Make Your Bowl-a-thon Fundraiser a Success

Have you considered the ever popular and wildly successful Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser? Do you even know what a Bowl-a-Thon is? Well you’ve come to the right place. We are going to show you how and why you’ll want to schedule one for your next fundraiser! 

Many people assume that a bowl-a-thon fundraiser is straightforward: book the lanes, gather participants, and watch the donations roll in. However, they often overlook key elements that can significantly boost success. 

In this article, we'll explain what a bowl-a-thon is and how it can be a fantastic way to raise funds for your cause. We'll also provide practical tips, templates, and fresh ideas to ensure your bowl-a-thon is a hit. 

What Is a Bowl-a-Thon?

A bowl-a-thon is a fundraising event where participants raise money by bowling. Typically, individuals or teams solicit pledges or donations for each game or pin they knock down. The event brings together communities, schools, nonprofits, and clubs for a fun and engaging way to support a cause.

For example, the 41st annual Junior Achievement of the Heartland Bowl-A-Thon raised over $140,000 to support local schools' financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship programs. 

Bowl-a-thons are a great way to:

• Engage the community in a fun activity
• Raise significant funds for important causes
• Promote teamwork and collaboration
• Provide visibility and support for the hosting organization
• Encourage healthy competition and physical activity

6 Steps to Run a Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser

Many organizers miss the mark because they fail to look beyond the basics. Here are key steps to help you organize a bowl-a-thon that meets and surpasses your expectations.

Step 1: Set Your Fundraising Goals

Without goals, it’s easy to get lost. Bowl-a-thons goals give you direction and help measure your progress. Let’s break it down into three types of goals.

• Overall Goals: You should set some big-picture targets for the entire event. For example, if you aim to raise $50,000 to support after-school programs, that’s your overall goal. You can show this goal on your event website, promotional materials, and at the bowling venue. 
• Team Goals: Each team participating in the bowl-a-thon should have their own target. Suppose you have 10 teams and want each team to raise $5,000. Display team progress on a leaderboard at the event or on social media.
• Individual Goals: Every participant should also have a personal goal. Let’s say each bowler aims to raise $500 by reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues. 

And here’s a great idea—give out t-shirts or other cool merch to participants who hit their fundraising goals. 

To set your goals, ask yourself:

• What is our total fundraising target?
• How many teams are participating?
• What is a realistic target for each team?
• How much should each participant aim to raise?
• What specific programs or projects will the funds support?

Step 2: Choose the Date and Venue

Book your date and venue at least three months before the event. Why? It gives you ample time to plan, promote, and get people signed up. Plus, you’ll have a better chance of snagging the best spot and avoiding clashes with other local events.

Each bowling lane can usually fit up to six players. Will teams bowl one game or three? Deciding this will help you plan how long your event runs and how many people you can fit in. Talk to the bowling alley—they’ve done this before and can give you good advice.

Can’t find a bowling alley? No problem! You can get creative with a virtual bowl-a-thon using Nintendo Switch Sports or old-school Wii Sports. (Nothing beats the energy and excitement of a physical event, though).

When picking your venue, keep these in mind:

• Parking space
• Accessibility
• Amenities (Restrooms, seating areas, and food options)
• Location
• Atmosphere

A bowl-a-thon combines an in-person event with online fundraising efforts, so using a platform that can handle both aspects seamlessly is important. Look for a tool that supports event registration and peer-to-peer or crowdfunding campaigns. 

With an online fundraising platform like BetterWorld, you can streamline the registration process, boost online donations, and keep track of your fundraising goals all in one place. 

Step 3: Find Sponsors

Sponsorship helps cover fundraising event costs and boosts your fundraising efforts. Here are different ways of sponsorships you can consider:

1. Title Sponsors: These are your big hitters. They’ll make a significant contribution, and in return, your event could carry their name. For example, “The XYZ Company Bowl-a-Thon.” 
2. Lane Sponsors: These sponsors fund individual lanes. Each lane could feature the sponsor’s name and logo, giving them visibility throughout the event. 
3. Team Sponsors: These sponsors support individual teams. They might cover the team’s entry fee or provide matching funds for what the team raises. In return, the team could wear branded T-shirts or have a banner with the sponsor’s name.
4. Prize Sponsors: These sponsors donate prizes for winners or top fundraisers. Their name will be associated with the excitement and rewards of the event. 

Don’t forget about in-kind donations! These are non-cash contributions like goods or services. For instance, a local restaurant might provide food for the event, or a print shop could donate flyers and banners. In-kind donations can significantly reduce event costs and add value to your bowl-a-thon.

Below is a concise sponsorship proposal template you can customize to fit your event’s needs. 

Sponsorship Proposal Template

Dear [Sponsor’s Name],

We are excited to announce our upcoming Bowl-a-Thon event on [Event Date] at [Event Location]. This event aims to raise funds for [briefly describe the cause or project your event will support], with a goal of [Your Fundraising Goal Amount].

We are seeking sponsorship from community-minded businesses like yours to make this event a success. Here are the sponsorship opportunities:

Sponsorship Levels:

1. Title Sponsor - $5,000:
   • Event named “The [Sponsor’s Company] Bowl-a-Thon”
   • Logo on all event materials
   • Recognition on our website and social media
   • Complimentary team registration for [number] participants
2. Lane Sponsor - $1,000:
   • Logo on one bowling lane
   • Recognition on our website and social media
   • Mention in the event program
3. Team Sponsor - $500:
   • Logo on team t-shirts
   • Recognition on our website and social media
   • Mention in the event program
4. Prize Sponsor - $250:
   • Recognition during the award ceremony
   • Mention in the event program

We also welcome in-kind donations, which will be acknowledged in our event materials and online platforms.

Your support will be prominently recognized throughout the event and in our promotional efforts. Attached is a sponsorship commitment form for your convenience.

Thank you for considering this proposal. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] with any questions.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization’s Name]

Step 4: Promote Your Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser

Don’t wait until the last minute to start promoting your bowl-a-thon. People are busy; if they know about your event a month in advance, they’re more likely to fit it into their schedules. 

Here’s how to get the word out effectively:

• Local Media: Try getting cheap or free ads on your local radio station or newspaper.
• Old-School Tactics: Send flyers or hand them out at busy intersections, malls, or schools.
• Local Shops: Ask shop owners if you can put flyers in their windows.
• Community Hangouts: Consider where people in your town spend time and find a way to grab their attention there.
• Online Buzz: Use social media, your website, and email newsletters to spread the word.
• Sponsor Shout-Outs: Make a separate plan to highlight your sponsors—they deserve the recognition!
• Regular Updates: Send out reminders, updates about new sponsors and vendors, and shout-outs for volunteers’ fundraising efforts.

Step 5: Register Teams and Bowling Formations

When it comes to registering teams, you want to keep things fair and fun. Make sure teams are balanced so one team doesn’t dominate every game. 

Set up an online registration system through BetterWorld’s peer-to-peer fundraising platform to make signing up easy. 

Consider what it will cost to participate. Establish a reasonable registration fee to cover event expenses. Here are some suggestions:

• Individual Bowler: $25
• Team of Six: $150
• Corporate Team: $500 (includes extra perks like company logo display and special recognition)

Encourage participants to raise a minimum amount in donations to support your cause ($80 - $100). This boosts your fundraising efforts. 

Here is a template you can use to set up your online registration form. Feel free to modify it to suit your needs!

Step 6: Post-Event Activities

Once the bowling fun is over, the real work begins! Start by sending out a big thank you to everyone who participated—bowlers, sponsors, volunteers, everyone. A heartfelt thank you goes a long way and shows your appreciation for their support.

Next, follow up with a recap of the event. Share how much was raised, any highlights, and what the funds will achieve. Keep the momentum going by updating your social media and website and sending newsletters.

Bowl-a-Thon Fundraising Event Planning Checklist

Here’s a comprehensive event planning checklist to help you stay on track and ensure nothing is overlooked.

3-6 Months Before the Event:

• Set Goals:
  • Determine your fundraising target.
  • Set participation goals for individuals and teams.
  • Define specific objectives for the event (e.g., community engagement, awareness).
• Choose Date and Venue:
  • Select a date for the event.
  • Book the bowling alley or set up the virtual platform.
  • Confirm the venue's capacity and amenities.
• Form an Event Committee:
  • Assign roles and responsibilities (e.g., sponsorships, marketing, logistics).
  • Schedule regular planning meetings.
• Secure Sponsors:
  • Identify potential sponsors.
  • Create sponsorship packages.
  • Reach out to businesses and organizations.

2-3 Months Before the Event:

• Set Up Online Registration:
  • Create an online registration form (see template above).
  • Launch the registration platform and promote it.
• Promote the Event:
  • Develop a marketing plan (social media, local media, flyers).
  • Design promotional materials (flyers, posters, banners).
  • Send out press releases and community announcements.
• Recruit Volunteers:
  • Identify volunteer roles (registration desk, lane monitors, etc.).
  • Start recruiting and training volunteers.
• Plan Event Logistics:
  • Arrange for necessary equipment (bowling shoes, balls, scorecards).
  • Plan for food and beverages (vendors, donations).
  • Ensure accessibility and accommodations.

1 Month Before the Event:

• Finalize Details with the Venue:
  • Confirm booking and any special requirements.
  • Coordinate setup and teardown times.
• Confirm Participants and Teams:
  • Send reminders to registered participants.
  • Finalize team assignments and lane schedules.
• Order Merchandise:
  • Order t-shirts or other branded items for participants.
  • Arrange for delivery or pickup.
• Engage the Community:
  • Host a pre-event meeting or webinar for participants.
  • Continue promoting the event through all channels.

1-2 Weeks Before the Event:

• Finalize Logistics:
  • Confirm volunteer schedules and roles.
  • Coordinate with vendors and suppliers.
  • Prepare participant packets (t-shirts, information sheets).
• Event Day Preparations:
  • Set up online donation and tracking tools.
  • Print necessary materials (signage, scorecards, registration lists).
• Communicate with Participants:
  • Send final event details and reminders.
  • Share tips and best practices for fundraising.

Day of the Event:

• Setup:
  • Arrive early to set up the venue.
  • Ensure all equipment and materials are in place.
  • Brief volunteers and assign tasks.
• Registration:
  • Welcome participants and handle check-ins.
  • Distribute participant packets and t-shirts.
• During the Event:
  • Monitor the event and address any issues.
  • Keep the energy high with announcements and updates.
  • Track fundraising progress and celebrate milestones.
• Wrap-Up:
  • Thank participants, sponsors, and volunteers.
  • Announce winners and distribute prizes.
  • Begin cleanup and teardown.

Post-Event Activities:

• Follow-Up:
  • Send thank-you emails to participants, sponsors, and volunteers.
  • Share event highlights and fundraising totals.
  • Collect feedback through surveys or follow-up calls.
• Review and Reflect:
  • Hold a debrief meeting with the event committee.
  • Discuss successes and areas for improvement.
  • Start planning for next year’s event!

FAQs About Bowl-a-Thon Fundraisers

How long does a bowl-a-thon typically last?

A bowl-a-thon can last from a few hours to a full day, depending on the number of participants and games played.

Do participants need to be good at bowling?

Not at all! Bowl-a-thons are meant to be fun and inclusive, regardless of skill level. It’s more about participation and supporting the cause.

What should participants bring to a bowl-a-thon?

Participants should bring comfortable clothing, any personal bowling gear if they have it, and a positive attitude. Snacks and water are also a good idea.

How are funds collected and tracked?

Funds can be collected and tracked online using the BetterWorld fundraising platform, which allows you to collect funds for free and keep everything organized.