Try these game-changing fundraiser games to boost event revenue. Games and interactive experiences are powerful tools for nonprofits that want to raise more money and keep guests engaged, but they should be offered with intention and strategy.
In a recent webinar hosted by HGA Fundraising, charity experts from Murad Auctions discussed high-performing fundraiser games. Louis and Claire Murad shared game details, real examples, pricing strategies, and clever twists that make these activities fun, fresh, and incredibly profitable.
Below are the best games and interactive experiences you can add to your fundraiser to boost profit.
Live Surprise: The Ultimate Game-Changer FUNdraiser Game
Live Surprise is one of the most effective ways to start your live auction with big energy and instant revenue.
How It Works
- Create 100 surprise bags, boxes, or envelopes.
- Guests pay a set price (usually $50–$100 per bag) for the chance to win a major prize.
- Inside each bag is a small keepsake item, plus one bag contains the grand prize.
Why It Works
- It’s fast.
- All participants get something.
- It sparks excitement before the live auction starts.
Louis shared a real example featuring a Dallas-based luxury store that sponsored the Live Surprise game by donating the keepsakes and the prize. Guests bought themed bags filled with a branded keepsake wine stopper. One lucky bag contained the top prize, which was a pair of diamond earrings. The auctioneer announced the game from stage and volunteers brought the bags out covering all areas of the room. The nonprofit sold out in 2 minutes offering 100 bags for $100 and made $10,000! Once everyone had their bags, the auctioneer announced that they should open their bag to reveal the winner!
Creative Variations
- Number boxes and use a spinning wheel to determine multiple winners
- Use Tiffany gift boxes or boxes from another jeweler arranged in a clear plexiglass display case and let guests choose a sealed box before the game begins.
- Give branded school or mascot keepsake items are in each bag.
How Many Boxes?
Do not have enough boxes or bags for everyone. If your event has mostly couples, have only ¼ the number of boxes as guests in the room. 200 guests-50 boxes. An event for mostly single guests would have 100 boxes. You want to sell out of the boxes quickly.
Heads or Tails with a Fun Twist
Heads or Tails is a classic revenue generator, but Murad Auctions added several creative twists that keep it fresh and mission-focused.
Traditional Rules
- Guests pay $25 to play.
- Everyone stands.
- Players pick “heads” (hands on head) or “tails” (hands on hips).
- The auctioneer flips a coin and reveals if it landed on heads or tails.
- Those who guess wrong sit down.
- The next round begins.
- The last person standing wins the prize.
Turn It Into a Mission-Based Trivia Over and Under Game
Instead of coins, give guests questions like:
“Last year, our organization served over 50,000 people or under 50,000 people.”
People put their hands on their head for “over” and on their tails for “under”.
People who guess wrong sit down. The last one standing wins.
This version educates the audience about your mission while raising money.
Themed Variations
Try a themed variation of Heads or Tails called Dead or Alive. Here is how it’s played:
- A celebrity photo appears on screen
- Guests hold up green paper for alive or red for dead
- Wrong answers sit down
Add a Buy-Back Option
To increase revenue:
- Allow eliminated players to buy back in for $50
- Limit buy-backs to 1–2 rounds to keep the game under five minutes
Click images below to watch our videos to see more games:
Turning Games Into Sponsorship Opportunities
Every game at your event is a branding moment and a chance to secure underwriting.
Examples:
- Live Surprise is sponsored by a business who provides the prize and keepsakes.
- Heads or Tails sponsored by a local car dealership, jeweler, or bank who donates the prize..
The auctioneer thanks sponsors from the stage by saying something like:
Thank you to ABC Jewelry Store for sponsoring tonight’s Live Surprise! You can also showcase the sponsor’s logo on signage and on the screens while you are playing the game. A representative of the sponsoring company can also draw the winner or flip the coin for heads and tails.
This gives sponsors visibility and increases their willingness to give.
Popular Prize Ideas for Auction Games
Guests love certain types of prizes. The following are recommendations from the webinar:
- iPads
- Amazon gift cards
- Airline certificates
- Staycations donated by hotels
- Mini travel packages
- Jewelry with a universal appeal like diamond stud earrings or diamond necklace
- Designer handbags, accessories or home items
- Restaurant certificates
Even modest prizes work if the game is fun and the energy is high.
Why These Games Work So Well
These fundraiser games work because they:
- Build energy before your live auction
- Allow everyone at the event to participate for a small price.
- Educate guests about your mission
- Encourage friendly competition
- Increase donor participation
- Create moments of laughter and excitement
- Generate revenue in minutes
These aren’t just games. They’re strategic fundraising tools that elevate your entire event experience.
Fundraiser games like the ones mentioned in this blog can transform your event’s energy and raise thousands of extra dollars before the live auction even begins.
With clever branding, strong sponsorships, and mission-driven storytelling, these activities become memorable moments that guests look forward to year after year.
If you want more fundraiser game ideas and more ways increase fundraiser revenue, check out our YouTube playlist and download our e-book.
Murad Auctions is here to help with increasing your fundraiser revenue. Schedule a free consultation to take your event to the next level.