The process of adopting is stressful. However, the cost shouldn’t be. Other than scholarships and grants, there are many ways to raise money that can involve your friends, family, and the community. One simple, fun way to raise money is to hold a trivia night. People love competitions, especially ones where they can put their knowledge to the test against friends, family members, and co-workers. Here are some tips in planning a successful night:

1. Figure out a date and a location. It would be best if the trivia night was on a Friday or Saturday so people don’t have to worry about work or school the next day. In addition, make sure that it doesn’t clash with another big event in your town, or is over a holiday weekend where people are most likely to be away. If you plan on having younger children at the event, start the event earlier in the evening. However, if it is mostly adults, it can be held later at night and people will stay longer. For the location, try to find someplace that is free as it is a fundraiser. If this is not the case, make sure to reach out to local restaurants and bars as they might have a room you can rent at a discounted price. Be sure to tell why you are doing the fundraiser and share the message of adoption.
2. Charge an entry fee. Since it is a fundraiser, charge ten to twenty dollars per person and ask people to arrange themselves in teams of up to ten. If people pay in advance, offer a discount.
3. Set up the round and questions. There can be around five to ten questions per round and five or more rounds that make up the whole night. It all depends on how long you want the night to last. Each round can have a different theme such as “Pop Culture” or “Famous Songs” or “History.” Make sure to include all types of questions as to include a wide variety of ages.
4. Organize the prizes. Make sure to have a “grand prize” for the team that gets the most questions right. However, also offer smaller prizes to the teams that didn’t win. This helps to show your appreciation of their support. Check with local businesses to see if they would be willing to donate prizes. However, prizes don’t need to be expensive, especially if you are in charge of getting them. Prizes can range from candy to a bottle of wine to gift cards to tickets to a concert.
5. Make sure to have a good host and refreshments. Offer food and drinks to everyone. This doesn’t have to be a full dinner, but don’t just offer chips and soda. Also, the key to a good night is to have a charismatic host that keeps the evening going.
6. Promote the event. Make flyers and posters to hang around town with an explanation about what you hope to accomplish at the fundraiser. Also be sure to have the venue advertise the event a few weeks in advance. You can also email invites to people and post on social media for all of you friends and family to see. Ask your friends to share about the event as well to help you reach your goal of becoming parents through adoption. As you get closer to the date, be sure to send out reminders. Your local newspaper could also be a big help.  

Now you can support other fundraisers you see, provide support to another family trying to fund-raise, and share about your fundraising experience with us! Email your story (and photos too!) to adoption@gladney.org.

If you have questions about fundraising or other financial aspects of adoption, please reach out to our Senior Vice President of Finance.