From remote watch parties to fancy film premieres, there are many different ways that you could go about crafting your own unique movie night fundraiser. That’s what makes this fundraising idea such a fan favorite—it can be tweaked to match your team’s resources and what you think would best suit your supporters’ interests. 

In particular, among the dozens of different movie night event styles that you could tinker with, here are just a few of the most popular ideas:

1. Outdoor Movies in the Park

With a classic movie night in the park, you can host an exciting outdoor event that brings the community together! Get in contact with your local government to secure permission to use a wide, grassy, and comfortable area to set up your event. In fact, there are probably outdoor amphitheaters and other venues that have hosted similar events in the past, with equipment and experienced organizers to help ensure your fundraiser gets set up without a hitch.

Additionally, keep an eye on the weather so that your event isn’t spoiled by storms or showers. Pay close attention to the terrain, as well, and advise attendees on items they should bring to be as comfortable as possible—like blankets, lawn chairs, or clothing recommendations.

While this event will take a bit of extra planning and investment, it can be an incredibly engaging and lucrative campaign that attendees look forward to every year.

2. Virtual Watch Parties

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual movie fundraisers or “watch parties” saw a huge uptick in popularity and have remained popular ever since—and it’s easy to see why! This simple, cheap, and convenient movie night fundraiser involves using a virtual streaming tool or platform, like Teleparty, to stream content to your attendees in exchange for a registration fee.

If your fundraising team is running on a limited budget, this can be an especially easy strategy to engage donors. With minimal planning and investment, you could encourage friends and family to gather together for a cozy, charitable movie night indoors.

3. Special Advance Screenings

This movie fundraiser involves getting in contact with a media group or film distributor to host an early access premiere of upcoming indie or even blockbuster films. The thing that makes this fundraiser so alluring for attendees is that they have a chance to see new and exciting content ahead of the crowd, all while supporting your mission.

While you’ll need to do a bit of networking and jump through a few legal hoops to secure new movie releases for the event, this movie night style can be a highly-anticipated, grand occasion that supporters from all over your community will flock to.

4. Local Film Premieres

Raise money for your cause while also supporting local artists. With a local film premiere or even a local film festival, attendees will be invited to experience art that has been produced by members of their own community.

Be sure to pick a theme to tie the films together and build your event around. For example, you might throw a horror premiere, a romance-centered film festival, or call for stories centering around a specific social issue or culture. If you’re affiliated with a school or university, you could even host a student film festival and encourage families to come and see their loved one’s work come to life on the big screen—for a entrance fee.

Be sure to provide refreshments, food, and a nice venue for attendees to stay energized and entertain themselves with before the projector starts rolling. You might even roll out a red carpet and set up a photo area for casts, crews, and attendees to maximize engagement.

5. Seasonal and Holiday Movie Nights

While movie nights are fun at any time of the year, it will definitely be easier to build more momentum and support around your event if it coincides with a festive season or day. For example, summertime blockbuster movie nights are a big hit, along with horror-themed Halloween fundraisers and heartwarming holiday films during the winter months.

Be sure that the films you choose, your venue’s decorations, and your marketing materials are infused with the spirit of the season. In fact, you could even serve holiday-themed foods, like hot chocolate or spooky snacks, and ask event volunteers to dress up so that attendees are fully immersed in the experience.