When I first heard about using bingo for fundraising, I was skeptical. It seemed like a casual game that wouldn’t bring in much money. But after helping organize a bingo fundraiser for a local nonprofit, I realized how fun, engaging, and surprisingly profitable it can be. Bingo is an excellent way to get people involved in a low-cost, high-energy event that raises money for a good cause.
If you’re looking for an exciting and community-oriented way to fundraise, a bingo night might be perfect. Here’s a complete guide on how to organize a bingo fundraising event that can generate significant donations for your nonprofit.
1. Why Bingo Works for Fundraising
Bingo is a fantastic fundraising tool because it’s simple, fun, and can attract a wide audience. It appeals to people of all ages and doesn’t require any special skills to participate. Plus, the excitement of winning prizes keeps participants engaged. Here are a few reasons why bingo works so well for nonprofits:
- Low Cost: Bingo games are inexpensive to set up, and you can keep costs low by using donated prizes or low-budget supplies.
- Wide Appeal: Bingo draws people from all walks of life, making it a great way to involve a broad section of the community.
- Fun and Competitive Atmosphere: The competitive nature of the game creates excitement, and when paired with great prizes, it can generate higher participation.
2. How to Set Up a Bingo Fundraiser
Organizing a bingo fundraiser takes a little planning, but it’s relatively simple compared to other events. Here’s how to get started:
a. Choose the Date and Venue
Start by selecting a date that doesn’t conflict with other local events or holidays. Then, choose a venue that can comfortably hold your attendees. Churches, community centers, school gyms, or local restaurants with banquet rooms often make great bingo venues. Make sure the space has enough seating, tables, and electrical outlets for your equipment.
b. Get the Necessary Licenses
In many places, bingo is considered a form of gambling, so check with local authorities to see if you need a gaming license or permit to host a bingo event. Regulations vary by state or country, so make sure you comply with all the rules to avoid any legal issues.
c. Set Your Fundraising Goal
Decide how much money you want to raise and plan your event accordingly. This will help you determine how many tickets to sell, what the entry fee should be, and how much to charge per bingo card.
d. Plan the Bingo Game Structure
Decide how many rounds of bingo you’ll play and how long each game will last. Typically, a bingo night consists of several rounds with increasing difficulty. You can use traditional 5×5 bingo cards or mix things up with themed bingo cards related to your cause.
3. Generate Revenue: Bingo Pricing and Add-Ons
The key to a successful bingo fundraiser is to maximize revenue streams beyond just selling bingo cards. Here are a few ways to increase donations during the event:
a. Charge for Entry
One of the easiest ways to raise money is by charging an admission fee. For example, you can sell tickets to the event that include one or two bingo cards. Additional cards can be sold separately during the event for those who want to increase their chances of winning.
- Example pricing: Charge $20 for admission, which includes two bingo cards. Sell additional cards for $5 each.
b. Sell Bingo Cards
Selling additional bingo cards allows participants to boost their chances of winning while raising more funds for your nonprofit. You can sell these cards at different price points based on the prize pool or make them part of a bundle.
c. Offer Special Games
Incorporate special themed rounds, like blackout bingo or speed bingo, where participants pay extra to enter. These rounds can have higher-stakes prizes, such as donated gift cards or electronics.
- Tip: Introduce a progressive jackpot round where players can contribute an additional fee to enter, with part of the proceeds going toward the jackpot.
d. Sell Food and Drinks
If your venue allows it, sell snacks, drinks, or even a full meal as part of the event. You can also partner with a local restaurant or food truck, with a percentage of sales going to your nonprofit.
- Idea: Offer a “dinner and bingo” package that includes a meal, drinks, and bingo cards for one bundled price.
4. Sponsorships and Prize Donations
To raise big money, focus on securing sponsorships and donated prizes. The more exciting your prizes, the more people will want to participate, and sponsorships can help cover the costs of the event.
a. Sponsorships
Local businesses are often willing to sponsor community events like bingo nights, especially if they get exposure in return. Offer them different levels of sponsorship, such as:
- Title sponsor: The event can be named after the sponsor, like “The XYZ Company Bingo Night.”
- Prize sponsors: Businesses can sponsor specific rounds or donate prizes in exchange for recognition.
b. Donated Prizes
Reach out to local businesses, restaurants, and community members to donate prizes. Popular prizes include gift baskets, electronics, vacation packages, or restaurant vouchers.
- Tip: Create a tiered prize system, with smaller prizes for regular bingo rounds and larger, high-value prizes for special rounds.
5. Promoting Your Bingo Fundraiser
Promotion is critical to ensuring your bingo event is well-attended. Use a mix of traditional and digital marketing strategies to spread the word.
a. Leverage Social Media
Create an event page on Facebook and promote it through your nonprofit’s social media channels. Use eye-catching images of prizes and share stories about the cause to build excitement.
b. Use Email Newsletters
Send out a newsletter to your donor list inviting them to the bingo night. Include all the event details, ticket pricing, and information about the prizes they could win.
c. Flyers and Posters
Print flyers and posters to hang in local coffee shops, schools, community centers, and partner businesses. Make sure your flyer highlights the cause, the prizes, and how to buy tickets.
d. Local Media
Contact local newspapers, radio stations, and bloggers to see if they’ll promote your event. Many community news outlets are happy to feature charitable events.
6. Making the Event Fun and Engaging
Bingo is a simple game, but you can make it more engaging by adding fun elements to the event. Here are a few ways to keep things lively:
a. Use a Fun Bingo Caller
A charismatic bingo caller can make or break your event. Choose someone who can keep the energy high and entertain the crowd between rounds. You could even ask a local celebrity or personality to be the caller.
b. Incorporate Themes
Give your bingo night a fun theme that ties into your nonprofit’s mission. For example, if you’re raising money for animal rescue, you could have a “Paws and Play” bingo night with animal-themed bingo cards and prizes.
c. Add Mini-Games
Keep the energy up between bingo rounds by offering mini-games, like trivia or raffles. These can be quick ways to raise extra funds and keep attendees engaged.
7. After the Event: Maximizing Your Success
Once your bingo night is over, follow up with your participants and sponsors to express gratitude and build relationships for future events.
a. Thank-You Letters
Send personalized thank-you letters or emails to everyone who attended, donated prizes, or sponsored the event. Highlight how much money was raised and how it will impact your cause.
b. Social Media Recap
Post pictures from the event on social media, showcasing the winners, prizes, and the fun atmosphere. Use this opportunity to thank everyone involved and give a shout-out to your sponsors.
c. Evaluate the Event
Afterward, meet with your team to evaluate the event’s success. What worked well, and what could be improved for the next fundraiser? Take notes for future bingo nights or other fundraisers.
Conclusion
Bingo fundraising is an accessible, entertaining way to raise big money for your nonprofit. With the right planning, promotion, and execution, your bingo event can become a staple in your community’s calendar and a significant contributor to your fundraising goals. So, gather your cards, call out those numbers, and get ready to raise funds while having fun!