The Perfect Fundraiser You’ve Been Searching For

Tired of bake sales, silent auctions, and car washes that barely cover the cost of soap? If you’re planning your next fundraiser or school event, there’s a better way to bring people together — and make money while you’re at it. Printable murder mystery games are fun, easy to run, and wildly effective at raising funds or building community spirit.

With Megan’s Mysteries, you can turn a simple evening into a full-blown adventure. Whether your guests are teachers, parents, coworkers, or community members, everyone gets to play a part in solving the case. And when laughter fills the room, the donations start rolling in.

Why Murder Mysteries Work for Fundraisers

Most fundraisers rely on two things: participation and excitement. A good murder mystery delivers both. Guests aren’t just attending; they’re *part of the story.* They’re suspects, detectives, explorers, or schemers — and that means they’re invested from the first line of dialogue.

Unlike trivia nights or auctions, mystery games create shared moments. Someone will dramatically faint, another will accuse their best friend of sabotage, and someone will proudly declare, “I knew it was you all along!” Spoiler alert: they’re probably wrong, but that’s half the fun.

Pick the Right Game for Your Crowd

We’ve got a growing lineup of clean, family-friendly mysteries that fit almost any theme or venue. The choice depends on your setting and audience size.

If your crowd loves adventure, The Emerald Expedition is a jungle-themed mystery full of explorers, treasure hunters, and dangerous secrets. It’s perfect for larger groups who love a little Indiana Jones-style drama.

For smaller or Western-themed events, Murder at Copper Gulch brings dusty charm and cowboy suspense. If your venue is more formal, the 1930s-inspired Grand Gilded Express delivers a classy evening of mystery aboard a vintage train setting.

Each one comes ready to print, with character packets, host instructions, evidence, and more — no acting experience required. Just enthusiasm, a few props, and maybe one over-the-top villain laugh.

Quick Break Before the Investigation Continues

If you want to see how a mystery night works before planning your event, we’ve got you covered.
Try our mini mystery for a quick, 15-minute laugh-filled experience that works for small groups. You’ll get a feel for the format, the dialogue, and the fun without any pressure — and no one has to die (we promise).

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How to Turn a Murder Mystery into a Fundraiser

Hosting a mystery event for profit isn’t just possible — it’s smart. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Sell Tickets

This is the most common and straightforward method. Choose your ticket price based on your crowd and costs. For example, if you sell 50 tickets at $25 each, that’s $1,250 raised in one night. Pair it with a potluck or themed dinner, and guests will feel like they got their money’s worth.

2. Add a Meal or Dessert Auction

A mystery dinner pairs perfectly with a meal auction or dessert bar. You can theme the food around your game — jungle-style BBQ for The Emerald Expedition or “railcar refreshments” for The Grand Gilded Express. Bonus points for puns. People *love* puns.

3. Hold a Costume Contest

Encourage attendees to dress up as their characters or match the theme. Charge a small entry fee for the costume contest, then offer a prize for “Best Dressed,” “Most Suspicious,” or “Least Likely to Survive the Jungle.” You’ll raise extra funds and make the night even more memorable.

4. Include a Raffle or Silent Auction

During intermission, run a raffle or auction. Mystery events naturally create downtime between rounds, so it’s an easy way to keep guests engaged. Items can be donated by local businesses or made by students or club members.

5. Offer Concessions or Refreshments

Even simple snacks or drinks can boost your total. Themed treats (like “Poisoned Punch” or “Temple Gold Cookies”) are easy to make and can add a playful twist.

Schools and Student Events

Mystery nights work beautifully for schools, drama clubs, and youth groups. They teach teamwork, creativity, and communication — and they’re far less stressful than a full production or talent show. Because the games are scripted with flexible reading parts, even shy students can shine without memorizing lines.

Teachers have used our mysteries for:

• Drama or literature classes
• Team-building activities
• End-of-year parties
• Fundraising dinners or parent nights

The mysteries are designed to be clean and family-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about inappropriate content. They’re smart, fun, and easy to adapt for any grade level.

Churches, Libraries, and Community Events

Our printable mysteries also work for non-profits and civic organizations that want a crowd-pleasing event without complicated logistics. Many libraries have hosted mystery nights for summer reading programs, while churches have used them for youth fundraisers or adult game nights.

The appeal is universal: laughter, curiosity, and just enough competition to keep things interesting. Everyone leaves feeling connected — and usually laughing about who “definitely seemed guilty.”

Commercial License Requirement

If you’re hosting your event as a fundraiser, school program, or ticketed gathering, you’ll need to purchase a Commercial License for Single Event Use. This ensures your event is fully approved for public or profit-based use, and it helps support the creation of future mysteries. If you’d like to host multiple events, reach out to us and we’ll put together a license that works for you.

The license covers one event (such as a fundraiser, ticketed dinner, or community night) and allows you to use the mystery kit publicly. You can easily add it to your cart when purchasing any mystery game. It’s a small investment that makes your event official — and keeps things simple legally.

Tips for a Smooth Event

• Have a clear host. Choose someone confident enough to lead the crowd and keep things moving. The host script makes it easy to follow along.
• Prep ahead of time. Print materials early and organize them into envelopes by character. Label them clearly so guests know their roles.
• Test your sound and lighting. If you’re using a mic or background music, do a quick tech run before guests arrive.
• Keep it lighthearted. Remind players that the goal isn’t perfection — it’s fun. The sillier it gets, the better the memories.

Make It Memorable

Mystery fundraisers have one secret weapon that most events don’t: they get people *talking.* You’ll hear about the night long after it’s over. Guests bond over inside jokes, teachers and parents get to laugh together, and communities remember the event for years.

You can even make it an annual tradition — imagine a different theme each year, with returning “detectives” ready to solve the next case. That kind of recurring event practically markets itself.

How to Promote Your Event

• Social Media: Post teaser photos of the game setup or character names. Create polls like “Who looks the most suspicious?” to build anticipation.
• Email & Newsletters: Send reminders with your ticket link and share snippets from the game’s story setup.
• Local Partnerships: Ask local restaurants, cafes, or shops to donate small prizes or refreshments in exchange for mention at the event.
• After the Event: Share photos, tag participants, and celebrate your fundraising total. People will be begging to know when the next one is.

Ready to Raise Funds with Laughter and Mystery?

You’ve got the guests, the enthusiasm, and now the perfect plan. All that’s left is to pick your game, grab your Commercial License, and let the fun begin.

Whether you choose the adventurous Emerald Expedition, the classic Murder at Copper Gulch, or the elegant Grand Gilded Express, your event is guaranteed to entertain, engage, and raise more than just eyebrows.

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The Final Clue

If you’ve been searching for a fresh, fun, and unforgettable way to fundraise, this is it. Murder mystery games create memories, laughter, and genuine connection — all while supporting your cause. No stress, no stage fright, no soggy cookies — just stories your guests will talk about for years to come.

So grab your magnifying glass, gather your suspects, and start planning your best fundraiser yet.