What is a Community Fundraiser?

A community fundraiser is an event to benefit People's Place that is completely sponsored and organized by an individual, company, or organization outside of People’s Place. Since you are the architect of the event, the possibilities are endless!

You come up with an idea, plan all the details, handle the associated expenses, and enlist the help of your friends, family, and coworkers to organize and staff the event. Once your application has been submitted and your event approved, People’s Place can help spread the word about your event and recognize those who contribute.

Community fundraisers are a great way to have fun while supporting People’s Place and the individuals and families we serve.

Why Host a Community Fundraiser?

When you plan and host an event to benefit People’s Place, you help spread awareness about the important work we do while raising critical funds to support our programs and services.

Organizing a fundraising event can be a fun, empowering, and rewarding experience, especially when it involves your children, friends, coworkers, or community groups. Funds raised through community events help People’s Place continue providing food, clothing, shelter assistance, advocacy, and essential support services to individuals and families in need throughout our community.

What is the Process for Hosting a Community Fundraiser?

Think of an event → Apply → Plan → Host your event → Send People’s Place your donations

Can People’s Place Provide Guidance on Preparing for the Event?

People’s Place can:

    • Publicize the event via e-news, social media, and online channels.
    • Provide self-addressed envelopes to simplify gathering donor information, if needed.
    • Provide the People’s Place logo in several formats for use on promotional materials.

Please don’t hesitate to discuss your ideas with us. We are thrilled to help you help our community and can share insights from past fundraising experiences.

For more information, please contact:

Emily Grey
Director of Development
Email: Emily@peoplesplaceuc.org

Please Keep in Mind

We strive to support community fundraising events to the greatest extent possible. Unfortunately, People’s Place does not have the resources to handle the organizational and administrative tasks associated with community fundraisers, nor are we able to attend all events.

Therefore, event organizers are responsible for:

    • Underwriting event costs
    • Recruiting volunteers
    • Creating promotional materials
    • Managing event logistics
    • Staffing and operating the event itself

Proposals should be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled event, although 30 days in advance is preferred.

What Do I Call My Event?

It’s your event — make it topical, informative, fun, creative, or unique! Choose a name that reflects your personality and inspires participation.

What is Involved with the Planning and Application Phase?

First, obtain a Community Fundraiser Application from People’s Place.

During planning, consider the following questions:

    • Will you need volunteers to help on the day of the event?
    • Will you need permits or approvals?
    • How much money do you plan to raise?
    • What unexpected costs might arise?
    • Will you need sponsors to help cover expenses?

Please remember that event organizers are responsible for underwriting event expenses or obtaining sponsors to assist with costs.

Proposals should be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled event, although 30 days is preferred.

I Have Someone Willing to Sponsor My Event. How Does That Work?

To ensure all donations — including in-kind donations such as food, venue space, or supplies — are properly documented, please have your sponsor complete an in-kind donation form.

Please also inform us of any corporate sponsors involved with your fundraiser so we can thank them appropriately and avoid over-soliciting local organizations.

Where Do I Get an Application and Where Do I Send It?

Anyone interested in planning an event to benefit People’s Place must complete, sign, and submit a Community Fundraiser Application prior to the event.

Completed applications may be emailed or mailed to:

Emily Grey
Director of Development
People’s Place
17 St. James Street
Kingston, NY 12401
Email: Emily@peoplesplaceuc.org

Reminder

Please do not proceed with your event until you have received approval from People’s Place.

How Will I Know if My Event is Approved?

We will do our best to contact you within one week of receiving your application via email or telephone.

How Do I Handle the Money I Raise?

You may collect donations via cash or check and either hand-deliver or mail the donations to People’s Place. You may also choose to submit one combined check representing all donations collected.

If you have questions regarding donation handling or delivery, please contact Emily Grey at Emily@peoplesplaceuc.org.

Third-Party Event Ideas

This Is Your Event — The Sky Is the Limit!

Feel free to get as creative as you want. If you take photos at your event, send them to us — you may even be featured on our social media pages!

Support People’s Place

    • Donate
    • Ways to Give
    • Get Involved
    • Corporate Giving
    • Fundraising Events
      • Community Fundraiser FAQ
      • Third-Party Event Ideas

Need Inspiration? Try One of These Ideas:

    • Bake Sales — Share your baking skills while raising money.
    • Car Washes — Gather buckets, sponges, and volunteers.
    • House Parties — Invite friends and ask guests to donate.
    • Delectable Dinners — Host a themed dinner or tasting event.
    • Bingo Nights — Charge per bingo card and award prizes.
    • Collect Change or Recycle Cans — Great for schools and kids.
    • Book Sales — Sell gently used books at work or school.
    • Yard Sales — Declutter while supporting a great cause.
    • Restaurant Nights — Partner with a local restaurant.
    • Game Nights — Host board games, trivia, poker, or charades.
    • Karaoke Nights — Ask for donations per song.
    • Holiday Costume Parties — Celebrate any holiday anytime.
    • Birthday Fundraisers — Request donations instead of gifts.
    • Benefit Concerts — Showcase local musical talent.
    • Wine or Chocolate Tastings — Invite guests to sample favorites.
    • TV or Movie Marathons — Charge admission or collect donations.
    • Themed Dinner Parties — Pick a decade or fun theme.
    • A-thons — Bowl-a-thons, dance-a-thons, skate-a-thons, and more.
    • Block Parties — Bring neighbors together for a good cause.
    • Treasure Hunts — Create clues and charge entry fees.
    • Junior Prom Events — Recreate prom night for adults or teens.

These are just a few of the many creative ways you can support People’s Place. We love hearing about unique fundraising ideas and success stories!