A golf ball drop fundraiser is one of the most exciting and crowd-pleasing ways to raise money for a good cause. It combines the thrill of a raffle with the spectacle of hundreds (or even thousands) of golf balls dropping from above onto a target. The ball that lands closest to the hole wins — and so does your nonprofit.
Unlike traditional raffles or silent auctions, a golf ball drop fundraiser is easy to set up, fun to watch, and works for organizations of any size. Whether you’re raising money for a school, charity, or community project, this creative event can help generate buzz and donations fast.
How a Golf Ball Drop Fundraiser Works
The concept is simple: supporters “purchase” numbered golf balls, which are then dropped from a helicopter, crane, or elevated platform onto a designated target area. Each ball corresponds to a donor or ticket holder. When the balls are dropped, the closest ball to the hole (or a marked spot) wins the grand prize.
Because the event is visual and interactive, it’s easy to build excitement around it. Many organizations host the drop during a tournament, festival, or community gathering. Others livestream the event to maximize participation from supporters who can’t attend in person.
Why It’s a Great Fundraising Idea
A golf ball drop fundraiser has several advantages:
- Low overhead: The main costs are the golf balls, rental equipment, and permits.
- Scalable: Whether you sell 100 balls or 5,000, the model works.
- Easy promotion: The spectacle itself is a great marketing tool.
- Flexible prizes: You can offer anything from cash to experiences to donated items.
- Great engagement: It builds anticipation and brings donors together.
Plus, because it’s fun and memorable, many donors return year after year to take part again.
Tips for Running a Successful Event
To get the best results, make it simple for people to participate. Offer online ticketing so donors can buy their golf balls quickly, share clear instructions on how the drawing works, and promote the event on social media, email, and at local businesses.
Secure a location that allows for a clear drop zone and good viewing. If possible, livestream or record the drop so supporters can see the excitement unfold in real time.
And finally, make the prize something worth playing for. The bigger the incentive, the more tickets you’ll sell.
The Bottom Line
A golf ball drop fundraiser is a creative, high-energy way to raise money and rally your community. With the right planning and promotion, this event can generate both excitement and meaningful impact for your cause.
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Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.
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