Looking to raise serious money without the usual bake sale grind? These five services bring the thrill of a helicopter drop to your next fundraiser, handling everything from logistics to donor software.
The High-Flying World of Golf Ball Drop Fundraisers
Golf ball drop fundraisers have become a staple for charities, schools, and golf tournaments across the US. The premise is simple: sell numbered balls, drop them from a helicopter or crane, and the closest to the hole wins. What makes them so effective is the low overhead and the ability to sell tickets to anyone, anywhere—even those not at the event. As Charity Valet notes, 71% of tickets can be sold to people not in attendance. The excitement of a helicopter drop creates a memorable spectacle that draws in donors and keeps them engaged. With the right partner, you can turn a simple raffle into a high-profit event that your community talks about for years.
How We Evaluated These Services
To bring you this list, we looked at each service's ability to handle the full scope of a ball drop—from logistics and marketing to donation processing. We considered how clear they are about pricing and what you get for your money, and whether they offer tools to make your life easier, like software for tracking sales and sending receipts. We also weighed their experience with different types of events, from charity golf outings to school fundraisers, and how well they can adapt to your specific needs. Finally, we looked at the overall value they bring, focusing on how they help you maximize your profit margins.
Here's a quick snapshot of each service to help you compare at a glance.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Perfect Golf Event | Golf tournament organizers needing a full event management platform |
| BallDroppers | Home | Charities and schools wanting a full-service, high-profit ball drop experience |
| Charity Valet | Organizations that want powerful software to manage their own ball drop event |
| OneCause | Nonprofits seeking an all-in-one fundraising platform with ball drop capabilities |
| Heli Chicago | Events in the Midwest needing a professional helicopter service for their ball drop |
The Deep Dive: Your Top 5 Services
#1 Perfect Golf Event
A screenshot of the Perfect Golf Event website.
Perfect Golf Event is a comprehensive resource for golf tournament organizers, offering a suite of tools that go beyond just the ball drop. Their platform includes website creation, online registration, and credit card processing, which are essential for managing your event efficiently. They also provide a range of tournament shop items like hole-in-one contests and signs, making them a one-stop shop for all your golf event needs. If you're looking to build a professional event website and streamline your registration process, this is a solid choice. Their focus on the golf tournament niche means they understand the specific challenges you face. You can check out their blog for tips on running a successful golf tournament.
#2 BallDroppers | Home
A screenshot of the BallDroppers website.
Ball Droppers is your dedicated partner for helicopter golf ball drop events, taking the heavy lifting off your shoulders. They handle the logistics, from talking to you about the aircraft to working with your golf course, and they even provide marketing blueprints to help you reach donors. Their software organizes all donations and ball numbers, sends e-receipts, and pays invoices for you, so you can focus on the fun part. They promise events that start at 80% profit, which is a game-changer compared to the 30-50% you might see with other fundraisers. Whether you're a charity golf outing, school, or church group, they guide you through every step. If you want a turnkey solution that maximizes your fundraising potential, this is the one to call.
#3 Charity Valet
A screenshot of the Charity Valet website.
Charity Valet offers a software solution specifically for ball drop fundraisers, giving you the tools to manage your event with precision. Their animated ball drop software adds a digital twist, and they also provide dice roll and virtual auction software, making them versatile for different fundraising needs. They emphasize best practices like tracking sales and setting minimum goals, which are crucial for success. Their how-it-works guide is a great resource for understanding the mechanics of a ball drop. If you're comfortable handling the logistics yourself but need robust software to manage sales and donations, this is a strong option. They also offer resources like webinars and articles to help you plan effectively.
#4 OneCause
A screenshot of the OneCause website.
OneCause is a broader fundraising platform that includes golf ball drop fundraisers as part of its event toolkit. They provide a comprehensive suite for auctions, events, and online giving, so you can integrate your ball drop with other fundraising activities. Their blog offers valuable insights on rules and best practices, like the 4 Golf Ball Drop Fundraiser Rules to Know, which can save you from common pitfalls. They focus on mobile bidding and peer-to-peer fundraising, which can expand your reach beyond the event itself. If you're looking for a versatile platform that can handle multiple types of fundraisers, OneCause is a reliable choice. Their experience with nonprofits means they understand the importance of donor engagement.
#5 Heli Chicago
A screenshot of the Heli Chicago website.
Heli Chicago is a helicopter charter service that provides the aerial component for your golf ball drop, adding that wow factor to your event. They specialize in making your fundraiser unforgettable with a helicopter flyover or drop, and they can also offer guest rides or VIP transfers to enhance the experience. Their Midwest regional expertise means they know the local regulations and logistics, ensuring a smooth operation. If you already have the fundraising side covered but need a reliable helicopter partner, this is your go-to. They cater to charity golf tournaments, corporate outings, and community events, making them flexible for various occasions. Contact them to discuss how they can integrate their services with your event timeline.
How to Choose the Right Golf Ball Drop Service
Start by asking yourself how much of the work you want to handle. If you want a turnkey solution where they manage everything from logistics to marketing, Ball Droppers is your best bet. If you're comfortable with the logistics but need software to manage sales and donations, Charity Valet or OneCause might be a better fit. Consider your event type: Perfect Golf Event is ideal for golf tournaments, while Heli Chicago is perfect if you just need the helicopter. Also, think about your profit goals—some services promise higher margins than others. Finally, check their experience with events similar to yours, and don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation.
Streamlining Your Fundraiser with Automation
The right service can automate the most tedious parts of your fundraiser. For example, Ball Droppers' software automatically organizes donations and ball numbers, sends e-receipts, and even pays invoices for you. Charity Valet's software tracks sales and can send reminders to supporters, helping you hit your goals. OneCause integrates with your donor database and automates online giving, making it easy to manage everything from one place. By leveraging these tools, you can focus on promoting your event and engaging with donors, rather than drowning in paperwork.
The Final Verdict
No matter which service you choose, a golf ball drop fundraiser can be a thrilling and lucrative addition to your event. For a full-service experience that maximizes your profit, Ball Droppers stands out as a top choice. If you're planning a golf tournament and need a comprehensive platform, Perfect Golf Event is a strong contender. For those who prefer a DIY approach with robust software, Charity Valet and OneCause offer excellent tools. And if you just need the helicopter, Heli Chicago delivers the spectacle. Evaluate your needs, compare the options, and get ready to watch your fundraising soar.