I recently ran a gig for a local hospice for the terminally ill (near Lichfield, UK) and invited local artists, as well as my own band.

Apart from the issue of raising funds for a good cause, which is always pleasurable, the artists also had an opportunity to play to an audience who had never seen them before, and I also promoted the gig in local papers and on our band website. It is important that the giving is two-way, so that the artists can see that their efforts aren't wasted!

Also, they had the chance to sell CDs.

Everyone enjoyed a good night, artists were happy, audience were happy and the hospice gained £340. I received a certificate from the hospice, which is very nice, but also acts as a receipt to prove that the monies went where they were intended!