Fundraising Parties

Fundraising Parties

Fundraising parties are a great way have fun and help others at the same time. Parties don't have to be big, they can be as simple as an afternoon tea at home or work. Most charitable organisations that raise funds this way also send out party packs that help you with organising and planning the party.  See our Parties page for decorations and supplies. 

Fundraiser Party Ideas and Tips

• Casino Party - get dressed up and play casino games to raise money.  To ensure that your charity gets all the money, get attendees to buy chips and have an auction at the end of the night where people can use their winnings to bid for prizes. 
   
• Cocktail Party - This can be a small event before going out, or a big night in itself. Get everyone to bring a bottle and charge a small 'donation' per drink.  You will need to decide in advance what cocktails you will be making and what kind of alcohol you will need.  Assign a specific drink for each person to bring. Have 1 or 2 non-alcoholic drinks for non-drinkers. Don't forget to provide some light snacks.
   
• Colour Theme Party - Choose a colour and decorate your venue with it.  Get your guests to wear the colour and try to have at least one coloured food item. You can match the colour to your chosen event (eg pink for Girls Night In). See colour themes page on Birthday Gifts for supplies and more ideas.
   
• Decade Theme Party - Have everyone dress up in the clothes of this decade and decorate your venue accordingly.  Some decades have an obvious theme (eg Disco for the 70s) and this can make decorating easier. Charge an entry fee or play fundraising games. See Birthday Gifts for decade-themed party ideas.
   
• Dinner Party - get everyone to bring a plate and charge an entry fee. If you have friends that don't (or shouldn't) cook, get them to bring the drinks or dessert. Having a food theme, such as Italian, ensures that foods don't 'clash'.  Play some fundraising games as well.
• Dessert Party - If you can't do a whole meal, you can have a dessert party. Get everyone to bring a dessert instead of a different course. Have some drinks and play some fundraising games.
   
• Kids Theme Party - Get everyone to dress up as what they wanted to be as a child. Serve children's party food (fairy bread etc) and play a few children's party games. Charge a small entry fee or make some of the games fundraisers.
   
• Morning/afternoon tea - sell cakes and slices at work. Make sure everyone knows in advance and see if you can get colleagues to bring a plate. Let other people in your building know too.
   
• Pajama Party - Have a movie night where everyone wears their pajamas. Charge a small entry fee and play fundraising games.  Provide some snacks and soft drinks, or get people to bring something. You may be able to find a movie that matches your chosen charity or organisation.
   
• Fundraising Games
  • Get local businesses to supply prizes.  Many businesses are glad for the extra publicity, and they may be able to claim it as a tax deduction. Make sure the prizes will appeal to the guests.
  • Raffles
  • Silent auction
  • Guessing games (eg: guessing how many jelly beans in a jar)
     
• See Birthday Gifts for more party themes
   
• Don't forget to check your event's website, they often have great ideas and tips.