Charity Function Ideas

Charity events can be large galas or smaller gatherings.

Charity functions are an important part of fund-raising for any charitable group or organization. These functions are also an opportunity for community outreach, networking and raising public and political awareness for your cause. Depending on the charity you're involved with, your function could be casual or formal. Think about who will be attending the function and what time and date those people would likely be available.

Auction and Raffle Ideas

An auction is a way for charities to make money.

Auctions and raffles are ways to raise money quickly. An auction should have a variety of items for people to bid on. Include lower- and higher-priced items and approach local businesses to see if they'll donate auction items. For a raffle event, charge people an admission price and then sell raffle tickets. Have a local business or store donate prizes. These prizes could include a day at a spa, jewelry, electronics, maid service, power tools or even a big-ticket item like a car. A raffle can be included at the end of a party or dinner or can be its own event.

Parties

A formal event is elegant and can raise money for a charity.

Parties make great charitable functions because people love an opportunity to dress up and mingle. Your party can be formal, like a ball or gala with catered appetizers and champagne. It could also be casual, like a birthday party for the charity where people bring donations instead of gifts. Think about throwing theme parties like a Halloween costume ball or a Christmas tree decorating party. Holidays such as Valentine's Day provide an opportunity for a singles mingler, and you can throw seasonal parties like a spring fling or harvest festival.

Dinner and Food Ideas

A charity dinner can be casual or formal.

Throwing a charity dinner is a reliable way of raising money. Charge by the plate and see if you can get people to purchase an entire table at a time. The dinner can be a seven-course formal event or a Sunday afternoon picnic. You could hold a banquet to honor important contributors to your charity. Another food option is to have a food drive. This is especially beneficial if your charity is a shelter or food bank or works on a local level to end child hunger. If you work with an animal related charity, hold a pet food drive.

Activity Ideas

Runs are common charitable events.

Sports-related events and activities are a way for people to be actively involved in your charity. Hold a walk-athon, relay or marathon. Participants will collect money from friends, family members and businesses and donate it to your charity. Another option is to hold a baseball, football or basketball tournament and get businesses to sponsor teams. If your function takes place in the summer, have a beach volleyball tournament. If the event takes place in the winter, hold a polar bear swim or an indoor sports tournament. Raise money for an animal charity by having a people and pet walk-athon.

References

• FundraiserInsight.org: Fundraising Ideas