Planning Year-Round Fundraisers: A Guide for Nonprofit Success

If you’re a nonprofit organization, fundraising is an essential part of keeping your doors open. One way to make sure that you have consistent funds is to plan fundraisers throughout the year.

There are many benefits to hosting your own fundraising events — from building donor loyalty and increasing visibility, to cultivating deeper relationships with supporters. But you may be struggling to come up with fundraising event ideas for an event that’s both fun and profitable.

We’ve designed an infographic to help you plan fundraisers throughout the year.

Whether it’s for a school or non-profit, having a fundraising event in mind will help make planning easier and more efficient!

To maximize your fundraising efforts, we recommend planning events at least six months in advance so that you have plenty of time to promote them before they happen. In addition, organizing your events ahead of time, will allow you to focus your energy on execution rather than finding new ideas.

Benefits of Hosting Fundraising Events

Before delving into event ideas, it’s crucial to understand the benefits of hosting fundraising events. These include building donor loyalty, increasing visibility, and cultivating deeper relationships with supporters. A well-executed event not only raises funds but also leaves a lasting impact on the community.

Planning Ahead for Success

To maximize the impact of your fundraisers, it is recommended to plan events at least six months in advance. This foresight allows ample time for promotion, ensuring a higher turnout and increased donations. By organizing events ahead of time, your focus can shift from brainstorming ideas to the flawless execution of well-thought-out plans.

Monthly Fundraising Event Ideas

Fun Run

Kickstart the year with a lively fun run that encourages community involvement and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Participants can raise funds through pledges, making it a dynamic and interactive event.

Online Auction

In the digital age, an online auction opens up your fundraiser to a global audience. Auction off unique items or experiences to maximize participation and revenue.

Charity Golf Tournament

For a sophisticated and sporty affair, a charity golf tournament brings together golf enthusiasts while providing opportunities for corporate sponsorships.

Pickleball Tournament

Appeal to a diverse audience with the growing popularity of pickleball. This inclusive and social event can attract participants of all ages and skill levels.

Derby Party

Capture the excitement of the Kentucky Derby with a themed party, complete with fancy hats, mint juleps, and a festive atmosphere.

Concert

Host a charity concert featuring local talent or well-known artists. Ticket sales and sponsorships can contribute significantly to your fundraising goals.

Wine or Beer Tasting

Create a sophisticated experience with a wine tasting event. Partner with local vineyards and offer a selection of wines paired with appetizers.

Trivia Night

Engage your community’s competitive spirit with a trivia night. Charge an entry fee and incorporate themed rounds to keep the excitement high.

Gala

A classic gala event provides an elegant setting for fundraising. Incorporate auctions, keynote speakers, and entertainment to create a memorable evening.

No Show Gala

Embrace the virtual era with a “no show” gala where supporters contribute without attending a physical event. This low-cost, high-impact approach is ideal for busy donors.

GivingTuesday

Leverage the global GivingTuesday movement to rally support for your cause. Encourage donations on this designated day of charitable giving.

Festival of Trees

End the year with a festive celebration by organizing a Festival of Trees. Decorate and display themed trees that can be sponsored or auctioned off.

With monthly fundraising event ideas, you will always be prepared to raise funds all year long.

If you want to raise money for your organization year-round, there is no reason why you shouldn’t. In fact, it can be a great idea to have a few fundraising events planned throughout the year so that you’ll always have funds ready to fulfill your mission. By using the ideas in this post, you’ll be able to plan year-round fundraisers and build better events that you and others will enjoy and find very successful.

Download and Print the Year-Round Fundraising Event Ideas PDF