What Is an A-Thon Fundraiser?
Hey there, awesome changemaker! Looking for a fun and innovative way to raise funds for your cause? Enter the world of “A-Thon” fundraisers! These are events where participants perform an activity (like dancing or biking) over a set period to raise money. And the secret sauce? They’re a magnet for Peer-to-Peer and community fundraising, making it even easier to spread the word and get those generous donations pouring in.
Raise More Money
The magic of A-Thons is how they harness the power of the community. Everyone gets involved, from the participants to their friends and family, multiplying the reach of your fundraiser.
Quick and Easy
Setting up an A-Thon isn’t rocket science. Once you’ve chosen your activity and set the date, all you need is a little marketing magic and the excitement of the community to kick things off.
Popular A-Thon Ideas
Dance-A-Thon
What it is: Participants dance their hearts out for a set time.
Considerations: Ideal for all ages and requires a spacious venue. Music, of course, is a must!
Upfront Costs: Moderate – for the venue, DJ, and refreshments.
Dog-Walk-A-Thon
What it is: Dog owners walk their furry pals to raise funds.
Considerations: Ensure a pet-friendly route and possibly a pet first-aid station.
Upfront Costs: Low. Just consider permits and doggie treats.
Read-A-Thon
What it is: Participants pledge to read a certain number of books or pages.
Considerations: Best for schools or libraries. Great incentives can be book vouchers.
Upfront Costs: Minimal. Just the cost of promoting the event.
Clean-A-Thon
What it is: Supporters clean up local parks or beaches.
Considerations: Requires coordination with local authorities.
Upfront Costs: Low to Moderate for cleaning supplies and potential permits.
Bowl-A-Thon
What it is: Teams compete in bowling matches.
Considerations: Reserve a local bowling alley. Consider team themes!
Upfront Costs: Moderate, mainly for alley reservations.
Can-A-Thon
What it is: Collect cans for local food banks.
Considerations: Storage for collected cans is key.
Upfront Costs: Minimal. Just promotion and collection bins.
Math-A-Thon
What it is: A challenge based on math problems or tasks.
Considerations: Teachers or math experts can design challenges.
Upfront Costs: Low. Mainly for prizes and promotional materials.
Spell-A-Thon
What it is: Participants are sponsored per word they spell correctly.
Considerations: Great for schools and educational institutions.
Upfront Costs: Minimal. Just the cost of promotion and possibly a venue.
Fun Run Fundraiser
What it is: Runners get sponsors for completing a course.
Considerations: Requires a safe route and water stations.
Upfront Costs: Moderate. For permits, water, and race bibs.
Ski (or Snowboard) -A-Thon Fundraiser
What it is: Sponsored events on snowy slopes!
Considerations: Ensure proper safety measures.
Upfront Costs: High, mainly due to venue and equipment rentals.
Skate-A-Thon Fundraising Event
What it is: Skaters perform or travel a certain distance.
Considerations: Needs a skate-friendly venue.
Upfront Costs: Moderate. Consider venue and safety gear.
Bike-A-Thon Fundraiser
What it is: Bikers ride a set distance with sponsorships.
Considerations: Plan a safe route with water and aid stations.
Upfront Costs: Moderate, for permits and supporting amenities.
Swim-A-Thon Fundraising Event
What it is: Swimmers cover a certain distance or time.
Considerations: Ensure lifeguards and proper pool access.
Upfront Costs: Moderate to High, depending on pool rental.
Tips for A-Thon Success
Create branded event merchandise
Think t-shirts, mugs, or even tote bags. Boosts morale and spreads the word.
Make it a skills competition
Adding a competitive twist can heighten interest and engagement.
Boost donations with Peer-to-Peer leaderboards
When participants see who’s leading in donations, it sparks some friendly competition.
Take pledges on-the-go
Leverage mobile apps or online platforms for easy donation access.
Choose the perfect platform
Why RallyUp is great for your next A-Thon fundraiser
With its user-friendly design and robust features, RallyUp can make your A-Thon planning and execution a breeze. Plus, its tools are optimized for Peer-to-Peer fundraising, meaning you’ll have a leg up in reaching (and surpassing!) your goals.
Ready to make fundraising history? Head on over to rallyup.com and kick-start your A-Thon journey today! 
