Fundraising? Try a charity speed dating event

When it comes to organising successful and engaging fundraising events for your charity, creativity is the key factor.

While tried and tested ideas like coffee mornings, baking sales and charity runs are effective, why not spice things up and organise a charity speed dating event?

Speed dating is a great way for people to meet potential romantic partners, but it can also be a fantastic opportunity to bring the community together and raise funds for a worthy cause. And you never know, your event might just bring a few couples together over a shared worthy cause.

Depending on what you charge for your tickets there’s every chance that you’ll be able to raise a significant sum of money for your charity. For example, if you charge £20 per person and sell 40 tickets you could raise around £800 on ticket sales alone. A worthwhile sum!

Planning and Logistics:

Organising a speed dating event requires some careful planning and attention to detail. Start by securing a suitable venue that can accommodate the number of participants you expect. Ideally, the venue should be large enough to accommodate 30-40 people seated in couples. If you can, you’ll want to seat couples on individual tables of two but where this isn’t possible you can seat two couples on a larger table.

Finding the perfect speed dating venue might pose a challenge but you’ll find that most larger towns and cities can provide multiple options.

Consider partnering with a local restaurant or café that may be willing to host the event and provide discounted food or drinks. Arrange a meeting with the owner or manager to explain your idea and book your venue. ** Promotion and Marketing:**

To ensure a successful turnout, effective promotion is essential. If you’re working closely with your chosen charity you may be able to leverage their social media platforms and mailing lists to promote your event.

Local community websites and local Facebook pages are also great places to spread the word about your speed dating event. Create eye-catching posters and flyers and distribute them locally and in your venue. Highlight the charitable, non-profit aspect of the event to emphasise that participants are supporting a good cause while having fun.

Don’t forget to leverage your own social pages to bring in friends – everyone you know needs to know what you have planned.

Registration and Ticket Sales:

You’ll want an easy way to sell tickets for your speed dating event and that’s what we at Fanciful are here for. Get yourself set up on Fanciful, add your event and venue details and you’re good to go. Promote your Fanciful page on your promo materials to direct bookings and get paid.

Additionally, consider offering sponsorship packages to local businesses who may want to support the event and gain exposure. ** Event Execution: ** Fanciful provides quick start guide to running your speed dating event. We explain the full process from end to end and even the pitfalls to watch out for.

On the day of the event, ensure smooth operations by having a well-structured plan. Assign dedicated volunteers to manage registration, coordinate the speed dating rounds, and handle any technical requirements. Prepare icebreaker activities and conversation starters to help participants feel at ease. Remember, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere will contribute to the overall success of the event.

** Fundraising Opportunities:**

Maximize your fundraising potential by incorporating additional revenue streams on the night. Set up a silent auction, a raffle, or a donation booth at the event. Encourage participants to make direct contributions to the charity or become monthly donors. Seek sponsorship for specific aspects of the event, such as providing refreshments or offering prizes for the winners.

Follow-up and Appreciation:

After the event, thank all the participants, volunteers, and sponsors for their support. Share the success of the event on social media and express gratitude for the positive impact made through their contributions. Provide updates on how the funds raised are benefiting the chosen charity. This will not only foster a sense of community but also encourage continued engagement in future events.

The Fanciful platform provides post-event online matching and messaging for your guests. They will receive a totally professional experience which means they get the most from their event, perhaps even getting a few dates into the bargain.

Organising a speed dating event for charity can be a win-win situation. It allows participants to connect with new people in a fun and exciting way, while simultaneously raising funds for a worthy cause. By following these steps and injecting your own creativity, you can create an event that not only leaves a lasting impression on attendees but also makes a significant difference for your chosen charity. So, go ahead, get planning, and make a positive impact in your community through a charity speed dating event!

Sign up as an organiser with Fanciful here.