In times of financial constraint such as those most are currently experiencing, it is difficult for groups and charities who depend on local support to survive. Grants and aid from central and local government bodies have all but dried up. Now is the time to look at alternative means of raising much needed money. The following list is tried and tested.
10 Tips For Fund Raising
- Dances and Discos
- Quizzes
- Games Nights
- Sponsored Events
- Food Outlet
- Farmers' Markets
- Horse Racing Nights
- Concerts and Drama Shows
- Duck Racing
- Quiz Sheets & Raffles
Dances and Discos
Much depends on the age group of those you hope will attend your dance or disco. Dances for older people tend to generate less trouble. The risk of under age drinking is also reduced. If you intend to hold a dance with live music, the cost of hiring the musicians must be considered. Popular bands are in high demand and set their prices accordingly. Sometimes it is possible to find an up and coming band who is looking for the experience of performing live. It is possible to agree to give them a percentage of the takings. Other things that may eat into your profits are the need for security and staff to run the event. If you can persuade members o the groups committee to do those tasks it makes quite a difference to the takings.
Quizzes
Quizzes are always popular. The most important feature of a quiz is the quality of the question master. A good one with plenty of experience will encourage people to keep coming back. However, it is not reasonable to charge a large admission fee. Profitability depends the numbers that can be enticed through the door. Another issue is that of prizes. Money prizes are generally preferred but that reduces the profit.
Games Nights
The games can vary from card games like whist and poker to board games, darts and snooker. A lot will depend on the facilities offered by the venue. It is a good idea to try to make it as varied as possible in order that there is something for everyone. Novelty prizes can add to the events attraction.
Sponsored Events
One of the advantages of organising a sponsored event is that often it is not necessary to have access to a venue. This is especially true if it is a sponsored run or walk. It is also possible to ask local sportsmen or women to be sponsored on your behalf. This works best for marathons and the like. That said the range of activities that can be sponsored is as great as one's imagination. They can range from silences to eating contests.
Food Outlet
Selling food is a great way to raise money. The kinds of food you sell will depend on the cooking facilities available in the venue you use. Themed nights such as Italian, Indian, Chinese and American are all popular. Fast food such as pizzas and fish and chips also work well. Needless to say it is important to have able cooks to organise the kitchen. One other food event that has been successful is Sunday Afternoon Teas. A selection of reasonably priced home bakes, sandwiches and beverages can attract a large number of visitors.
Farmers' Markets
One does not need to live out in the country to organise such an event. The essential thing to have to make this a success is contacts. If a group of local producers who supply a wide variety of items can be persuaded to hire a stall from you it should provide a reasonable return. As organisers, if you can set up your own stall for lunches and beverages that adds considerably to the profits.
Horse Racing Nights
Contrary to what this suggests one does not need a race track and a large number of horses. What a 'horse racing night' involves is the hire of a DVD and an information pack. It does involve quite a bit of planning and setting up before the event but can provide an enjoyable evening's entertainment. Because it involves betting on the outcome of races it is for over 18s only.
Concerts and Drama Shows
Most communities have in their populations an excellent mix of highly talented people. The secret of success in organising a concert is to persuade as many of them to come and perform on stage to a paying audience. The same goes for your local drama group. If they are willing to put on a play for you it certainly will boost the funds
Duck Racing
Two things are required for what can be a great fun way to add to the charities coffers. A set of numbered plastic ducks and a stream. It is necessary to find someone to back each duck and then to release them into the stream to see whos duck will reach the prearranged finishing point first. Several races can take place in an afternoon. It is even possible to ask people to build their own ducks for one of the races.
Quiz Sheets and Raffes
The quality of the prizes on offer will have a major effect on how well a raffle will do. The simple rule is the better the prize, the more entries there will be. If you can find some generous businesses willing to give away free travel or televisions for example it will generate a lot of entries.
Quiz sheets where people have to fill in answers to anagrams for example can generate some income for the charity. They depend on how many can be sold which in turn depends on the outlets at your disposal.
Conclusion
Above are just some suggestions as to how to raise funds for a group or charity. There are many more. If this article has got you thinking about fundraising it is a step in the right direction. All that remains to be said is Good Luck!
