Giving Compass' Take:

• GreatNonprofits suggests the various fundraising ideas that are good for the season and can be held outside, a potential draw for more visitors, and hopefully, more charitable giving.

• How can common fundraising ideas that are more traditional help smaller organizations encourage more donors? 

• Read about the online tools used for crowdfunding and nonprofit fundraising specifically. 

Spring is here, and for many of us, that means warmer weather! (Our apologies to those of you still wearing winter coats. That just doesn’t seem fair.) Longer days and pleasant forecasts are perfect reasons to host an outdoor fundraiser for your organization. Here are ten ideas to make a splash (dunk tank, anyone?) with donors who want to enjoy the outdoors while supporting your cause.

  1. Fitness Event: Whether it’s a 5K race, a 10,000 step challenge, or a group dog walk, fitness fundraisers are the go-to outdoor charity event for a reason.
  2. Pool Party: Jump into this fun, outside-the-box idea! With the right set-up and attention to detail, a charity pool party could become a beloved annual event, drawing a bigger crowd every year.
  3. Community Yard Sale: We all have that handful of items in our closet that are too nice to throw out, but they don’t fit in with our décor.
  4.  Benefit Concert: Chances are, there is hidden talent in your community. And chances are, these people would love to showcase their talent for a good cause.
  5. Outdoor Carnival: Take advantage of the old-fashioned charm of a good carnival. Even on a small scale, a carnival is a fun way to get families involved in your organization.
  6. Bean Bag Tournament: Follow the example of the top-rated High Fives Foundation and hold a simple, down-home bean bag(a.k.a. cornhole) tournament.
  7. Car Wash: People all over the country are fighting the Pollen Battle these days. Help them out with a car wash to benefit your organization.
  8. Grill-Off: Take the cook-off outdoors, and it becomes a grill-off!
  9. Field Day: Throw it back to the good old days, when a field day meant freedom from the classroom and the thrilling promise of a water balloon fight.
  10. Outdoor Film Series

Read the full article about outdoor fundraiser ideas by Grace Kennedy at GreatNonprofits