Guessing Game Fundraiser

A guessing game is so simple than many groups never think of it and is appropriate fundraising for school groups, sports teams, civic clubs, adult work places – just about anywhere. There are many versions but the principle is the same for each. Participants are given the opportunity to guess something and they pay for each guess.

The simplest version is a large jar filled with virtually any item as long as it takes a lot of them to fill the jar. If you use candy, you could vary it by the season – red hots for Valentines Day, candy corn at Thanksgiving, multi-colored Hershey kisses at Christmas.

Once the game is over, everyone gets to eat the contents. You could also use pennies, dried beans, screws, soft drink tabs, paper clips, even confetti (really tough). Try to think of something that would be the most intriguing to your probable participants. However, unless the items are donated or loaned, keep them very cheap for obvious reasons.

Now that your jar is filled, you need to place it in a conspicuous place such as a display case at a school or break area at a business so everyone can see it. Place a sign next to the jar (and in all other areas you can think of) challenging participants to guess the number of “whatevers” in the jar. Your specific organization and target participants will dictate how much to charge per guess and how to collect for the guesses. Make sure your signage explains what the proceeds will be spent for.

There are many fundraising variations that can be considered. Have a guessing game jar at each of your monthly meetings with the proceeds going to a specific program or activity.  Eliminate the jar contents and have the guess relate to an event – the closest time to a member’s baby being born, the first snow fall of the year, the first day the Dow will close at exactly xxx, etc. Let your imagination run wild! Submitted by Billy G, Jacksonville, FL

Townopoly


We have included a number of do-it-yourself fundraising ideas in this section that offer a break from traditional product sales.  They were developed by groups just like yours in an attempt have a little fun with their fundraiser. Some of them are tried and true while others show a lot of creativity … and even wackiness in some cases.  All of them are obviously not appropriate for every group, but sometimes, with only a little modification, your might find some fund raising ideas that are perfect for your group. If you have an idea for a do-it-yourself fund raiser you are willing to share with others, please send it to us via email. Include anything and everything you would want to know if you were hearing the idea for the first time.