Throwing a charity event is one of the best ways to bring people together around the common goal of doing good. Charity fundraising events also help you make new contacts and connect with supporters on a deeper level—all while raising funds to make a difference. So, what type of event should you host? Here are ten of our best charity event ideas.
You might think only red carpet galas or fine art auctions qualify as charity events. In fact, a charity event is any gathering where the proceeds go to support a nonprofit. It can mean anything from a simple car wash, a massive charity walk, a crowdfunding fundraiser, and everything in between.
The possibilities here are endless for charity event ideas, but giving your event a theme is wise, supporting your nonprofit’s mission and educating others about what you do. If you know you want to host an event but haven’t narrowed your options, consider throwing a charity walk, a popular option with nonprofits and supporters alike.
There are many charity event ideas for fundraisers that are perfect to help you raise money for your cause—research different charity event ideas to raise funds so you know your options.
Here is a general checklist to follow when planning a charity event:
A budget helps you determine how simple or elaborate your event can be. It also prompts you to consider what funding sources are available. Set aside time to price-check supplies on the list you created, then crunch some numbers so you know exactly how much money it will take to make your charity event a reality.
Planning a charity event to raise money for a good cause sometimes requires a bit of money upfront. If you’re short on funds but determined to host a stellar event, starting an online fundraiser for those initial costs is an easy way to raise money fast.
Now that you’ve taken care of the nitty gritty details, it’s time for the big reveal! Not sure how to promote a nonprofit event? Here are the best ways to get the word out:
If you know you want to put together an event but aren’t sure which direction to take, we have ten charity fundraising event ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
One of the silliest charity fundraising event ideas, but a pet pageant takes the classic idea of a beauty pageant and adds a dose of, well, fur. Invite attendees to donate a specific amount to your good cause or set a flat ticket rate.
If you want to create a beauty pageant-like event, you can create your own set of awards for the participants. You can make it more entertaining by giving funny and witty awards such as “Most luscious locks” or “Best hidden talent”. This activity is perfect for fundraising events, particularly those aiming to raise animal welfare funds. Attendees will enjoy the company of adorable animals while also participating in the voting for their favorites.
2. Charitable happy hour
Take your fundraising to the pub and get others to raise a glass for a worthy cause. You can work with a local restaurant or bar to lend their venue for your fundraising happy hour in exchange for the business you’ll bring in. Some venues even donate a percentage of drink or food sales to a charity. Plan charity event trivia with the happy hour to make people stick around.
Hosting a potluck at your home is an intimate way to gather family and friends together and share your fundraising goals. One main advantage here is the low overhead cost and low-pressure environment. Even if people choose not to donate, they can still share a good meal with friends and learn about your organization and its goals. You can even have a family-friendly competition and host a game, such as an obstacle course for kids.
4. Online fundraising bonanza
Sometimes, the best way to drum up support for a cause is to let everyone know you only have a limited time to raise money. Urgency propels people to take action fast. Before starting your fundraiser, tell everyone you know you’re planning a charity event contest to see how much you can raise in a given time.
To encourage donations of all sizes, tell your Instagram that even giving up their daily latte in exchange for a $5 donation will make a difference. Give new charity fundraising event ideas each day of your contest to raise more money.
To host a fashion show that helps bring in donations for your nonprofit, you’ll need to partner with a local clothing boutique and find people willing to model their garments. The proceeds from ticket sales and entry fees will go to your charity, and the boutique may even donate a certain percentage of items they sell that day. A fashion show is one of the best charity event ideas if you want to get local clothing businesses involved with raising money.
This charity fundraising event idea is all about committing to a task that’s intentionally challenging, brave, or embarrassing, all in the name of charity. What is a charity event, really, if not a chance, to commit to the fullest? For example, many pledge to shave their heads if they raise a certain amount of money for a cause, while others promise to jump out of planes or run grueling races. A burpee per donation over 24 hours, anyone?
A yard sale not only helps others get rid of unwanted items, but it can bring awareness to your nonprofit. Start by rounding up a group of neighbors and friends ready for some serious spring cleaning. Ask them to donate a certain percentage of sales to your charity in exchange for your work collecting and selling their unwanted items. While the sale is happening, let customers the purpose of the sale and leave out a QR code to collect donations to your GoFundMe fundraiser.
8. Employer donation match
Loop more individuals into your fundraising efforts by informing them of employer donation matching programs. Many people may not know about their company’s existing program or the possibility of their employer matching employee donations to a given charity. You can mention this charity idea to supporters in your organization’s monthly newsletter and link to your GoFundMe fundraiser.
Recruit your most fastidious friends to put in some old-fashioned elbow grease for a good cause. You’ll want to compile a list of potential customers needing their homes or cars washed. It’s up to you whether you’d like to set a flat rate per cleaning or accept donations for a job well done. This is one of the best charity event ideas for those who want to work hard to raise money.
Charity fundraising event ideas require some work, but it can also be a gratifying experience—not to mention a truly effective way to raise money. Now that you have the know-how, start planning a charity event today. If you lack the finances to make your fundraising ideas a reality, GoFundMe can help you encourage your supporters to start peer-to-peer fundraisers that support your event. Sign up today to take advantage of our fundraising tools.