Don’t Come Event Fundraiser

A don’t come fundraising event is a clever way of asking for donations in a novel and humorous manner. First things first! This event will never actually happen — other than on paper. You send invitations to supporters – and potential supporters – for a spectacular event with scrumptious food, exciting entertainment, and a glamorous guest of honor.  The sky’s the limit since the event won’t actually occur.  Let your imagination run wild!

Why in the world would you do this? Because it’s a good way to raise funds and have some fun at the same time — something that’s nearly impossible to do when trying to raise money. Your only costs are the printing of the invitations, thank you notes and postage. If you can get some of this donated, that’s even better.

Send the invitations to as many people as you want – overcrowding will not be a problem. In addition to your regular supporters, be sure to include local political leaders, businessmen and media personnel.  You should also send press releases to the media outlets in your area. They are always looking for humorous current event items. Make sure you include information on how someone can purchase a ticket.

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Okay … so why would anyone buy a ticket to a non-existent fundraising event?  Because there are a lot of very busy people who are willing to support a good cause but don’t have the time, energy, and/or interest to go to one more rubber-chicken dinner. Purchasing a ticket to a don’t come event lets them support a worthy cause while relaxing at home. Plus, they will appreciate your ingenuity.

You should make your invitations classy – printed on good quality paper. After all, the invitation is all they will get for the their ticket purchase. Make it just like an invitation to any formal affair. You can use a standard good quality thank you card. Make sure that the invitations and thank you cards are hand addressed to make them more personal. Oh … and since the recipient gets nothing for their ticket purchase, make sure you include a notice with their thank you card that their donation is fully tax deductible.

Variations: Have a don’t come fundraising sporting event where members of your group ‘don’t play’ the Harlem Globetrotters, Green Bay Packers, etc.; a debate between someone in your organization and the President, or some other famous person on a ‘nutty’ topic; or …..? Be creative. Be humorous. Have fun. Make money!


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.