Need to raise money for a good cause? Want to do it in a fun and inventive way? A zombie-themed fundraiser brings people together for their love of the living dead and simultaneously helps those in need. Here are some ideas for a successful zombie-themed fundraiser:
Fundraising
First, do some research into how effective fundraisers are structured, especially if this is your first one. Set a budget for yourself or your team. It takes money to make money, but what you do and the elaborateness of your presentation depends largely on what you can afford. Before you outline your plan, assess your financial situation, then set realistic goals for your team that fall within your budget. Next, consider how you will disseminate your message. How will people hear about your event? The internet has many tools with which you can promote your fundraiser in your town or city, but don’t shy away from canvassing with posters or word of mouth. Get your team to promote the event far and wide to their friends and family and on social media. When it comes to fundraisers, people expect to give. Make sure they have more than one opportunity to do so. For example, if you put on a concert, make sure donation bins, hats or jars are placed strategically throughout the venue. Also, make sure that donation bins are passed among the crowd regularly. Last, make sure you follow up. Those who donate want to know their money goes where it should. Whether you have a website or Facebook page, post updates of how your fundraiser did and how the money was used.
Make It Zombie!
You can make your fundraiser a zombie affair in a multitude of ways. For example, hold a costume competition and have a local business donate a grand prize for the winner. The best zombie — or zombie-related character, if you so choose — wins. Don’t rule out the power of pop culture and encourage guests to pull inspiration from shows like The Walking Dead. Next, have zombie-themed drinks for purchase (only for those of age) like the Selvarey Rum Zombie, which combines different kinds of rum with syrups and juices for a unique tiki-style cocktail. You can also play zombie-based games. While all this goes on, make sure you capture the action — and the fun guests have — with pictures. Social media is a great place to promote subsequent fundraisers, so make sure you have a smartphone with a high-quality camera, like the 12 MP camera on the Samsung Galaxy S7. With a low light sensor, you’ll even get great shots once the main lights are dimmed. Post your pics of the event on Facebook or Twitter in real time.
Zombie Games
Humans vs. Zombies is a game of tag in which some people are zombies and others are humans. While this game is more of a commitment than a card game at a one-night fundraiser, you could certainly begin a game, register it on the website and charge an entry fee that will be donated as a fundraiser. You can find a full list of the rules at humansvszombies.org.
If your fundraiser is just a single day or night, provide those who attend with rotating zombie card and board games. Give attendees a reason to give with a required buy-in for each round and provide small prizes for each winner. A raffle ticket or drink tickets are always appreciated. Good zombie games include Zombie Flux, Zpocalypse and Dark Darker Darkest.
