Here in sunny Florida, we practically get summer all year round. But now that it’s officially here, the warmer weather can lead to endless fun outdoors.
It also means great fundraising opportunities. Here are our favorite summer fundraising ideas that are sure to draw a crowd:
1. Bike-A-Thon
What’s better than getting outside to feel the cool wind in your hair? A bike-a-thon gets your group outside and enjoying the summer weather with a piece of equipment they probably already have access to (most people own or can borrow a bike).
Raise money by charging participants a nominal entrance fee and ask them to collect sponsorships for miles biked.
2. Pool Party Fundraiser
If you have access to a pool at your school or community center, approach them to see if they’d be willing to allocate a certain number of hours to fundraising. The pool donates the space and time, plus the proper supervision—you’ll need lifeguards, especially if children are allowed at the event—and your charity charges each swimmer an entrance fee.
In addition, you can offer snacks, raffles, and set up carnival-type games around the pool for when swimmers get tired of splish-splashing around.
3. Water Balloon Fight Fundraiser
This fundraiser is a total soaker, which makes it a success if you’re trying to stay cool!
Designate a large open space in your community—like a park or school field—as your splash zone. Then put out an open call to organize the biggest water balloon fight your community has ever seen! The fundraising happens when you charge per filled water balloon, or make the fight a team sport where teams pay a registration fee to enter, sort of like paintball. This is an event that will appeal to kids and grownups alike.
4. Concert in the Park Charity Event
A concert takes a lot of planning, but if you have the resources—a school or church band, a choir, orchestra, or a popular teen band—it can draw a huge crowd and lots of money.
Put out the call for a “battle of the bands” in your community. Welcome local bands to play for free at your event in exchange for free marketing. Charge spectators to enjoy the show.
5. Ice Cream Fundraisers
Nothing beats the heat better than an ice cream fundraiser!
Approach a local cone shop or grocer and ask if they would provide the ice cream and cones in exchange for free marketing or agree to donate a portion of each sale to your charity if you get the crowd out. Many shops will host a charity ice cream cone day where, for each cone sold, a portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
6. Car Wash Fundraiser
Car washes are a tried-and-true fundraiser for summer. All you need is a willing group of volunteers, and some car washing supplies, such as sponges, soap, chamois, buckets, and hoses.
Set up your car wash at a busy intersection and watch the customers roll in. Be sure to choose a location with access to a spigot. For your car wash fundraiser, offer to wash cars per set price, or let customers pay what they can.
7. Barbecue Fundraiser
A summer barbecue with grilled burgers, steaks, hot dogs, and even veggie dogs (for those with dietary restrictions), is one of the most successful fundraising choices.
Ask a local grocer or butcher if they will donate all or some of the supplies for the perfect summer barbecue fundraiser. Offer to advertise them as the sponsor in exchange for the grilling goods. It’s hard to resist the smell of burgers and hot dogs over a grill.
8. Community Block Party Fundraiser
Summer block parties combine all the summer goodness in one: a barbecue, slip and slide, sprinkler, fireworks, live music, and community!
Of course, a block party takes a little bit of extra planning, but it’s the perfect fundraiser for a community to organize. Do your best to get all the local residents on board to avoid noise complaints and recruit a team of volunteers to help out.
If you’re looking for a cool theme that everyone will enjoy, casino nights are always a hit! (We should know.) Hire a magician, fire breather, or other live entertainment for the kids to enjoy.
9. Popsicle Fundraiser
Nothing sells faster than frozen popsicles on a hot day.
Ask to set up your frozen popsicle stand at a sporting event, community gathering, or at a fun summer kids’ activity. Frozen lollies are inexpensive, easy to carry, and easier to sell.
Conclusion
It’s hot, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. When it comes to cool summer fundraising ideas, these will help you raise money, beat the heat, and (most importantly) help a good cause!
With Aces Wild Entertainment, we know fundraising because we know parties! Our professional, affordable, and fun casino night parties are the perfect way to have a successful fundraising event while still keeping your sponsors and donors entertained. Contact us to see how our consultants, dealers, and entertainers can create an unforgettable fundraiser!
