Clouds of cotton candy melting on your tongue, children’s laughter echoing over the melody of a live band, cheers from the giant Jenga winner.
These sounds and sensations do not usually come to mind when thinking about fundraising. Despite their importance and prevalence, fundraising efforts are frequently pigeonholed as serious, formal events. Though essential for nonprofits to continue providing services, fundraising can be fun.
Prioritizing fun while fundraising allows organizations to better connect with their communities and facilitates a deeper understanding of organizations’ missions and values. Below are three reasons your nonprofit or organization should add fun to your next event’s run-of-show.
1. Fun fundraising inspires community members.
At its core, fundraising is an expression of love for a community. How we spend our resources reflects our values and priorities, and fundraising efforts channel the dedication of both the fundraiser and the community. Adding fun to fundraisers celebrates this love while honoring individuals’ contributions.
Fundraising naturally communicates an organization’s values and educates the public about its impact on the community. By cultivating entertaining and community-building activities within fundraisers, a nonprofit can inspire more community members to contribute or even host a fundraiser of their own.
2. Fun fundraising helps organizations gain exposure.
“Joy is contagious,” says Caritas of Austin’s Deputy Director of Development, Sydney Smith. “Putting on events that are fun and inclusive for all members of our community allows us to reach individuals who would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn about the important work we are doing.”
Joyful fundraising efforts draw large and diverse audiences. The connections formed at these events create a foundation of trust between an organization and its community and can help bridge divides. This foundation makes it easier for organizations to connect to community groups, potential clients, and donors to continue transforming their communities.
3. Fun fundraising strengthens communities.
By bringing diverse groups of people together, fun fundraising events help communities understand each other better.
“Strong, well-connected communities provide a natural resource for individuals seeking a strong foundation of support,” Smith elaborated. “Everyone benefits from having a community.”
Healthy communities and supported neighbors are extra perks of community events. By creating a safe space for people to create connections and strengthen relationships, fun fundraising doubles the positive impact that a single fundraising initiative can have.
Caritas puts fun into action.
As Caritas of Austin marks our 60th year of service, we threw a family-friendly block party to honor the community that has made this milestone possible.
Our Caritas of Austin Block Party provided a model for adding fun to events. On Saturday, May 18, we welcomed all community members to join us for a morning of live music, games, snacks, and more all while celebrating and learning about Caritas of Austin’s mission.
Six decades of serving those in need and remaining an Austin Original is only possible because of the love and support of our fellow Austinites. Caritas of Austin is proud of our community’s dedication to creating a future where no person or family experiences homelessness.
Thank you to our Austin Original Partners, Downtown Austin Alliance, H-E-B, and MFI Foundation, for their continuous support in making Austin more vibrant for all. Thank you as well to Austin Subaru and Jabil for their ongoing support and generous contributions to our 60th Anniversary Block Party.
