Fundraising games give nonprofits, schools, clubs, charities, and community organizations a simple way to make an event more interactive while creating additional opportunities to raise money.

A good fundraising game does more than entertain guests. It gives supporters a reason to participate, compete, work together, or make an additional contribution to your cause. Depending on the event, you might charge an entry fee, sell game cards, collect team registrations, secure donated prizes, or add sponsorship opportunities.

The best game depends on your audience, venue, budget, volunteer support, and the amount of time available. A quick game such as Heads or Tails may work perfectly during a fundraising dinner, while a scavenger hunt or sports tournament can become a larger part of a community event.

Here are 15 fundraising games to consider, along with practical tips for choosing and running one.

What Are Fundraising Games?

Fundraising games are activities that combine entertainment or friendly competition with a way to generate funds for an organization or cause.

Unlike ordinary event entertainment, a fundraising game has a defined fundraising mechanism. Participants might pay to enter, purchase a game card, register as a team, make a donation to participate, or contribute toward a challenge.

Games can range from very simple activities requiring little equipment to larger competitions that need dedicated volunteers and event space.

The key is to choose a game that is easy to understand and appropriate for the people attending your event.

Why Use Games at a Fundraising Event?

Fundraising games can give supporters another way to participate beyond making a traditional donation.

They can help organizations:

Encourage more people to participate in an event
Create friendly competition
Bring attendees together
Add variety to a fundraising program
Create additional donation opportunities
Give sponsors a way to contribute prizes or support
Make a fundraising event more interactive
Give guests something memorable to do

Games are especially useful when they fit naturally into the event. A short activity can fill a break during a dinner, while a tournament or scavenger hunt can become one of the main attractions at a larger fundraiser.

15 Fundraising Games to Try

1. Prize Wheel

A prize wheel is a straightforward fundraising game that can attract attention as guests move through an event.

How it works

Participants pay for a spin and receive the prize associated with the section where the wheel lands.

You can offer a mixture of small prizes and a few larger prizes, depending on what your organization can obtain.

How to raise money

Charge a fixed amount per spin. If the game is popular, you can also offer multiple-spin packages.

What you need

Prize wheel
Prizes
Table or display area
Sign explaining the rules and cost
Volunteer to operate the game

Best for

Prize wheels are a good fit for school fundraisers, fairs, community events, festivals, and other events with steady foot traffic.

Setup: Easy
Venue: Indoor or outdoor
Participants: One at a time or in a queue

Donated prizes can help reduce the cost of running the game.

2. Heads or Tails

If you need a fundraising game that requires almost no equipment, Heads or Tails is an excellent option.

How it works

Participants stand and choose heads or tails. The organizer flips a coin, and anyone who chooses incorrectly sits down. Continue until one participant remains.

How to raise money

Charge an entry fee to participate. A donated prize can be awarded to the final winner.

What you need

Coin
Space for participants
Volunteer or host
Optional prize

Best for

This works particularly well at fundraising dinners, school events, charity gatherings, and other events with a large group.

Setup: Very easy
Venue: Indoor or outdoor
Participants: Small or large groups

Because each round can be completed quickly, it can also be used between other activities.

3. Trivia Challenge

Trivia is one of the most adaptable games for fundraisers because the questions can be customized to the audience and event.

How it works

Create a series of questions and have participants compete individually or in teams. Questions can cover general knowledge, music, movies, sports, history, local topics, or a theme connected to your organization.

How to raise money

Charge an entry fee per person or team. Donated prizes can be awarded to the winning team.

What you need

Trivia questions
Answer sheets
Pens or pencils
Scorekeeper
Prizes

Best for

Trivia is especially suitable for adult fundraising events, clubs, charity dinners, school groups, and community organizations.

Setup: Easy to moderate
Venue: Best indoors
Participants: Small to large groups

Keep the questions challenging enough to be interesting without making the game frustrating.

4. Bingo Fundraiser

Bingo can work well when you want a familiar game that accommodates a larger group.

How it works

Participants purchase bingo cards and mark numbers as they are called. The first player to complete the designated pattern wins the round.

How to raise money

Sell individual cards or packages of cards. You can run several rounds throughout the event.

What you need

Bingo cards
Number caller or bingo equipment
Markers
Prizes
Volunteer

Best for

Bingo works well for school fundraisers, community events, charity gatherings, and fundraising dinners.

Setup: Easy to moderate
Venue: Best indoors
Participants: Small to large groups

Consider choosing prizes that fit your audience rather than simply selecting the most expensive items available.

5. Duck Race

A duck race can turn an outdoor fundraising event into a spectator activity that involves a large number of supporters.

How it works

Participants purchase numbered ducks. The ducks are released into a suitable controlled race area, and the first duck to reach the finish point wins.

How to raise money

Sell duck numbers before the event and, where practical, during the event.

What you need

Numbered ducks
Suitable race setup
Start and finish points
Volunteers
Prizes
Appropriate safety planning

Best for

Duck races are best suited to outdoor community events, festivals, and family-oriented fundraisers.

Setup: Moderate to high
Venue: Outdoor
Participants: Large groups

The race area should be planned carefully, particularly where water, children, or large crowds are involved.

6. Penny Wars

Penny Wars turns fundraising into a team competition.

How it works

Divide participants into teams and give each team a collection container. Pennies can count as positive points, while other coins can be assigned different values according to the rules.

Teams can add coins to their own container while strategically using other coins to affect competing teams’ scores.

How to raise money

The coins collected become donations while the scoring system creates an additional competitive element.

What you need

Containers
Coins
Team labels
Rules and scoring system
Volunteers to count the totals

Best for

Penny Wars is particularly useful for schools, clubs, youth organizations, and group fundraisers.

Setup: Easy
Venue: Indoor or outdoor
Participants: Best for teams

Explain the scoring system clearly before the competition begins.

7. Balloon Prize Pop

Balloon Prize Pop combines a simple activity with an element of surprise.

How it works

Place prizes or prize slips inside balloons. Participants pay to choose and pop a balloon to discover what they have won.

How to raise money

Charge a set amount per balloon.

What you need

Balloons
Prizes or prize slips
Safe balloon-popping method
Display area
Volunteer

Best for

This game can work well at school fundraisers, family events, community gatherings, and fairs.

Setup: Easy
Venue: Indoor or outdoor, depending on conditions
Participants: Flexible

For events involving children, use age-appropriate materials and supervise the activity.

8. Mystery Prize Game

A mystery prize game uses curiosity to encourage participation.

How it works

Place prizes inside numbered bags, boxes, envelopes, or other containers. Participants pay to select one without knowing exactly which prize they will receive.

How to raise money

Charge a fixed participation fee for each selection.

What you need

Mystery containers
Prizes
Numbering system
Rules
Display table

Best for

Mystery prize games can fit charity events, school fundraisers, galas, and community events.

Setup: Easy
Venue: Indoor or outdoor
Participants: Flexible

Make the rules and prize structure clear before people participate.

9. Coin Toss Challenge

A coin toss requires very little equipment and can be operated in a relatively small space.

How it works

Create a target such as a bowl, container, or marked area. Participants pay for a set number of attempts and try to land a coin or token on the target.

How to raise money

Charge per attempt or offer a small package of attempts.

What you need

Coins or tokens
Target
Clearly marked throwing line
Optional prizes
Volunteer

Best for

This is a useful choice when organizers need a quick and easy fundraising game.

Setup: Very easy
Venue: Indoor or outdoor
Participants: One at a time

Adjust the throwing distance for the age and abilities of participants and the available venue.

10. Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt can turn the event venue into part of the game.

How it works

Prepare a list of clues, objects, locations, or challenges. Individuals or teams pay to participate and complete the hunt within a specified time.

How to raise money

Charge an entry fee for individuals or teams. You can also seek sponsors for specific challenges or prizes.

What you need

Clue sheets
Pens or other materials
Clearly defined boundaries
Volunteers
Prizes

Best for

Scavenger hunts can work well for schools, clubs, community events, and larger venues.

Setup: Moderate
Venue: Indoor or outdoor
Participants: Best for teams

Build the activity around the actual venue and make sure the route and challenges are accessible to your participants.

11. Mini Golf Challenge

A mini golf challenge can turn a suitable area into a friendly competition.

How it works

Create several short putting challenges and have participants complete the course while recording their scores.

How to raise money

Charge an entry fee per player or team. Businesses can also sponsor individual holes.

What you need

Mini golf equipment
Putting obstacles
Scorecards
Prizes
Suitable space

Best for

Mini golf works well for community events, school fundraisers, family events, and outdoor gatherings.

Setup: Moderate
Venue: Indoor or outdoor
Participants: Individuals or teams

Keep the course simple enough that participants do not spend most of their time waiting.

12. Board Game Tournament

A board game tournament can be a good option for smaller groups and club fundraisers.

How it works

Choose one or several games and organize players into rounds. Winners advance through the tournament until a final winner is determined.

How to raise money

Charge an entry fee per participant or team.

What you need

Board games
Tables and chairs
Tournament brackets
Score sheets
Prizes
Volunteers

Best for

This works particularly well for clubs, schools, community organizations, and adult fundraising events.

Setup: Moderate
Venue: Indoors
Participants: Small to medium groups

Choose games with rules that can be explained quickly.

13. Sports Tournament

Sports tournaments can combine fundraising with an active event for participants and spectators.

How it works

Organize teams or individual competitors into a tournament using a sport appropriate for your venue and audience.

Possible options include:

Basketball
Soccer
Volleyball
Softball
Dodgeball
Golf

How to raise money

Charge a registration fee for each team or participant. You can also seek sponsorships and donated prizes.

What you need

Playing area
Equipment
Registration system
Rules
Volunteers or officials
Prizes
Safety planning

Best for

Sports tournaments are well suited to school groups, athletic clubs, community organizations, and sports teams.

Setup: Moderate to high
Venue: Depends on the sport
Participants: Organized teams or groups

Select a format that matches the available time, space, volunteers, and participant abilities.

14. Game Night

Instead of relying on one activity, make the entire fundraiser a game night.

How it works

Set up several stations featuring games such as trivia, bingo, board games, card games, or simple skill challenges.

Participants can move between activities throughout the event.

How to raise money

Charge an admission fee, charge separately for individual games, or combine the two approaches.

What you need

Multiple games
Tables and chairs
Game materials
Volunteers
Prizes
Signage

Best for

Game nights are a good fit for schools, clubs, community groups, and adult fundraising events.

Setup: Moderate
Venue: Best indoors
Participants: Small to large groups

A variety of games allows attendees to choose activities that suit their interests.

15. Donation Challenge

A donation challenge makes the fundraising goal itself part of the activity.

How it works

Set a visible fundraising target and establish milestones. When the group reaches a milestone, a predetermined challenge or activity is unlocked.

For example, an organization might announce a special activity when donations reach a specific level.

How to raise money

Participants contribute directly toward the challenge. Sponsors can also agree to match donations up to a specified amount.

What you need

Fundraising goal
Progress tracker
Donation system
Clearly defined milestones
Volunteer or event host

Best for

Donation challenges can work at charity events, school fundraisers, galas, dinners, and community events.

Setup: Easy
Venue: Indoor or outdoor
Participants: Flexible

Make sure participants understand how donations are counted and what happens when each milestone is reached.

How to Choose the Right Fundraising Game

The most complicated game is not necessarily the best fundraiser. Choose an activity that fits your audience and the realities of your event.

Audience

Consider the age range, interests, group size, and accessibility needs of your participants.

A trivia competition may be a strong choice for an adult dinner, while a balloon game or scavenger hunt may be more appropriate for a family event.

Event Type

A formal gala requires a different approach from a school field day or community festival.

For dinners and galas, consider games that can happen without requiring guests to leave their tables. For outdoor events, activities such as sports tournaments, scavenger hunts, and duck races may make better use of the space.

Number of Participants

Think about how quickly the game can process participants.

A coin toss can handle people individually throughout an event, while a tournament requires a more structured schedule.

Indoor or Outdoor Venue

Consider available space, weather, surfaces, power requirements, noise, and safety before choosing an activity.

Budget

Some fundraising games require almost no equipment. Heads or Tails, trivia, coin tosses, and donation challenges can be inexpensive to organize.

Other games may require rented equipment, prizes, dedicated spaces, or additional volunteers.

Volunteers

Every activity needs someone to explain rules, collect entries, manage participants, keep scores, or distribute prizes.

If your organization has limited volunteers, choose a game that can operate with minimal staffing.

Prizes

Prize-based games become easier to run when local businesses, sponsors, families, or community supporters donate prizes.

Ask for donations well before the event so you know what you can offer.

Time

A quick game can work between dinner courses or during a short break. Tournaments and scavenger hunts require more dedicated time.

Accessibility

Make sure the game is accessible to as many participants as reasonably possible. If an activity depends heavily on physical movement, consider alternative ways to participate.

How to Make Fundraising Games Raise More Money

Choosing a good game is only the beginning. The fundraising structure around the game also matters.

Use Entry Fees

A straightforward entry fee is one of the easiest ways to connect participation with fundraising.

Make the cost clear before participants register or play.

Charge for Additional Rounds

If your game is quick, participants can have the option to play more than once.

This works particularly well for activities such as a prize wheel, coin toss, or other short games.

Use Team Registration

For team-based activities, charge a registration fee per team.

This can work well for trivia, sports tournaments, scavenger hunts, and board game competitions.

Seek Donated Prizes

Approach local businesses and community partners for prize donations.

Donated prizes can reduce event expenses while giving businesses an opportunity to support the organization.

Offer Sponsorship Opportunities

Businesses can sponsor a game, tournament, prize, or specific challenge.

For example, a company might sponsor a trivia round or provide the prize for a tournament.

Add Matching Donations

A donor or sponsor can agree to match contributions up to a predetermined amount.

This can be incorporated into a donation challenge or announced during the event.

Combine Complementary Games

You don’t have to rely on one game.

A fundraising dinner might combine Heads or Tails, trivia, and a mystery prize activity. A school event could include a prize wheel, scavenger hunt, and balloon game.

Keep the number of activities manageable so volunteers and participants don’t become overwhelmed.

Quick and Easy Fundraising Games

When organizers have limited time, volunteers, or budget, simple games are often the most practical choice.

Fundraising Game	Setup Level	Good For
Heads or Tails	Very easy	Dinners, schools, large groups
Coin Toss	Very easy	Drop-in events
Trivia	Easy	Dinners, clubs, adult events
Bingo	Easy	Schools and community groups
Prize Wheel	Easy	Fairs and busy events
Mystery Prize	Easy	Galas and charity events
Donation Challenge	Easy	Almost any event

These activities can be particularly useful when your organization already has a full event schedule and wants to add a fundraising component without creating an entirely separate program.

Best Fundraising Games for Different Events

School Fundraisers

Schools can choose games that involve students, parents, teachers, and families.

Consider:

Prize Wheel
Balloon Prize Pop
Bingo
Penny Wars
Scavenger Hunt
Game Night

Team competitions can also encourage participation between classes, grades, or groups.

Charity Events

Charity events often need activities that are simple to explain and work for different audiences.

Consider:

Prize Wheel
Trivia
Mystery Prize
Bingo
Donation Challenge

Keep the game connected to the event and cause without allowing it to overshadow the organization’s mission.

Galas and Fundraising Dinners

Seated events benefit from games that can be integrated into the program.

Good choices include:

Heads or Tails
Trivia
Mystery Prize
Bingo
Donation Challenge

A host or emcee can explain the rules and keep the activity moving without disrupting dinner service.

Community Events

Community events provide opportunities for larger and more active games.

Consider:

Duck Race
Scavenger Hunt
Sports Tournament
Prize Wheel
Balloon Prize Pop
Coin Toss

Adult Fundraising Events

For adult audiences, consider games that encourage conversation and friendly competition.

Good options include:

Trivia
Bingo
Heads or Tails
Board Game Tournament
Mystery Prize
Game Night

Choose themes and prizes that match the audience and tone of the event.

What About Online or Virtual Fundraising Games?

Some games can be adapted for online events, including trivia and other team-based activities. However, online fundraising requires different planning around technology, registration, communication, and payments.

If your organization is specifically looking for virtual fundraising ideas, Evergreen has a separate resource dedicated to online fundraising. That keeps this article focused on in-person and event-based fundraising games rather than duplicating the site’s virtual fundraising content.

A Note About Games of Chance and Paid Activities

Before running a raffle, game of chance, or paid-entry activity, check the laws and regulations that apply to your location and organization. Requirements can vary by jurisdiction.

Also make the participation cost, rules, prize structure, and other conditions clear before people enter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good fundraising game?

A good fundraising game is easy to understand, appropriate for the audience, and practical for the organizers to run. Prize wheels, trivia, bingo, Heads or Tails, mystery prizes, and donation challenges can all work well depending on the event.

What are some quick and easy fundraising games?

Heads or Tails, coin tosses, trivia, bingo, prize wheels, mystery prize games, and donation challenges can be relatively quick to organize. The best choice depends on your venue, audience, budget, and volunteer availability.

How can a game raise money?

A game can raise money through entry fees, team registration, paid rounds, game cards, sponsorships, donated prizes, or additional donations connected to the activity.

What fundraising games work well for adults?

Trivia, bingo, Heads or Tails, board game tournaments, mystery prize games, and themed game nights can work well for adult fundraising events.

What games are good for charity events?

Prize wheels, trivia, bingo, mystery prize games, donation challenges, and scavenger hunts can all be adapted for charity events. Choose the activity based on the audience, venue, and event schedule.

What games can you play at a fundraising dinner?

Heads or Tails, trivia, bingo, mystery prize games, and donation challenges are particularly suitable for fundraising dinners because they can be conducted in a relatively small space and incorporated into the event program.

What is a good fundraising game for a large group?

Games that can involve many people at once, such as Heads or Tails, bingo, trivia, or a donation challenge, can work well for large groups. For larger outdoor events, a sports tournament, scavenger hunt, or duck race may also be appropriate.

Final Thoughts

Fundraising games can turn participation into another opportunity to support your organization’s goals.

The right game depends on what you are trying to accomplish. A quick game such as Heads or Tails may be perfect for a fundraising dinner, while a scavenger hunt, sports tournament, or game night can become a central attraction at a larger event.

Before choosing, consider your audience, venue, budget, volunteer capacity, available prizes, event schedule, and accessibility. Then choose a game that is easy to explain, enjoyable to participate in, and practical for your organization to manage.

Explore Evergreen’s wreath fundraising program to learn how a seasonal product fundraiser can become another part of your organization’s fundraising plan.