Fundraising Ideas for Outdoor Movie Nights

🎬 Outdoor Movie Night Fundraiser Ideas: How to Maximise Fun and Profit

Movie nights are one of those golden fundraising events as they bring people together, create a great atmosphere, and can deliver a healthy profit for your school or club. But the truth is, what works brilliantly for one group might flop for another. The magic lies in the planning.

Here’s a guide to hosting a movie night your community will remember and your treasurer will love.

💡 Funding Your Event

• Check for council grants Many councils offer funding for community events. It’s worth a quick look at their website or a call to your local events officer.

• Seek local sponsorships Create tiered packages so businesses of all sizes can get involved.

• Sell pre-movie advertising Offer local businesses an ad spot on the big screen before the movie starts.

🎟 Get Your Permissions in Order

Public performance licensing is a must for any movie fundraiser. Skipping it can lead to fines up to $250,000 and it's not a risk worth taking. Look into reputable suppliers who can arrange this for you.

📣 Promote Like a Pro

Don’t just rely on your regular channels. You need to cast a wider net. Share your event on:

• Social media (use local community groups)

• Community noticeboards

• Local newspapers

• Radio

Top tip: Pre-sell tickets to lock in numbers. Sweeten the deal with early bird pricing.

🎁 Boost Profits with Extras

• Raffles Sell tickets at the gate and in the lead-up.

• VIP/Gold Class section Think bean bags, couches, and comfy rugs. Offer it as a pre-sale upgrade or a prize draw for ticket buyers.

🍿 Food & Drink = Big Returns

If you’ve got the volunteers, DIY catering can be your biggest earner:

• Sausage sizzles, hot dogs, nachos, burgers, pasta, pizza

• Popcorn, sno cones, fairy floss

• Hot and cold drinks, even a bar if allowed

If DIY is too much, book food trucks instead. Negotiate a flat site fee or a percentage of their sales.

🎡 Take It Up a Notch

If you have the space, turn your movie night into a mini carnival with rides and market stalls. Start the fun a few hours before the movie and sell unlimited ride bands in advance. Many operators work on a commission basis, so no upfront costs.

🎥 No Outdoor Space? No Problem!

Cinema chains often offer private movie fundraisers. You buy tickets at a reduced price, add your profit margin, and sell to your community. It’s lower effort, but the audience will be smaller. A preview screening of a new release can help you sell out quickly.

Remember whether you go big with an outdoor spectacular or keep it simple with a private screening, movie nights are a win-win as they are fun for your community and a boost for your fundraising tally.