Chamber of Commerce Fundraising Ideas

A Chamber of Commerce is a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community. This often involves fundraising for the Chamber or for a local charity… and we all know that fundraising can be hard! A Chamber of Commerce however, has a lot of built- in member businesses and resources to make for one heck of a fundraising event.

One of the biggest decisions is often deciding what type of fundraiser to do. On Martha’s Vineyard, the Chamber of Commerce was one of several sponsors for a Garden Tea Party fundraiser. Lavish hats aren’t just for British royalty – in May on Martha’s Vineyard, at least. The fundraising event coincides with Featherstone’s Art of Flowers show with contests for best hat and most creative outfit. Every year in Missouri the Pacific Chamber of Commerce hosts a fundraising event where half of the proceeds benefit a local non-profit organization within the Meramec Valley School District. Their last fundraiser, Pianos for a Purpose is being hailed as the next generation in fundraising events. Pianos for a Purpose featured dueling pianos; two grand pianos played by professional players who sang and entertained. Fundraisers by other Chambers of Commerce groups include musicals, duck drop, pig roast, bingo, restaurant nights, auctions, dinners, festivals, and bike rides.

Check out our complete list of fundraising products and do-it-yourself fundraising ideas for your next Chamber of Commerce fundraiser.

You can also choose from a wide variety of Chamber of Commerce DIY fundraising ideas to supplement your program. How about Crock Pot Cook-off. Adult Spelling Bee, Cuffing Contest, Dog Walk, or thons of every type? Perhaps one of these successful and creative ideas can be adapted for your Chamber of Commerce fundraiser.

Cobweb Chase – This fundraising idea is to search out historical buildings or homes in an area. Map the course and take a bus load or two of people to visit these places. A tour inside is a must and get permission of course.  Read more…

Ugly Tie Contest – This is a fun and easy fundraiser. Allow the children and youth of your community to each decorate a man’s neck tie. Use all sorts of tacky things to glue on the ties… buttons, lace, small toys, flowers, etc. Display the ties in a prominent location in your town. Put a jar or bucket beneath each tie.  Read more…

Dinner for a Week – Our group got 7 local restaurants to donate a dinner for 2 and raffled off a week of eating out as a fundraiser. We sold over 100 tickets for $30 each and the lucky winners were able to eat out every night for a week.  Read more…