Community Fundraising Ideas

Jan 26, 2010 by admin

Community fundraising has it all – you can raise money for a good cause while meeting your neighbours, making new friends and fostering a greater sense of community. Here are some community fundraising ideas to get you started.

Neighbourhood Street Party

Take your fundraising out into your community by organising a street party in your neighbourhood. You can raise money for a charity or for a local cause, like a community football team or a local school.

The best way to organise a street party is to get your neighbours involved early. You will need their permission to use the street for the day, and they can also help with the planning of the party. Introduce yourself and ask for volunteers to help with different tasks.

You can do anything in a street party, but it’s a good idea to combine it with other, smaller fundraising ideas to raise more money for your cause. Consider asking for a donation to attend the party, and then set up different stalls:

Sell food and drinks
Bake sale
Game stalls (pay to play, with prizes)
Children’s facepainting
Raffle

Each event you plan will net additional money for your charity or group and, best of all, it’s also more fun for your attendees!

Fundraising Car Boot Sale

Persuade your neighbours to clean out their lofts and garages by holding a community car boot sale to benefit a worthy cause. You can hold the boot sale on your street – more like a yard sale or garage sale, depending on what your neighbourhood is like – or ask to use a local parking lot or sport field for the day.

As with a street party, opening up food and drink stalls at the boot sale is another way to raise money for your charity, so plan ahead and make the most of your day.

Coffee Morning Fundraiser

Holding a fundraising coffee morning is the perfect way to meet your neighbours and raise money at the same time. Send out invitations to all of your neighbours and be sure to remind them about it when you pass each other on the street.

On the day, prepare coffee, tea, juice and pastries for the group. If you live in a larger neighbourhood, you might also want to get help from some of your neighbours – ask them to bring a food item or help out by preparing drinks, washing dishes or cleaning up.

Collect donations at the door, or charge for each cuppa – it’s your choice.

How to Get Your Fundraising Cause Out in the Community

Community fundraising ideas can be simple or complex – you can spend an hour going door-to-door collecting donations, or plan a full weekend block party for your street.

No matter what community fundraising event you have planned, the most important step is making your neighbours an essential part of it. Even if you haven’t spoken to some of your neighbours, make sure they feel welcome to attend your event. Once that’s done, your event is sure to be a success!