Editor’s note: This article was originally published in December 2018 and has since been updated with the latest research on generosity plus fundraising swag ideas.
People often say that volunteering and charitable giving are good for your heart. That’s true—literally! According to multiple studies, donating time or money to a good cause improves happiness, lowers anxiety and reduces cardiovascular risk. And fundraising swag can help your company take charitable giving to the next level.
What’s more, helping out charitable causes is good for companies too. In fact, 75% of today’s consumers want companies to give back.
We assembled a list of ideas that put the “fun” in fundraising. So choose a great cause, some cool fundraising swag, and one of these fundraisers to do some good.
- Balloon pop
- Guess the number
- Animal cuddle
- Mini golf course
- Change collection
1. Balloon pop
Blow up several Balloons and write down prizes on slips of paper—things like a candy bar, car wash, or even the opportunity to dress casually for a day. Put the slips of paper in the balloons. Employees who donate get to pop a balloon and win the prize listed inside.
As an added incentive, make sure at least one balloon has a big prize in it, like a vacation day or a high-end fundraising giveaway, like the Bawl True Wireless Auto Pair Ear Buds.
2. Guess the number
This classic game is easy to set up and offers a fun way for staff to compete with each other while raising funds. Get a jar filled with treats—like a Sweeten Up Candy Jar – Gourmet Jelly Beans. Employees make a small donation to guess the number of candies in the jar.
The person with the closest guess wins bragging rights, plus a jar of candy.
3. Animal cuddle
Who doesn’t love an adorable puppy or a cute kitten? Ask the local animal shelter to bring adoptable dogs and cats to the office and encourage employees to make a donation for the opportunity to pet, walk or treat them. At the end of the day, the funds raised are given to the animal shelter.
For people who want a keepsake, give a fundraising promotional item, like a Cats & Dogs Soft Keychain, to anyone who donates a predetermined amount.
If the event goes well, consider partnering with the shelter on future fundraisers. After all, studies have shown that 90 percent of employers feel their brand is enhanced by partnering with a reputable nonprofit organization.
4. Mini golf course
Approximately 25 million Americans play golf every year.
You don’t need the best golfers in the world to do some good. You likely have a few linksters on staff who enjoy a good round of mini golf and raising money for a worthwhile cause.
Ask staff members to set up a few in-office holes and charge a small fee for the opportunity to play through.
To help raise even more funds, let people donate a little extra money for the chance to win a raffle—this Desk Caddy Set makes a great fundraising giveaway.
5. Change collection
One of the simplest ways to raise funds for charity is with a change challenge. Place Box Banks in every department. All donations collected over the next month will go directly to the cause of your choice.
As a fun, competitive incentive, offer fundraising promotional items—like Pocket Piggy Coin Holders—to everyone in the department that raises the most funds.
A little fundraising swag goes a long way
Giving is a win-win-win for your employees, your business and the charity of your choice. With a great cause, “fun” draisers and fundraising swag, you and your employees can start making the world a better place. If you’re looking for even more fundraising ideas, check out these tips.