Funny Ways to Raise Money at Your Meeting

Telemarketers, direct mail and schoolchildren flood the market asking for individuals to contribute funds for their causes. Add some humor to the collection and potential donors will be more inclined to respond. There are some funny ways to raise money for your favorite cause at your next meeting.

Ugly Art

Before the meeting, find an ugly sculpture and place it on the table as a centerpiece. When the meeting starts, point out the ugly sculpture to everyone. Tell them you will keep the sculpture on the table until one person in the group purchases the it. If more than one person wants the sculpture gone, give them a chance to outbid each other. Let them know that the money received benefits charity. If this is a large meeting, put two ugly sculptures on the table and auction both of them.

Give employees the chance to ask the senior management team any question they want. Before the next company meeting, send an email to all employees letting them know that they can purchase tickets for a senior management interview. One ticket gives the employee the opportunity to ask one question. Set ground rules clarifying that confidential information will not be shared. At the meeting, present the senior management team. Every employee who purchased a ticket can redeem it in exchange for the chance to ask one question of the senior manager of their choice.

The next time employees gather together for a meeting, set up an employee perk silent auction. Make a list of perks employees appreciate while working. Examples may include dressing down for a day, eating lunch with the president or a bonus vacation day. Make a poster identifying each employee perk and attach a blank bid form. Allow meeting attendees to walk around and bid on the gifts. At the end of the meeting, announce the winners for each gift, collect the money and award the prizes.