For one reason or another, you have decided that you need to raise money. It doesn’t matter whether it is for your business, your kid’s scout troop, a non-profit side project of yours, or for a personal matter. What does matter is how you are going to create a fundraising event.
Pay attention to the tips below and see if they may be able to help you decide the best way to raise the funds you need.
Why fundraising is important
Fundraising does just what it says – it is raising funds. Fundraising occurs for all sorts of reasons. In schools, kids participate by selling candy bars or wrapping paper to earn money for trips or new uniforms, etc. Businesses and nonprofits have fundraisers to raise money for much needed equipment and supplies. Communities may hold a fundraising event to raise money for a resident who has a medical need or has fallen on hard times.
Even though these are all very different situations, they all have a common need: to raise money for something that they see as important. And there is always a following of supporting individuals that want to help. Without the opportunity for fundraising, many organizations and communities would be missing out on some important – and possibly lifesaving – items.
How an event structure a can help: Bigger IS better
When you decide to have a fundraising event, you will need to decide on your location. Something to keep in mind is that you may not have an exact number of how many people will show up to your event. And, let’s face it – the more people, the more potential there is to raise money. So, the more the merrier! Therefore, you are going to need to have space to accommodate all your guests. Don’t forget you will also need to account for room for your volunteers that will be helping with organizing and executing the event.
What does all this mean? You will need a versatile space.
Renting an event structure can offer the perfect solution. It gives you a covered space with all the conveniences of a real building, but it is flexible in case you get an overflow of attendees! Event structures can have flooring, side walls, and can even be climate controlled – which can help combat bad weather conditions. Not to mention that event structures come in all sizes. So, you are sure to find the perfect space!
Now all you need to do is decide what kind of fundraiser you are going to have!
Hire a band or have a talent show
Music always brings people together and is a great way to fundraise. Most local bands are looking for gigs to book and may agree to perform at your event for a reduced fee or even for free! If you are feeling ambitious, you could book a couple of bands and keep the music going – make it a mini music festival fundraising event! Bands from different genres could also draw different crowds. A plus to this route is that if you are worried about the turnout at your event, most bands have their own regular following which can be a great perk!
If your crowd is more daring, you could have a talent show. Plan well in advance and have people sign up to participate. Award prizes in different categories, have judges, make it fun. Having an event structure for your fundraising event means that you can have space for a dance floor and a stage.
So how can you raise money with either of these events? Charge an admission fee, sell food and drinks, and sell tickets to raffles (with donated items) and 50/50 games of chance.
Auction anyone?
If you have a rather large following, reach out and see if you can obtain donated items for an auction. It can be a simple auction or can be combined with a dinner or live music. Have your guests bid on the items. It helps to draw a crowd if you can get an individual or company to donate an extravagant item to be auctioned.
You can charge an admission fee and for any food or drink items you decide to sell.
Dress up for a formal dinner
People like to have a reason to dress up. Why not give it to them? Getting fancy for a good cause can make people want to spend money. Organize a formal dinner – either home-cooked or catered – and charge for those tickets. Promise your guests a night of dinner and dancing. Or, if possible, hire a relevant speaker, and sell tickets to dinner and a show.
Make sure you decorate your event space to match the event. After all, you don’t want your guests in tuxedos and formal gowns while sitting on metal folding chairs and eating on paper plates. If you spend the money to make your space magnificent, then your guests will be willing to purchase your tickets. In other words, it may cost you more to decorate and have this type of event, but you will also be able to charge more for tickets.
Consider combining this formal dinner with a silent auction of donated goods to raise additional funds.
Friendly competition or race
Remember those days of the all-night dance ‘til you drop? Or how about the jumping jack challenge? A 5k race? These types of events can make good fundraising methods, too. You can organize an event that consists of a race or a competition. Advertise your event and ask people to sign up and participate.
The participants will then reach out to the people they know with the hope of getting sponsors. For instance, if you choose to have a race, the participant will obtain donations from people supporting that individual in his or her efforts to complete your challenge. Make sense?
To be successful, you must choose a competition or race that interests you and your target audience. Then, go for it! Just don’t forget to have prizes for the winners!
A fundraising event can be fun – it doesn’t have to be tedious. Brainstorm and decide what you think people will be more interested in and do it!