Beyond Ticket Sales: Four Proven Ways to Boost Event Fundraising

4/8/2025

Ticket sales might get people in the door—but if your goal is to raise funds, you’ll need more than just a great turnout. Whether you’re planning a benefit gala, school carnival, or community fundraiser, offering multiple ways to give can help you exceed your fundraising goals.

1. Silent Auction

Silent and online auctions give guests the thrill of competition while supporting your mission. Start gathering donated items early—anything from local services and handmade goods to vacation packages and electronics. Big-ticket items generate buzz, but smaller gifts like gift baskets, yoga passes, or art prints can also drive participation.

To generate excitement, promote auction items on social media and emails. If you’re displaying items at the event, include signage and a link or QR code directing guests to your online auction page.

2. Raffle Draw

Raffles add an element of chance that guests love. Like with auctions, gather raffle prizes—just a few exciting options can be enough to generate buzz. Highlight your top prizes when promoting the raffle, and hint that there’s more in store.

Start selling raffle tickets ahead of time and continue throughout the event. It’s also a good idea to  offer online raffle ticket sales alongside in-person options so supporters can join in even if they can’t attend. During the event, make announcements to keep ticket sales top of mind, and plan a fun, high-energy drawing to close things out.

3. On-Brand Merch

Custom merchandise is a win-win: it raises money and builds community spirit. Supporters who buy your merch become walking ambassadors for your cause. Think beyond T-shirts—offer custom hoodies, mugs, tote bags, or water bottles with your logo or event design.

You can sell merch at the event, but it’s also smart to sell online through an ecommerce storefront. That way, guests who forgot or couldn’t attend can still support you—and you can keep sales going long after the event ends.

4. Sponsorships

This can be one of the most effective ways to raise money—especially if you can offer valuable visibility in return. Reach out to local businesses whose mission aligns with yours. For example, a pet rescue might partner with a grooming service, while a youth organization might connect with a toy store or tutoring company.

Offer a range of sponsorship levels with clear benefits. Add logos to your printed tickets, signage, and event programs, and give sponsors a shout-out on your website, social channels, and any event pages you create online.

The more opportunities you give guests to engage—whether through auctions, raffles, merchandise, or sponsorships—the more successful your fundraiser can be. A mix of in-person and online options helps you reach supporters wherever they are and keeps your event energy going strong from planning to wrap-up.

With Eventgroove, it’s easy to bring it all together. We combine online fundraising tools and custom printing so you can manage everything in one place—efficiently, professionally, and on brand.