Running a food pantry does require substantial funds. Often, it can be hard to gather enough donations simply by asking for them through your local community. Setting up various fundraisers throughout the year is a good way to capture an influx of funds. Such events will also make people more aware of your food pantry, which may lead to more regular donations throughout the year. But what kinds of fundraisers should you have? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Apple Picking
This is a great one to do in the early fall when apples are ready to harvest. If there is a farm in your area that offers apple picking, reach out and see whether they would be willing to partner with you for a fundraiser. Participants could pay a fee to pick apples. A portion of the fee would go to the farm, and a portion could go to the food pantry. You could also have a certain number of people pick apples to be donated directly to the food pantry. If possible, you could also set up other activities for people to pay to participate in. For example, you could set up some basic carnival games for them to play before picking apples. Or, you could give people prizes if they also bring a donation of canned or non-perishable food with them.
A 5k Race
5k races are really popular ways for organizations to earn money. They encourage participants to be active, and the distance is short enough that people can walk to participate, even if they are not trained runners. You could charge a registration fee, but also give participants the option of fundraising among their friends and family members prior to the event. Offering a prize for the top fundraising earner is a good way to encourage people to raise and donate more.
A Basket Raffle
Basket raffles were popular in years past, and it could be fun to bring them back. Approach various organizations and businesses in the community, and ask them to donate baskets. This makes the businesses aware that your food pantry exists and that you need additional donations. Attendees pay a fee to purchase tickets, which they put in cups near each basket. You draw one winning ticket out of each cup, and attendees take the baskets home. You could also do a 50/50 raffle in which 50% of ticket sales go to the winner, and 50% to the food pantry.
With these ideas, you should have better luck raising more funds for your food pantry. Find out more about food pantry foundations.
