2. Types of charity events
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1. Fun run/walk
2. A-thon events
3. Competition (non-sport)
4. Auction
5. Art Exhibit
7. Concert
3. 1. Fun
run/walk
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Fun runs and walks do not include marathons, half-marathons, 5Ks or other high-profile races. Fun runs in this
research were defined as runs and walks that do not require special permits or road closures, for example, an
event that uses a community hiking trail. Overall, data indicates that fun runs and walks are the easiest to plan
and deliver a high return on investment for organizations of all sizes. This is especially true for midsize and large
nonprofits with an annual operating budget of $6 million or more.
4. Fundraising through community events
such as walk-a-thons have become
increasingly popular in the nonprofit
community. Whether a nonprofit is hosting
a walk-a-thon, golf-a-thon, or a hike-a-thon,
these events are a great way to:
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2. A-thon events
• Raise awareness of your mission
• Build support within your community
• Increase fundraising
5. 3. Competition (non-
sport)
Instill a sense of competitiveness among
your supporters by organizing a
competition such as eating, singing, or
dancing. Members of the public pay to
participate in voting or in the competition
itself to raise funds for your cause. Local
laws can sometimes hinder a
competition, so make sure your
competition is legal before you spend
time planning it.
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6. 4. Auction
One of the most effective ways to bolster the scope of your event, attract more potential donors, and get supporters to spend
more money at an event is by incorporating a live or silent auction. An auction fundraising event not only gives your guests a
reason to open their wallets, it also gives them something to do while socializing. It also gives your employees something to talk
to your guests about during the meet and greets. Discussing items to be auctioned off gives you an easy tie-in to the fundraising
component of the event without having to ask for a direct donation in person.
7. 5. ART EXHIBIT
A charity art show is an opportunity for members of your community to display their talents for a great cause. There
are several ways to host an art exhibit. One way is to hold the exhibit as a contest, where local artists showcase their
work for a small entry fee in order to be professionally judged, with donated prizes for winners in various categories.
Another way is to find artists who are willing to show their work in the interest of selling it for your benefit, giving a
percentage of the sale to your organization.
8. 6. Concert
Benefit concerts aren’t just the celebrity performer-packed
events you see on television. Concerts can also be smaller
scale, featuring local talent. The benefit is that these
performers are more accessible and likely to bring their
family and circle of friends to the event. With fundraising
software, you can also ask bands to set up team pages and
fundraise in the weeks leading up to the show. This way,
even their out of town supporters who cannot attend will
have the opportunity to give.
9. 7. Sporting Event
While sporting events are fun to participate in, they
typically provide little return on investment for all
size organizations. Additionally, the average cost
per dollar earned in sporting events is only slightly
above concerts but on par with gala events.The size
of an organization typically determines the budget
and type of event a nonprofit should host.
10. Conclusio
n
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Whether you’re hosting a gala, an art exhibit, or a bake sale there are
a few things you can do to increase donations on the day of the event,
and for years to come:
Use fundraising and event software to reduce staff workload
by automating common tasks and aggregating data.
Ask for monthly donations rather than just one-time
donations.
Plan inspiring events, ensuring attendees leave with
an understanding of your organization’s mission and
what they can do to help.
12. Race For Life topped the list in 2013
and it was in no danger of losing its
title in 2014. The Cancer Research
UK fundraiser has raised double the
amount of its nearest competitor
and shows no signs of loosening its
grip on its crown.
2. World's Biggest Coffee Morning
(£25,102,796)
1. Race For Life (£51,521,000)
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
continued to grow in 2014 - raising
£5 million more than it did in 2013.
The Macmillan Cancer Support
fundraiser asks people all over the
UK to host their own coffee morning
with friends, relatives, colleagues or
neighbours and donations on the
day are made to the charity.
13. 3.London to Brighton (£4,308,599)
The only non UK-wide event to make the
top 10 is the British Heart Foundation’s
London to Brighton cycle event. Despite
taking place down south hundreds of
Scots helped make up the 20,000 who
took part in last year’s event.
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