Thinking about sponsoring an event to raise money for your favorite non-profit charity? It's important to consider ideas that will generate as much profit as possible with minimal expense. There are many ways to go about doing this. Having corporate sponsors or individuals willing to donate their time, money, or supplies will make your job even easier and more successful. Here are just three ideas; with a little creative thinking, you can come up with more of your own.

Movies

Hosting a movie premiere can generate a large amount of money in a single evening. You may be able to convince a movie theater to donate the space and movie, with all profits going to your non-profit. Alternately, you might be able to charge a 'surcharge' on ticket prices, with the extra money donated to a worthy cause. Perhaps you can share in the concession stand profits for the night or offer a special combo or item, with all proceeds from it going to your charity. An alternate to a movie premiere is having a special night where you screen several movies related to your cause. For instance, show several documentaries showing cancer survivors to raise fund for medical research. You could combine such a night with short presentations by people helped by the charity to reinforce the good donations to the cause will do. You could also have a yard sale with donated movies and related memorabilia to raise even more money.

Auctions

Auctions and raffles, whether live or online, are another great way to raise funds. Typically, you can get individuals and organizations to donate a variety of items or experiences (such as a sailing trip or special dinner), so that all funds go to your non-profit charity. With just a few special, valuable items, you can generate lots of interest and raise significant money. Having the auction online adds an interesting twist and can save you the time and expense of finding an auctioneer and auction hall and setting up the space. Auctions also offer a simple, fun, way to raise funds in your workplace. You can set up a silent auction in a meeting room, with items donated by employees or local businesses. Employees can then decide which charity or charities to donate the funds to.

Casual Day - or Dress Up Day

An innovate fundraiser - and one that's quite simple to organize - involves having a special attire day at work. If you normally dress in suits and dresses, have a special day where people can where jeans and t-shirts. If you normally dress casually, encourage everyone to wear fancy formal wear. The catch is that everyone who participates by wearing special clothing must donate a small amount of money to charity. To encourage participation, consider 'fining' those who don't dress up or down. Alternately, have a contest with special prizes for best dressed, cleanest jeans, or other categories. This will create a fun atmosphere and encourage people to raise money for their favorite charities.

Proper Tie-Ins

Whatever sort of event you choose to sponsor, make sure it has an obvious connection to the charity you are raising funds for. For instance, a gym membership could be auctioned off to support a cause promoting good health, but a big box of candy would be a bad fit. Make sure any materials promoting the event and anything handed out or said at the fundraiser reflects positively on the charity and gets out the right message. Also, be considerate to those who are affected (both by the charity and the event) and consider their feelings when planning the event.

With a little planning, you can organize a fun, entertaining event that people will want to participate in. You'll raise funds for a good cause and maybe even entice new volunteers or donors to provide long-term support.

The author has worked with and volunteered for a wide variety of charitable organizations. Through this work, she has learned many tricks and tips for holding successful fundraising events. Visit her website http://www.fundraiserguide.info [1] to learn more of her secrets to raising funds for your favorite cause.