How to Plan a Successful Game Activation for Fundraising Events

Why Game Activations Are the Secret Sauce of Fundraising Events

In a world of ever-shorter attention spans, the best way to get people to stop, smile, and *engage* at fundraising events is through interaction. Enter: game activations. These aren’t just kid’s play. When planned well, a branded game experience can spark emotional connection, boost brand exposure, drive donations, and turn your booth—or backyard—into the main event.

For promotional professionals, creative directors, or anyone in the business of curating brand experiences, leveraging games for fundraising is a must-know strategy. And with the right execution, they’re not only fun—they’re powerful tools for awareness and advocacy.

Step 1: Start With the Purpose, Not the Product

Before you start browsing promotional games for sale, step back. What’s your fundraising goal? Is it to raise awareness for a cause, drive social shares, encourage donations, or attract sponsors?

• Awareness-focused? Choose high-traffic, high-visibility games like branded prize wheels or light-up Drop-to-Win.
• Donation-focused? Gamify giving. Offer entry into a Topple Tower competition or mini-hoop challenge in exchange for a set donation amount.
• Engagement-focused? Spark interaction with a visually exciting Chiphole golf game or tabletop tic-tac-toe.

Once you define the goal, the right game practically picks itself.

Step 2: Choose the Right Game (or Games)

Not all fundraising events are created equal—and neither are branded games. Use your event format to guide your game selection:

• Outdoor walkathons or tailgates? Try outdoor-ready options like branded cornhole or Ring Race.
• Corporate or gala-style events? Lean into sophistication with a branded Putting Mat or Dartboard Cabinet.
• Indoor booths or trade shows? Go compact and bold with a mini table tennis set or door-mounted basketball hoop.

Still unsure? Browse our indoor options or get inspired by our tabletop curling—yes, that’s a thing.

Step 3: Brand It Boldly

The value of branded games at fundraising events is twofold: visibility and recall. With full-color imprinting, you’re not just entertaining—you’re making your message stick.

Need ideas for how to turn a simple game into a branded moment?

• Use carry cases as giveaways for top donors.
• Print sponsor logos on Topple Tower blocks—each layer tells a story.
• Customize a Surfboard Tiki Toss for beach-themed charity events.

Request a free mockup to see how your brand shines.

Step 4: Plan the Activation Flow

A successful activation isn’t just about the game itself—it’s about the experience. Consider the journey:

1. Attract: Use colorful signage and music to draw people in.
2. Engage: Have a charismatic host or volunteer explain the rules and mission.
3. Activate: Let them play! Offer chances to win swag, unlock donations, or simply have fun.
4. Convert: Give a clear CTA—scan this QR to donate, follow us, or visit our sponsor.

The game is the hook. The follow-up is where the magic (and metrics) happen.

Step 5: Make It Easy to Share

Fundraisers thrive on community—and nothing builds community faster than social proof. Make your game activation photo-worthy:

• Set up a branded backdrop or photobooth.
• Use hashtag signage with CTAs like “#ChipForChange” or “#ToppleForGood.”
• Offer small, branded prizes like logo’d poker chips for sharing photos.

Need custom concepts? We love those. Let’s chat.

Creative Fundraising Game Ideas That Work

Looking for inspiration beyond the obvious? Here are a few unorthodox ideas with big payoffs:

• “Hook for Hope” — Use the hook and ring game and charge $5 per play. Win? Double your donation’s impact via a sponsor match.
• “Sponsor the Swing” — Print sponsor names on sling chairs around your game zone. Great exposure, great branding.
• “The $500 Pong Shot” — Bring in a branded mini ping pong table and let people donate for chances to hit a high-score rally. Live leaderboard = real hype.

These ideas turn fundraising into storytelling—and donors into participants.

Free Tools to Help You Sell These Ideas Internally

Struggling to convince a client or internal team? We’ve got your back:

• Download branded flyers and sales tools here.
• Need a quick visual? Request a mockup—free and fast.
• View real-world case studies on our blog.

Why Qualified Pros Trust Promotoss

If you’re an ASI, PPAI, or Sage member sourcing for a client, you’re our people. You get:

• Fast shipping
• No setup fees
• Free drop shipping
• Free proofing and mockups
• Expert creative support

Game activations aren’t just things we sell—they’re stories we help build.