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Fundraising Ideas For Small Groups Gives Tips For Successful Group Fundraising Campaigns

Fundraising Ideas for Small Groups

Large corporations and charities aren’t the only groups that can benefit from fundraisers.  Fundraising ideas for small groups can cash in and bring in needed funds, too!  Auctions, game nights, dinners, raffles, competitive events, and item sales are just a few of the many possibilities that exist.

 

In this article, we’ll explore fundraising ideas for small groups and help your group recognize the steps it needs to take in planning and hosting its’ own successful fundraiser. 

 

How to get started with fundraising ideas for small groups!

 

If you’re a small group, you probably have a small budget.  Don’t let this discourage you.  In fact, there are plenty of ways you can raise money on even the most meager budget.  Before we get to some of those ideas, first, let’s concentrate on the things you need to plan and consider before you make any decisions about what type of event you’d like to run. 

 

The first thing you need to do before you come up with fundraising ideas for small groups is to get your group together for a meeting to discuss how much everyone will be able to contribute to running a fundraiser.  This can help you get an idea of what type of budget you’re looking at.  Also, discuss how much time people are willing to give to the project, as well as any resources, skills, or other talents available that can be beneficial to the group’s efforts in coming up with fundraising ideas for small groups.

 

Once you’ve gotten a solid idea of the resources and money available, choose a location for the event.  Is anyone in your group willing to use their home or yard for the occasion?  Is there a local facility you can rent?  Do you know anyone who might donate a facility for use during the time of the event?  Will your city allow you use of the park or other recreational area?  If you absolutely do not and cannot find an appropriate space to set up your occasion, then perhaps consider creating an event online.  Online auctions or contests are excellent, affordable ways to raise money for your charity or organization.  You can sign up free at Charitable-auctions.com and develop auctions at their IDonateToCharity.org website with no out of pocket expense or monthly fees.  This site was developed specifically for fundraising organizations and groups, and offers a multitude of promotional and other tools to help you succeed with your fundraising ideas for small groups.

 

Now that you know who and what you’re working with, it’s time to brainstorm and discuss different fundraising ideas for small groups that fit within the scope of your available resources.

 

Here are some low cost fundraising ideas for small groups to help you get the brain juices flowing. 

 

Game Time

If your event is outdoors, you can set up a series of competitions everyone can enjoy, such as an egg toss, potato sack race, human tic-tac-toe, 3-legged race, pie throwing contest, horseshoes, badminton, and so forth.  If your event is indoors, you can hold card game competitions, play board games, Twister, charades, or other games.  Charge a small donation for entry and offer small prizes or ribbons to winners. 

 

Fundraising Dinner

Invite a small group of people to attend a special fundraising dinner you can host.  Ask for donations to attend and get volunteers to donate and help prepare food. 

 

Host a Party with a Stimulating Raffle

Charge a price per head at the door and throw a dance or small party.  Make some mix CDs or see if a local band or DJ will donate their time in exchange for publicity.  You can also offer drinks and snacks that participants may purchase.  To spice things up, hold a special, spontaneous raffle drawing with exciting prizes.  Charge $1 per raffle ticket or include a free ticket with their entrance fee. 

 

Car Wash

Set up a car wash and ask everyone you know to come by so your group can clean their cars.  Charge a pre-determined fee for every wash.  To make it fun, add some flare by playing music or dressing up in costumes, etc. 

 

Barbeque

Sell tickets to a relaxed, enjoyable barbeque where you can grill up steaks, hot dogs, and burgers to create a tasty outdoor meal that everyone will love.  You can even ask people to donate food or bring one prepared item for the barbeque, such as a side dish, dessert, utensils, or beverages.  Hold a raffle or play games to keep it entertaining. 

 

Online Auctions

You can hold online auctions to help your group raise money.  Don’t be afraid to be imaginative and have some fun with it.  The more interesting it is, the more it will appeal to potential donators. 

 

Now that we’ve explored a few easy ideas, it’s time for your group to make a decision on an event.  Once this is finalized, you can start preparing for it and assigning tasks for each person involved.  Make sure your event is well-organized and all aspects are taken care of by reliable group members or other volunteers. 

 

Once everything has been set up and is ready to be put in motion, it’s time to create your guest list.  If you only have 3 or 4 people working with you on your fundraiser, then inviting 20 people or less is ideal.  You don’t want to overwhelm yourself or your volunteers.  Keep your guest list manageable.  Invitations should consist of the time, place, location, and ticket price/cost to enter the event.  Also, incorporate a brief impact statement explaining your cause and why you’re trying to raise money.  Include contact information so people can RSVP.  This will give you a better estimate of how many people are planning to attend so you can prepare accordingly. 

 

A week or so before your event, make sure you have everything you need.  If food is involved, make certain you have an organized plan for food preparation and service to event participants.  Have a set itinerary for your occasion and schedule plenty of prep time for you and your volunteers to get everything ready. 

 

Once your event begins, thank your guests for coming and donating to your fundraising cause.  Enjoy your event and have a good time with your guests.  Remember to send them a thank you card later on. 

 

Now that you’ve hosted your first successful fundraiser, congratulate yourself and your volunteers for a job well done! 

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