Top 20 Fundraising Event Speakers in the U.S. Under $75,000 …
Planning a successful fundraising event starts with one key decision: booking the right speaker. The perfect speaker can inspire your audience, align with your mission, and motivate donors to take action. Fortunately, you don’t need a seven-figure budget to secure a powerful presence on stage.
In this guide, we highlight impactful speakers based in the United States who command less than $75,000 per engagement—making them excellent choices for fundraising galas, nonprofit conferences, charity events, and more.
Why the Right Speaker Matters for Fundraising Events
Fundraising events thrive on connection and emotion. A compelling speaker can:
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Tell powerful stories that humanize your cause
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Energize your audience to give generously
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Reinforce your organization’s mission and values
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Elevate the profile of your event
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Add credibility and excitement to your programming
Top Fundraising Speakers Under $75,000 in the U.S.
Angela Duckworth
Topics: Perseverance, Education, Personal Development
Estimated Fee: $30,000–$60,000
Author of Grit, Duckworth inspires audiences with insights on resilience and achieving long-term goals.
Dan Pink
Topics: Motivation, Business Strategy, Behavior
Estimated Fee: $30,000–$50,000
Pink’s bestselling books and TED Talks on motivation and human behavior make him a standout for business-savvy donors.
David M. Rubenstein
Topics: Philanthropy, Leadership, Economics
Estimated Fee: $50,000–$75,000
As a private equity billionaire and philanthropic leader, Rubenstein’s insights appeal to high-net-worth donors.
Erin Brockovich
Topics: Environmental Advocacy, Legal Justice, Social Change
Estimated Fee: $40,000–$60,000
Known for her environmental activism, Brockovich connects deeply with audiences passionate about social impact.
Jay Shetty
Topics: Mindfulness, Purpose, Personal Growth
Estimated Fee: $30,000–$50,000
With a massive online following, Shetty brings a modern take on purpose-driven living—ideal for millennial and Gen Z donors.
Judy Smith
Topics: Crisis Management, Leadership, Ethics
Estimated Fee: $50,000–$75,000
The real-life inspiration behind Scandal, Smith is a sought-after speaker on communication and leading through challenge.
Malala Yousafzai
Topics: Education, Gender Equality, Advocacy
Estimated Fee: $60,000–$75,000
The youngest Nobel Laureate in history, Malala’s courage and global impact make her ideal for education- and equity-focused events.
Patrick Lencioni
Topics: Organizational Health, Teamwork, Leadership
Estimated Fee: $40,000–$70,000
A bestselling business author, Lencioni speaks to building strong cultures—perfect for corporate philanthropy audiences.
Simon Sinek
Topics: Purpose, Leadership, Organizational Culture
Estimated Fee: $75,000–$100,000
His “Start With Why” message helps attendees connect deeply with mission-driven giving.
Seth Godin
Topics: Marketing, Creativity, Leadership
Estimated Fee: $75,000–$100,000
A marketing guru, Godin’s insight can help both nonprofits and donors reimagine what impact looks like.
Soledad O’Brien
Topics: Media, Diversity, Social Justice
Estimated Fee: $60,000–$80,000
O’Brien’s journalism background brings both gravitas and empathy to events supporting equity and social progress.
Tommy Spaulding
Topics: Leadership, Relationships, Impact
Estimated Fee: $20,000–$50,000
A heartfelt speaker with a focus on servant leadership, Spaulding is a great fit for community-focused causes.
Tim Tebow
Topics: Faith, Sports, Philanthropy
Estimated Fee: $70,000–$90,000
The former NFL star and charitable leader shares stories that uplift and inspire, especially for faith-based organizations.
Brené Brown
Topics: Vulnerability, Courage, Empathy
Estimated Fee: $50,000–$75,000
Brown’s message resonates with all audiences—particularly those looking to lead with compassion and courage.
Tony Hawk
Topics: Entrepreneurship, Youth Empowerment, Sports
Estimated Fee: $75,000–$125,000
The skateboarding icon inspires with stories of success, giving back, and pursuing passion against the odds.
Grant Cardone
Topics: Sales, Business, Motivation
Estimated Fee: $100,000+
While just over the $75k target, Cardone’s energy can electrify business audiences and drive giving with urgency.
Sheryl Sandberg
Topics: Leadership, Gender Equity, Tech
Estimated Fee: $100,000+
Former Facebook COO and founder of Lean In, Sandberg brings vision and clarity to events focused on inclusion and leadership.
Michelle Obama
Topics: Empowerment, Education, Leadership
Estimated Fee: $500,000+
While outside most fundraising budgets, the former First Lady’s influence, presence, and message of hope resonate deeply with any audience.
Daymond John
Topics: Entrepreneurship, Branding, Wealth Building
Estimated Fee: $100,000
A Shark Tank star and founder of FUBU, Daymond adds star power and real-world insight for business-minded donors.
Gary Vaynerchuk
Topics: Social Media, Personal Branding, Hustle
Estimated Fee: $200,000+
For a younger audience or digital-first nonprofit, Gary Vee delivers unmatched engagement and brand visibility.
How to Choose the Right Fundraising Speaker
Mission Alignment
Choose someone whose values reflect your organization’s mission to ensure authenticity and emotional impact.
Audience Fit
Match the speaker’s tone, experience, and style to your donor base—whether they’re high-net-worth philanthropists, young professionals, or corporate leaders.
Energy and Engagement
Select someone dynamic and memorable who can energize the room and inspire giving.
Social Media Reach
Speakers with a strong online presence can help boost awareness and extend your event’s reach.
Content Relevance
Ensure their messaging connects directly to your cause—whether it’s leadership, innovation, inclusion, or education.
Celebrity Speakers Bureau has booked many of the greatest celebrity speakers from around the world to work with companies and events just like yours. Contact Celebrity Speakers Bureau at booking@celebrityspeakersbureau.com to book a speaker.