Fundraiser Ideas
In these difficult times of economic slow down, charity organizations have to work harder to support their social causes. At times, when donations are difficult to come by, all you can do is organize some fundraising events and encourage people in your community to participate. Since, nobody can resist a little fun, and an opportunity to socialize (though at a little cost), you can expect to raise substantial funds through such events. This way, your charity organization won't have to rely completely on donations.
Fundraiser Ideas and Tips
Cow Pie Fundraiser
Due to its weird name, this unique fundraising idea is sure to grab the media attention right from its inception. If you are planning to organize an event on a large scale and expect a turnout of hundreds of people, then this fundraiser is the way to go. The requirements for this fundraiser are a large patch of grassland (football field may also do) and a cow! All you have to do is divide the property into squares of equal size. Sell each square for an appropriate price. Remember the price should be affordable enough for a good turnout and yet, high enough to, meet your fund requirements. Half the collection amount should go to the winner. After selling all the squares, leave a cow in the field. The owner of the square where the cow leaves its cow pie is the winner! Spectators may have to wait patiently until the cow does its job. All in all, this event is unique and one of its kind. Make sure to publicize it through local newspaper and media, so as to ensure good response.
Cleanup Fundraiser
A neighborhood cleanup fundraiser is one of the best charity fundraising ideas for kids. All Saint's Day is the ideal time to organize this event, since your neighborhood is likely to have become messy, post Halloween celebrations. Group of kids can visit each household in the neighborhood and offer to clean their yards for a small service charge. Kids should carry flyers explaining the cause for fundraising. The flyers can be distributed well in advance so that people are aware about the event. Kids can also expect to receive decent donations for their cause. However, make sure they wear gloves, masks, shoes while cleaning the yards. Also arrange for proper disposal of the garbage collected.
Barbecue Contest
This is one of the most popular fundraising ideas for churches, neighborhoods etc. Announce a barbecue contest through local media, at least a couple of weeks prior to the event. Charge an entry fee from the contestants who wish to participate. You may ask the members of the church or charity organization to be the judges for the contest. Divide the contest in categories such as veggies, meat, fish etc. You may also divide it in mild and spicy, depending upon the barbecue sauces. The spectators can be charged according to the plate served. While the contestants can keep half the cost of plate as profit, the rest should go towards charity. Part of the funds collected should go to the winners in each category.
Auto Exhibition/Rally
There are a number of ways in which you can implement this charity fundraising idea. You can ask the owners of vintage cars in your town to put their vehicles for display. The spectators can be charged a small entry fee for the exhibition. Alternatively, you can persuade your fire brigade, city hospitals and construction companies to participate in an auto rally. Fire trucks, ambulances and large construction vehicles such as earth movers, excavators can make for a spectacular site at an auto rally. Kids can get a ride on these vehicles at an additional cost.
You can also organize auctions of donated items or persuade a local celebrity to perform at your event to raise funds.
