10 Budget-Friendly Team Building Ideas for Nonprofits

Team building doesn’t have to mean expensive retreats or complicated programs. In fact, some of the best activities are simple and affordable, and they go a long way in strengthening relationships, boosting morale, and sparking creativity among your team.

1. DIY Craft Workshop

Tap into your team’s creativity with a do-it-yourself project. Whether it’s water coloring, soap-making, or building simple planters, DIY activities are great for collaboration and stress relief. If you’re in Austin, check out Austin DIY Studio- they offer fun, hands-on classes that are perfect for groups and can create a custom experience for your team.

2. Cocktail & Mocktail Class

Bring in a local mixologist (or find tutorials online) and learn how to make a few signature cocktails and mocktails together. It’s interactive, social, and easy to adapt for everyone.

4. Company Recipe Book + Potluck

Ask each team member to share one of their favorite recipes and compile them into a simple recipe book (digital or printed). Then host a potluck where everyone brings their dish to share.

5. Trivia Lunch

Host a casual trivia lunch once a quarter. Pick fun themes like Harry Potter, Friends, pop culture, or music. Break into small teams, enjoy lunch together, and crown a trivia champ each round. It’s a lighthearted way to connect and gives everyone something to look forward to throughout the year.

6. Outside Meeting

Instead of gathering in the conference room, have your next meeting outside. Bring some blankets or gather round a picnic table and enjoy a change of scenery.

7. Team Talent Show

Host a lighthearted talent show where staff can show off hidden (or not-so-hidden) skills. From duck calling to magic tricks to juggling, you’ll be surprised at the fun, quirky, and extraordinary talents that come out. It’s a guaranteed laughter-filled event and a great way to celebrate the unique personalities that make your team special.

9. Movie Lunch

Keep it simple with a classic or fun comedy. Pop some popcorn, grab some snacks! Some great options are E.T., Back to the Future, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Lego Movie, Wicked, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Pitch Perfect! Or have your team all nominate a movie and have a drawing every month.

10. Cooking Class

Turn your office into a test kitchen with a hands-on cooking class. Bring in a volunteer chef or let a team member lead everyone in making something together, l ike pasta, baklava, or sushi. The options are endless, and the best part is sitting down to enjoy the meal you created as a team.

Pro tip: Rotate who leads each activity! This way, everyone feels ownership in building team culture, and it keeps things fresh.