Planning a fundraising event can be tough—choosing the activity that keeps people engaged while ensuring it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg might feel like threading a needle with a blindfold on. Enter cornhole. This simple (yet wildly entertaining) game is the perfect solution that checks all the boxes for a successful fundraiser. By the end of this post, you’ll know why cornhole is the secret weapon event planners everywhere are raving about and how to make it the star of your next fundraiser.

What Makes Cornhole the Perfect Choice

While the game itself may be simple, the reason why it’s a great inclusion for just about any fundraiser is not. Since there are so many, we’ll take the time to cover each one in-depth here so you can better understand why you should consider including this beloved outdoor game in your event.

Low Cost, High Returns

Fundraisers thrive on activities that offer big returns without blowing the budget, and cornhole is exactly that. The setup is straightforward—two boards, some bean bags, and people ready to toss. Fortunately, this type of equipment won’t be hard to get your hands on. In some cases, you might be able to find someone willing to lend or donate their cornhole setup for your event. With how popular this past time has become, a few employees or volunteers are likely to have an unused set lying around their homes.

If you can’t find the equipment needed for this, there’s no need to worry. Buying a cornhole set isn’t too expensive. Plus, owning a set isn’t a bad idea since you’ll be able to use it more during future events. Simply put, cornhole is budget-friendly and fundraiser-ready.

Easy to Learn, Fun to Play

Don’t worry about overly complicated rules requiring a referee with a doctorate in game theory. Cornhole is gloriously simple. Toss a bean bag onto the board or through the hole to score points; rinse and repeat.

This ease of play is what makes it so approachable. It doesn’t matter if participants are seasoned athletes or folks who firmly believe their hand-eye coordination took the day off—everyone has a shot at success. Within five minutes, even the most skeptical attendee will be hooked. Between friendly competition and inevitable bursts of laughter, this game keeps the good vibes rolling all day long.

It’s a Team-Builder and Social Catalyst

There’s just something about cornhole that transforms participants into a lively, animated bunch. Maybe it’s the triumphant celebrations for landing that impossible shot or the friendly smack talk between competitors. Either way, the game fosters camaraderie like no other.

Because people play in pairs or teams, cornhole encourages collaboration and builds community bonds. At fundraisers, this translates to participants sticking around longer, mingling with others, and leaving with stories to tell. Want to see people high-fiving strangers by the end of the night? Just set up a cornhole board and watch the magic unfold.

Perfect for Fun Tournaments

Here’s the thing about tournaments—people love them. And cornhole is tailor-made for competitive play. Whether your attendees are casual players or cornhole champions in their own minds, a tournament adds instant excitement. Plus, in the name of raising funds, you could even make it a pay-to-play event. As long as it’s not too expensive, people will be more than happy to pay in order to support your cause.

Here’s a quick game plan to get you started:

1. Figure out how to group people together for teams and set up a bracket system to see who will be facing off against who.
2. Announce a grand prize for the winners—it could be anything from a simple trophy to a gift card for one of your sponsor’s restaurants.
3. Have people come up with zany team names to keep the energy light and fun. Think “Sack Attack,” “Cornstars,” or “Holy Guacamole.”

No matter how you go about it, the beauty of a cornhole tournament is how naturally it draws spectators, too. Fun commentary and audience participation keep non-players engaged, ensuring your event stays lively even off the boards.

Opportunities for Sponsorships

Did you know those humble-looking cornhole boards are essentially prime advertising real estate? Local businesses will jump at the chance to slap their logo on a game board that’ll be a focal point of your event.

Some event planners have found that cornhole sponsorships cover event costs while elevating the experience for everyone. At the end of the event, you can even auction off custom boards as part of your fundraiser, turning a fun game into a long-term memento (and another revenue stream).

Customization is key here. These boards need to properly reflect your sponsors’ brands as well as the theme of your event. If you get it just right, these custom bag toss boards will be quite the conversation starter and a stylish way to elevate your fundraiser.

Other Things To Do at Your Fundraiser

While cornhole might be the perfect inclusion for your fundraising event, it’s best to pair it with other activities to create a truly unforgettable experience. Here are some fun, crowd-pleasing ideas to round out your fundraiser lineup.

Silent Auction

Nothing boosts fundraising like a well-executed silent auction. Reach out to local businesses and ask for donated goods or services—think spa vouchers, signed merch, or art pieces. Guests feeling competitive can bid against each other, all for a good cause.

Raffle Draws

Add a bit of mystery and excitement with a raffle! Sell tickets throughout the event and keep the prizes enticing—everyone loves a good tech gadget, gift basket, or weekend getaway.

Live Music

Is there a local band looking to share their talent? Book them! Live music creates a fantastic ambiance, encouraging attendees to hang out longer while enjoying the vibe.

Food Trucks

What pairs better with cornhole than delicious street food? Partner with local food trucks for a win-win situation—these vendors love the exposure, and your attendees will appreciate the variety of tasty options.

Themed Photo Booth

Set up a quirky photo booth with fun props and backdrops that tie into the theme of your fundraiser. Whether it’s giant beanbags, corn-shaped hats, or trophies for your cornhole champs, people will line up to take that Insta-worthy pic.

DIY Bean Bag Decorating Station

Want to engage kids and creative souls? Set up a beanbag decorating table where participants can paint or customize their own cornhole bags. It’s an easy way to add a personal touch relating to the main event while keeping everyone entertained.

Mini-Games for Non-Players

Not everyone’s ready to take on the cornhole championship, so provide a few mini-games for everyone else! Think ring toss, giant Jenga, or even a simple dartboard setup to get people energized and having fun.

Closing Ceremony With Awards

Finish strong by hosting a closing ceremony. Use this opportunity to award prizes not just for your cornhole champions but also for raffle winners, silent auction participants, or anyone else who contributed significantly to the event. This leaves attendees with a feel-good memory of your fundraiser and excited to come back to your next one.