Minnesota Charity Fundraisers Guide - From Galas to Golf Tournies

Taking on the planning of a Minnesota charity event can be exhilarating, but it can also pose some challenges. The first consideration is that you’ll likely be asked to utilize the talents and efforts of volunteers who may (and likely, may not) have experience in planning, organizing and running a successful fundraiser. Be that as it may, as a pro planner, your best bet is to get as much done early on as possible, so that your volunteers can handle the tasks that require less professional experience.

Of course, budget, time constraints and goals will impact the size of your event. Though no less important, smaller events like a luncheon, a silent auction or a food drive can be less complex to plan.

Choosing your event venue will revolve around your theme. For example, a nautical theme would lend itself to a local boat charter cruise line such as Paradise Charter Cruises | Minneapolis Queen, Padelford Riverboats Co., Lady of the Lake or Al & Alma's. Or, a luncheon or tea might do well in a botanical garden like Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, art gallery or museum. Many of these Minnesota event venues offer community rooms at no or very low costs. A vineyard with a wine tasting room would be another location that would work well for a more intimate, upscale gathering.

When considering any of these for your themed event, you might want to explore the charms of any number of our Minnesota event venues including theaters and zoo parks.

A larger event, such as a golf tournament, a 5K run, a walk-a-thon or dance-a-thon will take more time and a greater budget for venue. Most golf courses are equipped to handle tournaments and can assist you with logistics such as registration, golfer tee times, carts, tents, catering and more. It’s also worth asking sponsors for a sporting event, such as 5K, if they would be willing to offer up their establishment as a pre-event meeting space or post-event celebration space at no charge. This will allow you to stretch your budget further and them the opportunity to receive significant publicity and increased business. Event sponsors can also contribute to help defray some of the costs.

Considering a golf tournie? Why not have your group tee up at one of our Minnesota golf course and country clubs like Green Haven, Majestic Oaks, The Harvest Grill at Bunker Hills or Rush Creek Golf Club? Is a race more your speed? Why not approach a race track like Canterbury Park, designed to host special events to talk about sponsorship opportunities.

Really high-end galas, sit-down dinners and concerts require quite extensive planning and investment up front for venue, talent, food and marketing. It’s important to carefully plan your budget and understand the risks of trying to pull off a really large-scale event.

Casino resorts such as Grand Casino Hinckley, Grand Casino Mille Lacs, Fortune Bay and Mystic Lake are a natural fit for a large event venue. Most have expansive spaces, many amenities and more than sufficient parking. But for something different, why not consider a golf or lake resort? Any of our Minnesota event resorts would be a unique and appealing venue for a large charitable gathering such as Cragun's Conference and Golf Resort, Grand View Lodge, Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, Superior Shores Resort & Conference Center or Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge to name a few.

Check out our complete listing of Minnesota resorts you may want to consider for your next high-end gala.

Of course, whether your event is large or small, there are a million other details to tend to — food, security, transportation, tables, chairs, linens, promotional items, invitations, signage, entertainment or an MC. Utilizing the search tools at meetingpages will enable you to find the perfect service provider, whether it’s an event caterer or a party rental company. From florists to photographers you can quickly and easily request RFPs and choose professionals to make your charitable event a shining success!

Now, bring on those volunteers!