Sometimes, fundraising is boring. Donors get tired of the same old fundraising ideas.

Annual appeal letters… big fundraising events… breakfast networking events… after a few years with an organization, donors get bored, and they move on.

This is a unique fundraising idea that turns the usual fancy-schmacy fundraising event on its head. Instead of holding a fashionable cocktail party at a high end hotel, hold a hot-dogs and beer event at the Holiday Inn.

Tell your donors that this year is such an important year for your organization, you want to spend most of the money you are raising on your program or mission, instead of the event. This only works if you still charge the full amount whatever you used to charge for the fancy event and are willing to get a little campy with the theme.

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Are you planning to hold a raffle at your next fundraising event? You may want to try the reverse raffle instead. With this raffle, instead of buying tickets, every attendee gets one free raffle ticket when they come in the door.

Unique fundraising ideas work best when they are directly tied to the mission of your organization. Rather than ask people to simply make a donation to your group, tie your request to a specific direct action your organization will be taking as part of its work. Many people like to roll up their sleeves and get to work — they like to feel more involved in your non-profit than simply writing a check.

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With this idea, you ask people to make a donation in return for a position as part of your volunteer day. This is one of my all time favorite unique fundraising ideas, but it needs careful planning and the right list, as your mailing will only be done to big-time donors who already support your organization.

Tell them to watch their mailboxes. Then, a day or two after the e-mail, send your top donors a letter by certified mail that tells them the news, and why it is so important. Tell them why you need money, right now, in relation to that good news, and include a return envelope.

People almost always open certified mail and read it carefully. Sign up for The Fundraising Authority Newsletter , and get your free copy of How to Hold Great Fundraising Events: A Step by Step Guide.

This 10 page special report will guide you through the entire process of running a profitable fundraising event for your organization. Click here to get your free copy today! Barbecue or chili should work almost anywhere in the South. Even if it is in good fun, some people could get upset — depends how it is presented.

Perhaps cut a deck of cards in half and limit the number of chances to for a Poker deck to increase the chances of winning also have 2 to 4 prizes — depending on the number of board members.

Forget the alcohol and try something else. For the low end event, I totally agree. For the reverse raffle, not only have them sell back their ticket to get their name out of the drawing but can pay more to put your friends name on the ticket entered instead.

There is a group in my town that does a thing similar to the reverse raffle without embarrassment. A visual image showing books, school supplies and a donation amount could be created and then that image could be posted on social media along with a link to your fundraising site.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. We respect your email privacy. Advertise on The Fundraising Authority. The Low-End Event This is a unique fundraising idea that turns the usual fancy-schmacy fundraising event on its head. The Reverse Raffle Are you planning to hold a raffle at your next fundraising event? Direct Action Fundraising Unique fundraising ideas work best when they are directly tied to the mission of your organization.

Pay to Work Many people like to roll up their sleeves and get to work — they like to feel more involved in your non-profit than simply writing a check. Related Articles from The Fundraising Authority: Fundraising Ideas Get Your Free Copy of How to Hold Great Fundraising Events Sign up for The Fundraising Authority Newsletter , and get your free copy of How to Hold Great Fundraising Events: My 2 cents 2 ideas for the idea factory.

Andrew- thanks for your comments and thoughts. Thanks for your thoughts!