Fundraising Gala Event Ideas and Themes

Bring the Fun and Raise More with a Charity Gala
We Have the Best Gala Event Ideas for Nonprofits

Fundraising Gala Event IdeasIf your organization is planning to host a charity gala, you may be looking for creative fundraising gala themes and ideas. A gala fundraiser can be an excellent way for your group to raise money while bringing community members together for an evening of fun. But does a charity gala sound boring and stuffy? A nonprofit or fundraising gala event can be whatever your team wants it to be. Add a twist to your fundraising gala event and invite guests to come in costume. Think of a creative theme, and plan an event to create a fun and exciting environment for your guests and accomplish your financial goals. The following fundraising gala event themes and ideas were created to help nonprofits, schools, and community organizations brainstorm the best way to raise funds for your cause by hosting a fundraising event.

Fundraising Gala Ideas and Themes for Nonprofits

There are many different opportunities for creating unique gala fundraising events. Think about your audience and what would be appealing to them. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when determining your event theme. The more creative your plan, the more appealing your event becomes. Don’t forget to keep your mission in mind, as mission-driven fundraising efforts are important to the credibility of your organization.

Fundraising Gala Ideas and Themes for Nonprofits

Even if your organization is hosting a virtual gala, adding a fundraising theme can add to the fun. Ask supporters to dress up at home and send them a party box with wigs, costume jewelry, masks, and more to make it easy. This will make them feel more connected to your cause and that they are participating in the event rather than just watching a presentation.

Create the Ambiance

Find a costume theme that will resonate with your supporters – such as Hollywood Stars, where guests come as their favorite classic actor, or a Rock Star Ball, where supporters dress as their favorite singer or band member. Next, include entertainment to support your theme – showcase old movie clips or invite local bands or dancers to perform. Tie in decorations and food and beverage offerings to support your theme as well. Perhaps this event calls for a five-course fine dining experience presented by a reputable chef and paired with fine wines. (After all, you are catering to stars.)

Create fun activities that make people feel famous, such as a red carpet upon arrival, hired impersonators, and photographers acting like paparazzi mingling throughout the event, snapping photos of guests.

Fundraising Gala Costume Balls

Fundraising Galas Through the Years

Fundraising Galas Through the Years

So, what are the best charity gala themes? Ask supporters to pull out the vintage wardrobe, and your guests will instantly be in the mood to celebrate. Some fun charity gala themes based on the decades include:

  • 1920s Great Gatsby Themed Ball
  • 60s Hippie Gala
  • 70s Disco Ball
  • 80s Big Hair Ball
  • A Medieval Gala

Travel Gala Themes

Everyone loves to get dressed and feel like they are traveling somewhere exotic, even if they don’t leave their own neighborhood! One popular idea for fundraising galas is to create a theme based on a city or location. Here are some examples that your supporters will love:

  • Vegas Night with charity poker and gambling tables
  • The City of Light, Paris, is always a popular themed gala and boasts the best food and wines
  • Paris can also lead to a Moulin Rouge gala where dancers are a staple of the experience
  • New York City-themed galas that feature the Big Apple’s architecture are another popular city theme
  • Hawaiian luaus are fun, more casual events that feature great seafood and tropical drinks
Travel Gala Themes

Gala Reality-Show Themes

Take a look at what TV Reality shows are popular with your target audience and plan a themed gala event based on a reality show. For example, a school may consider hosting a fundraising gala event modeled after an “American Idol” or “Dancing with the Stars” themed event. Change the title of your event to reflect your mission. If your organization raises money for wildlife conservation, perhaps you want to title your event “Dancing with the Tigers”? Structure your event similar to the show where you pair influential community members (i.e. the Mayor) or local celebrities (i.e. a pro-football team hero) with professional dance instructors. Serve dinner and drinks while dancers perform. If it’s a school event, perhaps a local pizza parlor would be willing to donate pizzas for the fundraiser.

Gala Reality-Show Themes

More Fun Gala Theme Ideas

More Fun Gala Theme Ideas

 

  • Masquerade Balls and Black & White Galas are classic themes that always work well
  • Boots and Bandanas themes – who says galas have to be stuffy? These outdoor galas can be a great success with less hassle
  • Christmas or holiday galas make great holiday fundraisers
  • Green Galas, emphasizing eco-friendly practices are a new gala theme idea

 

Add Additional Revenue Boosters to the Charity Gala

Unique fundraising ideas for galasYou’ve already sold the tickets, but what are some ways to boost your revenue at the event? Guests will enjoy engaging in contests and indulging in food and drinks while mingling with others. This is essential to making the fundraising gala fun for attendees and can be a significant source of additional funds. Auctions, raffles, and contests are the way to go here.

Include a charity auction where guests can bid on art, vacation packages, gift certificates and baskets, and autographed items from celebrities. Check out our one-of-a-kind vacation packages for a big-ticket item. Taking your auction online and allowing mobile bidding and Text to Bid will make it easier and more productive.

Similarly, volunteers can contact local businesses to donate prizes for a fundraising raffle. Sell tickets online and at the door and announce winners between each set of performers to keep attendees engaged throughout the duration of the event.

Start an Online Auction or Raffle

Now for the contests! Make sure to advertise contest prizes in your invitations and on your fundraising website to motivate people to participate. Ask businesses to donate prizes and host a contest to award prizes to attendees with the best costumes or best dancing moves.

Manage Your Fundraising Gala Online

Manage Your Fundraising Gala Online

Be sure to get a strong planning committee in place and allow plenty of time for planning the gala. One of the most important considerations when planning a fundraising gala event is how to successfully manage and track the money raised. DoJiggy has a robust event ticketing platform for nonprofit fundraising events, such as fundraising galas. With our software, you can easily manage the entire life cycle of your charity gala, including:

  • online event registration
  • event promotion and marketing
  • sponsor registration and sponsorship promotion
  • online donations and product sales
  • detailed financial reporting
  • and day-of-event check-in.

Create a fundraising event website where you can share information about your organization’s mission and all the details of the gala event, including event theme, date, location, directions, entertainment, prizes, and more. Allow people to register online or make online donations directly if they cannot attend the event. Promote your event throughout the community and on social media. Send press releases, create event flyers, and start an online conversation throughout your social networking channels. Creating a buzz for the upcoming event is easy with the right gala theme. We hope you can use these fun gala ideas to make your fundraising gala the best ever!

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