With the season of Spring in full swing, it’s time to “tee up” and begin planning your upcoming golf fundraiser. Charity golf outings are an effective and fun event for non-profit organizations nationwide. According to golflink.com, nearly 30 million Americans play golf annually. With so many Americans enjoying the sport, why not combine a favorite hobby with your good cause. Here are some fundraising ideas for your upcoming charity golf tournament from our team at Charity Fundraising.
Selecting a Course and Tournament Type:
Charity golf outings can be setup in a variety of ways from traditional golf tournaments to scrambles, it’s important to select the right type of outing for your potential guests. Selecting a course that is too difficult may deter prospective guests from attending. Conversely, selecting a local Par 3 course may drive away serious golfers. Select a course that is central to your target audience and allows for a challenge but does not prove too difficult. Consider other key components of the event as you are touring and researching potential courses. If you plan to serve a meal, does the course provide catering services or must you contract an outside caterer. Are caddies available to your guests? Will the locker rooms and clubhouse meet the expectations of your guests?
Fees & Opportunities to Give
It is often difficult to establish fees for charity events. You must be sure your greens fees, venue fees and catering fees are covered in addition to creating funds for your cause. Rather than pricing tickets high, consider reasonable pricing but providing your guests with opportunities to give along the way. For example, at Hole #9 hold a mini silent auction. Allow your guests the opportunity to bid on a once-in-a-lifetime unique celebrity sports experience with a favorite PGA or Champions Tour player. Items like autographed sports memorabilia can be bid on at a live auction during dinner following your day of golf.
Underwriting & Donations
Corporate and private sponsors can greatly reduce your upfront costs and provide credibility to your cause. It is a general rule to have each hole sponsored and provide advertising to each sponsor depending on their level of sponsorship. Often times, donations from around the community can be used for prizes or favors to your guests. Local businesses are likely to provide promotional items to your guests, if you simply ask. Be sure to write a professional and prompt thank you to any individual or business that assists you in underwriting or donations.
Spread the Word
Be sure to promote your event effectively in addition to formal invitations to your guests. Social media, the web, even fliers around the community can help spread the word about your event. Any vendor assisting with your event should be familiar with your cause. Be sure to mention to the course staff, photographer, caterer, corporate sponsors, etc. that the tournament is a fundraiser. Not only will it assist in the promotion of your event but your vendors may consider price reductions or donations of goods and services.
At Charity Fundraising we wish you all the best on your upcoming golf fundraiser. We provide authentic, one-of-a-kind autographed celebrity, music, sports and political memorabilia, VIP experiences and vacation packages for your non-profit fundraising events and silent auctions at zero-risk to your organization. In addition to helping you select auction items for your next golf fundraiser we will help you set a reserve bid and assist you in planning a successful event.
Since 2006 Charity Fundraising has served over 5,000 non-profits worldwide by providing fundraising ideas and items to help them exceed all of their fundraising goals. Call us today at 201-492-4294 for assistance with your event.
