Charity comes in many forms, including fundraising. Organizations and individuals alike raise money for important causes every day. The money raised during successful fundraising campaigns can be used to help charities meet their missions, assist the sick in paying their medical bills and help vulnerable communities become safe places for people to live.
Organizing fundraisers is hard work, but it also can be fun. The following are five fun ways to raise funds for a good cause.
1. Fun Run
Fun runs can be great ways to raise money because they provide something enjoyable for people to do as they promote a worthy cause. A fun run typically asks participants, who may run, walk or cycle a predetermined distance in support of a charity, to seek donations from friends, family, neighbors, or acquaintances. Participants often set goals to raise "X" amount of dollars, and many people do the run in groups, giving them a great chance to get together with family and like-minded do-gooders.
2. Bowling Night
A bowling night is another fun way to raise funds. Participants will ask donors to pledge a certain amount per pin they knock down. Organizers can contact a local bowling alley to see if they can get a discounted rate on lanes and shoe rentals. Many bowling alleys welcome such events, and participants tend to enjoy bowling for a worthy cause.
3. Garage Sale
A garage sale can be a great way to raise funds. Organizers can encourage members of their community to bring some unused items from their homes to a central location, such as a church or school parking lot, where the items will be arranged on tables and sold. Donors might welcome the chance to clear their homes of some clutter, and buyers may enjoy bartering for knickknacks. If possible, arrange for a barbecue the day of the garage sale so community members are encouraged to come out and stick around to have a good time and a bite to eat.
4. Casino Night
A community casino night can entice card players and people who enjoy games of chance to come out and support a good cause. Host games like roulette and poker, providing participants with chips in exchange for donations to your cause. At the end of the night, allow players to cash in their chips for prizes donated by local vendors.
5. Bar Crawl
This one is obviously exclusive to adults who are of legal drinking age, but it can be a great way to support a good cause and promote local businesses at the same time. In this type of fundraiser, local bars and restaurants that sponsor the bar crawl may offer discounted beverages to participants who receive bracelets in exchange for charitable donations. Some establishments may even split the night's participant proceeds with the charity the event is designed to support.
