Youth Venture

Events can be a great way to have fun and raise money at the same time. For example, you can throw a party, hold a benefit concert, or host a bowling night. The proceeds from the event can then be used to fund your Venture. Keep in mind, though, that events can be a lot of work and don’t always bring in money. There are many different types of events and fundraisers. Below are some ideas to get you started as you decide what’s best for your team.

Concert:

Ask a local choir or band to perform a benefit concert for your Venture. Check with local music venues or concert halls to see if they will host the event for free. You may also want to look into holding your benefit concert at a free/inexpensive location such as a coffee shop, mall, library, or church.

Collect Pennies:

Have your friends or classmates compete to collect the most pennies. Divide into teams and the team that gets the most pennies wins. A competition like this is low stress and fun!

Sell Food:

Sell snacks at school or community events (make sure you get permission first). Choose inexpensive items and buy in bulk whenever possible.

Screen a Movie:

Show a movie that is somehow related to your Venture’s mission. You could host the event at a home, school, community center, or movie theater. Ask each person for a donation at the door. You can also sell snacks during the movie to make extra money.

Yard Sale:

Have a garage/yard sale. Ask your neighbors or classmates to donate items for your sale. Advertise the yard sale around your community with signs and ads in newspapers. Consider selling any leftover items on eBay or donating them to a charity.

Car Wash:

Ask a local business or your school to donate access to their water, hoses, and parking lot. Gather up buckets, sponges, towels, and soap. If you set a price, also mention that you are taking donations for a good cause.

Raffle:

Get someone in your community to donate a service or item, such as a free computer, a gift certificate, or a weekend in a nice hotel. Sell raffle tickets for the prize and select a winner. Note: Before holding a raffle, make sure you research the legal guidelines regarding raffles in your province.

Non-Event:

A phantom event is when you ask people not to come to an event but to donate the money that they would have spent on the event. Be creative with this! For example, you could throw a Not-A-Bake-Sale and ask volunteers to donate the $5-$10 they would have spent had they baked cookies.

© Youth Venture, 2007. All rights reserved.