Ways2Raise

What is it?

Hosting an Open Mic Night is a fantastic way for teen fundraisers to bring their community together through music and performance while raising money for their trip. It creates a fun, interactive environment where participants pay a small entry fee or donation to perform or watch, making it ideal for raising between £100-£300 in just one evening.

Why does it work?

People love to support local talent and enjoy live entertainment, especially when it’s for a good cause. Charging entry fees and suggesting donations taps into the audience’s desire to contribute while enjoying a memorable night. Plus, performers often invite friends and family, increasing attendance and funds raised.

What you'll need

A suitable venue (school hall, community centre, café with a stage)
Permission or booking confirmation for your venue
Sound equipment (microphone, speakers, amplifier) – check if the venue provides these
A sign-up sheet or online form for performers
Flyers and posters to advertise
A collection box or ticket system for donations or entry fees
Helpers to manage the event (stage manager, door staff)
Basic lighting (if available, to create atmosphere)

Step-by-step plan

1

Secure a venue that is accessible and has the necessary equipment or allows you to bring your own. Confirm the date and time, ideally an evening when people are free.

2

Create a sign-up system for performers. Use a simple online form (Google Forms) or paper sign-up sheet to organise the running order and ensure a variety of acts.

3

Promote your event widely using posters in local shops, schools, and community centres, plus social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp groups.

4

Decide on ticket prices or suggested donation amounts for both performers and audience members. Typical entry might be £3-£5.

5

Prepare a schedule for the night, allotting each act a set time (e.g., 5-10 minutes) to keep the event flowing smoothly.

6

On the day, arrive early to set up sound equipment and seating. Greet performers and audience members, collect entry fees or donations, and manage the stage during performances.

7

Encourage performers to invite friends and family and remind the audience about the fundraising purpose to boost generosity.

8

After the event, thank everyone who participated and supported, and share how much was raised to build goodwill for future fundraisers.

How to advertise it

Post eye-catching flyers on noticeboards at your school, local libraries, and community centres.
Create an event page on Facebook and invite friends, family, and local groups.
Share short video clips or stories on Instagram and TikTok promoting the event and showcasing some of the performers.
Ask performers to promote the event through their own social media and personal networks.
Send a polite email or letter to local newspapers or community newsletters to list the event.

Realistic earnings

A typical open mic night can raise between £100 and £300 depending on venue size, ticket price, and turnout. With good promotion and a lively atmosphere, hitting the higher end is possible.

Top tips

✅ Keep the event well-organised with a clear running order to maintain energy and audience engagement.

✅ Include a variety of acts (music, poetry, comedy) to attract a wider audience.

✅ Offer refreshments for sale (with permission) to boost funds.

✅ Have a clear fundraising message and remind attendees why you’re raising money throughout the night.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Not advertising widely enough, which limits attendance and funds raised.

⚠️ Allowing performances to run over time, causing audience restlessness and delays.

⚠️ Forgetting to explain how the money raised will be used, which can reduce donations.