Fundraisers are a great way for companies, nonprofits, and other organizations to raise money for things they need. Whether it’s funding a new campaign or trying to make it through to the end of one, there is an endless array of fundraiser ideas.
These ideas do require a few things, though. They need to be engaging, witty, and intriguing enough to get people involved quickly and efficiently.
Whether you’re stuck or are just brainstorming for the next time, here are 7 of the best fundraiser ideas out there.
1. School Fundraiser
Throwing a school fundraiser is one of the best fundraiser ideas you can develop because there are so many options available.
There are classic options like bake sales, school dances, and even walkathons. There is even fundraising laundry detergent for schools!
Ultimately, it will come down to what your school is raising money for, but there are plenty more options out there.
2. Virtual Walkathon
A walkathon doesn’t have to be just walking, though. It can be a run, dance, or even sitting. The choice is yours, but the premise the same.
All guests have to pay a registration fee online, and then they can walk, run, or even dance the set distance from wherever they are in the world on the day of the event. If done virtually, there is more freedom in the location, and people don’t have to be in one specific place at a time.
To keep things interactive, you can create a hashtag on social media and encourage participants to post things during the event.
3. Live-Streamed Event
Hosting a live-streamed event is a great way to rally people together for your fundraiser. You can host speakers, performers, and other guests. In between performances, point people toward your online fundraiser, and keep the audience updated throughout the night.
If you can, create a visual that lives somewhere on the screen of your live stream so that your audience can stay constantly updated during the event.
Use streaming services like YouTube or Facebook Live, or even Twitch.tv to host your fundraiser.
4. Comedy Night
This one is easy to involve local acts in or even the people involved in your organization. If your campaign is for a business or school, consider allowing employees, children, or even parents of children to perform at the event.
Hosting a comedy night or talent show can also be done virtually, and it’s a great and easy way to raise money.
5. Tournament
Giving someone the opportunity to bring out their competitive streak is a great way to raise money.
Whether it’s board games, poker, golf, trivia, video games, dodge ball, kickball, or anything in between, people love games. They’re also going to love any chance they have to play.
You can sweeten the deal with prizes, food, and snacks.
Remember, if you’re hosting a sporting event, you must provide adequate hydration for everyone playing. Snacks are important as well! These things make your event thrive and make it easier for you to raise the funds you need.
6. Paint and Sip Night
A paint and sip night can be done virtually or in-person. Pick out a painting and offer a class for it.
If you’re doing it in-person, then it’s important to gather all the necessary materials beforehand. This includes art supplies but also snacks and drinks you may be selling at the event.
If done virtually, you can offer tiered pricing.
The first tier is a simple registration and printout with all the necessary supplies. This gives people the freedom to pick out their own things or use what they have.
The next tier is for those who want to purchase the supplies from you. This can be split into two tiers: one for a supply pick-up and another for a supply drop-off, with the drop-off being more expensive to accommodate whoever makes the delivery.
Other tiers can include the registration, supplies, a bottle of wine, mimosa supplies, or even a six-pack of beer. One more tier can include all of this, plus snacks or a charcuterie board to enjoy during class.
The possibilities for an event like this one are endless, but it can be pricy to put together.
7. Bring in an Expert
Like hosting an event filled with speakers on different topics, you can also bring in just one expert to give a class or talk for the entire night.
Host a cooking or gardening class, take a wine tour, or find out what people in your area would like to learn about and go from there. The possibilities are endless here, and you can offer tiered pricing similar to a paint and sip night.
For virtual events, offer a base price for those simply wishing to tune in. From there, include tiers that offer any necessary supplies to help guests get through the class.
If it’s a wine tour, be sure to find out what the expert will talk about and then offer those bottles of wine to guests. To make things more inclusive, you can sell one box with all the wines in it or single bottle options for those with a more refined palette.
Remember These Fundraiser Ideas and Get Ready for Success
Remember, a successful fundraiser starts with a great idea. No matter what you’re raising money for, using these fundraiser ideas is a great way to ensure your overall success.
You can get creative by involving other local businesses and nonprofits in the event and even letting local news outlets and other publications know of your efforts. Oftentimes, a mere mention of a fundraiser for a worthy cause is enough to make others want to join in.
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