With three weeks until summer, it is the perfect time to host a summer fundraising event. Whether it’s to bring together alumni for a day out in the sun or an event for the whole family to enjoy, there are plenty of ways to raise money for your organization while having fun. Here are 5 ideas sure to draw a crowd on a summer day.
1. Ice Cream Festival
The Jimmy Fund knows just how to kick off the season with their ScooperBowl event, now in its 32nd year One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from ticket sales support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This type of fundraiser would be perfect to host in any area. After all, who doesn’t love cold ice cream on a hot day?
2. Outdoor Concert
Because people welcome any opportunity to get outside, listen to music, dance, or just simply relax, a concert as a fundraiser always works well. You may choose to book a popular local act or a well-known national band or performer who is close to your cause. One such concert this summer is The Big Picnic, a fundraising event benefiting the Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco, CA. While it is admission-free, seats can be reserved with the purchase of a Concert Pass, which also offers club seating, parking, free beverages and access to “The Big Picnic Lounge.”
3. Beer Festival
For the 21+ crowd, a special day or evening with a variety of beers might be the perfect way to combine philanthropy and socializing. One successful fundraiser is the Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest, for the charity Little Smiles, sponsored by local distributors, radio stations and breweries.
4. Barbecue
What makes a barbecue or picnic a summer fundraising favorite is that it can be organized many different ways. Make it like a carnival with games and a simple of menu of burgers, corn, and watermelon or go the upscale route with a popular chef making creative burgers, ribs, steak tips, kebabs and gourmet side dishes. Host the event at a local park, restaurant patio, or banquet hall, depending on its size. One such annual event, The Safeway National Capital Barbecue Battle in Washington, DC, offers a best BBQ competition and has become one of the largest food and music festivals in the country, raising millions for area charities.
5. Contest/Campaign on Social Media
If holding an outdoor fundraising event is not in the budget this summer, why not challenge your network of donors to share something on social media to gain awareness and donations. Check out these five summer social media fundraising campaigns of last summer.
