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Recently I asked my readers to let me know what type of article on my blog they find most helpful. Can you guess what came in at number one? It was fundraising ideas!
I’m not surprised. I know many nursing homes struggle to find the money to provide enjoyable and meaningful activities for their residents. This is especially true during the pandemic.
Over the past three years, I’ve featured over 100 fundraising ideas on my blog. You can find all of them in the archives.
Recently, I’ve primarily posted ideas for virtual fundraisers you can host while social distancing. However, in anticipation of the pandemic soon ending, today I’m sharing several new ideas for events you can host when nursing homes can open their doors once again.
You might notice that these fundraisers come from hospice programs. I find that hospices often come up with the most successful and creative ideas. Yet, they’re adaptable to any healthcare organization. As in the past, I’ll enclose links so you can contact the hospices directly for more details.
Summer Nights
Hospice Savannah in Georgia recruits volunteers to plan and host get-togethers for their annual Summer Nights fundraiser. The volunteers invite friends to a meal where they learn more about hospice services and have the option of making a free-will donation to the organization.
The events can be big, or small, and the formats are endless. Past get-togethers have included picnics, potluck meals, formal dinners, outdoor barbeques, and spaghetti dinners.
Taste of the Town
Hospice of the Piedmont in North Carolina teams up with local restaurants and caterers for an annual fundraiser. The restaurants set up a sampling of their favorite dishes at a local community center.
Attendees pay a flat fee to try any three dishes of their choice. They can also purchase individual tickets to try more foods. A silent auction at the event provides additional funds for the hospice.
Business Partnerships
Calvert Hospice in Maryland joins forces with local businesses to raise money for their programs. The businesses donate $10 for every customer who makes use of their services during a particular month. Examples include a local optical shop that donated for everyone who bought a new pair of glasses and an insurance company that made a donation for every customer who requested a quote.
I know if you check with businesses in your community, you’ll find several interested in taking part. That’s because the program benefits the business as well as your nursing home. Besides raising money, you’ll help spread awareness of your organization. Plus, it also draws in customers who might not otherwise shop at these retailers.
Dancing With Our Stars
U.P. Home Health & Hospice in Michigan hosts an annual fundraiser offering a local version of the popular TV show Dancing With The Stars.
Just as in the TV show, judges offer their critiques of each performance and choose a winning couple. Attendees also vote for their favorite. Funds come from ticket purchases as well as event sponsorships.
In case you’re thinking you could never come up with enough dancers willing to take part, think again. Consider the many resources available at your nursing home: employees, volunteers, residents, family members, board members, vendors. When you ask around, I know you’ll discover lots of hidden talent!
I would love to hear about successful fundraisers you do at your senior living community. Please share them in the comment section.
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