Nicknamed the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA, is a historic city and one of the most dynamic destinations for hosting events, from meetings and corporate events to wedding receptions, baby showers, and birthday parties. In fact, Philly is home to some iconic venues, such as the Fillmore Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the Philadelphia Metropolitan Opera House, as well as some hidden gems that are ideal for hosting fundraising events.
Whether you're planning a formal gala or a smaller gathering, Philadelphia will have an event space that can turn it into a memorable experience. Giggster has done the legwork and curated some of the best venues Philadelphia has to offer. With our easy-to-navigate platform, you can browse unique venues available in the city and book just the right location.
Ready to find the perfect venue in Philadelphia, PA, for a memorable fundraising event? Discover the extensive selection of spaces handpicked by Giggster, from trendy art galleries to award-winning restaurants, and book your chosen location in just a few easy steps.
Philadelphia is a treasure trove of venues for hosting fundraising events of all kinds and sizes, from cocktail parties to black-tie affairs. Find the perfect setting on Giggster, with these spaces and more:
Within a historical pumping station lies a distinctive bar where guests stay for bands, DJs, and parties. Host your product launch, wedding, charity event, or any occasion here, and expect visitors to flock to the site, ready to have a great time.
With North Broad Street's renaissance comes an increase in creative spaces around the area that are perfect for hosting a fundraiser.
For a private event, you can rent one of the several historic buildings or estates in the city and convert it into a grand hall for your fundraising gala.
Find a rooftop bar around South Philadelphia and set up cocktail tables where you can host a fundraising event while serving some craft beverages for your guests.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From historic mansions to art galleries and entertainment spaces, Giggster's selection of 137 fundraiser venues in Philadelphia allows you to choose the ideal backdrop to your event, no matter your preference or budget.
Hassle-Free Booking: Whatever information you need to make an informed decision, Giggster's easy-to-use platform tells you all the crucial details that will help you pick a spot that fits the bill perfectly. It includes the price (which starts at just $25/hour), capacity, features, accessibility, and more. You can also contact the host directly if you have questions or concerns.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: We understand that plans can unexpectedly change due to unforeseen circumstances. That's why we let you cancel your booking completely free of charge within 24 hours of confirmation, so long as the booking was made at least 48 hours before the fundraiser.
Platform Protections: Giggster offers a swarm of optional protection packages, which cover damage, liability, and other potential issues that you can encounter. With these add-ons, you can secure an amazing event space like Industrial-Chic Office & Workspace in Philadelphia with peace of mind.
There are plenty of reasons why Philadelphia can potentially be the perfect destination for hosting successful fundraisers. However, like most metropolitan areas in the U.S., Philly comes with certain challenges that you should be aware of.
Advantages
Philadelphia, PA, boasts a diverse array of venues, each with its own charm that can bring a unique touch to your fundraiser or any special event.
A city steeped in history, Philadelphians are known for their strong sense of community and civic pride. This makes it easier to gain support for celebrations and gatherings that have meaningful causes.
Philadelphia's convenient location, situated between Washington, D.C., and New York, makes it easily accessible to guests, even those traveling from out of town. Additionally, the city's public transportation is efficient, so both organizers and attendees can get around with ease.
Disadvantages
Like any city, Philadelphia has its own rules and regulations when it comes to organizing events, and you need to do your research beforehand. Venues also often have numerous rules, such as strict noise ordinances or set end times that you must adhere to.
Even though there are budget-friendly options in the city, Philadelphia has a generally high cost of living. This is reflected in the city's event venues, particularly for spaces located in the area of Center City Philadelphia.
Philly is a popular city for events, especially during peak seasons like the fall and spring. If you're looking for a prime date, you'll need to book well in advance, and even then, your top choice might already be taken.
The event scene in Philly is as diverse as the city itself; you'll find a treasure trove of venues where you can host a fundraiser. The following are some of the best venues that you can rent for your next event:
Historic Mansions & Estates – Classic Elegance. The city is teeming with historic estates that were originally built in the Federal style. These mansions feature lush gardens and unique architectural details that provide a timeless sophistication to your fundraising event.
Industrial Lofts – Flexible Spaces. Industrial lofts have an edgy vibe and feature wide open spaces that can be personalized to match the theme of your event. They can be fun to work with and can give you complete creative control of how things look.
Art Galleries – For A Cultural Touch. Philly's galleries and art museums are not just for appreciating art; they also double as event spaces and can provide a sophisticated backdrop for fundraising galas, especially those tied to cultural or educational causes.
Hotel Ballrooms – Formal Affair. A hotel ballroom is a traditional event space that has everything you need, from seating arrangements to quality lighting equipment, for throwing a fundraiser. Ballrooms also have plenty of room to accommodate hundreds of guests all at once, making it a great choice for corporate events and black-tie affairs.
Rooftop Lounge – For Stunning Views. For a more casual and intimate fundraising event, a rooftop lounge provides the right ambiance where guests can enjoy fresh air and stunning views of Philly's iconic city skyline.
Organizing a successful fundraising event in Philadelphia goes beyond just having a cause; you also need to carefully plan every detail of the event to ensure things go off without a hitch. Below is a handy guide on how to successfully pan a fundraiser in Philly:
Work With a Set Budget – You cannot put together a fundraiser without having a budget plan in place. You should set a realistic budget for the event and allocate your expenses properly to ensure that you don't go beyond your means.
Send Out Invitations – Planning your guest list is equally important as finding the perfect venue; you want to invite attendees who will potentially donate or bring value to your cause. Sending out RSVPs early also allows your guests to confirm their attendance as early as possible.
Plan Your Menu – Fundraisers often involve custom menus that are usually tied to the cause or charity involved. Work closely with the catering service to help craft the best menu of food and drinks that matches the overall theme of the event.
Book Your Vendors – Create a list of vendors that will help bring your vision to life, and research businesses in Philadelphia that can provide the necessary services. Contact these vendors and secure their services on your preferred date to ensure a smooth-sailing fundraiser.
Throwing a fundraising event might seem like an expensive endeavor, but in truth, there are plenty of ways to keep costs low without compromising the quality of the event. Listed here are some simple but practical "hacks" to keep your expenses low:
Skip the upscale venues.
The goal of fundraisers is to raise money, so you won't want to spend an excessive amount just to rent an upscale venue. Check out budget-friendly spaces, such as community centers or lounges, that provide ample space and flexibility for a fraction of the cost.
Recruit volunteers.
Fundraisers often attract volunteers who are close to the cause and are willing to take on some of the tasks needed for the event, such as guest check-in, event setup, or marketing duties.
Simplify the catering.
Catering can take a huge chunk of your budget, especially for plated dinners that are charged on a per-person basis. With that in mind, consider going for more affordable catering options, such as buffet-style setups or local food stalls.
On the Giggster app, you can easily browse and reserve the perfect event space from our curated collection of fundraising venues in Philadelphia, PA. From historic buildings to rooftops with sweeping views, we have locations in neighborhoods across Philly that not only impress but are also within your budget.