Not Everyone Had a Great Mom: Fundraising Ideas for the Rest of Us
Not everyone has a positive relationship with their mother, and Mother’s Day fundraisers shouldn’t have to center around traditional celebrations. Here are some fundraising ideas for people who don’t celebrate or don’t have a great relationship with their mom but still want to support a cause:
These fundraisers are pretty nontraditional. If classic springs vibes are more your speed, check out:
Now, let’s get to the fun stuff! 👇
“Honor Your Chosen Family” Tribute Fundraiser 💛
Not everyone has a loving mother, but many people have chosen family—a mentor, friend, aunt, or even a pet who has supported them. Instead of a “Mother’s Day” fundraiser, create an alternative tribute donation campaign where supporters can donate in honor of someone who truly made a difference in their lives.
💡 Fundraising Angle:
Donors give in honor of a supportive friend, mentor, or role model.
Names of honorees are displayed on a tribute wall (physical or virtual).
Offer custom donation cards: “In honor of someone who actually raised me right.”
“Skip the Brunch, Fund a Cause” Campaign 🥂🚫💰
For people who don’t celebrate Mother’s Day, seeing all the “Treat Mom to Brunch” ads can be annoying or painful. Flip the script with a campaign encouraging people to skip the overhyped brunch and donate instead!
💡 Fundraising Angle:
Set a campaign goal based on the average cost of Mother’s Day brunch ($50+ per person).
Messaging: “Not in the mood for overpriced eggs and forced family time? Skip the brunch and donate to a cause that actually matters.”
Offer a digital badge: “I Brunched for a Cause” (for social media sharing).
“Adopt-a-Plant Parent” Fundraiser 🪴
Instead of celebrating biological motherhood, celebrate plant parenthood! Sell houseplants, succulents, or native seedlings as a Mother’s Day alternative.
💡 Fundraising Angle:
Name the fundraiser: “For the Mother of All Plants” or “Adopt-a-Plant Parent”
Supporters can buy a plant to “raise” instead of calling their toxic mom.
Add funny plant tags: “This plant will never guilt trip you” or “Unlike your mother, this one thrives with neglect.”
“Rebellious Women Who Raised Themselves” Event ⚡🔥
For those who grew up without a positive maternal figure, honor strong, self-made people with a storytelling event or panel discussion featuring women, nonbinary folks, and gender-diverse people who built their own path without traditional support.
💡 Fundraising Angle:
Host a live or virtual storytelling night where people share their experiences.
Sell event tickets, offer sponsorships, and accept direct donations.
Create a special "Raised by Myself" T-shirt or sticker fundraiser.
“Mother Earth Appreciation Day” Fundraiser 🌍
Not everyone vibes with Mother’s Day, but we can all appreciate Mother Earth. Turn this into an environmental fundraiser where people donate to support conservation, tree planting, or climate action.
💡 Fundraising Angle:
Offer an “Adopt-a-Tree” donation where supporters fund reforestation.
Organize a Mother Earth Clean-Up Day where donations support sustainability efforts.
Sell eco-friendly merch (reusable totes, native seed packets, etc.) with slogans like “Mother Earth > My Mother” (for those who like a little edge).
“Anti-Mother’s Day Comedy Night” Fundraiser 🎤😂
Host a stand-up comedy show featuring jokes about awkward family gatherings, overbearing mothers, and the ridiculousness of Mother’s Day expectations.
💡 Fundraising Angle:
Sell tickets & donate proceeds to a mental health nonprofit.
Include an anonymous “Worst Mother’s Day Memory” submission box—the best stories win prizes.
Offer VIP tickets with a “Mom-Free Zone” lounge (complimentary snacks, no guilt trips allowed).
“Donate to Support Survivors” Campaign 💜
For people who have survived toxic, abusive, or estranged mother-child relationships, Mother’s Day can be triggering. Turn it into a day of giving that supports survivors of domestic violence, childhood neglect, or toxic family systems.
💡 Fundraising Angle:
Donations go to shelters or mental health resources for survivors.
Messaging: “Not everyone had a great mom. Let’s support those who needed an escape.”
Offer a "Found Family" sponsorship option, where donors can fund resources for someone in need.
Final Thoughts
Mother’s Day fundraisers don’t have to be traditional, sentimental, or guilt-driven. There are so many creative ways to engage people who don’t celebrate the holiday while raising money for a great cause.
✨ Which of these ideas speaks to you? Let’s start a conversation! ✨
Want expert guidance on improving your grant strategy? At Beckie Irvin Consulting and Research, LLC, we help grassroots nonprofits develop stronger grant proposals, research funding opportunities, and build sustainable fundraising plans. Book a consultation today, and let’s get your organization the funding it deserves!
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