Movie night fundraisers are a classic crowd-pleaser, effortlessly blending entertainment and community spirit. But how can you turn this feel-good fundraising idea into a financial blockbuster for your cause?
While movie nights are known for their low overhead and universal appeal, the key to success is maximizing every opportunity to raise funds. A little creativity can turn your event into a revenue-generating masterpiece!
Discover five innovative ways to boost your earnings during a movie night fundraiser—plus expert tips to make your event unforgettable.
Lights, camera, fundraising!
While admission prices are a significant part of movie night fundraising, there are plenty of additional ways to boost your profits.
Between refreshments, games, and contests, you can choose from various options to elevate the event (and your earnings). Popular movie night fundraiser ideas include:
- Upgraded or bundled ticket packages
- Pre-show activities
- Refreshments
- Donations
- Merchandise sales
Let's dive into each of these ideas below.
1. Upgraded or bundled ticket packages
Offer irresistible ticket packages for guests before the event or at the door. For example, you can allow attendees to upgrade their tickets to a "VIP" tier featuring preferred seating or a food or drink ticket, or offer discounts for family or group tickets.
2. Pre-show activities
Why not turn your movie night fundraiser into a fun-filled evening? Adding extra activities will keep families and community members engaged and create more opportunities to boost your funds.
Activities and games to consider include:
Consider charging a nominal fee for these activities to raise additional funds for your cause.
3. Refreshments
Movie nights aren't complete without popcorn, candy, and other snacks. Offering concessions to movie-goers for a small fee can help you earn more money during the fundraiser. Go for easy-to-make, affordable foods such as:
- Nachos
- Pizza
- Soda
- Pretzels
- Chips
- Hot dogs
- Hamburgers
You could also try unique options like cake and ice cream, snow cones, or smoothies. When selecting refreshments, consider what your audience may enjoy and the overhead costs.
4. Donations
While the admission price and refreshments are a great starting point, don’t stop there—keep the momentum going throughout the film. Set up donation boxes or jars for people to deposit cash or change as they enjoy the show.
You can also opt for virtual giving through QR codes or text messages, where attendees can privately donate any amount they're comfortable with.
5. Merchandise sales
Selling merchandise is another lucrative movie night fundraising idea. Offering branded items (like T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags) creates a tangible connection to your cause while giving attendees something to remember the event by. Plus, it’s a win-win for raising funds and promoting your organization.
You can also offer other items that relate to the movie’s theme or capture the imaginations of children attending your event, such as:
- Movie posters
- Costumes or accessories
- Pinwheels
- Fidget toys
- Glow sticks or necklaces
- Swirly straws
- Sticker sets
More strategies for movie night fundraiser success
Now that you have ideas about executing a movie night fundraiser, how can you ensure it goes off without a hitch? To make this night successful, evaluate logistics, budget, and licensing.
Logistics
Secure a venue for your movie showing as far in advance as possible. Also, consider whether you want the event indoors or outdoors.
Local parks or outside areas at schools and churches often work well, but unexpected rainfall or poor weather could derail them. Always have a plan B backup location, or consider partnering with a local movie theater or drive-in instead.
Budget
You’ll want to make the most of your budget to control expenses and maximize earnings. Plan to include the costs of refreshments, equipment rentals, venue, and staff. Then, consider food, merchandise, and admission prices to determine potential profits.
Seek sponsorships from local businesses or restaurants to help you fund the event. They may offer money you can use toward your expenses or in-kind donations, like food or raffle prizes.
Movie licensing
After considering your expected audience or event theme, the next essential step in choosing a film is ensuring you have the license to show it. These are popular places to look for them:
These licenses are necessary for any public film showing, so you must know how to secure one and fit it into your budget.
Fundraise like a star with RaiseRight
Movie night fundraisers are a fun and exciting way to raise money—and RaiseRight can help you soar even further. Adding RaiseRight to your strategy helps ensure your group earns funds year-round. Here’s how it works:
- Enroll your organization in a RaiseRight program. It's free!
- Add participants to your program.
- Buy gift cards, shop online, dine at local restaurants, or book travel to earn. With hundreds of brands and multiple ways to earn, there's something for everyone on RaiseRight, no matter your preferences.
- Earn funds for your cause with every purchase—6% average and sometimes up to 20% or more!
By shopping and dining with RaiseRight, participants can easily earn $1,000 or more each year. Curious what your household could earn? Use our free Earning Potential Calculator to find out—and imagine the impact when everyone in your organization gets involved.
With this no-selling fundraiser, you can earn money 24/7, 365 days a year. You can even raise money during movie nights by using RaiseRight gift cards or online shopping to purchase supplies for pre-show activities, refreshments, and merchandise.
Ready to start earning?
Here are some next steps to get the ball rolling:
- Learn more about how RaiseRight works.
- Download The RaiseRight Fundraising Playbook and share it with others in your organization.
- Start a free program by completing a short, online enrollment form.
If your organization is already earning with RaiseRight, you just need your enrollment code to create an account and begin fundraising right away.
