Corporate funding involves gathering financial support from commercial companies and is a great way for charities to secure funds for their causes.
In fact, for many charities, this is one of the best ways to fund their work. A solid corporate partnership can be beneficial for the companies too, helping them to build credibility, improve corporate social responsibility (CSR) and show they’re committed to making a difference in their communities.
Corporate vs charity fundraising ideas
One of the main differences between corporate fundraising and charity fundraising is that corporate funding is raised by a business and then donated to a charity, whereas charity fundraising directly funds the charitable organisation that is raising the money.
If you’re planning a corporate fundraising event to raise money for a great cause, here are our top 15 corporate funding ideas:
1. Bingo
Everyone loves a game of bingo, right? Initiating a bingo tournament is a great way to get the ball rolling and raise those all-important funds.
Simply set the date, plan the event and ask for a donation to be made for each bingo card. You’ll also need to line up a charismatic caller and prizes – make them small but exciting and you’ll be onto a winner.
2. Sports day
Competitive sporting events are always a hit in any office environment. They’re great for boosting morale and igniting that all important competitive spirit amongst your workforce.
From football and tennis tournaments, through to tug of war and rounders, there are lots of games that your staff will love getting involved in. How can you raise funds? Just ask those that want to be involved to pledge a donation. You can also raise money on the day of the event by selling refreshments, holding stalls, etc.
3. Silent auction
There’s nothing like a live auction to get the heart racing. Silent auctions are a great way to auction off wholesale and interesting items to bring in the bids.
If you’re planning an auction, you should make sure its lively, exciting and most importantly, features items that people will actually want to buy. This way, you’ll raise optimum funds. Try asking your business network for donations of products, services, or even their time to be auctioned off on the night.
4. Karaoke night
Not many people can resist a good karaoke night. A guilty pleasure for many, there’s just something about shrugging off your inhibitions, getting behind the mic and belting out your favourite song.
And for a fee, a fun karaoke competition within your company is a sure-fire way to raise funds. Karaoke nights are also super easy to arrange, and you can generate additional funds through food and drink.
5. Bowling tournament
Bowling is an activity that almost everyone can get involved in and is a great way to initiate some healthy competition in the workplace.
Ask people to donate before they sign up to play and offer a prize for the winner. You could even make it a regular event with a bowling league, with players paying to join.
6. Company concert
Almost every company has a musical genius working under their roof or a secretly talented singer in their midst. With this in mind, why not round up the musicians in your company and host your very own concert?
Ask employees and their families to make a donation to come and watch on the night.
7. Raffle
Raffles can be incredibly popular, especially if there’s some exciting prizes and it’s for a good cause. And prizes needn’t cost the earth either, as the hope of winning a bottle of wine, chocolate or even a gift voucher is enough to get many people reaching into their pockets.
8. Casino night
Bring the bright lights of Vegas to your workplace by hosting a Vegas night where your guests can play blackjack, craps, roulette and poker, providing they make a donation.
9. Bake sale
Bake sales have long been a success when it comes to raising money for charity. Simply fill your corporate bake sale with lots of delicious sweet treats and scrumptious savoury delights and you’re sure to make a killing for your chosen charity.
10. Photo competition
A great way to boost morale and raise money at the same time, a hilarious photo competition is always a laugh.
Simply ask your employees to bring a funny photo in with a caption attached. Hang them in your staff room or other communal area and ask your workforce to vote for their favourite whilst leaving a donation.
11. Arm wrestling competition
Arm wrestling competitions are always great fun and you’re sure to generate lots of interest when it comes to putting people’s egos to the test!
There’s always a great atmosphere surrounding this type of competition as teams sweat it out to triumph. Again, a simple donation from each competitor will soon bring in the funds.
12. Car wash
Many people never get around to washing their car, so why not launch a charity car wash day in your work car park? There should be plenty of volunteers who are willing to give up their day to raise funds for a good cause.
13. Coffee morning
Everyone loves a good natter and to escape their desk for an hour or two. Coffee mornings always go down a treat, especially when hot drinks and delicious cakes, pastries and sandwiches are involved.
14. Darts match
Darts is another game that people love to get involved with. Often a game enjoyed down the local pub, it’s super easy to facilitate a game of darts in the workplace by asking for a simple donation to be involved in the game.
15. Corporate dinner
Everyone likes to escape the office, let their hair down and enjoy an evening of entertainment with their colleagues.
And hosting a corporate dinner is a great way to bring in funds, even by just asking for those attending to pay the ticket price. There are also lots of ways you can generate extra funds at a corporate dinner by initiating auctions and raffles, for example.
Why choose The Brewery for your corporate funding event?
Located in the heart of London, The Brewery is a great place to host your corporate fundraising event.
Bringing together a specialist team of talented experts who cover venue management, event production and design, fine dining and customer service, The Brewery really is the ultimate location to host a memorable charity event that’s sure to be a hit.
Each room includes everything you need to create the corporate funding event you envisage – from LED lighting, PA systems and Wi-Fi.
As a premier event and fine dining venue in the City of London, we pride ourselves on delivering the very best service when it comes to planning a charity or corporate funding event.
Get in contact with us today to enquire about your charity event or to make a booking.
