There are hundreds of different events that could raise money for your organization. From auctions, to parties, to dinners and much more. Fundraising events don’t have to be large to make a big profit – events vary in size from a small home party with a dozen people to outdoor festivals with thousands of people.I’ve chosen these 5 events as some of the best because of their fundraising potential and ability to scale in size.

1. Auctions

Silent auctions are often added on to other events such as dinners and galas. They are great ways to increase your fundraising revenues at these events. Silent auctions are often very popular with attendees, especially if there are some great prizes.  Online Auctions for Charity can be a good way to raise funds for a non profit organization.

> Find out more: about silent auctions Guidebook & Toolkit and articles about silent auctions

> Find out more: about online auctions cMarket: The Leading Online Auction Platform for Non Profits

2. Dinner Fundraiser

Dinners are one of the most popular, tried and true events and there are actually many ways to hold a dinner fundraiser. The menu can be anything from burgers and fries to a gourmet black tie dinner or anything in between. Dinner fundraisers aren’t just limited to “dinner time” either. You can host a breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or brunch meal.

To make a dinner fundraiser most successful schedule a program that will draw in more people. A musical performance, play, speaker, fashion show or dance will draw in more participants. Hosting additional fundraisers such as raffles and auctions will help raise more money.

> Find out more articles about dinner fundraisers

3. Golf Tournaments

Many special event planners have a love/hate relationship with golf events. They are a traditional fundraiser that can be a great money maker or on the flipside can be a big money and time drain.

The trick is in the planning and execution of the event. First time golf tourneys should start small and build depending on what works best for your audience, organization and location.

> Find out more: golf links and golf tournament articles

4. Raffles

Raffles raise funds through the sales of tickets, or chances, to win a particular prize. They can be a great fundraiser because of the low cost and high profit potential. Legal restrictions about raffles vary by location so research applicable state and local laws thoroughly.

> Find out more: How to Organize a Raffle Fundraiser and other articles about raffles

5. Trivia Night

A Trivia Night fundraiser is a fun way to raise money or awareness for your cause. Most Trivia Nights are held at a restaurant or pub so they are great for a group of 10 to 50. It’s very scalable so it can be an even larger event too. You’ll raise funds by charging admission and having extra fundraisers such as raffles and auctions. The Trivia Night Event Wizard will create a professional, custom trivia game to use at your fundraising event.

> Find out more: Trivia Night Fundraiser

When planning an event fundraiser, plan your budget well. Costs can sometimes overtake special events and that does not honor your supporters donations well. Increase revenues at events with add-ons such as raffles, food sales, auctions, and corporate sponsors to be most successful.

Sandra Sims
Fundraising Coach,
StepByStepFundraising.com