In recent years, an increasing number of charitable institutions have been moving towards organizing more accessible fundraisers for nonprofits. This shift has allowed a wider range of people to donate to a cause they believe in. One of the more popular fundraising ideas nonprofits have been using have been “fun runs.” A fun run is a themed race where people are encouraged to dress up and walk or run 5k, 10k, and sometimes marathons.
In a recent article from The Island Packet, firefighters participated in one such run to raise awareness and funding for the Code 3 for a Cure Foundation. Firefighters Alex Murray, Jed Huth and Kirk Prinsen of the Burton Fire District ran a 5K race dressed in full firefighting gear and handed out cards and informational fliers to spectators along the way.
Nonprofit organizations are aware that thinking outside the box is the key to spreading awareness and raising funds. Below is a list of things your organization can do to help its mission.
Fun runs
Fun runs are rising in popularity, and are accessible and easy for nonprofits to organize. The idea is to take advantage of the health craze that has swept the nation, and do it in the name of charity. Participants pay a registration fee that serves as their donation to the nonprofit. Not only is this a great fundraising idea, but it’s also a great way to stay in shape.
Raffles
Although the concept of staging raffles for charity is nothing new, it is the manner in which such events have been executed that has made them popular. Based on the traditional concept of raffles, some people have organized “penalty raffles” where the “winners” are asked to do silly or uncomfortable tasks. People who do not wish to have their names considered in the penalty raffle can buy their way out by returning their ticket along with a donation. Other creative methods include raffling off office perks (extra leaves, parking slots, etc.) and table raffles.
Online fundraising
The Internet has been a great tool for charitable institutions over the years. At any given moment, there are countless people online. When coupled with the Internet’s ability to connect people globally, online nonprofit fundraisers, such as the eBay Giving Works program, can virtually guarantee that a nonprofit can stay in touch with potential donors throughout the world, at any given time.
(from Firefighters run Hilton Head Island 5K in full gear for charity, The Island Packet)
eBay Giving Works 