Event Ideas & Fundraising Tips

Create an Event that People Will Pay (Donate) to Attend!

Trivia Nite – There are many ways to do a trivia nite. One of the simplest is to find a cheap or free venue (maybe a church or school) and a DJ that does trivia nites to host it. Sell tables of up to eight people who are all on one team. Have everyone bring their own drinks, food and decorations. It’s a blast seeing what people do and to go around trying each others food.

Bowling Party – Contact a local bowling alley and they can tell you all about these! Consider adding a dinner and raffle to this event. Have couples bowl together as one. It’s less expensive and more fun…especially if you add crazy bowling to one round.

Dance-A-Thon – Participants typically dance for free and acquire sponsors. The longer people dance, the more money they raise. Invite the community to come and watch and encourage donations from them. You can also charge $5 for people to request songs.

Kickboxing/Zumba Party – Lots of people want to try kickboxing or Zumba and instructors are usually willing to hold a special class for free. The bonus is that it’s especially fun with your friends. Simply charge them to attend and let them know the entire fee will go to the cause. Maybe gather afterwards and hold a raffle.

Field Day Competition – Hold a field day or carnival and let the adults act like kids and have some fun and some friendly competition. Some types of games can include: Tug o’ War, Egg Toss, Balloon Toss, Three-Legged Race, Obstacle Courses or create some fun new variations.

Don't Forget Where You Spend Most of Your Time...At Work!

Company Donation or Match – Ask your company to make a donation or to match donations from employees..

Casual Dress Day – Determine if your office will allow employees to dress down in return for a donation to your team.

Raffle a Day Off – Ask your boss to donate a free day off to use in a raffle at work. The winner gets a day off without using his or her sick time or vacation time.

Reduce Stress – Find a masseuse through a health club, training school, or chiropractor’s office. Have them come to your business and provide a 5 or 10 minute neck and shoulder massages for a gift of $10.

Sell Goodies – Sell candy, chips, popcorn, soda, bagels or donuts at the office. You may be able to get the goods donated so everything goes to your fundraising.

Change Your Signature – Most e-mail programs give you the ability to create your own signature at the bottom of each message. This is a great way to let both personal and business contacts know NF is a cause close to your heart. Add a link to your Firstgiving.com page in your email. You may be surprised at the number of people who end up donating.

Lunch In – Ask everyone in your office to donate $10 a week until the event and skip buying lunch to make it up. Bring a bag lunch and eat together to celebrate your effort.