Best Small-Scale Fundraising Event

2026 Canadian Event Awards | Canadian Special Events

Description

This category recognizes the excellence and effectiveness of small-scale fundraising events designed to fund a charitable cause or organization. This category focuses on elements that support fundraising-specific goals. Entries should highlight innovative and impactful strategies that successfully generated donations, fostered donor engagement, and achieved fundraising objectives.

Small Scale Vs Large Scale – Differentiation

Small-Scale Fundraising Events

These events are intimate, community-driven, and budget-conscious, with a localized audience and more straightforward execution.

  1. Primarily local or niche audience Modest budget with limited sponsorship involvement
  2. Single-location event with straightforward logistics
  3. Organized by small teams—often volunteer-supported
  4. Minimal media exposure, mainly local press or community outreach

Large-Scale Fundraising Events

These events are high-profile and have a significant industry presence, often drawing national or international attention.

  1. Substantial budget, backed by major corporate sponsors
  2. National or international audience
  3. Widespread media coverage and industry recognition
  4. Complex logistics, potentially multi-location or high-production
  5. Managed with large vendor partnerships

Requirements

Judging will focus on community impact, logistics, innovative fundraising, volunteer/staff engagement, metrics and outcomes, appeal, sustainability, inclusivity, marketing and entertainment value.

  • Videos: Recommended but not required.
  • Budget: Required.
  • Images: All events require a minimum of ten images.