Fundraising Events - Part 1
Easy Fundraiser Event Ideas
Among the questions that I hear constantly are:
"What fundraising events don't cost a lot?"
"What ones are easy to do?"
"Which ones make the most money?"
And what's the answer to those three questions?
It depends!
That's right. There is no one answer, no "one size fits all" solution.
Fundraising events vary tremendously
These type of fundraisers will vary greatly in cost, complexity,
and results - based on a host of factors that are often not
easy to control.
Events that don't cost a lot will often require more volunteer
time to put them together.
Ones that are easy to do are often
not the
biggest money makers.
And, sometimes you need a crystal ball to figure out which
ones would produce the biggest net return.
So, where does that leave us in our search for answers to our
three questions?
It leaves us with a set of options or choices for event-based fundraisers.
Which events don't cost a lot?
Generally, the fundraisers with the lowest cost are those that
involve direct labor in exchange for a donation or contribution.
Low-cost examples include the volunteer car wash or the charity
bike ride.
Here, you want to use the "sweat equity" approach - volunteers
sweat in return for equity for your nonprofit organization.
The key is to get a large number of volunteers who, in turn,
bring along multiple donations.
Revenue is generated in proportion to the publicity effort for
the event, done either in advance --- as in the case of the bike-
a-thon --- or done at the same time (street-side signs, etc.) ---
for the car wash.
Which events are easy to do?
The events that are easiest to conduct are the ones that are fun
and of short duration. Examples include a group dinner, a "make
believe" beauty pageant, or a mystery dinner theater.
Often, the largest part of the job is generating a good turnout.
Communicating your need is central to all fundraising efforts,
but for an event, it's critical.
By making your event fun to attend and short in duration, you
make it more attractive to potential supporters.
The three types mentioned above are easy to put together:
Group Dinner
A group dinner involves organizing a group meal, usually at a
restaurant although it can be potluck/buffet style as well.
Many restaurants are glad to host your get together and provide
standard meal service while "rebating" back to your nonprofit
organization roughly 15% of the total tab for your group's meals.
Beauty Pageant
A "make believe" beauty pageant, such as that offered in the
"Queen Almost for a Day" package, is another way to have fun and
raise funds.
Your group needs only a location, some volunteer contestants
(including men), and a paying crowd to cheer on their laughable favorites.
Mystery Dinner Theater
Inviting everyone to a Mystery Dinner Theater creates another
fun evening that produces a nice amount of revenue for your
group.
Line up a large meeting room at a local restaurant, recruit your
thespians from among the gregarious types in your community and
you're ready to go.
Pre-packaged scripts are available from several suppliers. See our
listings for fundraising event suppliers for details.
Which events make the most money?
Your fundraisers will be at their most profitable when you generate
a massive turnout combined with a willingness of your patrons to
open their pocketbooks.
Examples include school-based Athlet-a-thons and exclusive
black tie charity auctions.
These types of special events require a lot of effort to promote,
coordinate, and conduct. Many layers of volunteers are needed to
staff all the positions for these two types of fundraisers.
A key aspect to the revenue generating power of special events like
auctions and Athlet-a-thons is a strong personal tie-in.
With an auction, people will spend more money than they ordinarily
would because there are both bargains and tax deductions involved.
With a school-based Athlet-a-thon, the personal tie-in is a direct
sponsorship of a child's achievements.
The personal connection is the strongest motivator for opening
the pocketbook to its fullest extent. Always make sure to
include that aspect when putting your plan in place.
In the next article in this series, I'll offer some specific advice on
suppliers that have pre-packaged offerings for event-style
fundraisers.
Related Pages
Fundraising Events: Three profitable fundraiser event ideas for small group or school fund raising - Fundraiser events that are quick and easy - Fund-raising events you can do in a weekend.
Event Ideas - Part 2: Easy fund-raising events for small groups - Covers "Queen Almost For A Day" Fun Beauty Pageant, having a Mondo Yard Sale, and putting together a successful charity Golf Tournament.
Event Ideas - Part 3: Fund raising events that are easy to do - Cap Follies musical theater production, Night At The Races fund-raising event, and a Bed Race cancer fundraiser event.
Publicity Tips - Simple methods to get your fundraisers well publicized - Publicity is the key to successful event fund raising.
Rubber Duck Fundraiser - How to organize a rubber duck race as your fundraising event - Profit boosters for your rubber duck fundraiser that can double or triple your results.
School Fundraising Event - How to host a profitable school fundraising event - Add inflatable rentals, fun games and great food to your events. Fundraising Event Ideas - A lengthy list of fundraising event ideas - Tips on putting together various charity fundraising events and maximizing your profits.
Fundraising Event Tips - Tips on raising maximum funds at your next event - Easy to follow fundraising event tips for getting publicity and attracting sellout crowds eager to support your cause.
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