Penny Wars: A Non-Profit Fundraising Game

This is a very simple and easy fundraising idea for any organization. This can be done to increase funds for the organization itself or for a charity. Simply this is a way to raise money through friendly competition. Each group puts coins that receive positive points in their own containers, while placing coins and paper money that counts for negative values in the competing teams containers.

1) Groups

When selecting groups to compete against each other in the penny wars a couple things should be considered. First, the groups should be of close to equal size. Second, the groups must be competitive against each other. Third, the groups should be of members that are already bonded together for any reason, they should not be random or the friendly competitiveness between the groups will not be present. Some ideas for groups in different situations are for dorms each floor can compete against the rest, in a sorority, fraternity, or school do the event by class in school, if doing it school wide each organization can compete against the rest, or have one for each teacher and make the one that has the most points in their container "kiss a goat" or something similar.

2) Containers

Find however many jugs or other containers that are needed so that each group that is wanted to participate has there own jug. Clearly label and decorate each jug or the different division of people competing against each other can decorate their own containers.

3) Goal

Set a goal of how much the organization would like to raise for the event, this will help with motivation and determination of additional decisions. These decisions will include when to end the penny wars, how to advertise, and who to use as the different groups in the activity.

4) Score

This can be done in two ways. First, all coins can count for a predetermined number of points and any dollar bills placed in a container is a negative value of points. Secondly, only pennies can count as positive points, while all silver coins and dollar bills will be associated with negative point values.

5) Winners

The group that wins that penny wars, should receive some kind of a reward. The award can be anything from donuts to a longer lunch hour. By having a prize for the winning group, it will help add additional motivation other then just wanting to win.

6) Rules

As with all competitions rules are important. The rules for the penny wars include; ending date, starting date, who the groups will be, when the containers will be counted, who will count the money, what organization is the money go to, and basic rules about conduct.