Look for timely fundraisers. When there is a widely publicized event, seize the opportunity to jump on board—such as this weekend's Super Bowl! The favored Pittsburgh Steelers battle the underdog Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday in Tampa, Florida.
There are many different Super Bowl-based fundraisers out there, including:
Set up a football pool: Take a tip from EF Group Leader Steve Brusa:
"I have a sure-fire $10,000 made in one day. It all takes place on Super Bowl Sunday. You take a regular 10-square-by-10-square football pool setup, and you sell each square for $100. $100 x $100 = $10,000. You also have to have a hall in which you can serve alcohol. At the hall, you serve finger food or you can serve a BBQ. You have your TVs set up around the hall so people can watch the game. Purchase a large-screen TV. The big-screen TV is the hook. You give it away at the end of the game to the person who has the correct square. We did this three years in a row and took home, after expenses, between $10,000 and $12,000 each time."
Take-out appetizers: Remove the hassle of preparation for party hosts. Collect orders for take-home containers of soup, chili or other appetizers easily made in bulk. Have samples available when taking orders—who can resist a great cup of chili?
Raffle a large flat-screen TV: Solicit a donation of a flat-screen TV, host a Super Bowl party, play the game on the TV and the cost of admissions gives each person one chance at winning the TV. Sell additional chances at winning the TV with raffle tickets. As always, combine this event with food sales, a silent auction or other opportunities to raise funds.
Host an anti-Super Bowl party: Offer an alternative on Super Bowl Sunday to those who don't follow football. Host a movie screening or your own art gallery opening.
What other Super Bowl fundraisers are you hosting?
(Tip of the Week is written by EF Fundraising Specialist Tessa Lorenze and appears at Following the Equator every Tuesday. For more fundraising help on your EF tour, check out EF's fundraising tips or contact an EF Fundraising Specialist at fundraising@ef.com.)
