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Local Fundraising Activities

by Sarah Elliot

Raising money takes commitment and dedication but fundraising in your local community has advantages. People are at least aware of the cause and some may even have a personal interest in it. Many people prefer to make their charitable donations locally, since they can see the results. Community members often want to support their community with donations of money or time. Fundraisers can tailor their activities to the community, to maximize interest and contributions.

Donations support organizations and causes

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Collection Jars and Boxes

You have seen these when you checked out at a store or restaurant--a jar or box labeled with the name of a cause, available for you to deposit some of your change. Many local businesses are willing to place a container near the cash register to help collect money for a local charity.

Food

Food events are popular moneymakers for local causes. You can get volunteers and local businesses to donate food for a pancake breakfast or roast beef dinner. You can also host a chicken barbeque, using volunteers to prepare and serve the food or by working with a business that provides barbeques.
Raffles

Offer a 50/50 raffle, where the organization and the raffle winner share the raffle proceeds equally. Solicit items and gift certificates from local merchants and raffle them. Run a progressive raffle by selling a limited number of tickets at a higher price and providing weekly drawings for a set period. Check the laws in your locality before holding a raffle, as some raffles fall under gambling regulations.
Door-to-Door Sales

There are businesses that provide items volunteers can sell door to door. The business gives a portion of the sales to the charitable organization.
Community Event

Organize a community event that features music and food and charge admission. A popular local band or other performer might agree to provide entertainment free. You can sell donated food or charge vendors for space to sell food at the event. You can also hold contests and games, rewarding participants with donated prizes and door prizes.
Trivia or Casino Night

Many local restaurants or hotels will provide a room free, because attendees will buy food and drinks at the establishment. Recruit volunteers to be hosts, dealers or quiz masters, depending on your theme. You can rent casino equipment or borrow it from volunteers. Charge an admission fee and offer donated items as prizes. Casino nights as charity events are usually legal if no money changes hands, but be clear on the laws in your area before you host a casino night.
Auction

You can ask for people in the community to donate items to auction. You can find a local auctioneer to help organize and conduct the auction, often for a reduced fee or no fee. If your organization does not have space or tables and chairs, a church, school or fire department may provide these at little or no cost.