I don’t know about you, but this time of year always has me singing the winter blues. Thank you Punxsutawney Phil for not seeing your shadow! With an early spring on the horizon, now is the time to start planning your next seasonal fundraising campaigns to mobilize the masses out of winter hibernation.
The State of Modern Philanthropy shows donations generated through crowdfunding, individual giving and special events peak in April and May. Here are 10 campaign ideas to help spring supporters into action.
1. March Madness Challenge
Capitalize on basketball fever by creating a bracket crowdfunding campaign challenge, leveraging incentives for different donation levels. Or, host game day viewing parties with a purpose, generating funds through ticket sales, raffle and auction items as well as signature cocktails to support your mission.
2. Fashion Week
Just like designers preview what’s to come, you can create buzz around your organization’s impact and future plans through fashion. Create your own runway events and red carpet galas, establish cause marketing partnerships with fashion brands and local boutiques, or host a clothing drive or makeover event to help dress those in need.
3. Spring Cleaning
Spring is the perfect time to rally volunteers to help clear out your warehouses and closets to make room for new donations, test ideas and launch new or improved programming. As tidying queen Marie Kondo says, if it doesn’t bring joy to you (or those you serve or who support your organization), toss it.
4. Spring Break
Create volunteer opportunities for high school and college students during school vacation. Doing so will activate young people to be engaged in their communities, which is sometimes a school or team requirement and a resume builder, while giving parents serenity knowing their kids have a safe place to be while they are at work. It’s a win-win.
5. Earth Day
On April 22, all eyes are on the earth. Host a planting, community clean up or recycling event to help raise awareness for environmental issues and funds to support saving the planet. Such events are all-inclusive and can educate individuals how to minimize their own carbon footprints to help mitigate climate change.
6. Mother’s Day Pampering
Celebrate mothers and daughters for all that they do with a little pampering. Host a fundraising breakfast or create an awards program to highlight fierce females in your community who align with your mission. Or, raise funds for the cause through sales of gifts for women, such as flower and cupcake deliveries or personal glam squads.
7. Golf Tournament
As soon as the ground defrosts, golfers are ready to hit the links. Whether it’s an 18- or 19-hole outing or even a mini golf game, this sport is a family friendly activity which also provides opportunities for various onsite donation collections, breakout tables, sponsorships and VIP engagement at the club house and along the course.
8. Field Day
At end of the school year, students and educators alike itch to get out of the classroom to soak up the sun. Field days can introduce kids to philanthropy in a fun and engaging way. Kids can seek sponsorships to fund playing time. A presentation by teachers and staff during lunch can educate young participants about the charity they are supporting.
9. 5K’s/A-thons
Walk-a-thons, bike-a-thons and 5Ks are another way to get people outside and moving to raise awareness and money for your cause. Athletic fundraising events create opportunities for online fundraising campaigns, kick-off, recruitment and top fundraiser events, corporate teams and sponsorships and so much more.
10. Memorial Day Cookout
Remember those who have served our country while rejoicing in the freedom you have to help change the world as a result. Celebrate your constituents for their service with a summer kick-off barbeque as a thank you for their past support, while highlighting the need for their continued contributions.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure the events and campaigns are authentically you. Good luck!
