A puzzle fundraiser? If you’ve been to a jigsaw puzzle competition, you know there is plenty of good puzzle love found during the event. It’s also a great way to fundraise as everyone who comes pays in some way. If you are watching the event you pay an admission fee, if you participate in the puzzle activities and of course, you want to buy jigsaw puzzles to take home. If you are looking for a way to raise money on a local level, look more further that a jigsaw puzzle competition.
A Puzzle Fundraiser is All about Puzzle Play
The organizing a jigsaw puzzle competition fundraiser for local puzzle players can be a fantastic way to engage the community while raising funds for a cause. Don’t be fooled though, it’s a lot of work and you definitely need to cater to puzzle enthusiasts of all ages – including the kids – but you will quickly see how it’s worth your time as these are very unique and a puzzle fundraiser will attract the attention of the people!
As I’ve been heavily involved with puzzles over the past four years, I’ve actually put together two jigsaw puzzle competition fundraisers, both for local institutions. And I’ve done other puzzle fundraisers for social groups, including Puzzle Wheel events and Puzzle Time events. All of which have brought in amazing interest and great fundraising. Yet, let me be frank: it’s a lot of work for any volunteer to undertake and you need a plan and some extra hands.
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My hope is sharing the idea of puzzle fundraising is to show how it’s possible to promote puzzle love while still engaging the children. In fact, I’ve seen libraries, schools and other civic institutions have amazing puzzle fundraisers and they did so with the idea of giving their best to the community. At the moment I’m putting together my latest book on puzzle fundraising as I know my firsthand experience can help others looking to fundraise on a local level.
Puzzle Competitions Bring in Funding
So what do you need to do? Well, planning is the best option when it comes to a puzzle competition. It’s the only way to be successful and from there, just executing an event to the best of your ability. Of course, you need to market your event, but don’t be surprised all the puzzle players that come out to support.
Here’s a step-by-step overview on how to plan and execute such an event:
1. Choose a Cause.
If it’s a school puzzle fundraiser, a library puzzle fundraiser or another institution that you’d like to support through the fundraiser it’s important to include the families within your community. I have always noticed that the more you bring in family + puzzle, the more fundraising you will find.
2. Secure a Venue.
Find a suitable venue for the competition that can accommodate the number of participants and spectators expected to attend. Consider factors such as space, accessibility, parking, and amenities. And this doesn’t need to be fancy, it just needs to be convenient.
3. Set a Date and Time.
Choose a date and time for the event that works best for your target audience and doesn’t conflict with other local events or holidays. Keep in mind that holiday seasons are extremely hectic and you might do better during the Spring and Fall of the year. Consider weekends or evenings when more people are likely to be available.
4. Determine the Format.
Decide on the format of the competition, including the number of participants or teams, the duration of the competition, and any specific rules or themes you want to implement. You can also consider having multiple rounds or categories based on difficulty levels. Decide on the events for the people to participate and to enjoy. Make some of the events like speed puzzling a predetermined signup while other events like puzzle wheels be first come, first served and even have puzzles to play that are on tables where everyone can enjoy.
5. Promote the Event.
Create promotional materials such as flyers, posters, social media posts, and press releases to raise awareness about the fundraiser. Reach out to local media outlets, community groups, schools, and puzzle enthusiasts to spread the word.
6. Recruit Participants
Encourage puzzle enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to participate in the competition. Offer early registration incentives and discounts to attract more participants and ask people who love puzzles to offer up their skills. Perhaps they can show how they solve puzzles or maybe they can take pictures with fans. Even if they come to practice, it’s worth your puzzle fundraiser to inquire.
7. Find Donations.
Seek support from local businesses, corporations, and individuals to sponsor the event or donate prizes, supplies, and refreshments. Offer various sponsorship levels with corresponding recognition and benefits. Keep it local as much as possible and try to share the excitement of support with the donors.
8. Register Participants
Set up an online registration system or allow participants to register in person, if you want them to play scheduled events. Collect registration fees and provide participants with event details, rules, and instructions online. Or have the options to show up and play (which can get overwhelming quickly so be prepared.)
9. Prepare Supplies and Get Volunteers.
Gather all the necessary supplies for the competition, including jigsaw puzzles of various sizes and difficulty levels, puzzle boards or mats, timers, tables, chairs, pens, and prizes. Make sure you have everything and get the extra people to help you facilitate the needs of your guests.
10. Create Fundraising Opportunities.
Offer additional fundraising opportunities during the event, such as selling refreshments, merchandise, raffle tickets, or accepting direct donations. You can also set up a silent auction or a pledge drive.
11. Host the Competition.
On the day of the event, welcome participants and spectators, and provide them with an overview of the competition format, rules, and schedule. Ensure that the competition runs smoothly and that participants have everything they need to compete.
12. Award Prizes and Recognitions
At the end of the competition, announce the winners and award prizes or certificates to the top performers or winning teams. Recognize sponsors, volunteers, and supporters for their contributions.
13. Make sure you have vendors so people can mingle.
Between the puzzle competitions and the chance to learn about puzzles, have vendors who can serve food, snacks and even sell puzzles (or other local vendors). You will be surprised how many people will come if they know you have fun, inexpensive items to purchase.
14. Thank Participants and Supporters
Express gratitude to all participants, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters for their involvement and contributions to the fundraiser. Share the total amount raised and how it will benefit the chosen cause.
Puzzles are a Great School Fundraiser
Obviously the overview of how to run a jigsaw puzzle competition for a puzzle fundraiser is short here on my blog, but these are the steps that give you a perspective to getting started. My new book on Puzzle Fundraisers offers more details on how you can create a successful jigsaw puzzle competition fundraiser for local puzzle players, make a positive impact in your community and make money for a cause that you feel needs supporting. Puzzle fundraising is perfect for schools, libraries and even senior centers!
