Sweet summertime! Longer daylight hours, school breaks, vacations, and favorable weather. The sunshine and heat allow you to get outside more, which boosts energy levels and mood. People love summer for all kinds of reasons, but the ALA Development team loves it because it’s fundraiser season.

Summer is the perfect time to kick off fundraising efforts, not just because of the sunshine and school breaks, but because people naturally feel more upbeat, social, and generous this time of year (thank you, vitamin D and endorphin levels for this boost in mood and energy!). It’s the perfect opportunity to engage ALA supporters in fun, feel-good events that leave a lasting impression. To help you make the most of the season, here are five creative summer fundraiser ideas that are sure to spark joy and support veterans and military families:

1. Outdoor movie night: Turn your unit’s parking lot or lawn into an open-air theater! Choose a family-friendly movie, sell tickets, popcorn, and drinks and host an outdoor movie night. If you want to go above and beyond, offer a VIP seating area with lawn chairs or blankets provided.
2. Barbecue, chili cook-off, or fish fry: Host a dinner event and charge an entry fee to the flavor fest!
3. Outdoor fitness activity: Choose a fitness activity (yoga, barre, HIIT, etc.) and partner with a local instructor to host a donation-based class at your unit!
4. Ice cream social: “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” Host an ice cream social where guests donate for sundaes and cones. 
5. Yard sale: Declutter for a cause! Host a community yard sale at your unit where all proceeds go to a project or cause that your unit is supporting.

No matter what you plan, make sure to promote your fundraiser on social media early and often, make it a family-friendly event, and don’t forget to offer multiple ways for people to donate (QR code, check, cash, card, Venmo, PayPal, etc.).  Let’s make summer one to remember: full of sunshine and support for our great organization!