31 Ways to Make an Impact This October
Fundraising Ideas for Every Family
Want to support JSRDF’s $31K in 31 Days campaign but not sure where to start? We’ve put together 31 simple, creative, and family-friendly fundraising ideas so anyone — anywhere — can get involved.
Quick & Simple Asks
- Ask 31 friends to give $31.
- Post a family photo with your fundraiser link.
- Set up a birthday/anniversary fundraiser.
Fun Challenges
- 31 Miles in 31 Days (walk, run, roll, swim).
- Read 31 books in October (kids can join in).
- 31 Acts of Kindness challenge with donation pledge.
- Cookbook fundraiser — gather recipes from friends/family, sell as a PDF with proceeds to JSRDF.
- Coffee for a Cause — donate the cost of your morning coffee for one week.
- Matching gift challenge — ask an employer or family member to match donations up to a certain amount.
- 31 push-ups a day fitness challenge with sponsor pledges.
- Create a “31 Things I’m Grateful For” list and share one each day with your donation link.
- 31 photos in 31 days challenge — share one each day with your fundraising link.
Virtual Events
- Host a trivia night.
- Organize an online craft class.
- Livestream a bake-along or recipe demo.
- Virtual paint-and-sip night with a donation to join.
- Livestream a bake-along or recipe demo.
In-Person Events (if comfortable/safe)
- Bake sale at school or work.
- Backyard BBQ with admission fee
- Host a board game night with suggested donations to play.
- Yard sale with proceeds to JSRDF.
- Talent show (kids, teens, or adults — donate to perform or attend).
- Awareness wear day (everyone donates $5 to dress in blue and green).
Tie-Ins to October Themes
- Pumpkin carving contest – BYOP.
- Spooky movie night with donation entry.
- Halloween candy “buy-back” for donations.
- Host a costume contest (in-person or online, $5 to enter).
- Pet costume parade — donations to enter or attend.
- Silent auction — gather donated items, services, or crafts to auction.
- Holiday prep workshop — teach wreath-making, gift wrapping, or cookie decorating.
- Give up one luxury (coffee, takeout, streaming for a week) and donate the savings.
- Share your Joubert Syndrome story (or why you care) in 31 sentences across social media — with a link to donate
Your fundraiser doesn’t need to be big or complicated to make a difference. What matters most is showing up, sharing your story, and inviting others to join you in supporting families living with Joubert Syndrome.
