active fundraisers channel energy and teamwork into impact, using sports and movement-based events to engage communities and raise support for cancer care.

42. Walkathons: Walking fundraisers like our Queens Cancer Walk promote health, community spirit, and cancer awareness. Supporters collect pledges and walk together to raise funds for cancer support services.
43. Clay Shooting Fundraiser: This unique event offers participants a chance to enjoy the outdoors while supporting a great cause.
44. 5K or 10K Run/Walk: A community fun run honoring cancer patients and survivors with every mile.
45. Bike Ride Fundraiser: Riders take on long-distance routes—25 to 100 miles—to raise critical donations.
46. Charity Golf Tournament: Players tee off for a cause, with raffles, auctions, and friendly competition.
47. Zumba-Thon: High-energy dance meets fundraising in a workout that moves both hearts and hips.
48. Swim-a-Thon: Swimmers raise pledges lap by lap to support local cancer programs.
49. Bowling for a Cure: Teams compete in fun bowling tournaments to fund cancer outreach and care.
50. Dance Marathon: Participants dance for hours, raising donations through every step (a student favorite).
51. Kickball Tournament: A daylong tournament brings the community together for fun, fitness, and fundraising.
52. Yoga for a Cause: Donation-based yoga sessions in studios or parks offer wellness with purpose.
53. Tennis Tournament: Players rally for cancer services, one match—and one donation—at a time.
54. Softball/Baseball Games: “Strike Out Cancer” games turn community spirit into lifesaving support.
55. Spin Class Fundraiser: Indoor or outdoor spin classes raise funds through time, sweat, and team spirit.
56. Climb for a Cure: Participants take on stadium steps or skyscrapers in stair-climbing challenges for charity.
57. Obstacle Course Challenge: Mud runs and Spartan-style races challenge bodies while funding the fight against cancer.
58. Charity Soccer Match: Local heroes and celebrity teams take the field to raise awareness and funds.
59. Dance or Cheer Showcase: Youth and school teams perform with purpose at spirited fundraising showcases.
60. Fun Run in Costume: Participants suit up in pink or themed costumes for a run that raises both awareness and smiles.
61. Community Paddle or Rowing Event: Kayakers and rowers hit local waterways to raise funds stroke by stroke.
62. Awareness Rides & Community Cruises: From neighborhood bike cruises to large-scale motorcycle rallies, awareness rides bring people together on wheels to honor loved ones and raise critical funds. Our signature Bikers Against Breast Cancer event is a powerful example—uniting riders across Queens each May in solidarity and support for those impacted by cancer.

Start Your Own Online Cancer Fundraiser

Take your support to the next level by launching your own fundraiser through our online platform. It’s fast, free, and gives you your own official fundraising page—complete with tools to track donations, share your story, and rally support from friends, family, and coworkers. Whether you’re planning a walk, hosting a dinner party, or celebrating a birthday, you can turn your passion into real impact for cancer awareness, education, and care right here in NYC.

Not sure where to start? Browse active fundraisers for inspiration or make a regular donation to support the cause year-round. Create your fundraiser today and show your community how powerful giving can be.

Sources

• “DIY Fundraising”, American Cancer Society, 2025
• “101 Fundraising Ideas”, Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 2022
• “Fundraising ideas for work”, Teenage Cancer Trust, 2025