10 Fundraising Ideas to Beat the Summer Slowdown

Ah, summer—when the days stretch long, the sunscreen flows like wine, and nonprofit donations… well, they tend to dry up like a puddle in the Sahara.

Welcome to the Summer Slowdown—that annual stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day when donor engagement goes on vacation, literally and figuratively. But fear not, sun-loving changemakers! While many nonprofits hit a fundraising lull in the dog days of summer, it doesn’t have to be all sunburns and budget burns.

Grab your lemonade, pull up a pool chair, and let’s dive into what the summer slump is—and how to flip-flop it into your most fruitful season yet.

What Is the Summer Fundraising Slowdown?

The summer slowdown is a seasonal dip in nonprofit activity—especially in fundraising. It typically spans June to August when many donors are traveling, attending to family time, or simply checking out of their inboxes. Events thin out, engagement sizzles, and donation pages get more crickets than clicks.

Here’s why it happens:

• Vacation Mode: Donors and staff alike are more likely to be OOO (out of office—and sometimes out of mind).
• Competing Priorities: Summer camps, beach getaways, weddings, and travel expenses can nudge charitable giving to the backburner.
• School's Out: If your donor base includes parents or educators, they may be juggling new routines.
• “Wait Until Fall” Syndrome: Many people simply pause giving and plan to revisit in the fall fundraising flurry.

But summer doesn’t have to mean a total siesta for your fundraising. In fact, it’s a ripe time to peel back the usual expectations and get a little zesty with your strategies.

10 Fundraising Ideas to Turn the Summer Slowdown into a Splashy Success

Let’s turn that donation drought into a tidal wave with these fresh, proven strategies—each one packed with enough sunshine to brighten your bottom line.

1. Host a “No-Show” Summer Gala

What it is: A tongue-in-cheek virtual fundraiser where supporters are invited to not attend an event and instead make a donation equivalent to a gala ticket, valet service, or overpriced glass of chardonnay.

Why it works: Your donors are busy. This clever concept lets them feel charitable without booking babysitters or squeezing into cocktail attire. Plus, it reduces your event-planning overhead to zero.

How to do it:

• Send “invitations” via email and mail, complete with RSVP cards.
• Include cheeky messaging like: “Enjoy your air conditioning while still making a difference.”
• Offer donation levels like: “$50 – I’m pretending to dance; $100 – I didn’t overeat at the buffet.”
• Pun It Up: “This summer, skip the suit and support in sweats!”

2. Launch a Sizzling Summer Match Campaign

What it is: A limited-time donation match where every gift is doubled by a generous donor or sponsor, making supporters feel like their contribution goes twice as far.

Why it works: Matching campaigns create urgency and amplify perceived impact—especially when paired with summery visuals and countdowns.

How to do it:

• Frame it around a compelling summer goal: “Help us fund 100 backpacks before the school bell rings!”
• Use thermometer graphics and daily updates on social media and email.
• Secure a board member or local business to underwrite the match.

• Add Flavor: “Double your impact before the sun sets on summer!”

3. Share a “Summer Impact Series” on Social Media

What it is: A content campaign that keeps your mission visible through stories, photos, and statistics shared on your social channels all summer long.

Why it works: Donors may not be ready to give today, but consistent storytelling ensures they’re still emotionally connected—and more likely to give later.

How to do it:

• Feature a new impact story every week (clients served, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or staff spotlights).
• Use hashtags like #MissionMonday or #FeelGoodFridays.
• Keep posts brief, visual, and mobile-friendly.

• Caption This: “We’re staying cool by keeping our cause on fire.”

4. Run a Summer-Themed Peer-to-Peer Challenge

What it is: Invite supporters to fundraise on your behalf through creative, summer-inspired challenges.

Why it works: People love to support friends and family—especially when there’s fun involved. Peer-to-peer fundraising also expands your reach beyond your existing list.

How to do it:

• Choose a theme like “Miles for Meals” (bike/walk/run challenges), “Sun Up to Sundown” giving drives, or “Lemonade for Literacy.”
• Provide toolkits, email templates, and social media badges to participants.
• Recognize top fundraisers publicly with swag or shout-outs.

• Fresh Spin: “Pucker up! Turn lemons into lasting change.”

5. Create a Vacation Vibes Email Series

What it is: A playful email series built around vacation themes that remind donors to give—even as they check out for summer fun.

Why it works: Light, humorous messaging stands out in inboxes. It keeps you connected to your supporters without sounding like a summer sales pitch.

How to do it:

• Use summer subject lines like: “Hot Deal: Give Hope, Not Sunburns” or “Pack Generosity in Your Carry-On.”
• Keep asks bite-sized: “Give $25 to provide 10 meals.”
• Tie donations to tangible impact and timely needs.

• CTA That Clicks: “Take 30 seconds to give back before takeoff!”

6. Host a Backyard BBQ Fundraiser

What it is: A laid-back community gathering with food, games, and mission moments—hosted in a park, someone’s backyard, or a partner restaurant’s patio.

Why it works: Summer is peak season for mingling. This informal setup lowers the barrier for attendance while fostering real connection.

How to do it:

• Offer tickets or donations-at-the-door.
• Add a raffle, cornhole tournament, or lemonade stand.
• Keep a short and sweet mission talk that shows where funds go.

• Savory Slogan: “Grill, chill, and give back!”

7. Offer “Sunsational” Summer Swag

What it is: Limited-edition branded items (towels, hats, water bottles, sunglasses) sent as donor gifts for summer giving.

Why it works: Everyone loves freebies—especially if they’re useful at the beach or pool. And when donors use your swag, they’re spreading your mission like SPF 50.

How to do it:

• Set a giving threshold: “Give $50+ and get a free 'Cool to Care' water bottle.”
• Partner with a local vendor or print-on-demand platform.
• Make it a short campaign (2–3 weeks) to build urgency.

• Marketing Tip: Use limited-time merch to add urgency!

8. Try Text-to-Give During Summer Events

What it is: A mobile-friendly donation option promoted at local events, fairs, and outdoor gatherings—ideal for on-the-go generosity.

Why it works: No one carries cash at summer festivals, but they do carry phones. Text-to-give is quick, frictionless, and effective with the right prompt.

How to do it:

• Print eye-catching signage with a QR code or shortcode.
• Include simple messaging like “Text ‘GIVEBACK’ to 44321 to donate $10.”
• Get volunteers to wear branded shirts and mingle to drive traffic.

• Quick Copy: “Got 20 seconds? You’ve got time to change lives.”

9. Run a “Staycation for a Cause” Raffle

What it is: A raffle with summer-themed prizes donated by local businesses—marketed as the perfect “getaway without going away.”

Why it works: It adds excitement and gamification to giving. Plus, donors feel good supporting your mission andgetting a shot at spa days or pizza nights.

How to do it:

• Partner with restaurants, salons, and attractions for in-kind prizes.
• Sell raffle entries online and in-person.
• Offer multiple prize tiers to encourage bigger buys (e.g. $10 for 1 ticket, $40 for 5).

• Promo Line: “Win big, give back, and stay cool this summer!”

10. Celebrate Christmas in July

What it is: A lighthearted giving campaign that brings the festive energy of year-end into the mid-year slump.

Why it works: Holiday giving themes are proven motivators. A July twist keeps things fun, while reminding donors that your needs don’t follow the calendar.

How to do it:

• Decorate your emails with virtual snow, carols, and candy canes.
• Tie donations to wish lists or “gifts” for clients.
• Host a livestream “holiday party” or silly sweater contest online.

• Festive Hook: “Who says giving season can’t wear sandals?”

Conclusion: Summer Isn't a Setback—It's a Launchpad

Sure, summer might be a bit quieter on the fundraising front—but that just means you’ve got more room to stand out.

Use this season to test creative campaigns, deepen relationships, and build momentum heading into fall. Whether it’s s’mores and stories or raffles and ribs, donors want to engage—especially when you bring the sunshine and a smile.

So go ahead—break out the sunscreen, brainstorm with your board, and start planning your next sun-sational fundraiser. Because when the beach balls are bouncing and your mission’s still moving, the real magic happens.