Outdoor Fundraising Events: How To Increase Money Raised

Posted by Tim Stansbury on 26 April 2019

Summer has officially (finally) arrived, which means outdoor fundraising events are being held all over the country! From selling mulligans at golf days, to taking a share of the profits from the bets at a race day, there are some great opportunities to unconventionally maximise your fundraising efforts whilst also entertaining your guests.

Here are a few suggestions to help you reinvigorate giving at traditional outdoor events.

1) Golf day: sell retakes

Golf days are a popular choice with event organisers and for good reason, they’re fairly easy to execute and are enjoyed by donors. In the last 12 months we have supported over 40 golf fundraising days and witnessed them raise a substantial amount.

An effective way to enhance fundraising at golf days is by selling mulligans. Guests will be given the opportunity to retake their shot at a price, inevitably this will be a popular option with those donors who have a more competitive nature.

Golf can take a toll on your guests as it typically requires time, energy and commitment. We suggest that you hold small competitions within the main golf day to keep players motivated. Offering a prize for the closest to the hole gives guests who may not be doing very well something to aim for which will keep morale high. The prizes don’t need to be expensive, a bottle of champagne or a bucket full of beers will go down a treat when they come off the golf course. Ultimately, this strategy will go a long way in ensuring guests aren;t left feeling deflated after a long game and look forward to returning to your next golf event.

2) Race day: take a share

Race days allow guests to dress to impress, dust off their favourite hats, socialise and absorb the electric energy (and hopefully sunshine) that surrounds the event. We have supported 25 race days in the last 12 months and have seen charities raise a phenomenal amount.

You can benefit by taking a percentage of each bet that is placed, this will encourage guests who are anxious about losing money to get involved as the charity will benefit from their bet.

Race days provide the perfect setting for an online silent auction, you can promote the online auction to as many people as you want and keep guests engaged without bid text notifications. By implementing an online auction and working with the racecourse organisers, you can promote the URL of the auction to the entire racecourse via the TV screens and the race program. This also gives the general public the opportunity to bid and pledge via the online auction as well as your main event guests ultimately generating more donations and exposure!

3) Clay pigeon shoot: competition

Clay pigeon shooting is a fun day out and when you pair it with fundraising, you could raise a substantial amount of money for your cause.

Implementing a silent auction at clay pigeon shooting events is a cost-effective way to maximise money raised throughout the day, you can capatialise on the competitive energy surrounding the event byrunning a wooden spoon prize where the lowest scoring guest or team has to donate to the charity, this method will help you obtain extra donations.

Don’t forget to publicise the auction prior to the event on all your social media channels to maximise your reach!

4)Charity Polo day: present money can’t buy items

Charity polo events are a fun day out, the combination of non-stop sporting action and champagne is bound to get your donors in the giving mood.

Maximise your fundraising efforts at your polo event by running a silent auction, you can display tablets on the tables which will make it effortless for guests to place bids and donations.

To keep guests engaged in the silent auction you’re going to have to have auction items and experiences that tickle their fancy. Talk to one of our auction items experts and/or request a brochure to learn what your guest demographic will be interested in and to get your hands on some incredible items

Typically a charity polo day will attract high profile people, influencers can boost the exposure of your fundraising event and charity which will lead to increased donations and brand awareness!

If you’re thinking about hosting an outdoor fundraising event and would like some advice on how to maximise your fundraising efforts to meet your goals, wed love to hear from you!

Tim Stansbury

Director and Fundraising Consultant

Tim joined Givergy in 2010, overseeing the early stage growth of the business to 50 employees across five international regions, supporting over 4,000 events worldwide. With a passion for leadership, business growth and exceptional standards, Tim is at the heart of all clients needs both in the UK and worldwide.