Are you planning a fundraising event and struggling to find the perfect soundtrack? The right music can significantly impact the success of your campaign, setting the mood and encouraging generosity. Choosing the best songs for fundraising is about more than just picking your favorite tunes; it's a strategic decision that can elevate your event and boost donations. This carefully curated list dives into the emotional power of music, exploring upbeat tracks guaranteed to get people moving and donating, alongside more reflective pieces that inspire empathy and connection. Whether you're raising funds for a charity, a school project, or a personal cause, the perfect playlist can be the key ingredient to a truly memorable and successful fundraising experience. We've considered a range of genres and tempos to ensure there's something for everyone, and we'll be discussing why specific choices are particularly effective for encouraging donations. Let's get started and find the perfect soundtrack to amplify your fundraising efforts!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. One Way or Another | One Direction | FOUR (Deluxe) | 482M+ |
| 2. Earth Song | Michael Jackson | HIStory - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE - BOOK I | 442M+ |
| 3. One Last Time | Ariana Grande | My Everything (Deluxe) | 371M+ |
| 4. Heal the World | Michael Jackson | Dangerous | 260M+ |
| 5. That's What Friends Are For |
Dionne Warwick Elton John Stevie Wonder Gladys Knight | Friends | 259M+ |
| 6. Runaway Train | Soul Asylum | 223M+ | |
| 7. We Are the World | USA for Africa | 170M+ |
1. One Way or Another - FOUR (Deluxe)
Upbeat Tempo: "One Way or Another" boasts a relentlessly positive and catchy rhythm, perfect for energizing your fundraising event and keeping the donations flowing.
Anthemic Quality: Its singalong chorus and empowering lyrics create a shared experience, fostering a sense of community among donors and volunteers.
Broad Appeal: The song's familiar and widely loved nature ensures it will resonate with a diverse audience, maximizing its fundraising potential.
2. Earth Song (HIStory - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE - BOOK I - 1995)
Emotional Impact: Earth Song's powerful vocals and poignant lyrics about environmental destruction and human suffering create a deeply moving experience, ideal for evoking empathy and generosity in your audience.
Musicality: The song's blend of soaring vocals, orchestral arrangements, and rhythmic beats provides a dynamic and memorable listening experience, keeping your audience engaged throughout.
Fundraising Suitability: Its message of global responsibility and hope makes it a powerful choice for fundraising events focused on environmental or humanitarian causes, inspiring attendees to contribute to a greater good.
3. One Last Time (Ariana Grande)
Uplifting Melody: Ariana Grande's "One Last Time" possesses a hopeful and anthemic melody that can inspire generosity and optimism in listeners, creating a positive atmosphere for fundraising events.
Emotional Resonance: The song's blend of vulnerability and resilience taps into a wide range of emotions, potentially encouraging donors to connect with the cause on a deeper level.
Broad Appeal: Its polished pop sound and catchy chorus make it easily accessible to a diverse audience, maximizing its potential to resonate with potential contributors of all ages.
4. Heal the World (Dangerous - 1991)
Uplifting Melody: Heal the World's gentle melody and memorable chorus create a positive and hopeful atmosphere, perfect for inspiring generosity.
Emotional Resonance: The song's heartfelt lyrics about peace and compassion deeply connect with listeners, fostering empathy and a desire to contribute.
Broad Appeal: Michael Jackson's global iconic status ensures the song resonates with a wide audience, maximizing the impact of your fundraising event.
5. That's What Friends Are For (1986)
Emotional Impact: "That's What Friends Are For" evokes a powerful sense of unity and support, perfect for inspiring generosity in your fundraising efforts.
Star Power: Featuring Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight, this all-star collaboration guarantees instant recognition and broad appeal to donors.
Uplifting Melody: The song's hopeful and memorable melody creates a positive and encouraging atmosphere, making it ideal for events promoting charitable giving.
6. Runaway Train - 1993
Emotional Impact: Soul Asylum's "Runaway Train" possesses a raw, emotional power that resonates deeply with audiences, making it ideal for evoking empathy and encouraging donations.
Memorability: The song's instantly recognizable melody and powerful lyrics create a lasting impression, ensuring your fundraising event's message remains with potential donors long after the event concludes.
Broad Appeal: Its blend of alternative rock energy and heartfelt storytelling transcends generational divides, appealing to a wide range of potential donors and increasing the impact of your fundraising campaign.
7. We Are the World
Emotional Impact: "We Are the World" unites voices in a powerful plea for global unity and compassion, making it deeply moving and highly effective at stirring empathy in listeners—crucial for fundraising success.
Star Power: Featuring a constellation of iconic 80s artists, the song's all-star lineup immediately grabs attention and lends an air of prestige and collaborative spirit, enhancing the appeal of any fundraising campaign.
Memorability: Its instantly recognizable melody and uplifting chorus ensure the song remains etched in people's minds, thus prolonging its impact and reinforcing your fundraising message far beyond the initial listening.
8. One (1991)
Emotional Impact: "One" possesses a powerful and anthemic quality, capable of evoking feelings of hope and unity—perfect for inspiring generosity in your audience.
Sound and Rhythm: Its driving beat and soaring vocals create an uplifting and memorable soundscape, making it ideal background music for a fundraising event.
Memorability: The song's iconic status ensures broad recognition and positive associations, potentially increasing engagement with your fundraising campaign.
9. Something to Believe In
Uplifting Melody: "Something to Believe In" possesses a driving, anthemic quality that naturally inspires hope and optimism, perfect for motivating donors.
Broad Appeal: Poison's signature hard rock sound, while powerful, remains accessible to a wide audience, ensuring broad engagement during your fundraising event.
Energetic Rhythm: The song's strong beat creates a positive and energetic atmosphere, encouraging participation and boosting the overall mood of your fundraising campaign.
10. Do They Know It's Christmas? (1984)
Star-Studded Lineup: Featuring a massive ensemble of iconic 80s artists, this track boasts an unparalleled vocal power that instantly grabs attention and amplifies its message.
Instant Emotional Connection: The heartfelt lyrics and anthemic chorus create a powerful emotional response, perfectly suited to inspiring generosity in listeners.
Timeless Appeal: Its enduring popularity ensures broad appeal across generations, maximizing potential reach for your fundraising efforts.
11Bridge over Troubled Water
Artists for Grenfell
2017
12I'll Stand by You
Carrie Underwood
2007
13Ronan
Taylor Swift
2012
14Everybody Hurts
Helping Haiti
2010
15Just Can’t Get Enough
The Saturdays
2009
16Candle in the Wind 1997
Elton John
1998
17Theme From M*A*S*H
Manic Street Preachers
1992
18Hell Is For Children
Pat Benatar
1980
Crimes Of Passion
19Voices That Care
Various Artists
1991
20What A Wonderful World
Eva Cassidy,Katie Melua
2007
21Sing
Annie Lennox,Various Artists
2007
22Sun City
Artists United Against Apartheid
1985
23Bangla Desh
George Harrison
1971
24Absolutely Fabulous
Pet Shop Boys,Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley
1994