Whether you are planning to come to Bolivia as a volunteer or you just want to help support one or more of Proyecto Horizonte’s projects, there are a number of ways that you can get involved. Fundraising has taken on many new creative forms, and we encourage you to try some out! Listed below are some ideas to get you started, but if you have something else in mind then let us know how we can support you. We would also love to share your experience on the website, so don’t forget to write and send us pictures!
Fundraising Ideas
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Dance Party
Boogie the night away and raise money at the same time! A dance party provides many options for raising support. In addition to charging an entrance fee, you may also offer song requests for $1, sell event t-shirts, or hold a raffle or silent auction simultaneously at the event to give guests something to do while they’re taking a break from the dance floor.
The first step is to find a venue to rent out the space for free and to set the date. Then assemble a team to help broadcast the party and used social media, such as facebook and Twitter to help get the word out. Ask local bakeries and grocery stores if they’d be willing to donate refreshments and organize any catering services if needed. If you plan to have a raffle or silent auction, ask around to see if local venders or service providers would be willing to donate a couple of items.
T-shirts are also a great way to raise some extra money, which you can sell separately or include with the entry ticket. They also serve as great future marketing…
Supplies you may need:
- Paper tickets for entrance and raffle
- Multiple card tables—at least one at the entrance with a cashbox and a bucket for ticket collection, another for serving refreshments, and how many ever more you need to display bidding items if having a silent auction
- Round tables, table cloths, chairs, and table decorations for dancers to be able to sit and take a breather
- A hat, bucket, or bowl for tickets if holding a raffle
- T-shirt making supplies if selling t-shirts
Download this great fundraising idea as a pdf here Dance Party- Fundraising Flyer
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Date Auction
Spice things up with a date auction! Gather some devoted friends and any other eligible singles willing to be auctioned off for a good cause. Once you have a lineup, determine a date for the auction that participants will all be able to attend. Then contact local businesses, such as movie theaters, restaurants, spas, and other possible date spots to see if they’d be willing to donate any products or services to inspire higher bidding. Market the event through social media, local newspapers, flyers, etc. and sell tickets ahead of time to ensure more people will attend.
Supplies you may need:
- paper tickets, card table and chairs and paper and pens for keeping track of bids
- Folding chairs for attendees
- A microphone or megaphone for the auctioneer
- Funny costumes that your participants may want to wear to spice up the night
Download this great fundraising idea as a pdf here Date Auction- Fundraising Flyer
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Sporting Event
Sports fundraising is a sure way to rally people together. Whether it’s a volleyball match on the beach, a soccer game in the park, or even a ping-pong tourney in your garage, a bit of friendly competition can really bring people together! Whatever sport you choose, figure out a location and make sure you have any necessary permits. Then advertise your event using social media, newspapers, flyers, etc. and make sure you get your friends on board. Charge each team an entrance fee and offer a discount for registering early. Contact local businesses to see if they’d be willing to donate a prize for the winning team(s).
Supplies you may need:
- Sports equipment
- Score cards
- A table and chairs for registration
- A cashbox
- Whistles for referees
Download this great fundraising idea as a pdf here Sporting Event- Fundraising Flyer
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Dinner Party
Who can pass up a home-cooked meal? Challenge your friends to donate what they would have spent on a night eating out at a restaurant in exchange for a dinner at your place. Some alternatives to you cooking an entire meal include a potluck, a wine and cheese tasting, a tea party, or a progressive dinner with neighbors or friends.
Supplies you may need:
- Groceries
- Plenty of utensils, plate ware, and drink ware
Download this great fundraising idea as a pdf here Dinner Party- Fundraising Flyer
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Garage Sale
What a great excuse to do a little spring-cleaning! Ask your friends if they or anyone they know is willing to set up shop and sell some of their old stuff for a good cause. Figure out a date that works for everyone and start advertising! Social media, newspaper ads, and neighborhood flyers will all help get people out.
Supplies you may need:
- Plenty of folding tables to display items
- Chairs
- Signs
- A cashbox
- Price stickers
- Pens
Download this great fundraising idea as a pdf here Garage Sale- Fundraising Flyer
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Marathon
Feeling adventurous? Sign up for a race and start looking for sponsors! Reaching out can take the form of phone calls, hand-written letters, email or social network appeals. Set up an account with PayPal or facebook to allow people to pledge money electronically—a sure way of raising more money.
Supplies you may need:
- A PayPal account
- A good pair of running shoes
Download this great fundraising idea as a pdf here Marathon- Fundraising Flyer
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Bake Sale
Consider a more traditional route such as a bake sale and ask you friends and family to get involved (the more bakers the better). Some ideas for venues include festivals, school events, concerts, or outside shopping malls or popular retail stores—just make sure to get permission if needed. If you plan to have the sale outside, make sure you have a “plan b” in case of inclement weather.
Supplies you may need:
- Booth or card table and chairs
- A makeshift awning if outside
- Decorative signs
- A cash box
- Coolers and ice for any goods that need to be refrigerated
Download this great fundraising idea as a pdf here Bake Sale- Fundraising Flyer
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Game Night
Invite your friends over for a night of playing games for a good cause. Advertise your event on facebook or send out an evite. You can charge a set entrance fee or just have a suggested donation. There’s the traditional route with the classic board games like Monopoly or Risk, but there are plenty of other options like having a video game showdown or casino night. Put your own twist on a theme—the more creative the better!
Supplies you may need:
- Games
- Extra supplies like pens, pencils, paper, dice, and full decks of cards for whatever games you are planning on playing
- Plenty of tables, chairs, and/or cushions for guests to sit on
- Refreshments
Download this great fundraising idea as a pdf here Game Night- Fundraising Flyer
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Eat for a Cause
Feel good about eating out! Talk with local restaurants or bars to see if they’d be willing to donate a certain margin of their profits to your cause on a particular night. Once you have a willing venue, advertise as much as possible with social media, flyers, signs, etc. and try reaching out to radio shows and local news channels to see if they’d be willing to promote your event.
Supplies you may need:
- Decorative signs to advertise
Download this great fundraising idea as a pdf here Eat for a Cause- Fundraising Flyer