Simple fundraisers require little preparation time and overhead cost. Yard sale- type fundraisers work very well; choose a day or weekend for a sale and ask the community to donate unwanted items for the sale. Consider specializing the items sold, such as only children's clothing, sports gear or musical instruments. Once you have collected the items to be sold, clean and organize them to increase sales. Advertise the sale well to involve the entire community.
Generate continuous revenue by establishing a continual fundraiser. Recycling programs are ideal; they are free to set up, and several businesses provide turn-key services. Collect used ink cartridges, old cell phones or other electronic items and then redeem money for each item. Used cartridges can be worth as much as $20, depending on the printer's popularity. Over time, recycling programs will generate a significant amount for your organization and help the environment with very little effort.
Food fundraisers are fun opportunities for socializing and supporting a good cause. Make your food fundraiser unique to generate more interest. Have an brunch omelet bar, ice cream social, hot dog stand, smoothie bar, pizza night or chili cook-off. Get creative for something more interesting than the standard bake sale. While your food fundraiser is going on, you can take the time to describe your organization's great work and ask for additional donations.
Consider having a highly unique fundraiser -- they generate lots of interest in your organization and the event. Rent a large kitchen and host a "Top Chef" competition where several teams of three or four register to cook different dishes and are judged by your organization's leaders. Individuals can watch the competition for a fee and eat some of the food afterward.
Hold a Photography Show where people submit funny, artistic or meaningful photographs that are enlarged and displayed in a high-traffic area (such as a mall or cafeteria). Place a jar in front of each photograph with a sign saying "$1 = 1 vote" encouraging people to donate money for their favorite photographs. Afterwards, you can award the most popular photograph.