Popular and Unique Fundraising Ideas For Independence Day (4th July)

Posted by Ella Jacques on 14 April 2023

Independence Day really is an opportune time to fundraise. With people feeling patriotic and ready to celebrate, there are plenty of opportunities to raise money and awareness for your cause, whilst also having fun. Keep reading to find the most popular Fourth of July fundraising ideas, plus discover some unique Independence Day fundraising ideas which will make your event stand out.

Why should you fundraise on independence day?

Are you looking for the perfect time to fundraise for your cause? Look no further than around or on Independence Day! Many countries all over the world celebrate their own Independence Day and it’s a cause many people are passionate about. Plus, with time off work and school, people have more time to attend fundraising events and volunteer their efforts.

Independence Day is also synonymous with summer fun and outdoor activities like picnics, barbecues, and fireworks displays. Fundraising events that incorporate these types of activities can be particularly attractive to donors and supporters.

Businesses and organizations are also often eager to sponsor fundraising events around Independence Day because it aligns with their own patriotic values and corporate social responsibility efforts.

So, if you’re looking to raise money for your cause, why not do it around Independence Day and leverage the national significance, free time, and outdoor activities that come with it?

What are some of the most popular independence day fundraising ideas?

Looking for some tried and tested, much-loved independence day fundraiser ideas? We have you covered! Here are some of our favorite Fourth of July fundraisers.

Host a Fourth of July themed talent show

With a little bit of planning, you can put on a fantastic event that showcases the talent and creativity of your community while also raising funds for your cause.

To help keep your talent show relevant to Independence Day, make sure you set a theme. For example, you could encourage performers to showcase their talents in singing patriotic songs, reciting historical speeches, or performing dance routines inspired by American culture.

Another idea is to encourage performers to compete for prizes. You can ask local businesses to donate prizes like gift cards, concert tickets, or merchandise, and award them to the winners of different categories such as “Best Vocal Performance” or “Best Dance Performance”. This will not only incentivize performers to do their best, but it will also generate excitement and engagement among your audience.

Firework extravaganza

Come on, it wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without fireworks!

One idea for hosting a firework display fundraiser is to partner with local businesses and sponsors to help cover the costs of the event. Add a fundraising element by creating a ticketed event or asking for pay-as-you-feel donations to view your Independence Day firework extravaganza. You could even consider offering VIP packages that include preferred seating or access to exclusive areas, to help to increase donations further.

Consider hiring a professional firework display company to put on a spectacular show. You can choose a patriotic theme that is relevant to Independence Day, such as red, white, and blue fireworks or fireworks that spell out “USA”. You can also incorporate music into the show to create an even more immersive experience for your audience. Extra points for any flag shapes created in the sky!

Community BBQ

If there’s one way to get donations, it’s with food!

Host an all-American community BBQ with traditional American treats like hot dogs and grilled chicken. Include a kids section where the kids can help to serve and even safely cook.

If you really want to go all out and improve your donation figures, then we’d suggest hiring entertainment such as a local band, and having fun activities at your community BBQ such as a dedicated photobooth station (with plenty of flags and hats on hand!).

Not only could you generate funds from ticket sales, but you could have donation bucket volunteers going round throughout the day, and even host a raffle to get further donations from guests.

Sell patriotic merch

Ahead of the big day, why not take advantage of the fact people will be looking to show their support by offering patriotic merch for sale, which they can wear proudly.

Set up a stand in your community or even sell online via places such as Facebook.

Everything from badges, hats, t-shirts, flags – you could even make your merch tailored to your state or county.

Parade or March

Everyone loves a show right? Why not create a family friendly event your community will love, to celebrate all things Independence Day?

Consider working with your local council to plan the route of the march or parade. You can choose a patriotic theme that is relevant to Independence Day, such as red, white, and blue decorations or a marching band playing patriotic music. You can also create floats or displays that highlight your cause and encourage people to donate.

Even something as simple as having groups of fancy dress and dancers – it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, but you will need sharp organising skills to make sure all the different groups are well-rehearsed ahead of the event.

On the day itself, make sure you have volunteers with payment readers at the ready, so those enjoying the show can help raise funds for your important cause.

Face painting & glitter station

This is a great one for the day itself, when lots of people will be eager to show their support for Independence Day.

Consider hiring professional face painters or recruiting volunteers with artistic skills to provide a variety of designs that are relevant to Independence Day, such as flags, fireworks, and stars and stripes.

Create a festive atmosphere around the face painting station by offering themed decorations and props. You could even set up a backdrop that features patriotic designs or create a photo booth area where guests can take pictures with their newly painted faces. You can also set up a small merchandise area where you sell patriotic accessories such as hats, bandanas, and pins.

What are some unique independence day fundraiser ideas?

If you’re looking for something a bit different for your independence day fundraiser, then check out these ideas to make your 4th of July fundraising efforts stand out, and generate more donations for your cause.

Red, white & blue challenge

Could you wear red, white and blue for a whole week, even month, to show your support for the annual holiday? 

We love this fun sponsored challenge, which requires you to dress in the American colours for a set period of time. And of course the longer you do it, the more donations you’ll get. 

You could even go one step further and get your entire office or class to join in!

Drone display

Think of a firework display, but 2023 style. 

For this fundraiser you could enlist the help of some drone experts to help you create an awe-inspiring drone show for your community, all patriotic themed, as a ticketed or pay-as-you-feel event. (Just make sure all the drones have flying licences!).

This is likely to generate a lot of interest since drone shows are still relatively new and exciting (not to mention safer!).

Flag design competition

One for the budding artists of your community.

Run a competition for the best designed patriotic flag, charging an entry fee in order to generate donations. You could ask entrants to create the flag out of different materials, with the most inventive ones being put to a public vote!  

The flags could then be proudly put up around your community for the big day itself.

Patriotic painting fundraiser

Offer caricature or portrait paintings to your local community, complete with a patriotic background. This is something you could do ahead of Independence Day or even on the day itself, having various volunteers stationed around the community, armed with their paintbrushes to capture those wonderful memories. 

You could create a set donation fee or offer people pay-as-you-feel, just make sure your donations will cover the costs of the suppliers.

In conclusion, Independence Day can be an excellent opportunity to raise donations. By leveraging the holiday and engaging with supporters through creative and fun events and initiatives, you can raise awareness for your cause while also bringing people together to celebrate the holiday.

Ella Jacques

Global Client Services Manager at Givergy

Ella heads up the global Fundraising & Events team. A key part of Givergy’s growth for four years, Ella has a passion for event planning and ensuring her and her teams’ clients exceed their fundraising targets. Furthermore, Ella’s exposure to some of the highest-profile fundraising events gives her a unique insight into the newest and most innovative way in which charities are engaging with their audiences.