How2Day: Recreation Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

Many nonprofit organizations, such as school teams and churches, use fundraisers to get money for the group's activities or charitable work. While there are many types of fundraisers, including bake sales and auctions, many groups enjoy planning recreational events.

If you want to raise money and give participants a good workout, plan a three-on-three basketball tournament. According to the Fund Raising Ideas Center, this type of recreational activity is typically inexpensive to plan and offers several ways to make money. Start your planning by establishing your tournament location, such as a school, YMCA or community park. You'll also need tables, portable scoreboards, basketballs, trophies and a few volunteer referees. Teams should consist of three players each, and they will play on half courts. The first team that scores 15 points is the winner, and two teams can play at the same time on one court. Tournament play continues until the two last remaining teams battle it out in the final game. You can raise money with a tournament entrance fee and concessions. You also could print programs with the tournament schedule, players' names and other information, and then sell the program ad space to local businesses.

All you need is a reserved dance space, such as a school gymnasium or large community center room, a CD or MP3 player and dancers. Plan this event months in advance. Decide if you want participants to dance as couples or if individuals are acceptable. Decide how long you'd like the event to last -- many groups set it for 8 hours, while others aim for 24 hours. Ask participants to get pledges from their friends, family and co-workers to support them. Make sure to have lots of water and snacks on hand for tired dancers as well as time for restroom breaks. Give a small prize, such as a trophy, to the last dancers standing.

Golf tournaments must be well-organized but can bring in lots of money. They require extensive planning, as well as large, upfront payments to golf clubs. You may want to hire a professional organizer that has experience in charity golf tournaments. Many groups aim for at least 25 foursomes or 100 participants. An entry fee of $100 to $250 for each golfer is typical and you also may be able to earn money from golfer pledges as well as corporate-sponsored holes. Choose a group play format, such as a scramble, alternate shot or best ball. Consider making money from selling hole insurance on 3-par holes with water hazards, as well. You'll need to have prizes for the winning team, as well as any hole-in-one shots.

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