How It Works: Players pay an entry fee to compete in a tournament for a donated prize.

What It’s Best For: Establishing an event that can be repeated annually, with return participants.

Pros: Groups can easily raise funds within a narrow time frame or on a tight budget. Also, the game at the heart of the event can be anything from one-on-one basketball to Scrabble.

Cons: Entry fees for a small tournament must be relatively high if you hope to make much money, which means that it may be hard to recruit players.

Making the Most of It

Try to get the event sponsored. Ask business owners to donate the contest’s prize or to underwrite your costs in return for publicity or even tournament-naming rights.

Invite friends and family to participate, and ask those who are already involved in game or sports leagues to recruit others from within their networks.

If your event is a sports tournament ask your insurer about any liability considerations.

Download free tournament bracket sheets from www.darters.com and let the games begin.