In my Fundraising Boot Camp, I urge campaigns and organizations to do things to make their events more FUN for those who attend.
No one really wants to sit through another run-of-the-mill rubber-chicken dinner with a roster of boring political speeches.
Well, here’s a simple and fun little thing I picked up from Fundly.com you can do at ANY event where you have a crowd (not necessarily a fundraising event) to raise some extra dough…
“Basically, this is similar to a raffle; you can charge for entry into the game. Before your event, ask your guests if they want to join. You can give them a golden star or a ticket to show that they’re participating.
“The presenter will then ask all the participants to either pick ‘heads’ (by showing a thumbs up) or ‘tails’ (by showing a thumbs down). Those who pick the correct side of the coin remain standing while everyone else sits down. You repeat the process until only one person is left standing. That person wins an awesome prize.”
The “awesome prize” can be anything you want – but obviously best if it’s donated to you rather than the cost coming out of your pocket. Dinner for two at local restaurant, a gift card, an autographed book, etc.
If everyone’s standing, have participants hold their ticket up in one hand and give the ol’ thumbs-up/thumbs-down with the other one. The winner will have to present their entry ticket to claim the prize.
The entry fee can be anything you want – $5, $10, $20, etc. If it’s a free campaign rally, maybe keep the entry fee in the lower range. If it’s at a fundraising event where folks have already paid a pretty penny to attend, maybe bump the entry fee up.
Either way, you’re going to end up with a little more money in your coffers and your guests will end up having a little more fun. A win-win for everybody.
P.S. If you’re interested in seeing 7 examples/templates of fundraising letters, including “Request for Sponsorship” and “Auction Item Request,” click here.
Quick Hit
We’re almost into the “heat” of the 2022 election cycle. Things will begin to happen at lightning speed after Labor Day. Don’t get caught flat-footed. There are supply chain problems, a severe paper shortage and everything costs more these days.
Get with your printing company NOW and make sure you’ve reserved the paper you’ll need for your mailers, get your artwork to the printer well in advance…and make sure you’ve adjusted your budget for Bidenflation so you have enough money to pay for everything you’ve planned.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
“When it comes to fundraising, nothing can compete with in-person meetings and one-on-one phone calls. E-mails, direct mail, newsletters and other mass communications have an important role to play, but having direct, personal conversations with donors on a regular basis is what will have the most impact on your fundraising revenue.” – Joe Garecht