Innovative School Fundraising Ideas & Tips

25 Incredible Experience Prizes for Auctions & Raffles

Posted on November 13, 2025November 13, 2025 by Jordan Morris

When it comes to fundraising, experience prizes consistently deliver some of the strongest bidding and raffle engagement. They offer something far more exciting than physical items. They offer escape, unforgettable moments, VIP access, and stories your donors will talk about for years. At Givergy, we help charities source premium, high-impact experiences that elevate any silent auction or prize draw.

Below, we’ve handpicked 25 standout experience prizes, each paired with a real example you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue.

Top Experiences for Foodies

These gourmet prizes appeal directly to donors who enjoy exceptional dining and rare culinary moments. Food experiences perform incredibly well because they offer indulgence, quality time with loved ones, and the pride of securing something truly special.

Chef’s Table Experiences

Donors love the chance to sit closer to the action than they ever could with a standard reservation. A chef’s table feels impressively exclusive and gives bidders a story they will be eager to share after the event.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Chef’s Table at Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner for 4

Michelin-Star Dining for Groups

Ideal for donors who want to celebrate a milestone or enjoy a memorable evening with friends or clients. Premium group bookings at iconic restaurants are difficult to secure, so bidders value the certainty of a guaranteed, high-end experience.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Chef’s Table for 6 at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill

Global Tasting Menus

A tasting menu feels like a guided journey crafted by culinary experts. Donors enjoy the sense of adventure and the opportunity to try dishes they would not encounter anywhere else.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: 10-Dish World-Class Dining at Nanyang Blossom for 4

Private Chef at Home

A private chef creates an atmosphere of luxury and personal attention that is normally reserved for high-profile entertainers or executives. Donors appreciate the comfort of hosting in their own home while enjoying restaurant-quality cuisine tailored to them.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Michelin Chef Pan-Asian Dinner for 10 at Home

Wine and Bubbles Masterclasses

Bidders love experiences that feel fun, relaxed, and a little indulgent.
With expert guidance and premium bottles, this experience helps donors feel like connoisseurs for the evening.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Sparkling Wine Tasting for up to 16 guests

For even more prize inspiration, explore our popular list of raffle prizes for adults packed with ideas for every type of event.

Top Experiences for Relaxation and Escape

These items appeal to donors who want quality time away from routine. Experiences like these feel restorative, personal, and richly rewarding, which makes them strong performers in both raffles and auctions.

Luxury Spa Retreats

Spa escapes appeal to donors who want to relax completely and feel taken care of from the moment they arrive. These prizes create an emotional pull because they feel restorative and deeply deserved.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: 2-Night Spa Escape at Carnoustie with £250 Credit

Countryside Hideaways

Donors appreciate the chance to slow down and enjoy peaceful surroundings with beautiful views. A countryside stay offers the breathing space and calm that many supporters are longing for.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: 2-Night Lakes by Yoo Break for 6 + £150 Credit

Northern Lights Adventures

This is a dream experience for many bidders, often sitting at the top of their travel wish list. The rarity and wonder of seeing the Northern Lights first-hand makes this prize feel especially significant.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Northern Lights Experience in Finland for 4

Tropical Island Holidays

Sunshine breaks always attract generous bids because they offer guaranteed relaxation and escape. Donors value the promise of warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a chance to disconnect from hectic schedules.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: 7-Night Thailand Island Tour Escape

Boutique Country House Stays

Charming, character-filled stays appeal to donors who enjoy thoughtful details and peaceful settings.
These smaller-scale escapes feel cosy, intimate, and ideal for a romantic weekend or short getaway.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Cotswold Burleigh Court Hideaway

For a wider range of silent auction options, browse our full selection of auction items available to support your next fundraising event.

Top Group Experiences for Big Nights Out

These high-energy experiences appeal to donors who want to enjoy something unforgettable with friends, family, or colleagues. Group prizes drive strong bidding because they create shared memories and feel like a ready-made celebration.

Private Dining for Large Groups

This is the perfect choice for donors planning celebrations or social gatherings.
A beautifully prepared meal and attentive service make the evening feel wonderfully special from start to finish.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Indian Private Dining for 8 at Yaatra

Party-Style Immersive Experiences

Immersive experiences are known for being lively and great fun, which makes them popular at fundraising events. Donors enjoy the novelty and the guaranteed entertainment these themed evenings provide.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Bubbles and Betrayal: Traitors-Style Champagne Party for 16

Fun on the Water

Water-based experiences feel unique, adventurous, and exciting.
Bidders are drawn to the sense of novelty along with the opportunity to enjoy stunning scenery from a new perspective.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Loch Lomond Speedboat Pub Crawl for 8

Luxury Yacht Days

A day on a yacht offers donors a taste of luxury and freedom on the water.
It feels aspirational and memorable, making it a compelling choice for those wanting to spoil friends or family.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Ocean Yacht Adventure for 8

In-Home Wine Parties

A hosted wine experience at home feels relaxed and personal, ideal for groups who enjoy entertaining. Donors value the professional guidance and the chance to learn something new in the comfort of their own space.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: In-Home Sparkling Wine Tasting for 16

Pairing exciting prizes with the right fundraising technology can significantly increase bids. Explore the full capabilities of the Givergy fundraising platform to maximise your event’s success.

Top VIP Sports and Luxury Hospitality Experiences

Sporting and hospitality packages attract strong bidding from donors who enjoy premium access and unforgettable live events. These items make exceptional centrepiece prizes.

Centre Court Tennis Finals

Prestigious tickets like these are almost impossible to secure through standard channels. Donors love the opportunity to witness championship tennis in one of the world’s most iconic venues.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Wimbledon 2026 Ladies Final Centre Court Seats for Two

Quarter-Final Championships

Bidders enjoy the combination of world-class sport and a highly charged atmosphere.
These tickets place donors close to the action and offer a thrilling, memorable day out.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Wimbledon Court No.1 Quarter-Final Tickets for Two

Formula 1 Superyacht Hospitality

Few experiences feel as glamorous as watching Formula 1 from a luxury yacht.
Donors value the blend of thrilling racing, premium service, and an unforgettable vantage point.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Monaco Grand Prix 2026 Superyacht Experience for Two

Football World Cup Packages

Iconic matches in extraordinary stadiums provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
These packages combine passionate sporting moments with excellent hospitality and comfort.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: World Cup Quarter- and Semi-Final Packages

Championship Golf Days

This is a perfect prize for donors who appreciate a refined sporting experience in stunning surroundings. Championship courses offer a challenge along with the satisfaction of playing somewhere truly special.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Walton Heath Golf Experience for 3

Top Thrill-Seeking and Adventure Experiences

These exciting prizes appeal to donors who enjoy action, adrenaline, and unforgettable stories. Adventure experiences often generate competitive bidding because they feel bold and out of the ordinary.

Aerial Combat Flights

A unique chance for donors to experience real aerial manoeuvres and feel like a fighter pilot for the day.
The thrill and novelty make this one of the most memorable adventure prizes available.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Top Gun Air Combat Experience for 2

Extreme Aerobatics

This prize is ideal for thrill-seekers who want something truly extraordinary.
The intensity and excitement of aerobatic flying create an unforgettable experience.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Utter Nutter Aerobatic Thrill Ride

Clay Shooting with Dining

A sporting challenge combined with fine dining appeals to donors who enjoy variety in their experiences.
It offers the satisfaction of mastering a skill along with a rewarding meal to round out the day.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Clay Shooting Lesson and 3-Course Lunch for 2

Epic Fire and Ice Adventures

This experience offers dramatic scenery, geological wonders, and a sense of adventure in every moment.
Donors appreciate the chance to explore somewhere remarkable while enjoying premium travel arrangements.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Iceland Luxury Fire and Ice Experience for 4

Castle Hire for Private Gatherings

Hiring an entire castle makes any celebration feel grand and unforgettable.
Donors love the sense of history and exclusivity that comes with hosting a private event in such a spectacular setting.

What you’ll find in the Givergy Catalogue: Hire an Entire Castle in the Scottish Highlands

Final Thoughts: Make Your Next Event Unforgettable

The right experience prize raises funds, creates excitement, inspires generosity, and leaves donors with memories that live far beyond the auction room. Every example listed above comes directly from the Givergy Catalogue, making it easier than ever for charities to access high-impact, reliable experiences. For even more prize inspiration, explore our popular list of raffle prizes for adults packed with ideas for every type of event.

Or, if you’re ready to elevate your next fundraising event with a star experience, get in touch and get started with Givergy today.

How to Host a Movie Screening Fundraiser for Schools

Posted on March 7, 2025August 29, 2025 by Jordan Morris

There’s no better way to unite your school community while raising funds than an event. However, your fundraising team may struggle to develop unique event ideas that parents, students, and teachers will love.

Look no further than a movie screening fundraiser! School community members of all ages will enjoy watching a movie together to benefit your cause. This guide will walk you through the process of hosting a movie screening fundraiser step by step so you can easily execute your own.

Determine the logistics.

Straighten out your event’s logistics first before diving into the fundraising process. That way, you can lay a strong foundation and understand exactly what your event will look like. This process will include:

Selecting a date and time. You’ll likely want to host your movie screening fundraiser at night or on a weekend to maximize attendance. Make sure the date doesn’t conflict with any major holidays or other community events, and finalize it far enough in advance that school families will be available.
Finding a venue. Many schools use their auditoriums or gyms for large events because they’re large, low-cost spaces. If you’re hosting your movie screening fundraiser outside, you can use a projector and sheet.
Choosing a movie. Have students vote on the movie they’d like to watch. Select a few family-friendly options to choose from, and spread awareness of the winner to stir up excitement.

Your staff is likely busy with daily tasks and may not have time to manage event logistics independently. ABC Fundraising’s school fundraiser guide recommends forming a parent event committee to streamline this process and gather parent input on your efforts.

Establish a fundraising goal.

Next, develop a fundraising goal to focus your efforts and let your community know what their funds will go toward. Using the SMART goal framework ensures your goals are actionable and trackable so you can easily measure progress and evaluate your success. Here’s an example of what the SMART goal framework looks like in action:

Specific: Clarify exactly what you’re raising money for and how you will do so. For example, you may run a movie screening fundraiser to start a tennis club, purchase new art supplies, or expand your school building.
Measurable: Link your goal to a specific dollar amount to hold your team accountable and motivate people to contribute.
Achievable: Your fundraising goal should be reasonable based on past fundraising results. For instance, if you raised $2,000 during your last fundraising event, you may strive to raise $2,500 to challenge your team while staying realistic.
Relevant: Ensure your fundraising goal is relevant to your overarching mission. As long as you’re raising money to make your school a better place, your goal will fulfill this category.
Time-Bound: Assign a timeline to your goal. Since you’re hosting an event, the date of the movie screening fundraiser will likely mark the end of your campaign.

Altogether, your SMART goal may look like this: “Our school will run a movie screening fundraiser to raise money for our new tennis club that will encourage our students to become more active. We aim to raise $2,500 in the two months leading up to the event.”

Recruit volunteers.

Call upon parents and community members to power your event. Better Impact’s volunteer management guide recommends doing the following to streamline the recruitment process:

Write clear role descriptions. List the responsibilities involved in different roles. For example, you may have a ticket sales and check-in role responsible for verifying online ticket purchases and selling in-person tickets, a concessions role responsible for selling snacks and drinks, and a clean-up crew role responsible for ensuring the space is spotless at the end of the event.
Create online application forms. Simplify volunteer sign-up with streamlined digital forms that collect contact information, relevant skills, and availability. Ensure this information flows easily into your constituent relationship management platform (CRM) for easier management.
Promote opportunities across multiple channels. Spread the word about your volunteer openings via your website, social media, email, and volunteer matching platforms. Attach your team’s contact information so interested community members can reach out with any questions.

Once you’ve recruited volunteers, host an orientation session that clarifies how the event will work, what volunteers will be responsible for, and how long they’re expected to be at the fundraiser.

Promote the event.

The more you publicize your event, the more tickets you’ll sell. Get your school community involved by promoting your event on various channels, including:

School website. Add the movie screening fundraiser to your school calendar, and create an announcement on the site that lets parents know about the event. Consider developing a fundraising event page to feature information about past and upcoming events.
Newsletter. If your newsletter features an important dates section, include your movie screening fundraiser so families can mark their calendars. As the event gets closer, give updates, such as how much money you’ve raised and how many days are left until event day, to excite your school community.
Social media. Develop graphics that students and parents can share across social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Emphasize what information they should include in their captions, such as the event’s date and time, ticket sales link, and what money will go toward. Make it even easier by including a caption template.
Flyers. While digital marketing strategies have a wider reach, flyers are still reliable for promoting fundraising events within your community. Use a graphic design platform to brand the flyers to your school and post them in high-traffic areas like your local library or cafe.

Event marketing is a great way to involve students in your fundraiser planning. Have younger students write letters to their families inviting them to the event, and work with older students to create and post social media graphics.

Develop additional revenue streams.

Maximize funds by generating additional revenue streams for your event. During your movie screening fundraiser, you may do the following to reach and exceed your fundraising goal:

Sell concessions. What screams a movie screening more than candy and popcorn? Sell snacks and drinks like a real movie theater to create a more immersive experience and generate more revenue simultaneously.
Incorporate a discount card fundraiser. Running a discount card fundraiser involves working with a product fundraising company to develop physical cards that feature discounts for local businesses. Then, you can sell these cards at your event to support your community and school.
Host a silent auction. Gather auction items and set them up outside the movie venue for parents to bid on. To stay on theme, consider throwing in some movie-related items like a streaming service subscription, movie theatre rewards program membership, and a concessions basket.

In addition to these fundraising ideas, you may also collect general donations during ticket sales and the event to further maximize funds. Use a fundraising thermometer to let families know how close you are to your fundraising goal and urge them to contribute just a bit more to push you over the finish line.

Finally, at the end of your movie screening fundraiser, thank attendees for coming and inform them of their impact. Evaluate your event’s success by tracking the revenue you raised through different sources and turnout. It’s a good idea at the end of your fundraiser to survey attendees to gather their feedback. This learning loop will then help you improve your next community event.

—————————————————————————————————

Whether it’s selling tickets, or hosting a silent auction or raffle, Givergy has helped thousands of nonprofits worldwide raise more at their events and online. To contact one of our experts to talk about your fundraising plans today, click here!

6 Questions To Ask When Planning Your Next School Fundraising Event

Posted on April 27, 2018August 29, 2025 by Ben Crook

We understand that school fundraising can be tricky! Like any other fundraising event, schools undoubtedly have hurdles to overcome in order for their event to be a success. However, after supporting hundreds of school fundraising events across the globe, we stumbled across a few qualities and assets that schools naturally retain, giving them an advantage when it comes to fundraising. Make sure to ask yourself these six questions to ensure you get the most out of what you may already have at your disposal.

Continue reading “6 Questions To Ask When Planning Your Next School Fundraising Event”