16 October 2025
Eight extraordinary ways people are raising money
From beards to bad art, Aussies are finding creative ways to make a difference.
When it comes to raising money for a good cause, some people are thinking far beyond the bake sale.
Whether it’s to support cancer research, men’s health, or a local community project, creativity is becoming the secret ingredient for success. Here are ten of the most unusual — and surprisingly effective — fundraising ideas people are using to rally support and spark conversations.
1. Buy a Beard
From memorial walls to iconic moustaches, people are selling space — or facial hair — for charity. One fundraiser sold “patches” of his beard for $50 each, letting donors choose which part to shave off first. The more creative the idea, the more people want to be part of it.
2. Silent Disco for a Cause
Imagine a crowd dancing in complete silence — except for what’s coming through their headphones. Silent discos are fun, family-friendly, and noise-complaint-proof. Sell tickets, set up donation stations, and opt for a “blue theme” to raise awareness for prostate cancer.
3. The Couch-to-Fridge Marathon
Why run 72km when you can celebrate the “journey to the fridge”? This humorous challenge encourages participants to track every snack trip and donate a dollar per step. It’s a light-hearted way to connect with those who want to support a cause but prefer laughs over laps.
4. The Bad Art Auction
The worse the art, the better the fundraiser. Invite people to paint, sculpt, or draw something delightfully awful, then auction it off. Laughter loosens wallets, and everyone gets to take home a masterpiece of mischief.
5. Blue Bake-Off Showdown
Forget your average bake sale — turn it into a full-blown competition. Challenge friends, colleagues, or local businesses to create the best blue-themed treats in honour of prostate cancer. From “Prostate Profiteroles” to “Moustache Muffins,” creativity (and frosting) runs wild. Charge an entry fee, recruit local chefs as judges, and sell slices to the crowd. It’s sweet, messy, and memorable.
6. Mystery Dinner
Sell tickets to a dinner party where guests don’t know the location, menu, or theme until the night. Mystery adds magic, and every reveal keeps people guessing — and giving.
7. Virtual Treasure Hunt
Using QR codes or online riddles, players pay to join a digital treasure hunt leading to clues around town. Families, schools, or workplaces can compete for small prizes while raising big funds.
8. Pay-to-Skip Day
Who wouldn’t pay $5 to skip a meeting or wear pyjamas to work? Encourage colleagues or students to “buy out” chores or rules for a day. It’s simple, cheeky, and guaranteed to get attention.
Fundraising doesn’t have to be formal or familiar.
Sometimes, the best results come when you flip the script. Whether you’re shaving your beard, hosting a silent disco, or auctioning off bad art, every dollar raised brings us one step closer to saving lives.
