A bingo night fundraiser is one of the best ways to raise money for your team, cause, or school. Bingo is cost-effective, easy to play, and brings everyone together, from kids and parents to grandparents and neighbours.
This guide walks you through how to plan a bingo fundraiser from start to finish, including what supplies you need, how much to charge, bingo fundraiser prize ideas, and creative themes to help you raise even more.
- Step-by-step bingo fundraising plan
- Bingo fundraiser essentials checklist
- What to charge for a bingo fundraiser
- Bingo fundraising prize ideas
- More tips for running a smooth bingo night
Your step-by-step bingo fundraiser plan
Give yourself six to eight weeks to plan, especially if you need a licence or want to collect donated prizes. Here's how to get organized.
1. Set a fundraising goal
Decide how much you want to raise and what it's for, such as new uniforms, a class trip, or tournament fees. A clear goal helps you set prices and gives supporters a reason to show up.
2. Check your provincial gaming rules
In Canada, bingo events where players pay to play and win prizes are often regulated by your province or territory, and many require a licence, even for charities and schools. Contact your provincial gaming regulator or local municipality early to find out what applies to your event.
3. Build a volunteer team
Recruit volunteers for ticket sales, calling numbers, checking winning cards, running the snack table, and setup and cleanup.
4. Secure a venue
A school gym, church hall, or community centre works well. Confirm the date, capacity, tables and chairs, and whether you can sell food on site.
5. Determine costs and entry pricing
Estimate your costs for supplies, prizes, and food, then set your entry fee so you comfortably cover expenses (see pricing tips below).
6. Confirm prizes
Start reaching out to local businesses for prize donations at least a month ahead, if possible. Otherwise, gift cards are an excellent alternative if you can't get any donations.
7. Plan your gameplay
Decide how many games you'll play (10 to 15 is typical for a two-hour event), which patterns you'll use, and which prize goes with each game.
8. Promote your event
Start spreading the word about three to four weeks before your bingo night.
Your bingo fundraiser night checklist
You only need a few key supplies to run a bingo night. Contact your local community centre to see if they have equipment you can borrow; you can often get it for free or for a very small fee.
- Bingo cards, books, or sheets. Print your own from free online templates, or buy pre-printed bingo books.
- Daubers or markers. Have plenty on hand.
- A bingo cage and balls. The heart of the game. Borrow one if you can, or use a bingo-calling app as a backup.
- A microphone and speaker. So every player can hear the numbers clearly.
- Tables and chairs. Set them up before guests arrive.
- A cash box and payment options. Bring a float of small bills and coins, plus a tap or e-transfer option.
- Prize table and signage. Display prizes where everyone can see them to build excitement.
What to charge for a bingo fundraiser
The right price depends on your audience and your prizes. A family-friendly school bingo night usually works best with a low entry fee of $5 to $10, while an adults-only evening with bigger prizes can support $15 to $25 or more.
To set your price, add up your expected costs, then divide by the number of people you expect. That's your break-even point. Price above it, and let add-ons like extra cards and snacks drive your profit. For example, 100 players at $10 each brings in $1,000 at the door. If you sell another $300 in snacks and $200 in extra cards, and your costs are $250, you'd raise $1,250 for your group.
Other ways to raise money during a bingo fundraiser
In addition to charging for entry or charging per game, consider these add-ons:
- Extra cards, $1 to $5 per card
- Special games, $2 to $5 per game
- Food and drinks, $1 to $5 per item
- 50/50 draw, $2 to $5 per ticket (note that a licence may be required)
Bingo fundraiser prize ideas
Start by approaching local businesses and community members to ask if they'd donate prizes. In return, thank them publicly at the event, on your social media, or in your newsletter.
Prize ideas that tend to be crowd-pleasers:
- Gift cards for restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and retailers
- Local experiences such as a spa visit, a round of golf, bowling passes, or movie tickets
- Themed gift baskets like a movie-night basket, a self-care basket, or a backyard barbecue bundle
- Services donated by parents or local businesses, such as a car detail, a haircut, or a family photo session
- Sports gear and team merch, perfect for team fundraisers
- Tickets to local events such as a junior hockey game, a theatre show, or a family attraction
- Kid-friendly prizes like books, games, toys, and craft kits for younger players
- A grand prize for the final blackout game, such as a larger gift card, a tablet, or a weekend getaway
Tip: save your best prize for the last game of the night. It keeps players in their seats, buying cards and snacks, right to the end.
Other tips for running a smooth bingo night
On the big day, a little organization goes a long way.
- Set up early. Arrange tables, the prize display, and the check-in area at least an hour before doors open.
- Explain the rules at the start. Briefly cover how to play, which pattern wins each game, and how to call "Bingo!"
- Call at a steady pace. Read each number clearly, twice, and post it on your display board if you have one.
- Verify every win. Have a volunteer check winning cards against the called numbers before awarding a prize.
- Plan for ties. Decide in advance how you'll split a prize or break a tie, such as a quick draw or a second prize.
- Take short breaks. A 10-minute intermission halfway through is the perfect time to sell snacks, extra cards, and raffle tickets.
- Share your results. After the event, tell supporters how much you raised and what it will fund. It builds trust and makes next year even easier.
Ready to call 'bingo'?
With a clear goal, the right supplies, smart pricing, and a few great prizes, you'll be well on your way to a successful bingo night fundraiser.
To make your earnings go even further, buy your gift card prizes through FlipGive to earn cash back for your team, cause, or school. Your prize budget does double duty, rewarding your winners while adding to your fundraising total.
- Enroll your organization in a free FlipGive program, then invite families to your program.
- Buy gift cards to pay for purchases, or shop online. With hundreds of brands available, there's something for everyone on FlipGive, no matter your preferences.
- Your team or group earns cashback with every purchase!
Curious what your household could earn? Try our free Earning Potential Calculator to find out—and imagine the impact when everyone in your program gets involved.
