’Tis the season for giving, and a great time for fundraising—in fact, Nonprofit Source reported that 30% of all annual charitable giving happens in December. Whether you’re fundraising for a school, a team, a nonprofit, or any other cause you care about, you can use the elements of the season to raise money. Here are some ideas for fundraising in the winter season, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, New Year’s, and more.
Events are a great way to raise donations. Try throwing one of the following events, and ask attendees to consider making a suggested donation to your GoFundMe fundraiser.
If your neighborhood is known for its holiday lights, give groups of people walking tours in the name of your good cause. Caroling, photo ops, and time for families and friends to be guided while they enjoy lights together is a great way to spark joy. You can also serve hot apple cider and other holiday treats for a suggested donation to your fundraiser.
Another great option to help expand your fundraising in January and move beyond just the holidays, the polar bear plunge is a great idea. Hardy volunteers take the plunge into the icy waters of a lake, river, ocean, or pool, no wetsuits allowed. Ask competitors to contribute a voluntary entrance fee in the form of a donation to your fundraiser. Or have them raise funds through sponsorships from friends and family. Don’t forget to post photos as a fundraiser update once the event is over!
A holiday concert is one of the most classic winter fundraising ideas. People love holiday music, and its themes inspire giving. Enlist local choirs, bands, soloists, and other musicians to participate in a community-wide holiday concert. Partner with a local venue who may be willing to host your event (remember that weather is a factor, so you may need an indoor space). Print out QR codes or the URL of your fundraiser link so that people can make suggested donations to your fundraiser as they attend.
This is an especially great idea to get all ages involved. If children are looking for a winter break activity that gives back to a great cause, work with them to select a nonprofit and start a charity fundraiser on GoFundMe. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to combine giving back with classic holiday fun. Send out an invite (via email and social media, perhaps using a Facebook Event) to family, friends, and neighbors. Ask for RSVPs to get an idea of how many gingerbread houses you’ll need—buying supplies in bulk may get you a discount. Select a day, time, and place to host the party. Ask attendees to consider make a donation to your fundraiser as they RSVP. Once the gingerbread houses are complete, have everyone take photos of their creations and share online, along with a link to your fundraiser.
Another great activity to include the whole family. A hot chocolate station is one of the simplest ideas for winter fundraisers. It’s a great and easy way to help warm people up at football games, winter 5k or marathons, and other local outside events. Bring a small table if needed, along with an insulated container of hot chocolate, cups, and whipped cream. Print out QR codes for your fundraiser so that people can donate to your cause. Before the event, publicize your pop-up hot chocolate stand on your socials to spread awareness and maximize donations.
Hosting a New Year’s Eve Party is a great way to ring in the New Year with the joy of giving back. If you are fundraising for a charity or nonprofit, this is an especially great idea as users are looking to make their final charitable contributions in the fiscal year. Send out invitations with a link or QR code to your fundraiser included, that way if people cannot attend, they still have the opportunity to donate and give their support to your cause.
After the Christmas season, and if you have access to a truck or trailer, you might consider offering your help to neighbors and raise money for your cause by collecting Christmas Trees for recycling. Send out a flyer or email to the people in your neighborhood and ask if they would like you to take their tree to the recycling center and if they would consider making a donation to your fundraiser for your help.
