5 tips to make your football club’s charity gala a success

A charity gala is a festive event with a social purpose. At football clubs, it often focuses on supporting the club’s foundation, youth teams, or community projects in the neighborhood. With the right approach, a charity gala becomes more than just a fun evening – it turns into a strategic moment for fundraising and community building.

Why football clubs organise charity galas

Football clubs have a visible social role, and in today’s world, social responsibility is more important than ever. Organising a charity gala is a strategic way to show your club’s commitment to giving back. A well-organised charity event can help your club:

• Strengthen relationships with fans, supporters and community partners

• Raise funds for key causes such a proverty reduction, youth development or health initiatives

• Position your club as 'more than just a club' with a strong social mission

Clubs like FC Utrecht and SC Heerenveen lead the way - raising hundreds of thousands of euros each year through charity galas that support local and national social causes.

6 factors for a succesfull charity gala

1. Define a clear purpose

   Be crystal clear about what your charity gala stands for. Choose one social theme and make it tangible though personal stories, visuals of speakers who presents the casue.

   
   

2. Choose a venue that fits your audience

   The stadium is ideal for club identity and familiarity, but a theatre or unique external location can also create the right atmosphere. Consider accessibility, ambiance and comfort.

   
   

3. Create a programme that moves and surprises

   A memorable fundraising touches the heart. Alternate entertainment with emotion or inspiring moments, and build a flow that reinforces both your club's story and the cause. Think of a structure that connects emotionally and leaves a lasting impression.

• Start with a personal opening - begin with a video, personal story or short speech directly connect to the cause. This sets the tone and creates emotional engagement form the very start.

• Host a shared dinner - a well-organised dinner offers space for conversation and connection. Pay attention to seating arrangements: mix sponsors, club member and guests to encourage new interaction.

• Add live entertainment - Include music or performance that matches the atmosphere and audience. It adds energy to the evening and keeps guests engagement.

• Combine a live auction with a lottery - offer a mix of exclusive auction items and a more accessible charity lottery. This increase both proceeds and participation - giving all guests, even those with smaller budgets, a chance to contribute.

4. Active your network: before, during and after the event

   A charity gala doesn't start on the night itself. Set up a campaign in advance via social media, email and local press.

   After the event, share the local amount raised, thank your guests and show the impact it made. This strengthen relationships and lays the foundation for future fundraising events.

   
   

5. Add a digital lottery to your charity gala

   A digital lottery is an easy and engaging way to boost both proceeds and involvement. While auctions often rely on a few generous bidders, a lottery includes all your supporters - even those who cant't attend the event in person.

   
   

The benefits at a glance:

• Open to everyone aged 18 and over

• Engage people beyond the gala itself

• Sponsor contribute visibly by donation prizes

• The excitement to the live draw adds energy to the event

In practice:

• Sell tickets in advance via dedicated campaign page

• Use QR-codes on tables of screens during the gala

• Host a live draw to create a memorable moment of suspense

How it works at your gala

With Lotify, you can easily organise a digital lottery in the style of your football club – complete with your colours, logo, and recognisable branding.
Setup and execution are simple:

✔ Create a campaign page in your club’s style
✔ Let guests buy tickets via QR codes during the gala
✔ Host the draw live (on screen or with a presenter)
✔ Share the results instantly on screen or via a short announcement

Lotify’s draw mechanism is GLI-certified and fully compliant with the Dutch Gambling Authority’s guidelines.

That means: no hassle, maximum reliability.

Make your club’s charity night unforgettable – with a digital lottery

Looking to go beyond a nice dinner or successful auction? A digital lottery adds that extra spark to your charity event:

✅ More funds raised
✅ More engagement
✅ More excitement

Book a free demo today and discover how Lotify can help your club create a charity gala with lasting impact.