Rubber Duck Race Fundraisers for Nonprofits

Turning Ducks Into Dollars For Good

Rubber Duck Race



Fundraisers for Nonprofits

Turning Ducks Into Dollars For Good

Over $280M raised for 2,000+ nonprofits since 1988.

Two children in Project Grow shirts cheering at a Derby Duck Race fundraiser, with thousands of yellow rubber ducks racing behind them.

+1M other happy racers

  • KinderMourn Logo
  • Kiwanis Logo
  • Rotary Club Logo
  • Boys and Girls Club Logo
  • Merryman House Logo
  • Special Olympics Logo
  • Harbor House Logo
  • KinderMourn Logo
  • Kiwanis Logo
  • Rotary Club Logo
  • Boys and Girls Club Logo
  • Merryman House Logo
  • Special Olympics Logo
  • Harbor House Logo

About Us

Fundraising the Fun Way since 1988

For over 37 years, we have partnered with nonprofits across the country to create fundraising events that are as fun as they are impactful. Through our signature Derby Duck Fundraiser, organizations have transformed community celebrations into powerful forces for good.

37+

years of experience

$280M+

raised worldwide

2,000+

organizations served

Millions

of smiles created

As Seen In:

  • Los Angeles Times Logo
  • CBS Logo
  • USA Today Logo
  • Forbes Logo
  • Life Magazine Logo
  • People Magazine Logo
  • Time Magazine Logo
  • People Magazine Logo
  • Los Angeles Times Logo
  • CBS Logo
  • USA Today Logo
  • Forbes Logo
  • Life Magazine Logo
  • People Magazine Logo
  • Time Magazine Logo
  • People Magazine Logo

The Process

How a Duck
Race Works

Thousands of yellow rubber ducks pouring off a downtown bridge into the river at a city duck race fundraiser.
01
01

Adopt a Duck

Adopt a Duck

Adopt a Duck

Donors can go online to “adopt” one or more rubber ducks. Each duck will receive a unique number tied to their adopter.

Donors can go online to “adopt” one or more rubber ducks. Each duck will receive a unique number tied to their adopter.

02
02

Ducks Hit the Water

Ducks Hit the Water

Ducks Hit the Water

On race day, thousands of ducks are released into the water. Families, friends, and entire communities gather to watch the fun unfold.

On race day, thousands of ducks are released into the water. Families, friends, and entire communities gather to watch the fun unfold.

03
03

Winners Are Crowned

Winners Are Crowned

Winners Are Crowned

As the ducks race to the finish line, the first ones to cross will win prizes for their adopters. Every duck adoption helps raise money for a cause that matters.

As the ducks race to the finish line, the first ones to cross will win prizes for their adopters. Every duck adoption helps raise money for a cause that matters.

Our Service

Tailored Support for
Your Fundraiser

Whether you’re hosting your first duck race or your fiftieth, we’ve got proven tools and step-by-step support to help you succeed.

Plan Together

Promote Your Race

Make a Splash

Three smiling kids in Project Grow t-shirts in front of a sea of yellow rubber ducks at a Derby Duck Race fundraiser.

Plan Together

We build the blueprint — you bring the mission.

Fundraising strategy tailored to your community and goals

Your own branded race website, ready to accept adoptions

Sponsorship playbook to offset your full investment

Plan Together

Promote Your Race

Make a Splash

Three smiling kids in Project Grow t-shirts in front of a sea of yellow rubber ducks at a Derby Duck Race fundraiser.

Plan Together

We build the blueprint — you bring the mission.

Fundraising strategy tailored to your community and goals

Your own branded race website, ready to accept adoptions

Sponsorship playbook to offset your full investment

Testimonials

Don't take it from us

"After three decades of partnership with Derby Duck Race, we just completed our 30th annual Duck Race. Derby Duck Races has been exceptional to work with! This is the most successful fundraiser we've ever had. Whether we have questions or face challenges, their team helps us find solutions."

Julie Hejtmanek, Sertoma Clubs of Topeka.

- Julie Hejtmanek

Sertoma Clubs of Topeka

"Fundraisers have a lot of puzzle pieces and thankfully, we have Derby Duck Races to help us put everything together! They have high quality ducks, traps, promotional items, print materials and reports. They are also SO QUICK to respond with kind assistance. We know we are in good hands, which is why we continue to use their duck race services year after year."

Chelsie Holmes, The Alpha Group.

- Chelsie Holmes

The Alpha Group

"Partners For Quality loves working the entire Derby Duck team on our annual Steel City Duck Derby fundraising event. Their support, guidance and professionalism are invaluable and help make our event truly a success. We can’t thank them enough – they are QUACKTASTIC!"

Tami Rippy, Partners for Quality.

- Tami Rippy

Partners for Quality

"Partners For Quality loves working with the entire Derby Duck team on our annual Steel City Duck Derby fundraising event. Their support, guidance and professionalism are invaluable and help make our event truly a success. We can’t thank them enough – they are QUACKTASTIC!"

Tami Rippy, Partners for Quality.

- Tami Rippy

Partners for Quality

Two children holding hand-decorated rubber ducks at a Derby Duck Race fundraiser.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How much can we actually raise?

Our partners have collectively raised over $280 million since 1988. First-year races typically bring in $20,000+ and grow their totals year over year.

How much work is this for our team?

We handle the ducks, logistics, your custom adoption website, marketing, print materials, and reporting. You focus on your community and sponsors. Plan on a 3-4 month timeline with a dedicated point of contact from our team.

What if we've never done anything like this?

Most of our 2,000+ partners started with zero duck race experience. You get a proven playbook, a custom website, and hands-on coaching from kickoff to race day.

Do we need a river?

No. Rivers are the classic setup, but lazy rivers, pools, fountains, and man-made courses all work great. If there's water, there's a race — we'll help you design a setup that fits your venue.

How do people “adopt” ducks?

Supporters visit your custom race website and adopt one or more ducks — typically starting at $5 each. Each duck gets a unique number. On race day, the first ducks across the finish line win prizes for their adopters.

Contact Us

Get In Touch

Whether you’re curious or ready to dive in, our team is always here to answer questions and help you make a splash in your community.