The short version
- Choose an event your volunteers can run well and your community will want to repeat.
- Keep costs low with sponsors and in-kind donations, and add revenue beyond the ticket.
- Check your tax position early. Charity rules differ from regular events.
- Follow up within a few days so guests become supporters.
Choose the right type of event
| Event | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Gala or dinner | Major donors, sponsors, auctions | High costs; needs strong sponsorship |
| Trivia, comedy or music night | Low cost, fun, easy to repeat | Lower ticket prices; relies on volume |
| Run, walk or ride | Peer-to-peer fundraising, community visibility | Permits, insurance, volunteers on the route |
| Market or festival | Community reach, vendor fees, sponsors | Weather and logistics |
| Workshop or talk | Mission education, new audiences | Smaller revenue per event |
The best choice is usually the one you can repeat. A modest event that runs every year builds a list of supporters who come back, which is worth more over time than one big night.
Set a goal and a budget
Decide what you need to raise and work backwards: how many guests, at what ticket price, plus how much from sponsors, donations and add-ons. List every cost, including ticketing fees (see how ticketing fees work in Canada), and keep a contingency.
Ways to stretch the budget
- In-kind donations: venues, catering, printing, prizes and professional services from local businesses
- Sponsorship packages: clear tiers with real benefits, such as logo placement, tickets and a mention from the stage
- More than one revenue stream: tickets plus donations, raffles, auctions or merchandise
- Low platform costs: no monthly fees and a nonprofit discount where available
Sell tickets and raise more at checkout
- Tiered tickets: general, supporter and VIP prices, so people can give more if they want to
- Pay what you can: keeps community events open to everyone
- Donation add-ons: let buyers add a donation amount in the same checkout
- Sponsor and table packages: sell group tickets to businesses
- Early-bird pricing: brings cash in early and shows momentum
On Bloom, all of this is included at $0.75 per paid ticket, with a 20% rebate on Bloom's fees for registered nonprofits.
Know the Canadian rules
Sales tax
Many admissions sold by registered charities are exempt from GST/HST, and charities have their own small-supplier thresholds: $50,000 in taxable supplies, or $250,000 in gross revenue. Nonprofits that aren't registered charities follow different rules. Our event ticket tax guide explains the basics.
Tax receipts
Registered charities can only receipt the part of a ticket price that's more than the value of what the guest receives (the meal, entertainment and so on). Calculate this carefully and follow CRA guidance.
Raffles and lotteries
Raffles usually need a provincial licence, and the rules differ by province. Apply well ahead of your event.
Alcohol
Serving alcohol usually needs a special-event permit from your province. Check timelines early.
Recruit and organize volunteers
Volunteers make or break nonprofit events. Define clear roles (check-in, setup, donor relations, runners, cleanup), give each a lead, and brief everyone before doors open. Recruit from your board, past attendees, partner organizations and local schools. Feed them, thank them publicly, and invite them back.
For check-in, a phone-based scanner means volunteers don't need special equipment, and Tap to Pay lets them take donations or walk-up tickets at the door. See selling tickets at the door.
Promote it
- Email your supporters first, then announce publicly
- Ask board members, partners and sponsors to share with their networks, each with their own tracking link
- Tell the story of the impact, not just the logistics: who the money helps and how
- Use local discovery channels and community calendars
More ideas in our social media playbook.
Follow up within 48 hours
The days after the event are when supporters feel most connected. Send a thank-you that shares what was raised and what it will do. Thank volunteers, sponsors and donors individually. Invite guests to follow you so they hear about the next event first. Our email marketing guide covers the follow-up sequence and Canada's anti-spam rules.
Frequently asked questions
Do charities charge GST/HST on event tickets?
Often not. Many admissions sold by registered charities are exempt from GST/HST, and charities have their own small-supplier thresholds. There are exceptions, so check the CRA's guidance for charities or ask an accountant before you set prices.
Can I issue a tax receipt for a fundraising event ticket?
Only for the portion of the ticket that's more than the value of what the guest receives, such as the meal and entertainment, and only if you're a registered charity. The CRA has specific rules for this, so confirm before issuing receipts.
Does Bloom offer a nonprofit discount?
Yes. Registered nonprofits get a 20% rebate on Bloom's fees, and free events are always free.
What's the best fundraising event for a small organization?
One your community will genuinely enjoy and that your volunteers can run well. Trivia nights, community dinners, markets and workshops have low costs and can repeat, which builds a base of returning supporters.
Sell your next event on Bloom
$0.75 per ticket, no monthly fees, and every feature included. Free events are free.
Create your free account →No credit card required • Payouts through Stripe • Built for Canadian organizers