Amp with guitar

Organize a benefit concert

Most towns have bands that are looking for extra exposure. See if you can get the band to perform without payment for the benefit concert (allow them to sell CDs and hand out cards in exchange).

What you'll need Start here Does it work? Does it work?
  • A band or bands—your concert should be an all-ages event, so select a band that would be appropriate foreveryone.
  • A venue.
  • Any promotional materials needed (flyers, emails, etc.)
  1. Research local bands that meet your criteria.
  2. Contact your favorites and get your band(s) locked down!
  3. Once you know your band find a local venue that can hold a number of people.
  4. When the date, time, location, and band are confirmed, begin to promote your concert.
  5. Approach local businesses and ask them to donate door prizes (movie passes, restaurant coupons, and movie rentals are good raffle items). Be sure to include door-prize information on your promotional materials so that potential attendees know what is offered. Be sure to check in regularly with the band and the facility to be sure everything is on schedule. If there is no food at your venue, consider buying pre-packaged snacks that volunteers can sell throughout the concert.
  6. Sell tickets ahead of time and at the door.
  7. Rock out and get ready to Roll Out as soon as your goal of raising your tuition is that much closer to completion!

Success Story: Katie B. from Alabama held a benefit concert and got her entire delegation involved. The concert was free. The great door-prize tickets were $5. Each delegate received the proceeds from the tickets they sold. As a group they sold 4,000 tickets and raised more than $20,000.


Variation: Use the same concept for a smaller gathering, using your school's symphony at a local art gallery or coffeehouse or hold a benefit choir concert at a church. Or, if you play an instrument yourself, put on a recital for your friends and family!