Fifteen “Fun”-Raising Ideas!

Sanjana Bhargava of SimplyDonor presents a few fun ideas to get your donors smiling and those donations coming!

People are willing to give more when they are happy. So how about we make sure people are having fun and are happy before we nudge them towards donating for our cause? Wherever possible, you can add an awareness/donation booth.

Viral videos - Remember the ALS ice bucket challenge? It was an online challenge where people would post a video of themselves getting icy-cold water dropped on them. Think of a task that people will love watching other people do. Ask people to take up the challenge and post the video challenging their friends.
Marathon / walkathons - People are now more health conscious than ever. Asking people to walk or run for your cause should be a piece of cake. Sell tickets for the event. Add a twist—reverse walking, dusk-to-dawn walk, and alternate dance-and-walk-a-thons can add the fun element!
Auctions - Ask artists or local businesses for things to donate and conduct an auction with the donated items. Invite people with enough disposable income. Raise funds through selling tickets and donated items. If conducting an auction at an alumni association, the items can be super-fun (think: David’s never-washed jeans, Priya’s coffee mug, etc.)
Pet Picture Day - Organize a Pet Picture Day where people bring along their pets and get photographed together. Throw in some snacks and a contest for the cutest pet. Sell tickets to raise funds.
Tree planting - Now that people are increasingly aware of how climate change is affecting the planet, planting more trees will resonate with most. Charge participants a fee.
Band night - Who doesn't love music? Ask music band(s) to perform pro bono for your cause and sell tickets to the show.
Theme party - Pick a theme (think jungle, food, sci-fi or 90’s—or anything you like!). Host a theme-based party; sell tickets to raise funds.
Stand-up show: What’s funnier than a comedy show? Organize a stand-up show, with time for open mic. Sell tickets, and give prizes to open mic winners.
Dance night - Organize a dance night for those dance lovers! Serve food. Sell tickets. Have mini dance contests for a fee.
Bake-off - Organize a competition for amateur bakers. Invite your supporters for a sugary evening. Charge a participation fee for the contest and an entry fee for the others.
Singles night - Give singles a chance to mingle! Host a singles night in a cafe or a bar. Get the singles to dance and/or play games with each other. Serve dinner and charge an entry fee.
Food carnival - Invite chefs to showcase their talent. Let everyone savour the variety of cuisines. Sell tickets to the event.
Board game tournament - Host a tournament of board games. Can have a point-based system to track who wins the most. Throw in some refreshments. Charge an entry fee.
Dine with a celeb - Ask a celeb to donate their time for the winner of the raffle. Conduct an online raffle by selling tickets.
Smash it - Give people an outlet to their anger. Ask people to donate their old crockeries and other breakables. Sell tickets to the event and let people break stuff!