Ways2Raise

What is it?

A Board Game Tournament is a fun and engaging way to bring friends, family, and the community together for an evening of friendly competition while raising funds for your trip. By charging an entry fee and possibly offering refreshments, you can raise a decent amount of money in a relaxed, social setting.

Why does it work?

People love games and socialising, especially when it supports a good cause. The competitive element encourages repeat participation and word-of-mouth promotion. Charging an entry fee creates commitment and value, while snacks or drinks sales add extra income.

What you'll need

A suitable venue (e.g., community hall, school common room, local youth centre)
A selection of popular board games (e.g., Monopoly, Catan, Cluedo, Scrabble)
Tables and chairs
Entry fee collection method (cash box, mobile payment app like PayPal or Venmo)
Score sheets or tournament brackets
Prizes or medals (optional but motivating)
Refreshments (optional)
Flyers or posters for promotion

Step-by-step plan

1

Choose a date and venue that’s easily accessible for your target participants, ideally on an evening or weekend.

2

Decide on the format of your tournament: single-elimination, round robin, or team-based games. Keep it simple to manage.

3

Select a range of board games that appeal to different interests and are suitable for the time you have available.

4

Set an entry fee (e.g., £3-£5) per player or team, and decide if you want to sell refreshments to boost funds.

5

Create a clear schedule and rules for the tournament, and prepare score sheets or brackets to track progress.

6

Promote the event using posters at school, social media, community boards, and by word of mouth.

7

On the day, set up tables and games, organise players as they arrive, collect entry fees, and explain the rules.

8

Run the tournament, keep track of scores, and announce winners. Award prizes if you have them.

9

Thank everyone for coming and let them know how their support helps your expedition or adventure trip.

How to advertise it

Create eye-catching posters and place them in your school, local youth centres, libraries, and shops.
Use social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook to invite friends and local community groups.
Ask teachers, Scout leaders, or community organisers to spread the word.
Create an event on Facebook or other social media with all the details and encourage sharing.
Word of mouth: tell your friends, family, and neighbours in person.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to raise between £50 and £150 from a well-organised evening, depending on the number of participants and whether you sell refreshments.

Top tips

✅ Choose popular and easy-to-learn games to keep the event running smoothly and participants engaged.

✅ Have a few helpers to manage scoring and refereeing so you can focus on the event flow.

✅ Offer small prizes or certificates – these motivate players and make the event feel special.

✅ Make sure to communicate clearly about start times and rules to avoid confusion.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Trying to run too many games or rounds, which can make the event drag and confuse participants.

⚠️ Not promoting the event enough in advance, resulting in low turnout.

⚠️ Underestimating how long each game takes – plan for some buffer time.