Find out how to run a successful, large-scale fundraiser with these corporate fundraising ideas.

Advantages of Corporate Fundraising

Corporations have many advantages when it comes to fundraising. First, you have a large team of workers who can dedicate time and expertise towards making your fundraising event a success.

In addition, you likely have a full roster of clients, suppliers, customers and associates who can contribute their ideas and, possibly, partner with you for your fundraising event.

Use all of these resources and relationships to prepare the perfect large-scale fundraising event.

Large-Scale Corporate Fundraising Ideas

Fundraising events are the most popular type of corporate fundraising ideas. Holding a large-scale event is the perfect way to raise your status in the community and also raise money for charity. Here are some ideas:

• Charity dance or ball – Dance the night away by holding a charity dance. You can turn it into a dance competition, complete with pledges for the number of hours each participant stays on the dance floor, or simply charge admission to an exclusive, fun evening.

• Charity dinner or wine tasting – Hosting a meal or drinks party is one of the most popular fundraising ideas. Charge for admission and make your event shine with music, dancing and fun activities. Upscale or casual; it’s your choice.

• Fundraising getaway weekend – Partner with a B&B or holiday company to provide a charity getaway weekend full of fundraising events like auctions, games, competitions. You can make this open to all people or raise the donation amount and offer it to high-income clients and suppliers.

Corporate Fundraising as Team Building

A successful corporate fundraising initiative can also be a great team building activity. Turn traditional team building tasks like survival camping, spy school or obstacle assault courses into fundraising events.

It’s easy to do. First, plan your team building event, giving thought to ways you can monetise it for charity. You might turn it into a sponsored event and ask for donations from clients, customers and employees’ families in exchange for pledges: for example, pledged donations for the amount of time an employee “survives” a boot camp training, or the number of times they can complete a rope climb. This raises money for charity and also provides motivation for your team building.

In addition, consider holding a awards ceremony after the team building event. Again, this can be monetised to fit your fundraising goals:

• Sell tickets to an awards dinner
• Sell charity raffle tickets
• Hold a silent auction
• Invite celebrities to your event

Each of these team building/fundraising ideas will raise awareness and money for your cause and also raise your company’s profile.

Corporate “Adopt a Charity” Programmes

Giving back to the community by supporting a charity is one of the most humanising things a large corporation can do.

Use your corporate connections to run a variety of smaller fundraising events throughout the year (here’s a list to get you started), all for the benefit of your chosen charity. Corporations often do this for the networking possibilities, tax benefits and – of course – for goodwill.

Also, by supporting one charity this year, your staff will have a chance to really get excited for the cause and the fundraising events planned.

No matter how your corporation fundraises – whether by launching a year-long charity campaign or holding a spectacular one-night-only fundraising event – everyone involved will benefit, including your company.

Easy Work Fundraising Ideas

Sometimes the simplest ideas at the best ones. There are many fundraising ideas that take only a few hours (or less) to prepare.

• Donation bucket – Walk around the office and tell your work colleagues about your fundraising cause. Many will give on the spot donations.
• Dress down day – Hold a special themed day for your charity or cause. Workers pay a small amount (usually £1) so they can wear casual clothes or a costume to work. If you work in a customer-facing environment, this is also a great conversation starter throughout the day.
• Charity raffle – Sell raffle tickets and give away a nice prize. You can theme your raffle – such as giving away a giant chocolate Easter egg, or Christmas-themed prizes – or just reward the winner with something cool like a gift certificate, bath set or tickets to a show.

Fun Work Fundraising Ideas

Simple isn’t always better – these fun fundraising ideas will help break up a boring workday:

• Dunk the boss – Rent a dunk tank from a party company and charge a fee for each throw. Put your most-beloved manager on the hot seat and watch the money come flying in.
• Sponsored activity – Choose a sponsored activity that will have your colleagues laughing. Popular ideas include sponsored wax and baked bean boots.
• Costume contest – Have everyone in your office pay £1 to dress up in a crazy outfit. Award prizes to the best-dressed. You can even have a runway fashion show at lunch hour.

Work Fundraising for Smaller Companies

For companies with only a few employees, holding a charity day at your workplace can still bring in lots of money for your cause; you just have to be a little more creative and try to get your customers involved too.

As a small business, supporting a charity is a great opportunity to get involved in your community and also raise money for a good cause.

The best way for small businesses to fundraise is to pick an idea that is related to your business. For example, if you’re a restaurant owner, you already have the perfect space to hold a charity dinner or charity dance. Media companies and offices can also use their resources to raise money, by creating a fundraising website or online appeal, printing flyers or doing telephone fundraising.

Final Advice for Work Fundraisers

Fundraising at work can be a lot of fun, but make sure you get the proper permissions first. If you work for the government or a large corporation, they may already have a list of charities that they will support during work hours. You will need to check and make sure you can hold a fundraiser at your workplace if your charity event doesn’t meet their guidelines.

Also, keep your boss well-informed of what you’re planning. They will most likely be fine with it, but no one wants to show up to work dressed in a silly outfit, only to find out that none of the managers knew it was going to happen!

Finally, remember why you’re doing this. Have fun, make your co-workers smile, and raise money for a good cause too.

Bringing in money for a good cause isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about fun too. Fun fundraising ideas are engaging for fundraisers, donors and the charities they support. Put the fun back into “fundraising” with these great ideas.

Host a Fundraising Night

Hosting a one-night only fundraising event is a fantastic way to raise money for a charitable cause. Pick a theme, pick a date and pick a venue; it’s that simple. Here are some fun ideas:

• Casino Night – Get your acquaintances to roll the dice for your charity. Set up an event like a poker tournament, or rent a variety of casino games like slots and roulette.
• Movie Night – host an exclusive screening party for your friends and family
• Skating Party or Bowling Party – Rent out a local venue and put on a fabulous, fun party right in your community.

Your charity can benefit from a fundraising night in several ways. First of all, it’s a good idea to charge admission and collect RSVPs before the date. This way, you’re assured of a set amount to cover the costs of your event. Then, you can also raise additional funds by selling food and drink, or by holding contests.

Fun Sponsored Events

Few things can bring in laughs like a crazy sponsored event. We’re not talking about your usual marathon or bike race here. These sponsored events are fun because they’re silly.

• Baked bean boots, jelly bath or custard underpants
• Sponsored wax or sponsored head shave
• Pie-throwing or dunk tank – all the better if it’s aimed at your boss, manager or head teacher
• Dress up in a costume – collect pledges for how long you remain in costume

The idea is to collect money to “dare” participants to do certain things. For example, tell your co-workers that you’ll shave your head for £100 worth of donations. Trust us, if it’s something hilarious or uncomfortable, people will pay to see it done!

Fundraising Contests

Another great way to have fun with your fundraising is to hold a contest. Charge an entry fee and offer up a prize in any number of categories. The funnier, the better!

• TV or movie quote contest
• Costume contest (great for humans and pets)
• Eating contest
• Test of strength

Split the proceeds 50/50 with the winner, or ask someone to donate a cool prize worthy of everyone’s time.

No matter what you decide to do, making your fundraising activity fun will help to bring in the laughs and the donations.

Rent a space, decorate it and put on the full Christmas feast. You can charge admission to your event, charge for food and drinks or simply ask for donations at the door.

See also: Christmas fundraising ideas

You could put on a charity dinner with each guest paying a “per head” fee for a 2 or 3 course meal. Make it a meal with a theme or get a local musician to donate their time and put on some entertainment.

If dinner parties aren’t your thing then why not host a charity pot luck. Invite as many people as your venue can hold and ask everyone to bring one dish. Ask for donations for entry to the pot luck or take donations per plate of food.

Either way, you’ll fill your bellies and your charity’s coffers.

You can talk to your local church hall, community centre or even a local bar or club about providing the space. They will likely have all the equipment you need. All that’s left is to sell tickets and promote a great night of fun for all.

See also: Charity events, Battle of the Bands

Collect items from friends and family that can be auctioned off. You can also contact celebrities and ask them to donate an item to your auction, and local businesses can also contribute gift cards or experiences (e.g. lessons from a dive shop; a day driving around a Rolls Royce from a car dealer). Have some fun with it and maybe you can bid on someone doing your ironing for a month!

Casino nights are a great way of combining fun with fundraising.

Choose a variety of games to suit the interests of your high rolling guests. You can rent items like the Wheel of Fortune, roulette wheels and slot machines. Other popular games include: blackjack, poker and baccarat.

Then invite friends, family and colleagues (adults only) and get ready to shake, rattle and roll those dice. You’ll win some and you’ll lose some but your charity will go home a winner.

You can run in a pre-arranged race, such as the London Marathon – choosing your specific charity to run for and collecting donations – or set up your own charity race. Get your friends involved and ask for sponsorship. Race participants can take flat donations or pledges based on the distance you travel.

Plot a course, get permission from your local council, get set, and go!

See also: Charity events, Sponsored events

Work with a bowling alley to get space donated or for a reduced rate. Charge competitors to enter and have participants collect sponsored pledges for their total score. You can also sell refreshments and give prizes for the winners of the tournament.