Whether you have a small or large fundraiser, any fundraising event idea that adds $10,000 to the bottom line is worth considering. Below, we will discuss three easy ways to add an incremental $10,000 or more to your fundraising results.
Add $10,000 At Your Next Fundraising Event!
Golden Ticket Raffle
If your local laws allow, adding a raffle to your event is an easy way to bring additional revenue to your event without disrupting other revenue streams. The exclusivity of a golden ticket raffle makes it special, as selling a limited number of tickets suggests to the holders that they have a good chance of winning. This is a fantastic way to raise money effectively!
The allure of a Golden Ticket raffle lies in its ability to distinguish itself as a special offering, adding intrigue to your fundraising. For nonprofits, giving participants the chance to win a significant prize, even for a short duration, creates a positive experience for everyone who purchases a ticket.
We often see nonprofits create or procure a prize with mass appeal, driving more interest and helping to raise funds. You can even extend your fundraising beyond the event room by selling tickets in advance, days or weeks before the event! For those unable to attend, it offers a chance to still participate and feel special.
Ideally, your fundraising campaign should include a prize worth 20x or more than the ticket price. If you sell tickets at $100 each, selling 100 tickets would generate $10,000. However, if the prize has a procurement cost, you may need to increase the number of tickets sold. For instance, if your item costs $2,000, selling 120 tickets would still net $10,000 in revenue.
If you have an exciting item with mass appeal that is donated, this is a great place to use that donation. If not, you can look at procured options here: Choose Your Destination and Golden Ticket Raffle
If you sell tickets exclusively to those in attendance, have a few volunteers responsible for selling the tickets to guests during co*cktails. If you still have some leftovers, you can use time on stage to make a final call to people who have yet to purchase a ticket. In just a few minutes, you will sell out, and then the BIG reveal of the Golden Ticket Winner is just around the corner!
Vacation Station
This is an easy option to bring to any fundraising event, including a silent auction. All you need for success is an audience, even if they are virtual. Hosting a trivia night? Try offering a Vacation Station!
Here’s how it works: select 10 travel and experience destinations, either donated or procured and list them on your fundraising page for mobile bidding access. (Note: You can also offer this at in-person events without a platform.)
The idea is to create a Buy-it-Now offer with a set price for each item. The goal is to sell each package to net $1,000 per item sold. For most procured consignment items, you can sell multiples, so selling 10 or more packages is more likely. Sell 10, and you have just netted $10,000!
Vacation Station implies that the donors who give to your cause also have a budget for travel and experiences. They want to give but may have never considered buying their next vacation through your nonprofit organization and at the same time helping your cause even further. Think about it: if a donor plans to vacation in the next 12-24 months, why not offer them exciting destinations to consider in your Vacation Station?
You will want to provide a variety of packages that appeal to different interests through your fundraising platform. Some prefer local travel, while others favor international trips. Options should include beach vacations, family getaways, and couples-only retreats. Additionally, consider sporting events, concerts, and special occasions. Your Vacation Station should offer various choices to appeal to the largest percentage of your attendees.
You can find ideas for Vacation Station here: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/categories/ Pick one or two options from each category. Here is an example of a typical Vacation Station. Simply mark each of these up by $1,000 from the procurement cost, and you will successfully raise money for your cause:
1. Tennessee Jack Daniels Tour: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/tennessee-whiskey-tour-for-two/
2. Lake Tahoe: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/summer-or-winter-lake-tahoe-has-it-all/
3. Theme Park Experience: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/theme-park-experience/
4. Broadway in NY: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/broadway-in-ny/
5. Williamsburg, VA: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/historic-williamsburg-for-4/
6. Ultimate Sports Package: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/the-ultimate-sports-experience-you-choose-the-game/
7. Mexico All-Inclusive for 6: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/mexico-grand-luxury-for-6/
8. Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge in Belize: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/sweet-songs-jungle-lodge-belize/
9. Tuscany for 4 adults: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/4-for-tuscany/
10. Florence and Tuscany Romantic Adventure for 2: https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/florence-and-tuscany-romantic-adventure-for-2/
You have now created a broad-appeal Vacation Station, and with a markup of $1,000, you have made the value very high for potential bidders. There is no competitive bidding, just a “Buy-It-Now.” Even better, if you have more than one interested bidder, you can sell multiples of each package.
Please note that you may sell 5-10 of a certain package without selling any other. That is perfectly fine, as with consignment, you do not have to pay for any package offerings that are not sold!
The nice thing about this approach is that it is a more passive offering without pressure to engage. However, you may not be aware of those who attend your event or support your cause, who may just be in the planning phase for their next vacation. If you don’t offer something for them to consider, it is simply a “missed opportunity.”
Last note on the Vacation Station concept. If you have donated items that fit the bill, USE THEM! They still need mass appeal, good availability, and value, but it is a lot easier to make $1,000 on a donated package!
The Oprah Moment
Another type of fundraising to generate an additional $10,000 at your event is to select an item with the potential for multiple sales. It’s rare to have unlimited donated packages with mass appeal, but many procured items offer the opportunity to sell as many as you want. This creates exponential revenue without adding time to your fundraising program.
Here is how it works. You start with your live auction items, and near the end of the live auction, you will select a package that is affordable for all and has great value and mass appeal. This is an example that has proven successful at hundreds of events:https://missionfirstfundraising.org/events/grand-mayan/
To use this Mexico trip as an example, the retail value of this package is $4,500, yet your cost would be $1,095, which allows ample room for your organization to sell this item at a healthy margin. Most clients will sell this item at $2,500, stopping specifically at that price point during the auction and asking everyone if they want to go to Mexico for $2,500.
As part of your fundraising strategy, potential bidders will be pleasantly surprised to get a trip valued at $4,500 for only $2,500. As seen on the Oprah show, your auctioneer can proclaim, “Everyone is going to Mexico!” (at least those who raise their bid paddles). We have found that most audiences will lean into this special offer, and you will find that 5, 10, 20, or even 30 or more might want to purchase this package at this price point. We have seen a few events where 60 packages were sold in just 3 minutes!
Since your organization keeps the difference, each Mexico trip sold for $2,500 will net your organization $1,400. Sell 10 packages, and you just netted an additional $14,000. This great fundraising strategy shows how easy it is to add $10,000 in revenue to your efforts without adding time to your program.
With this creative fundraising approach, you will have delighted donors who got a great deal on a trip. Instead of just a few live auction winners, you now have a larger portion of your audience who have tapped into their travel budgets, supported your cause, and are thrilled to be going on a trip to Mexico!
For this type of fundraising event, there are many packages you can use for this “Oprah Moment” besides Mexico. Look for packages with mass appeal and great value so that your entire audience can engage.
Summary
Every dollar matters for your organization. What you have read about here is a way to promote your event by tapping into your donors’ second bucket of giving: their travel budget! Many are unaware that this is an additional way to support your cause. Some donors might not plan to use their giving budget at your event, but they may instead use their travel budget in a meaningful way to help you meet your fundraising goals.
That is a WIN-WIN!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some effective fundraising event ideas for nonprofits?
Effective fundraising event ideas for nonprofits include Golden Ticket Raffles, Vacation Stations, and the Oprah Moment. These creative strategies can significantly boost your fundraising efforts and engage a larger portion of your audience.
How can I promote my fundraising event to ensure its success?
To promote your event, leverage social media platforms, create an engaging event page, and use email marketing to reach out to your supporters. Highlight the unique and exciting aspects of your event to generate interest and increase attendance.
Can virtual fundraising events be as successful as in-person events?
Yes, virtual fundraising events can be very successful. By using a robust fundraising platform and offering engaging activities like virtual auctions or online Vacation Stations, you can reach a broader audience and raise significant funds for your nonprofit.
What are some creative fundraising ideas to boost my event’s revenue?
Creative fundraising ideas include hosting a silent auction, offering a variety of travel packages in a Vacation Station, and using the Oprah Moment strategy to sell multiple packages at a set price. These methods can help you raise more money for your nonprofit organization.
How do I ensure my fundraising strategy appeals to a wide audience?
To ensure your fundraising strategy appeals to a wide audience, offer a variety of packages and experiences that cater to different interests. Include options like local travel, international trips, sporting events, and family-friendly activities to engage more supporters and maximize your fundraising success.
