Organize a Fundraiser
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Start your own DIY fundraising campaign today and support the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s mission to improve the lives of those affected by epilepsy.
Epilepsy affects more than 3.4 million people nationwide, and every day, individuals and families face the challenges that come with this condition. In Michigan alone, almost 109,000 individuals live with epilepsy. By launching your own DIY fundraiser, you’re not just raising funds—you’re raising hope, awareness, and support for those who need it most. With your help, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by epilepsy in our community and beyond.
What's DIY fundraising?
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) fundraising empowers you to create and host your own unique events to raise funds for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. Whether you’re inspired to organize a bake sale, run a marathon, or celebrate your birthday by raising funds, your efforts provide crucial support and services for individuals with epilepsy.
Why your support matters
The funds you raise contribute directly to our programs and services, making a tangible impact on the lives of those living with epilepsy in Michigan. Your creativity and dedication fuel our mission and bring us closer to a world free from seizures.
Make a personal impact
DIY fundraising is a powerful way to connect your personal story with our shared mission. Whether you’re a person with epilepsy, a family member, or a supportive friend, your efforts can create real change. Inspire others by sharing your unique journey and reasons for getting involved, and show how individual actions can contribute to a greater cause.
Next steps
Ready to start fundraising?
Get Inspired: Think about what you love to do. Turn your hobbies, talents, and interests into a fundraising opportunity.
Set up your page: Complete our DIY Fundraiser Application, and we’ll create your personalized fundraising page on our easy-to-navigate platform. Share your story, set a fundraising goal, and upload photos to make it engaging.
Spread the word: Utilize social media, email, and word-of-mouth to invite friends, family, and colleagues to support your cause. The more people you reach, the greater your impact will be.
Join a community of passionate fundraisers dedicated to making a difference. Together, we can raise awareness, and support programs that improve the lives of those with epilepsy.
Inspiration in Action
Brainstorm your DIY Fundraiser & imagine the possibilities:
- Run for a Cause: Organize a local 5K run or walk in your neighborhood.
- Bike-a-thon: Organize a bike ride event for all ages.
- Sports Tournament: Organize a basketball, soccer, or other sports tournament.
- Dance Party: Throw a themed dance party with an entry fee.
- Fitness Class: Offer a donation-based fitness class like yoga, pilates, or Zumba.
- Bake for Good: Host a bake sale at your school or workplace.
- Cook-off Competition: Organize a cook-off with an entry fee and prizes.
- Dinner Party: Host a themed dinner party, asking for donations instead of bringing a dish.
- Wine Tasting: Partner with a local winery for a charity wine-tasting event.
- Community Yard Sale: Gather your neighbors for a large yard sale, with proceeds benefitting the Foundation.
- Garage Sale: Clean out your garage and donate the proceeds from the sale.
- Book Sale: Collect and sell gently used books from your community.
- Charity Auction: Auction off services, such as babysitting, lawn mowing, or tutoring.
- Craft Fair: Host a craft fair showcasing local artisans, with a portion of sales donated.
- Art Exhibit: Showcase local artists’ work and donate a percentage of sales.
- Talent Show: Host a talent show at your local community center or school.
- Music Festival: Organize a small local music festival or concert.
- Outdoor Movie Night: Set up an outdoor movie screening and charge a small fee.
- Open Mic Night: Host an open mic night for local talent to perform.
- Holiday Party: Throw a holiday party and charge an entry fee or ask for donations.
- Virtual Challenges: Create a challenge that participants can do from anywhere, like a virtual dance-a-thon.
- Online Classes: Offer virtual classes on a skill you excel in, with suggested donations.
- Virtual Talent Show: Host an online talent show where people can pay to vote for their favorite acts.
- Online Auction: Organize an online auction with items or services donated by local businesses and community members.
- Celebrate Milestones: Dedicate your birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion to fundraising for epilepsy.
- Picnic in the Park: Host a community picnic with games and activities.
- Trivia Night: Host a trivia night at a local venue or online.
- Dog Wash: Offer a dog washing service with proceeds going to the Foundation.
- Face Painting Booth: Set up a face painting booth at a local event.
- Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth at a local event and charge for photos.
Inspiring Stories from Our Community

Meet Alex, Matt & Bella
Alex and Matt connect with local restaurants to coordinate Dine & Donate events in honor of their little epilepsy warrior, Bella. A percentage of the total amount of sales from the day are donated to the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.

Meet Dejah, Jason & Piper
Every year, Dejah and Jason host a pinball tournament honoring their daughter Piper and raising funds for the epilepsy community. They even created custom merch for their event!

Meet Elleanna
Elleanna raised awareness and funds to support those living with epilepsy by hosting a comedy night at her high school. Her community gathered for a night of education, advocacy, and fun – with proceeds from ticket sales donated to support the Foundation’s services.
Everything you need to succeed
The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan can support you by:
- creating a customized online fundraising page for you to share
- providing epilepsy support and educational materials to distribute
- highlighting your event by re-sharing social media posts
Check out our FAQ to help you start your DIY fundraiser!
Resources and Tools
Let's start planning your DIY Fundraiser!
We welcome passionate community members of all ages to join us in hosting a DIY Fundraiser, but do require a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult to be on-site at events hosted by those under the age of 18 and to serve as an additional event contact person.
Please allow up to three business days for a response from the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan team.
Need help getting started? Reach out to Marissa Ogea.