Why fundraising incentives matter
Fundraising incentives can do more than provide a prize at the end of a campaign. They can:
- Encourage participation
- Motivate people to meet donation goals
- Recognize contributors for their hard work
The right incentive can also help raise awareness for your cause by attracting a wider audience and creating interest in your fundraiser.
1. Treats
Candy, sweets and baked goods can be tasty incentives for participants of all ages. Bake sales are a great way to use delicious food as an incentive for donations. Consider expanding your offerings by partnering with people in your community who enjoy baking.
Tip: As a courtesy to those with allergies, provide an ingredient list for any edible incentives.
2. Gift cards
Gift cards are another way to create excitement for your fundraiser and encourage donations. When people can potentially win a gift card from their favorite store, they may be more motivated to help you raise funds for your chosen cause.
Local businesses, restaurants and movie theaters may be willing to donate gift cards for your fundraiser.
3. Toys and games
Toys and games are fun incentive options if you’re fundraising with families, schools or children’s groups. Prizes for kids can range from small items, like balls and action figures, to larger or more expensive items, like board games, video games and bikes.
Bounce houses, face painting and “special guest” appearances from princesses and superheroes are other fun options to encourage families to attend fundraising events.
4. Free products
Products can be motivating incentives, especially when it comes to trendy items, such as a popular tumbler or branded T-shirts. Other ideas include gift certificates from local businesses, one-of-a-kind items or signed memorabilia, all of which may entice a potential participant.
5. Events and experiences
Events and experiences can be effective incentives because they offer unique opportunities participants may not otherwise have. Examples include pizza parties, escape rooms, laser tag and local events for groups. Consider partnering with local businesses that offer experiences or events for your fundraiser.
Interested in learning more about fundraising?
Questions about fundraising incentives
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Fundraising incentives are prizes, rewards or experiences offered to encourage participation in a fundraiser. Incentives can motivate participants to reach fundraising goals, increase engagement and create excitement around your St. Jude campaign.
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Fundraising incentives can help increase participation and encourage supporters to stay engaged throughout a campaign. While results vary, incentives may motivate participants to work toward fundraising goals and contribute to overall fundraising success.
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Popular school fundraising incentives include classroom parties, extra recess time, spirit days, gift cards, school merchandise, toys and prize drawings. The best incentives are affordable, age-appropriate and aligned with student interests.
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Local businesses can support St. Jude fundraisers by donating gift cards, products, event tickets or experiences that can be used as fundraising incentives. Business donations can help reduce costs while strengthening community partnerships.
Why should I fundraise for St. Jude?
Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer. Together, we can save more lives.
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