Brilliant Fundraising Ideas

When it comes to fundraising, sometimes there is sheer genius in the simplest of ideas.  There’s no need to over-complicate your event or try to reinvent the wheel.  Sticking to tried and true methods can get you far.  However, by adding some unique and exciting concepts, you can develop an occasional that will surely spark the curiosity of your potential audience and get them excited to participate. 

Before you plunge into your next brilliant fundraising idea, here are a few reminders to help you along the way.  First, it’s important to be simple in your execution and make sure you have enough staff to cover every aspect of your function.  Proper organization is essential, and without it, your event could turn into a disaster. 

Whether you’re providing an activity, service, or items for sale, remember that donors want to feel like they’re getting something for their money.  Create an event that is appealing to a broad audience.  Offering unique or unusual items or activities or an intriguing new form of a special raffle inspires curiosity.  Generate interest by marketing your event as much as possible and through any appropriate means available.  Let potential supporters know why you’re trying to raise money, when and where you’re holding the event, and how valuable their attendance is to your organization.  Get them wound up about it and make sure it’s affordable. 

Here are some unique, brilliant fundraising ideas for you and your not-for-profit to explore!

Beach Party

Rent and decorate a swimming pool so that it looks like a tropical beach.  Have fun water games and set up booths that provide refreshing beverages and snack items.  Charge an admittance fee that includes entrance and participation in games.

Haunted House

This is a brilliant fundraiser, especially around Halloween.  Ask around to try to get a business or individual to donate a space where you can hold a haunted house.  With a little imagination and the right tools, you can also set something like this up in a wooded or other outdoor area.  Find volunteers who are willing to dress up in scary costumes and/or work as a ticket taker, equipment operator, or can perform some other necessary task.  Charge at the door and let partakers have the time of their life!  Also, if you want to really rake in some donations, this is an event that can be done several nights a week or every weekend, throughout an entire month. 

Coffee and Doughnuts for All

Set up a coffee and doughnut stand in the early morning hours in a high traffic area.  Put up some information about your fundraising campaign along with a sign.  People can purchase hot coffee and tasty doughnuts, and you keep the proceeds for your non profit.  You can also offer a short coffee and doughnut menu to local businesses and have volunteers or group members take phone orders from employees at these different businesses.  Volunteers can them deliver the orders and collect the money.  This in something you can do repeatedly, constantly bringing in donations.

Bingo Night

Set up a bingo night where everyone who participates pays a fee to join in on the fun or purchases as many bingo cards as they’d like.  Offers prizes to bingo winners.  You can also offer snacks and beverages for purchase, along with some light entertainment to spruce things up.