Category
Shopping and sales fundraising ideas in the US
Sales and auctions turn donated goods, services and experiences into money for your cause. Supporters get something they want, and your nonprofit gets the proceeds.
Shopping & Sales ideas
Jumble Sale
Collect donated second-hand goods and sell them at a community sale. Low cost, community-building, and surprisingly profitable.
Charity Auction
Raise significant sums by auctioning donated lots — experiences, goods, or services. Live auctions generate energy; silent auctions work online.
How to plan your shopping and sales fundraiser
A jumble sale is the simplest place to start: collect donated second-hand goods, price them to sell and open the doors. A nonprofit auction takes more preparation, because you need lots worth bidding on, such as experiences, services or goods donated by local businesses, and a clear way to record bids.
Ask for donated items early and keep a list of who gave what, so you can thank every donor afterwards. On the day, put your campaign QR code next to the till and on every table, so people can add a donation on top of what they buy, and take contactless gifts on a Kayana Aid card terminal or kiosk.
After the sale, share the final total on your campaign page and thank the businesses and volunteers who made it possible.
Common questions
What is the easiest sales fundraiser?
A jumble sale. Our guide marks it Easy: it needs donated goods, a venue and volunteers to run the tables.
Should we run a live or a silent auction?
A live auction creates energy in the room; a silent auction lets people bid over a longer period, including online. Our nonprofit auction guide walks through both.
How do people donate by card at a sale?
Use a Kayana Aid card terminal or kiosk for contactless gifts, or display your campaign QR code so people can give from their phone.