Are you bored with your fundraisers? Do they feel like they’ve run their course, and they don’t tend to draw attention the way they once did? Don’t blame yourself. There’s just so much of the “been there, done that” attitude these days. People want new experiences. While tried-and-true events can still generate solid revenue and build camaraderie, the competition for attention is intensifying. If you’ve seen attendance and interest drop, it may be time to look for ways to stand out.
Let’s explore what some chamber professionals are doing right now, plus a few additional ideas designed to make your next fundraiser the talk of the town.
Tried, True, and Still Thriving
Golf and Galas That Shine
“Golf outing is our biggest fundraiser,” said Linda Kuhn Tenney from the Maquoketa Chamber of Commerce, whose chamber also hosts a Christmas festival and a triathlon. Matt Crabtree, President & CEO of Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce echoed that sentiment, noting that “Golf Tournament and Awards Gala are our two fundraising events right now.”
Golf tournaments endure because they combine networking, friendly competition, and sponsorship visibility. But if your tournament isn’t drawing the crowd it used to you can make a few tweaks to refresh the format:
- Add an “executive challenge hole” where players compete for prizes sponsored by local businesses.
- Include a “speed golf” or “twilight scramble” option for busy professionals who can’t spare a full day.
- Pair the event with a “Business on the Green” networking breakfast so non-golfers still buy in.
As for galas, focus on storytelling rather than formality. The “Impact Awards Dinner” model highlighting how the chamber and its members change the community resonates deeply and gives sponsors an emotional return on investment. Or if you’re focusing on innovation, consider an awards gala focused on innovators and what they bring to your community. This not only rewards their efforts but also brings attention to the innovative things your community is doing.
Fairs, Festivals, and Food That Connect
Janice Sanders, the Executive Director at the Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce, blends community fun with fundraising: “We have an annual arts & crafts event with entertainment and a carnival. I’ve also done a poker run and a fish fry, BBQ plate, and taco ‘drive-thru’ at our office.”
That drive-thru idea is a winner. There’s low overhead, high visibility, and it’s easy to replicate. Chambers in smaller communities especially can benefit from events that feel like local traditions. Make it “The Great Chamber Cook-Off,” where restaurants or member businesses compete in themed food challenges, and attendees vote via donations.
Bianca Romero, President & CEO at Barnesville-Lamar Chamber of Commerce, also shared, “Our only fundraiser is an arts & crafts festival. Everything else we do breaks even—we do lots of events at cost just so we stay active in the community.” Staying visible matters as much as raising dollars, especially when the event becomes synonymous with your chamber’s brand.
Spectacle and Sponsorships
April Damron’s chamber runs a car show, fireworks display, and golf tournament. Events with built-in “wow” factor attract families and sponsors. A fireworks show, for instance, can be underwritten by a presenting sponsor (think: “Freedom Financial Fireworks Night”) and supported by smaller community contributions. The trick is packaging it as both a fundraiser and a feel-good moment for the town.
Spring Cleaning Becomes Spring Giving
Tricia Barlow Brunson, President & CEO at Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, offered an interesting idea: a community Flea Market Festival. “Rent spaces, measure and mark them with chalk, better locations cost more,” she explained. “Businesses can clear out older items, people can clear their clutter, school clubs can help vendors, and you can even add a car show or pet adoption component.”
It’s fresh, flexible, and scalable. You could even name it to tie into your sustainability plan (if that’s part of something your chamber is working on). “The Great Spring Clean & Green” could also incorporate recycling stations or donation drop-offs. School groups assisting with setup could earn community service hours, while vendors pay modest booth fees. Add music, food trucks, and maybe a “Golden Garbage Award” for the most creative upcycled product, and you’ve got a winner.
Need Some More Ideas?
Consider some of these community building ideas.
1. The Chamber Treasure Hunt
A city-wide scavenger hunt where clues lead participants to chamber member locations. Businesses donate prizes or discounts, and teams pay an entry fee. Sponsors can “own” a clue stop or appear in the mobile app. Wrap it up with an after-party at a local venue where winners are announced.
2. The Business Olympics
Move over, golf. Think obstacle courses, trivia rounds, and “pitch relay races.” Teams from member businesses compete in a mix of physical and mental challenges, all branded for sponsors. Imagine the photo ops from a “CEO Sack Race” or “Marketing Team Tug-of-War.” Sell spectator tickets and let local gyms or wellness businesses co-host.
3. The Secret Supper Series
Inspired by the pop-up dining trend, invite members to buy tickets for a mystery dinner at a surprise location—revealed only hours before the event. Local chefs, artists, or musicians can be featured. Each event could have a different theme (Innovation, Women in Business, Local Legends), and sponsors can underwrite courses or décor.
4. “Adopt-a-Duck” (with a Twist)
Rubber duck races down the local body of water (or one your create) are classic, but upgrade it to digital. Sell “virtual ducks” and use a livestreamed randomizer to pick winners. Local radio personalities or influencers can host the event. It’s inexpensive, shareable, and a sponsor’s dream for exposure.
5. The Reverse Raffle Showdown
Instead of waiting for the last ticket to win, create suspense with games between drawings. Each elimination round offers small prizes, trivia, or a “Buy Back In” option. Add humor by having a local comedian or emcee keep the energy high. It’s an evening fundraiser people actually stay for.
6. Chamber’s Got Talent
Local business owners, teachers, and officials compete in a talent show judged by the community. Think karaoke duets between the mayor and the fire chief. Sell tickets, recruit sponsors for categories (“Best Hidden Talent”), and livestream for extra revenue.
7. The Great Office Chair Race
Close a downtown street, recruit member teams to decorate and race rolling office chairs. Entry fees + sponsorships = easy profit. Add bonus points for best costume or most creative team name. It’s fun, visual, and very “small town viral.”
8. The Time Capsule Gala
At this unique dinner event, each table represents a decade of the chamber’s history or the city’s evolution. Guests bid on which decade they’ll “dine in,” complete with themed food, décor, and entertainment. Seal a community time capsule with notes and predictions for the next 25 years sponsored by a legacy donor.
9. Rent-a-Leader Auction
Partner with local CEOs, elected officials, or influencers who volunteer their time for charity. Businesses bid to “rent” them for an hour for lunch, mentorship, or help on a project. The event highlights leadership accessibility while raising funds for chamber programs or scholarships.
10. Music Bingo
This event can be played virtually or in person. Each bingo card (sponsor opportunity) space has the name of a song on it. Play a snippet and if it’s on the card, they can mark it. Winner is first to get a bingo, two bingos, and blackout. Have a prize for every round. When attendees start singing along to the music it becomes a great community-building time.
Fundraising That Feeds the Mission
The best fundraisers tell a story about what your chamber values (in addition to making money). Tricia Barlow Brunson’s flea market ties together business, sustainability/recycling, education, and community service. Janice Sanders’ poker run unites adventure and local flavor. Matt Crabtree’s gala celebrates business excellence.
When you choose your next big idea, make sure it answers three questions:
1. Does this event align with our mission?
2. Does it engage members and the broader community?
3. Does it build visibility for sponsors and the chamber itself? (Bonus if the sponsorships offered are something that will also be so unique that sponsors want to be involved.)
If the answer is yes to all three, you’re not just raising funds. You’re raising your chamber’s profile.
Fundraising is about the dollar total on the spreadsheet but funraising (equally important) is about the stories, laughter, and relationships that develop along the way. Whether you’re hosting a fireworks spectacular, a duck derby, or a CEO chair race, the real return comes from the community pride you create.
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