When running for office or supporting a ballot initiative, you need money to pay staff and promote your candidacy or cause. One way to do this is by tapping into your local network and asking for donations. Make the fundraising experience immersive by hosting events that engage your community.
Fieldwork and interaction with voters are essential for a successful fundraising campaign. But how can you create an impactful, fun event that raises money? Here are 15 fundraiser campaign ideas and pointers on how to host political fundraiser events.
How to Plan Successful Political Campaign Fundraising Events
An event is a great way to meet voters and increase your visibility. Organising events also presents the opportunity to raise funds for your campaign. However, to make this happen, you need a comprehensive plan. Here are six steps to help you get started.
Step #1: Set a fundraising goal
How much money are you hoping to raise? Consider avenues like ticket sales, donations, live auctions, silent auctions, and crowdfunding.
Step #2: Create your event’s budget
Your event budget should include every detail – from the venue to the catering to the parking valets. And be sure to leave a little room for the unpredictables. With your costs in perspective, you’ll be able to get the most out of donations.
Step #3: Find a venue
Shop around when looking for a venue. Some venues might be willing to discount or donate the space to be associated with a good cause. Be flexible with your date to help secure a venue at a lower cost. And, be sure to ask the right questions – you need to know exactly what’s included in the price to manage your bottom line.
Step #4: Think outside of the box
Plug into recent trends (like livestreaming or social media contests) to create an irresistible fundraising event. Come up with a creative event that aligns with your cause, and you’ll draw the attention of both supporters and potential donors.
Step #5: Lean on your greater community
Social media has changed the way we connect – especially in the realm of politics. You can speak directly to constituents online, and studies show that politicians who used social media experienced heightened support. So tap into your digital community and promote your fundraising event. Incentivise them to share your cause online with a ticket giveaway.
Step #6: Use the right ticketing partner
When you don’t have an enormous budget, any way you can make your marketing more efficient and cost-effective is crucial. With Eventbrite, selling and tracking tickets for your event is easy. Eventbrite Boost helps you put your event on voters’ radars with smart ad targeting. You also have the option to create a donation ticketing structure that simplifies fundraising.
15 Political campaign fundraiser event ideas
Contrary to fundraising myths, you aren’t limited to old-school tactics, like telephone requests and t-shirt selling. Put the fun in fundraising. Here are some creative ideas to start with.
Idea #1: Silent auction
- Fundraising potential: ★★★★
- Cost: ££
- Complexity: +++
Have attendees bid for appealing items. Get creative. For example, if you have celebrity connections, have them donate something for the auction, such as signed merchandise, tickets to an upcoming show, or a meet and greet. A fundraising auction with unique items and experiences has the potential to attract a lot of donors.
Idea #2: Theatre performance
- Fundraising potential: ★★★
- Cost: £
- Complexity: +++
Consider putting on a production with a local theatre company willing to provide the venue, equipment, props, and costumes. If you choose to create your own performance, centre it around a cause you stand for. This is a creative way to demonstrate your views on important issues. Or, arrange to have profits from one of their regular performances go to your cause.
Idea #3: Film festival
- Fundraising potential: ★★★★
- Cost: ££££
- Complexity: ++++
Include films centred around the issues you advocate for. After the screening, delivery a brief address explaining how you will tackle the issues. Concessions from this event can enhance your fundraising.
Idea #4: Neighbourhood street party
- Fundraising potential: ★★★
- Cost: ££
- Complexity: ++
This is a great way to make money for a local political party or cause. Have neighbours supply food, drinks, and garden chairs. Or, partner with a local eatery to help cater the event. This type of fundraiser brings constituents together and fosters a sense of community.
Idea #5: Health and wellness fair
- Fundraising potential: ★★★★
- Cost: £££
- Complexity:+++
A wellness festival is a perfect occasion to propose policies surrounding healthcare. Consider holding a Q&A panel with local community health experts. Offer attendees a selection of stalls featuring local nutrition, beauty, and wellness brands. Also, include food vans that serve healthy eats (plant-based, organic, etc.).
Idea #6: Walkathon
- Fundraising potential: ★★★★
- Cost: £££
- Complexity:+++
Walkathons are perfect for uniting your supporters. You can also use this as an opportunity to hear from constituents. Have participants pair up with members of your team to discuss important issues. As far as fundraising, there are a few ways you can collect donations with a walk event. Accept gifts on-site using a mobile donation booth, or accept cash donations. You can also have attendees donate when they register for the event.
Idea #7: Community field day
- Fundraising potential: ★★★
- Cost: ££
- Complexity: +++
Set up fun outdoor games and challenges for kids and adults to complete. You can raise money through ticket sales. Concessions and raffles are additional ways you can amplify your fundraising. Furthermore, you can also have local brands sponsor the event, which shows that you care about small businesses and the community.
Idea #8: STEM festival
- Fundraising potential: ★★★★
- Cost: ££££
- Complexity:++++
Advocate for STEM education with a fun day for young people and their parents. Team up with a local university and community partners to provide hands-on activities that involve science, technology, engineering, and math. During this expo-style event, give parents the chance to meet with you to discuss education policies.
Idea #9: Political rally
- Fundraising potential: ★★★★
- Cost: £££
- Complexity:+++
Gather your supporters in one place and raise awareness for your campaign. This event also allows you to introduce yourself and express your views on critical issues. Plus, rallies present the perfect opportunity to get publicity from local media. You can raise funds through ticket admissions or mobile donation terminals at the event.
Idea #10: Dinner party
- Fundraising potential: ★★★★
- Cost: ££££
- Complexity:+++
A political fundraiser dinner lets you mingle with voters in a casual setting. You can charge a flat fee for the food served or collect donations at the event. Maximise your fundraising efforts by asking local businesses to sponsor your party. Sponsors provide funds or in-kind donations to help offset the event’s costs.
Idea #11: Sustainable art exhibition
- Fundraising potential: ★★★★
- Cost: £££
- Complexity:+++
Curate a selection of sustainable art from local artists. Add some pizazz to the event with a live art demonstration. The live artistry will entertain guests and encourage them to mingle. You can amplify your fundraising by selling the art pieces or allowing guests to bid.
Idea #12: Virtual Q&A
- Fundraising potential: ★★★
- Cost: ££
- Complexity: +++
Give voters the chance to learn more about your stance on important topics with a virtual Q&A. Hosting an online event is easily accessible and widens your reach. Interact with attendees by having them submit questions during the event. You can also make the experience more personal with breakout rooms. Consider offering an incentive to attend, such as e-gift cards or other virtual merch.
Idea #13: Virtual gala
- Fundraising potential: ★★★★
- Cost: £££
- Complexity: ++
If you want to appeal to a younger demographic, consider a virtual gala. Research shows that Millennials and Gen Zers are inclined to attend online social experiences. A virtual gala is also an excellent option for optimising your fundraising efforts while reducing catering costs. And if your budget allows, include pre-recorded or live music performances.
Idea #14: Tree planting ceremony
- Fundraising potential: ★★★
- Cost: ££
- Complexity: +++
A tree-planting ceremony is great for showing your passion for the environment. Get together with community members and plant trees at a local park, school, or nature reserve. Ask your local tree nursery to donate seedlings for the event. Increase the fun factor by organising activities for kids and adults.
Idea #15: Benefit concert
- Fundraising potential: ★★★★
- Cost: ££££
- Complexity:++++
A concert is an effective way to engage your supporters and raise money for your campaign. You have the option to make your event virtual, in-person, or hybrid. A hybrid model lets more people enjoy the experience and maximises donations. If you have connections with famous musicians, ask them to perform. Don’t worry if you can’t snag big-name artists – instead, tap into your local music scene. Ensure you hit your fundraising goal by selling souvenirs and concessions at the event.
Ready for your next campaign?
Running a successful political campaign and asking for donations can be challenging. But the ideas we highlighted today help make the process smoother. Make Eventbrite your to-go platform for politician event planning. Sign up to get started!
