Event Management
10 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Ideas for Greek Life
Explore innovative peer-to-peer fundraising ideas for Greek life that combine creativity and competition while maximizing donations.
by Mitchell Whalen
Last Updated on
May 2, 2025
Want to level up your Greek life fundraising? Skip the bake sales and car washes. These 10 peer-to-peer ideas combine creativity, competition, and modern tools to help you raise more money while keeping things fun and easy to manage.
Key Ideas:
Venmo Voting Wars: Turn donations into votes with fun challenges (e.g., pie someone in the face).
Theme Parties with Tickets: Host events like Casino Night or Glow Parties with digital ticketing.
Dorm Olympics: Organize team-based games with entry fees and live score tracking.
Greek Singing Competition: Showcase talents with tickets and mobile voting.
Member Service Auction: Auction off chapter members' skills (e.g., tutoring, photography).
Multi-Chapter Food Event: Host a food festival with tasting tickets or wristbands.
Local Business Night: Partner with restaurants or bars for donation-based sales.
Greek Performance Night: Plan a talent show with VIP seating and live-streaming.
24-Hour Fundraising Sprint: Create urgency with a one-day donation challenge.
Tournament-Style Competition: Use brackets and challenges to spark rivalry and donations.
Tools to Simplify:
Platforms like DoorList streamline ticket sales, RSVPs, QR check-ins, and donation tracking - all digitally. Keep events organized, secure, and efficient while maximizing your fundraising potential.
Ready to try? Dive into these ideas and make your next fundraiser a hit.
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How Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Helps Greek Organizations
Peer-to-peer fundraising taps into the strong bonds and competitive nature of Greek life. By encouraging members to reach out to their personal networks, it expands your donor base significantly. Each participant becomes a driving force, turning their connections into new opportunities for support.
Why peer-to-peer fundraising works for Greek life:
Friendly Competition: Members or chapters can see real-time contributions, sparking fun rivalries.
Social Influence: When people see their friends donating, they’re more likely to contribute too.
Broader Reach: Every member shares the cause with their unique social circles, increasing visibility.
Tech-Driven Efficiency: Modern tools make it easy to track progress and engage donors.
These factors make it easier to get members involved and amplify your fundraising efforts.
Digital tools make a big difference here. As Rohan G. from UVA shares:
"Great app for hosting events! We used this app for our college student event and it was a huge help in keeping track of our ticket sales :))"
Platforms like these simplify key tasks, from tracking donations to managing event check-ins. This allows chapter leaders to spend more time creating memorable events and motivating members to contribute.
For the best results, fundraising efforts should feel personal and genuine. Encourage members to share why the cause matters to them - whether it’s a national charity or funds for chapter improvements.
With the right tools and approach, your next Greek life fundraiser can make a big impact.
1. Venmo Voting Wars
Turn some friendly competition into a creative way to raise funds with Venmo Voting Wars. Here's how it works: every dollar donated counts as one vote, and the winner takes on a fun challenge - like getting pied in the face or singing karaoke in front of everyone. Ready to make it a hit? Here's how to set it up for peak fun and donations.
How to Set Up Your Venmo Wars
Start by creating several voting categories to keep everyone involved. Pair up executive board members or popular seniors for head-to-head matchups. The person who collects the most votes (a.k.a. donations) gets to pick their "punishment" from a pre-made list of fun dares. Use tools like DoorList to organize your event page, manage RSVPs with QR code check-ins, share updates in real time, and collect extra donations on the spot.
Not only does this activity bring in funds, but it also strengthens connections within your Greek community. With these tips, your Venmo Voting Wars will be both entertaining and easy to manage.
Tips to Make It Even Better
Set a minimum donation amount (like $5–$10) to encourage participation.
Create fun brackets, such as "Battle of the Executive Board."
Stream the challenges live on social media to keep the excitement going.
Show a real-time leaderboard to fuel the competitive energy.
With these ideas, your event is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
2. Theme Parties with Tickets
A themed ticket party is a great way to combine entertainment with simple digital tools for managing your fundraiser. It’s an engaging way to bring people together while raising money.
Theme Ideas That Work
Pick themes that college students love. Some top choices include:
Casino Night: Dress up in formal attire and enjoy classic games.
Red Flag/Green Flag Party: Guests wear red or green to spark conversations.
Glow Party: Blacklights and neon accessories make for a vibrant atmosphere.
Once you've chosen your theme, focus on pricing your tickets to maximize turnout and funds.
Ticket Pricing Tips
Set ticket prices between $5 and $10. Encourage early purchases by offering early bird discounts and group deals.
Simplify Entry with Digital Tools
Forget cash boxes and paper lists. Use an event page with digital ticketing and QR code check-ins. This keeps lines moving and lets you track attendance and sales in real time.
Tips to Make It a Hit:
Offer group discounts to boost sales.
Share ticket sales progress on social media to build excitement.
Create a clean, easy-to-navigate event page.
Use attendance data to refine future events.
"It's perfect for Greek life and other campus events. Definitely worth trying if you're tired of the usual event hassles!" - James Taylor, Michigan
3. Dorm Olympics Competition
Turn your fundraiser into a high-energy Dorm Olympics with multiple teams competing in fun challenges while contributing entry fees.
Set up teams of 4–6 participants, charging an entry fee (typically $20–$40 per team). Plan a series of mini-games to keep the event lively and ensure easy team organization and real-time score tracking.
Event Ideas to Consider
Relay races around campus landmarks
Team obstacle courses
Trivia games
Tug-of-war
Three-legged races
Water balloon toss
Campus-wide scavenger hunt
How to Manage Teams and Scores
Create a dedicated event page for team registration and entry fee collection. Use tools to track scores live, so participants and spectators can stay updated on the competition’s progress.
Tips for a Smooth Event:
Offer early-bird discounts to motivate teams to sign up quickly.
Use QR codes for efficient check-ins and attendance tracking.
Post live updates and standings on your event page to keep everyone engaged.
Reward top teams with prizes to fuel the competitive spirit.
These methods help keep the event running smoothly while encouraging the friendly rivalry that makes events like this so engaging.
Boosting Participation
Get teams excited by encouraging matching outfits or creative team names tied to their dorms or Greek organizations. This not only builds team spirit but also creates great photo opportunities for social media. You could even introduce a "Spirit Award" for the most enthusiastic or creatively dressed team to keep the energy levels high throughout the day.
4. Greek Singing Competition
Host a Greek Singing Competition that blends musical talent with a touch of friendly rivalry. Involve multiple Greek organizations by organizing live singing or lip-sync battles, with general admission tickets priced between $5–$10.
Event Setup and Format
Organize a platform where fraternities and sororities can showcase their musical skills through live performances. Each ticket includes voting credits, and attendees can purchase additional votes during the event to boost fundraising efforts.
Boosting Participation and Revenue
Offer early-bird ticket discounts to encourage pre-event sales.
Provide group discounts for organizations bringing 10 or more members.
Use QR codes for mobile voting during performances to make participation seamless.
Event Management
Create a dedicated event page for ticket sales and attendance tracking. Use QR code check-ins to avoid long lines and prevent ticket fraud. This streamlined approach allows for a variety of performance categories, ensuring broad participation.
Performance Categories
Let participants shine across a range of performance styles, such as:
Solo acts
Group performances
Original songs
Themed medleys
Music video reenactments
Display live voting results on a digital leaderboard to keep the audience engaged. Hand out prizes to winners in each category to make the event unforgettable for both performers and attendees.
5. Member Service Auction
Turn chapter talents into auction items - this classic idea now thrives online, making organization and bid tracking easier than ever. With digital tools, the auction becomes both engaging and simple to manage.
Setting Up the Event
Create a dedicated event page to showcase the services your members are offering. Some popular options include:
Academic tutoring sessions
Personal training
Custom playlist creation
Coffee runs or food delivery
Campus tours
Professional headshot photography
Resume reviews
Social media consulting
Boosting Bid Values
Combine services into packages to increase their appeal. For example, a "Finals Week Survival Package" could include three tutoring sessions, coffee delivery, and a curated study playlist. Use digital tools to manage ticketing and track bids efficiently.
Digital Management
Make the event run smoothly with a ticketed system that handles everything, including:
Pre-registration
Displaying available services
Instant payment options for winning bids
Automatic confirmations
"DoorList has made organizing and attending campus events so much easier. Instead of juggling wristbands or multiple apps, I can handle everything in one spot." - John Pitt, UC Berkeley
Event Format Tips
Keep the energy up by organizing your auction strategically:
Start with a preview period for services
Break the auction into multiple bidding rounds by category
Mix in silent and live bidding segments
Show real-time bid updates to keep participants engaged
Payment Processing
Use your event management platform to handle payments. This eliminates the need for cash and ensures instant processing for winning bids.
"Great app for hosting events! We used this app for our college student event and it was a huge help in keeping track of our ticket sales :))" - Rohan G, UVA
6. Multi-Chapter Food Event
Turn your fundraiser into a campus-wide food festival by teaming up with several Greek organizations. This idea combines the fun of competitive fundraising with a shared love for food.
Event Setup
Host a food tasting event where each chapter serves its signature dish or a specialty from their cultural background. Set up food stations throughout the venue, with clear signage for each chapter’s offerings. Arrange the layout to encourage attendees to explore and mingle.
Pricing Options
Use a tiered pricing system to attract more participants and maximize revenue:
Tasting tickets: $1–2 per sample
All-access wristbands: $10–15 for unlimited tastings
Boosting Participation and Efficiency
Encourage chapters to compete in ticket sales to drive excitement and promotion through their networks. This friendly rivalry taps into the competitive energy often found in Greek life fundraisers.
For a smoother experience, integrate digital tools:
Contactless payment options for faster transactions
QR code check-ins for wristband holders
Real-time attendance tracking
Early-bird discount codes to encourage pre-sales
Tips for an Even Better Event
Collaborate with cultural student groups to offer a wider variety of dishes
Use tools like DoorList to handle ticketing and attendance while keeping 100% of ticket sales
7. Local Business Night
Team up with nearby businesses to host a community-focused fundraiser that not only raises money but also gives students a fun and social experience.
How to Build Partnerships
Collaborate with local restaurants, bars, or entertainment spots that are popular among students. Use tools like DoorList to manage RSVPs quickly and keep everyone updated in real-time. Arrange for these venues to donate a percentage of their sales during high-traffic times, such as Thursday nights or game-day weekends, when student attendance is naturally higher.
Tips for Success
After securing your partners, focus on spreading the word. Set up an event page that includes:
The venue’s location and event hours
Details about how donations are structured
Any special deals or promotions available
Instructions for verifying participation
Measure the Results
Keep track of RSVPs, attendance numbers, peak times, and group sizes. This information not only helps you demonstrate the event’s value to the venue but also makes planning future fundraisers smoother. With these insights, you’ll be better prepared to make your next event even more engaging.
Extra Tips for a Great Local Business Night:
Offer early-bird discount codes to encourage sign-ups ahead of time.
Share live updates during the event to boost participation.
Use digital tools to send reminders and keep communication clear.
Create a short but detailed post-event report to highlight the impact.
"It's perfect for Greek life and other campus events. Definitely worth trying if you're tired of the usual event hassles!" - James Taylor, Michigan
8. Greek Performance Night
Here's a fun way to combine hidden talents, multiple chapters, and social media buzz into a memorable fundraiser.
Set the Stage
Create an event page that clearly outlines performance categories and ticket options. For example:
Standard admission: $10
VIP seating: $25 (includes front-row seats and a meet-and-greet)
Group rates: $8 per person for groups of 10 or more
Get People Involved
Ask chapters to nominate their standout performers and share rehearsal clips on social media to build excitement. The goal? Make this a must-attend campus event, not just another fundraiser. To keep things organized, use tools that simplify event management.
Go Digital for Smooth Operations
Handle everything from ticket sales to check-ins digitally. QR codes can make entry quick and attendance tracking accurate.
Tips for a Standout Event:
Launch early-bird ticket sales 2-3 weeks in advance
Set up Instagram-worthy photo spots at the venue
Live-stream parts of the show to create buzz and attract more interest
Partner with campus media for event coverage
"It's perfect for Greek life and other campus events. Definitely worth trying if you're tired of the usual event hassles!" - James Taylor, Michigan
9. 24-Hour Fundraising Sprint
Transform fundraising into an exciting 24-hour campus event with a competitive edge. A single-day sprint creates urgency and turns donation efforts into an engaging experience for everyone involved.
Plan Your Sprint Schedule
Break the day into key moments to keep the momentum going:
8 AM: Kickoff celebration to energize participants
12 PM: Midday update to highlight progress
4 PM: "Power Hour" challenge to boost donations
8 PM: Final countdown to wrap up the event
Add Some Friendly Competition
Use a live leaderboard to encourage chapters to compete for the top spot. Offer prizes for hitting certain donation milestones to keep the excitement alive.
Simplify Donations
Set up a dedicated event page with multiple payment options. This makes it easy to track contributions and keeps the competitive spirit strong throughout the day.
Tips for a Successful Sprint
Reward early donations with special perks
Post regular updates on social media to maintain interest
Place QR codes around campus that link directly to the donation page
Assign themed donation goals to each chapter for added fun
Track and Adjust in Real Time
Use digital tools to monitor donations as they come in. This allows you to see what’s working and tweak your approach if needed.
Engage Participants with Perks
Recognize top donors with shoutouts on social media, exclusive event access, or campus-wide recognition to keep everyone motivated and engaged.
10. Tournament-Style Competition
Turn your fundraising efforts into a March Madness-style tournament to spark some friendly competition. This idea builds on the energy of Greek life by combining fun challenges with digital tools. Here's how you can structure a bracket that brings in both excitement and donations.
How to Set Up Your Bracket: Create a tournament bracket featuring different challenges for each round. Start with all participating chapters and work toward a final championship match. Each round could include a unique challenge, such as:
Most individual donors in 48 hours
Highest dollar amount raised in a single day
Best-performing social media campaign
A head-to-head donation battle for the final round
Keep It Digital and Easy to Track: Use live updates to keep participants motivated. Platforms like DoorList can help manage your event page, track donations in real time, and handle QR code check-ins. Display live leaderboards and share instant updates to maintain the competitive momentum.
Add Incentives to Boost Participation: Make each round more engaging by offering perks. For example, provide early registration discounts or chapter-specific promo codes. Combined with real-time updates, these rewards can keep every chapter striving for the top spot.
Tips for a Successful Tournament:
Schedule rounds during busy campus hours for maximum participation
Create themed challenges that align with chapter interests
Use QR codes to simplify and speed up donations
Update leaderboards frequently to maintain excitement
Measure Your Impact: Track metrics specific to the tournament, like total funds raised, donor participation, and engagement levels. As Rohan G. from UVA shares:
"Great app for hosting events! We used this app for our college student event and it was a huge help in keeping track of our ticket sales :))"
Event Management with DoorList
DoorList takes the hassle out of managing Greek life events, offering tools to make planning and execution smooth and stress-free. Whether it’s a themed party or a tournament, DoorList ensures your fundraising events run seamlessly.
Keep Every Dollar with Fee-Free Ticketing
Unlike other platforms that charge fees, DoorList lets you keep 100% of your ticket sales. Start collecting donations immediately - because every dollar matters.
Secure and Simple Entry
With DoorList’s QR code check-in system, only registered guests gain access. This feature eliminates confusion at the door and keeps your events secure.
Real-Time Tracking and Analytics
DoorList provides real-time insights into ticket sales and attendance. One organization even achieved an 81% attendance rate using these tools. With these analytics, you can:
Monitor ticket sales as they happen
Understand attendance trends
Track your fundraising progress
Generate reports for chapter leadership
Boost Participation with Built-In Promotions
DoorList includes promotional tools that help increase ticket sales and donations. Create custom discount codes for early-bird specials or chapter-specific incentives to drive engagement.
Easy Guest Experience
No app downloads required. DoorList manages payments and check-ins efficiently, making it easy for attendees to participate.
"Great app for hosting events! We used this app for our college student event and it was a huge help in keeping track of our ticket sales :))" - Rohan G, UVA
Tips for Success with DoorList
Design a dedicated event page with clear information about your cause.
Use group sharing to spread the word across chapters.
Leverage the calendar feature to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Set up QR check-in stations for smooth entry during busy times.
With DoorList, managing events becomes straightforward, allowing you to focus on what matters most - raising funds and creating memorable experiences.
Next Steps
Start improving your Greek fundraising efforts today with these simple steps:
Set Up Your First Event
Use DoorList to create your event in just a few minutes. Pick your fundraising concept, design your event page to fit your needs, and start collecting registrations right away.
Increase Your Earnings
Take advantage of DoorList's fee-free ticketing system to keep every dollar raised. You can also create discount codes to encourage early ticket sales and boost participation.
Monitor Progress
Track ticket sales and attendance in real time through DoorList. Michael Brown from Wisconsin highlights the benefits:
"Being able to control the amount of people at packed events, and ensure safety has made this app one of my favorites."
With real-time data and easy check-ins, managing your event becomes stress-free.
Simplify Event Check-In
Ensure a seamless entry process with QR code scanning. This keeps your event secure and helps manage crowds efficiently.
Give your chapter the tools it needs for a successful fundraiser. Check out doorlist.app/hostfeatures to see everything DoorList has to offer. Combining creative fundraising ideas with smooth execution has never been easier!
FAQs
What makes peer-to-peer fundraising a great option for Greek life organizations compared to traditional methods?
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a game-changer for Greek life because it creates fun, interactive events that resonate with college students. Unlike traditional methods, these fundraisers are easy to promote on social media, encourage participation through friendly competition, and can be tailored to fit your chapter’s unique vibe.
Using tools like event management platforms, you can simplify the process with features like free ticketing, RSVP tracking, and QR code check-ins, making it more efficient and stress-free. The result? Higher engagement, smoother organization, and more funds raised for your philanthropy or chapter needs.
What’s the best way to manage RSVPs, ticketing, and attendance for Greek life fundraisers?
Using a tool like DoorList makes managing Greek life fundraisers simple and stress-free. It helps you handle RSVPs, ticket sales, and check-ins all in one place, with zero platform fees on ticket sales. Plus, it offers features like QR code check-ins to prevent fake tickets and real-time attendance tracking to keep your event running smoothly.
With DoorList, you can create events for free or charge for tickets, making it perfect for everything from philanthropy events to social fundraisers. The platform is designed specifically for Greek life, so it’s easy to use and tailored to your needs.
What are the best ways for Greek life organizations to promote their fundraising events and boost participation?
To effectively promote fundraising events and maximize participation, Greek life organizations should focus on creating engaging, easy-to-share event campaigns. Use tools that simplify ticketing, RSVPs, and attendance tracking to make the process seamless for both organizers and attendees.
Leverage social media platforms to build excitement and encourage sharing among members and their networks. Highlight creative themes, competitions, or incentives to draw attention. For example, promote a Venmo Voting War or a themed party with clear instructions on how to participate. Make it easy for attendees to join by offering quick online sign-ups and mobile-friendly check-ins at the event.
By combining fun, well-organized events with strategic promotion, Greek life chapters can significantly increase donations and engagement.