Turn your event into support for veterans and military families
When you host a fundraiser for USA Cares, you help keep veterans in their homes, prevent shutoffs, and give families room to breathe while they rebuild.
Whether you are planning a small gathering with friends or a large community event, we are here to help you make it meaningful.
Submit Your Fundraiser Idea See Fundraiser Ideas
Once you submit your idea, a USA Cares team member will follow up with next steps, approval, and resources.
How it works
- 1 Dream it up. Choose an event that fits your community, workplace, or family.
- 2 Submit your idea. Share the basics so we can review your fundraiser for approval.
- 3 Host and give hope. Raise funds, share the mission, and help veterans stay steady through tough moments.
USA Cares must review and approve use of our name and logo before you promote your event.
Why Your Fundraiser Matters
Every dollar you raise helps provide emergency assistance, safe housing support, utility relief, and career training for veterans, service members, and their families. Your event can:
Keep veterans housed
Support mortgage and rent assistance that keeps families in stable housing.
Bridge a crisis
Help cover utilities, food, and essentials so veterans can focus on recovery and next steps.
Support long-term stability
Fuel programs that connect veterans to employment, financial coaching, and lasting stability.
Fundraiser Ideas
You can keep it simple or go big. Here are some ideas to get you started. Use one category or mix a few together to build your perfect event.
Community & social events
- Backyard barbecue or chili cookoff
- Trivia or game night
- Holiday or “X-mas in July” party
- Block party or neighborhood gathering
Fitness & challenge events
- 5K walk or run
- Ruck march or hike
- Pickleball or golf tournament
- Yoga class or workout challenge
Workplace & business ideas
- Dress down or jersey day
- Percentage-of-sales day at your business
- Employee trivia night or office games
- Customer donation match or round up
Milestones & personal giving
- Birthday or anniversary fundraiser
- Wedding or celebration giving in lieu of gifts
- Memorial or celebration of life gifts
- Online donation page shared with friends and family
Auctions & special events
- Silent or live auction
- Benefit concert or talent show
- Formal dinner or gala
- Car show or motorcycle ride
Kids & family friendly
- Bake sale or lemonade stand
- School spirit day
- Art show or craft fair
- Read-a-thon or fun run
What USA Cares Provides
Once your fundraiser is approved, we will equip you with tools and guidance so you feel supported from start to finish.
Branding & messaging
Approved logo files, brand guidelines, and key talking points about USA Cares and the impact of your event.
Donation tools
A custom donation link for your event with tracking, so every gift can be counted toward your total.
Promotion support
Sample social posts, email language, and simple templates you can use to invite your community to join you.
Event guidance
Suggestions for planning, timelines, and best practices for handling funds and thanking your supporters.
Impact follow up
A summary of your fundraiser results and how your support helped veterans and families across the country.
Dedicated contact
A USA Cares team member to answer questions, review materials, and help you stay aligned with our mission and brand.
Fundraiser Guidelines
To protect our mission and donors, all independent fundraisers must follow these guidelines.
Approval required
Please submit your fundraiser for review before you promote it or use the USA Cares name or logo.
Use of name and logo
All materials that include our name or logo should be approved by USA Cares before printing or posting.
Planning & liability
Event organizers are responsible for planning, staffing, safety, permits, and any necessary insurance.
Financial transparency
Funds should be handled in a secure, responsible way. We ask that proceeds be sent to USA Cares within 30 days.
No implied endorsement
Fundraisers should not suggest that USA Cares endorses a business, product, political candidate, or campaign.
Required disclosure
Please include this line on event materials: “This fundraiser is independently organized to benefit USA Cares. Event organizers are not representatives or employees of USA Cares.”
Submit Your Fundraiser Idea
Ready to get started? Share the basics of your event and we will follow up with approval, guidance, and tools to help you succeed.
Step 1: Complete the fundraiser interest form .
Step 2: Wait for confirmation from USA Cares before promoting your event.
Step 3: Host your event, have fun, and help veterans and families stay steady through tough moments.
If you have questions, please contact us at development@usacares.org.