Ah, special fundraising events and occasions! Those magical times when twinkling lights adorn venues, philanthropy fills the air, and everyone’s showing up to support a great cause. But let’s be real—decorations and event preparations can sometimes cost a pretty penny. Why not combine your creative spirit and fundraising initiatives?
We’re here to sprinkle a little DIY magic into your fundraising events with creative ideas. Get ready to create charming, cost-effective showpieces that will engage your guests, help raise funds for a good cause, and bring your community together.
Keep reading to learn how you can approach your next fundraiser incorporating cost-effective, fun and easy DIY tricks and treats. Let’s get into it!
DIY decorations for fundraising events
Your next fundraising event is the perfect time to combine the joy of crafting with the spirit of giving. DIY decorations can play a significant role in fundraising events, adding a personal touch that store-bought items simply can’t match.
Turn your DIY decorations into fundraising gold
Event and Ticketing
Holiday craft fair: Organize a festive holiday craft fair where attendees can either create their own decorations or purchase pre-made ones. Here’s how you can make it a smashing success:
- Pre-sale tickets: Sell tickets in advance to generate buzz and ensure a good turnout. Offer early bird discounts to encourage early purchases.
- Craft stations: Set up various crafting stations, each with a different DIY decoration project. For example, one station could be for making personalized ornaments, another for wreaths, and another for festive centerpieces.
- Demonstrations and workshops: Host live demonstrations or workshops led by local artisans or enthusiastic crafters. This can be a great way to draw a crowd and offer added value to attendees.
Here are some DIY ideas you can use for your event
Candlelit pinecone centerpiece
Materials needed: Pinecones, pillar candles, a shallow tray, fresh greenery, and faux snow.
- Arrange your pillar candles in the center of the tray. This is your glowing heart of the centerpiece.
- Surround the candles with pinecones, weaving in some fresh greenery for that woodsy, fresh-cut vibe.
- Sprinkle faux snow over the whole thing like you’re Jack Frost himself.
Voilà! A centerpiece that looks like it came straight from a holiday fairytale.
Rustic mason jar luminaries
Materials needed: Mason jars, twine, tea lights, Epsom salt, and small ornaments or berries.
- Pour Epsom salt into the bottom of each Mason jar to create a snowy base.
- Nestle a tea light in the center of the salt.
- Wrap the jar with twine and tuck in a few small ornaments or berries for that extra festive flair.
Instant cozy charm with a rustic twist!
Fundraising gala or party
If you’re hosting a more formal event, like a gala or party, incorporate DIY decorations into the event itself:
- Decorate the venue: Use handmade decorations to adorn the venue. This not only saves money but also creates a unique and personalized atmosphere.
- Silent Auction: Include some of the DIY decorations in a silent Auction. Beautiful, handmade centerpieces or wreaths can attract higher bids than generic items.
- Themed Raffles: Create themed gift baskets that include DIY decorations along with other goodies. Sell Raffle tickets for a chance to win these unique holiday treasures.
Here are some DIY ideas you can use for your gala
Personalized photo ornament wreath
Materials needed: Wire wreath frame, printed photos, clothespins, ribbon, and mini ornaments.
- Print out your favorite photos and cut them into fun shapes.
- Clip the photos to the wire wreath frame using clothespins.
- Add some mini ornaments and ribbon for extra pizzazz.
This wreath isn’t just decor—it’s a walk down memory lane!
Chalkboard countdown calendar
Materials needed: Chalkboard paint, a wooden board, chalk, and themed decorations.
- Paint your wooden board with chalkboard paint and let it dry.
- Draw a countdown grid and number the days until your holiday with chalk.
- Decorate the edges with mini wreaths or garlands to make it pop.
A fun way to build anticipation and keep everyone excited!
Peer to Peer
Craft-A-Thon: Encourage your supporters to host their own Craft-A-Thons where they make decorations and collect pledges for each item created. Here’s how to organize it:
- Set up a fundraising page: Use Peer-to-Peer fundraising platforms like RallyUp Schools where participants can set up their own pages to collect donations and pledges.
- Share craft ideas: Provide a list of simple, popular DIY decoration projects that participants can make.
- Craft parties: Suggest that participants host craft parties where friends and family come together to create decorations and donate to the cause.
Auction
Silent and Live Auctions: Auctions are a fantastic way to raise funds, especially when you have unique and beautiful items to offer. Here’s how to make the most of your DIY decorations in an auction setting:
- Create high-quality items: Ensure that the DIY decorations are of high quality and visually appealing. People are more likely to bid on items that look professional and well-crafted.
- Provide detailed descriptions: Include detailed descriptions for each item, highlighting the craftsmanship and the effort that went into making it. Mention any unique or personalized elements.
- Bundle items: Consider bundling smaller items together into themed baskets or packages. For example, a “Holiday Cheer” basket might include handmade ornaments, a small wreath, and a DIY candle.
Online Auctions: Expand your reach by holding an online Auction:
- High-quality photos: Take high-quality photos of each item from multiple angles to showcase the details.
- Promote Widely: Promote the Auction through Email Marketing, social media, and community groups to attract a wide audience.
- Bidding Incentives: Offer incentives for early bidders or those who place bids above a certain amount.
Online Store
Set up an online Store to sell your DIY holiday decorations. This can be a standalone website or an account on a platform like RallyUp Schools. Here’s how to make it a success:
- Beautiful Photos and Descriptions: Just like with Auctions, high-quality photos and detailed descriptions are key. Make sure each item is well presented and its unique features are highlighted.
- Seasonal marketing: Use seasonal marketing strategies to draw in customers. Offer special promotions like “12 Days of Christmas Deals” where each day features a different product at a discounted price.
- Social media integration: Promote your online Store through social media channels. Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your decorations and link directly to your store.
Practical tips for fundraising success
Here’s how to make your fundraising efforts as shiny as your event lights:
- Pricing: Research similar items to set competitive prices. Factor in the cost of materials and your crafting time.
- Presentation: Create beautiful displays that highlight the uniqueness of each piece. Use holiday-themed props to enhance the visual appeal.
- Marketing: Spread the word through social media, email newsletters, and community bulletin boards. Offer special promotions like bulk purchase discounts or limited time offers.
Crafting your own decorations is not just easy on the wallet—it’s also a blast! It’s a great way to reduce stress, boost creativity, and spend quality time with loved ones. Plus, handmade decorations have that special, sentimental value that store-bought items just can’t match.
Why choose RallyUp Schools for your fundraiser?
Looking to take your fundraising to the next level? RallyUp Schools has got you covered! Here’s why:
- User-friendly features: RallyUp Schools makes setting up and managing your fundraiser a breeze with intuitive tools and features.
- Customization Options: Tailor your campaign to fit your needs and goals with customizable templates and settings.
- A variety of Fundraising Activities: From online Auctions to Peer-to-Peer fundraising, RallyUp Schools offers a wide range of activities to engage your supporters.
With RallyUp Schools, you can streamline your fundraising efforts and maximize your impact, all while enjoying the creative process of making DIY holiday decorations.
This giving season, let your creativity shine with beautiful DIY holiday showpieces. Whether you’re decorating your next fundraising event or selling DIY pieces for a great cause, these projects are sure to bring joy and festivity to your mission. So, gather your materials, invite your community, and get crafting.
Cheers to a fundraising season filled with handmade magic!
