Step by Step Guide to Creating A Successful Bingo Fundraiser

Posted by Ella Jacques on 1 April 2023

If you’re thinking about hosting a bingo fundraiser but need some advice on how to plan a successful, fun and memorable event, then keep reading as we’ve created the ultimate bingo fundraiser guide just for you. 

Find out what makes bingo fundraisers so popular, and read our step by step guide to creating your perfect bingo fundraising event.

What is a bingo fundraiser?

A bingo fundraiser is a fun and engaging event that combines the excitement of playing live bingo with the goal of raising funds for a charitable cause or organization. 

In this type of fundraiser, donations are usually raised through the purchase of tickets to play the bingo games, with the chance to win a variety of fun and impressive prizes. Often, organizers will aim to get the bingo prizes donated from local businesses, in order to reduce costs and improve donation figures further. 

Bingo fundraisers can be held in a variety of settings, from community centers to online platforms, and are a popular way for organizations to engage their supporters and generate much-needed funds.

Is a Bingo fundraiser a good idea?

A bingo fundraiser is a great idea for several reasons. Firstly, who doesn’t love a thrilling game of bingo!? Bingo is a popular and well-known game that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, making it an ideal way to engage a wide range of supporters and attract new donors to your cause.

Not only are bingo fundraisers great fun for all the family, but they are also relatively easy to organize, and are a proven and effective way to raise funds for charitable causes.

They’re also a great way to strengthen relationships with your existing supporters and build a sense of community around your cause. By bringing people together to play a game they love and support a cause they care about, you can create a positive and meaningful experience that will encourage continued engagement and support for your organization in the future.

How to create a successful bingo fundraiser

Ready to plan your successful bingo fundraiser? Here’s all the steps you need to take to create a memorable, fun event which will drive donations for your cause.

1. Set a fundraising goal

Before you start any planning for your bingo fundraiser, have a clear target donation number in mind. Make sure it’s achievable and make it clear why you need this donation figure. What will the money be spent on? And in what time frame? You need to get buy-in from your supporters so they feel it’s a worthwhile cause to attend and spend money on, so the story behind why you’re running this fundraiser is essential.

2. Choose your venue

Selecting the right type of venue is also key to creating a successful bingo fundraiser. Consider factors such as accessibility, parking, and capacity to ensure your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Be sure to also factor in the cost of the venue and any additional amenities it may offer.

Places such as community centers and school gymnasiums may offer the venue free of charge, since the event is for a charitable cause. Talk to your friends and connections for ideas of a low cost, worthy venue.

3. Choose a date for your event

Once you know the venue, you can choose a day that works for you, your team and your supporters. You should factor in any other holidays or important events so they don’t clash with your fundraiser.

Additionally, think about the best time of day to hold your event. An afternoon weekend day will attract families, whereas an evening event is likely to be more adult focused. To maximize attendance, think about who your supporters are and when the most convenient time for them will be.

4. Pick your bingo format

Will you opt for traditional bingo or will you go for speed bingo? Will it be an eyes down, quiet all-around situation or will you have music in between numbers being called? Decide the best format for your supporters, taking into account their age and interests.

To really generate donations, you could even host an all-day bingo event – just set some limits on attendance hours so you don’t encourage excessive gambling!

5. Get any licenses and permits required

Depending on your location, you may need to obtain licenses and permits to hold your bingo fundraiser event. Check with your local authorities to ensure you comply with any regulations and obtain any necessary approvals, before you get too far into planning.

6. Recruit volunteers

To make this event a success you’re going to need a team of helpful volunteers to help make the day run without a hitch. You’ll need everything from a bingo caller, to ticket checkers (No Karen you did not get a line, sit back down!), to ticket management and entry support.

7. Gather prizes

Time to dust off your best persuasion skills, as it’s time to get those prizes! If you want your event to attract lots of people then you’ll need some top prizes up for grabs. To help manage costs you could try to persuade local businesses to donate prizes, in return for promotion of their brand during the event and in the lead up to it. You could offer everything from sweet treats to experience days, free haircuts to a meal for two. Think about what your supporters would appreciate and enjoy the most.

8. Plan refreshments

Bingo is thirsty work! To keep your guests happy throughout your fundraiser, offer a good selection of food and drinks. Organize for food and drink vendors to be at your event. Opt for easy-to-serve options such as pizza and sandwiches which can be enjoyed whilst playing.

9. Promote your fundraiser

You’ve planned everything perfectly, so all you need now is your guests! Use a combination of traditional and digital marketing strategies, such as social media, email, and flyers, to reach your supporters and encourage them to attend. Make sure you feature those amazing prizes up for grabs, plus how the ticket sales will make a big difference to your cause. If you use Givergy to manage the event, you’ll have access to create a personalized fundraising website where supporters can learn more about your cause, donate funds, buy tickets, and more. Learn about how it works here.

10. Do a test run!

Before the big event, make sure you gather volunteers for a quick test run, so you don’t run into any surprise issues on the day. Was the venue easy to find? Could you hear the bingo caller clearly? Put yourself in the shoes of your guests so you can create a hassle-free event that everyone will enjoy.

By following these steps, you can create a successful bingo fundraising event that engages your supporters and raises money for a meaningful cause.

Ella Jacques

Global Client Services Manager at Givergy

Ella heads up the global Fundraising & Events team. A key part of Givergy’s growth for four years, Ella has a passion for event planning and ensuring her and her teams’ clients exceed their fundraising targets. Furthermore, Ella’s exposure to some of the highest-profile fundraising events gives her a unique insight into the newest and most innovative way in which charities are engaging with their audiences.