Did you know that the frosty period is one of the best seasons for winter fundraising ideas? Winter offers many unique and exciting opportunities for fundraisers to connect with their donors, engage their communities, and positively impact the world.
However, winter also comes with some challenges, such as the cold weather, the busy schedules, and the limited resources. That’s why you need some winter fundraising ideas that are not only effective but also fun and easy to organize.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of winter fundraiser ideas that are designed to capture the spirit of the season and inspire your donors.
Let’s get started!
Most Popular Winter Fundraising Idea
December is a busy month for nonprofit fundraising, as many people are looking for ways to give back and make a difference before the end of the year. Here are some winter fundraising ideas that you can use not just in December but throughout the winter season to capitalize on the holiday spirit and the year-end giving rush.
1. Polar Plunge
Boost your adventurous spirit by hosting a winter Polar Plunge event. Encourage supporters to brave icy waters, charge a registration fee, and motivate them to gather extra support through peer-to-peer fundraising.
For a successful event, choose a safe, cold-water location and plan a backup date for bad weather. Promote it widely using social media, email, flyers, and word-of-mouth.
Make sure participants are safe and cozy with medical support, lifeguards, warm towels, heaters, and snacks. Spice it up by offering rewards for the longest plungers and friend-bringers, making the event engaging and fun for all.
2. Holiday Bazaar
Infuse the holiday spirit with a cherished bazaar, a delightful gathering where handcrafted treasures, delicious baked goods, and ideal Christmas gifts take center stage.
Invite local stores, skilled artisans, and creative crafters to rent booths and contribute a portion of their sales to your noble cause, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Enhance the experience by featuring items that align with your mission, such as charming t-shirts, mugs, and calendars.
Lift the festivities with captivating entertainment, and engaging activities, including live musical performances, tempting raffles, and interactive games, while creating an appealing and unforgettable holiday destination.
3. Ski-a-thon
Elevate your fundraising efforts with a thrilling ski-a-thon event, set against the backdrop of a picturesque ski resort or mountain in your vicinity. Rally your dedicated supporters to hit the slopes for the benefit of your cause.
Supporters can either pay a registration fee or collect donations from their networks, contingent upon the number of runs or hours they conquer. As an enticing touch, persuade participants with incentives such as coveted lift tickets, expert ski lessons, or gear rentals, all attainable through achieving specific goals.
4. Santa Claus in a Charity Walk
Plan a heartwarming charity walk with a festive twist by organizing a Santa run or a holiday-themed charity walk. Encourage your supporters to don iconic Santa Claus costumes or other beloved holiday character outfits and participate in a spirited dash or stroll to support your cause.
To facilitate fundraising, consider options such as registration fees or motivate supporters to gather funds or small donations from their close circles through peer-to-peer fundraising.
Boost motivation by offering rewards like commemorative medals, charming t-shirts, or cozy hats for achieving specific goals. Santa Claus charity walk promises to infuse the holiday spirit with a sense of purpose, to share and spread love.
5. Gingerbread House Competition
Delight in the holiday magic by hosting a charming gingerbread house competition. Invite your supporters to unleash their creativity and craft delicious masterpieces. You can charge an entry fee, either per team or individual, and provide gingerbread kits with pre-baked sections, icing, candies, and decorations.
To boost fundraising, offer extra items for sale like sprinkles, marshmallows, or chocolate, encouraging additional donations. For added excitement and attention, involve judges or the public in choosing the most captivating gingerbread house, and wrap it up with awards and certificates celebrating culinary artistry.
6. Holiday Concert
Lift your fundraising events with a harmonious holiday concert, a musical extravaganza that not only raises money but also captivates and entertains your valued donors and supporters. Enlists the talents of local bands, choirs, or solo artist and invite them to contribute their time and artistry to your noble cause.
Generate revenue through admission tickets or heartfelt donations collected at the concert’s entrance. Further, enhance your financial goals by offering delightful refreshments, merchandise, or engaging raffle tickets for sale during the event.
7. Ugly Sweater Party
If you’re an organizer looking for great winter fundraising ideas that captivate the hearts of your supporters, step into the unforgettable ugly sweater party. Invite friends, family, and community members to wear their most outlandish holiday sweaters not for fashion’s sake, but to symbolize the joy of sharing and caring.
Encourage attendees to bring a small meaningful gift or non-perishable food items, which will then be collected and donated to those in need within the community. By doing so, you transform your party into a heartwarming event that spreads love, kindness, and comfort to those less fortunate, not just during the holiday season but throughout the entire year.
8. Winter-theme Trivia Night
Step into the enchanting realm of winter-themed trivia night, where you’re supporters can give, learn, and have fun. Trivia night is an ideal fundraising event for offices, schools, communities, and local bars.
Gather your friends, family, and fellow winter enthusiasts for an evening of brain-teasing questions that explore the many facets of winter. Test your knowledge on topics ranging from snow sports and cozy traditions to frosty folklore and icy inventions.
To have a memorable event experience, get creative and don your coziest, quirkiest winter attire. Whether it’s an ugly sweater, a pair of warm socks, or a Santa hat, winter-themed costumes are encouraged. Prizes await the best-dressed individuals or teams, adding an extra layer of fun to the night.
9. Hot Chocolate Stand
A hot chocolate stand is a simple and cozy way to raise funds and warm up your donors and supporters during the cold season. You can set up a hot chocolate station in a busy location in your community and sell hot chocolate for a suggested donation amount. Offer different flavors, toppings, or extras for your hot chocolate, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, etc.
To give rise to your funds, display signs or flyers in your community that explain your cause and how the donations will be used.
10. Holiday Auction
Elevate your fundraising with a holiday auction that ignites both generosity and excitement. Collect sought-after items and experiences from local businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations, then present them to the highest bidders.
Whether you prefer a live auction or a silent auction, anticipation fills the air. If you aim to reach a wider audience, consider a virtual auction, extending the excitement to participants by having a live stream of the auction or campaign finale, where you announce the winners and thank your donors from near and far.
To infuse holiday cheer, include items or experiences like festively decorated Christmas trees, a dreamy holiday getaway, or the enchanting opportunity to dine with Santa himself.
Holiday auction combines the joy of giving with the thrill of competition, creating a delightful and engaging event that offers both unforgettable experiences and valuable contributions to your cause.
11. Winter Solstice Soup Event
As an organizer, celebrating the winter solstice at your fundraising event is a fantastic way to bring the community together on the shortest day of the year.
Here’s a practical tip to host and make your winter solstice event a success; collaborate with local restaurants or caterers to offer a diverse array of comforting soups. Charge attendees per bowl or with admission tickets, and remember to include bread, crackers, cheese, and beverages for that extra dose of warmth.
When choosing a venue, consider community centers, churches, or schools, and transform the space with the soft glow of candles, lanterns, and wintry decorations. In doing so, your winter solstice soup event will bring the warmth of unity to the shortest day of the year.
12. Snowball Fight
A snowball fight isn’t just a game; it’s a joyful celebration of the season, a test of skill and teamwork, and a unique way to support a great cause. Invites participants to pay an entry fee or gather generous donations from their supporters, unlocking the snowy battleground.
In this icy showdown, participants are divided into teams, and a playful set of rules and boundaries adds structure to the excitement. An organizer should provide essential equipment, including snowballs, gloves, goggles, and more, ensuring everyone is well-equipped for the frosty face-off.
While the snowball fight is in full swing, participants can enjoy hot drinks and tasty snacks on-site to stay energized. Prepare bandages on hand for any minor snowball-related mishaps, ensuring safety is your top concern.
13. Escape Room Challenge
Raise your fundraising efforts with an exhilarating escape room challenge, a dynamic and interactive approach that promises to unlock support for your cause. Collaborate with a local escape room business or design your escape room at your chosen venue. Tailor the experience to your cause, or opt for a captivating generic theme such as mystery, horror, or adventure.
Gather teams of participants who are eager to take on the challenge and charge a registration fee. Recognize and reward the swiftest and most creative escapes with exciting prizes. Encourage participants to go the extra mile by setting up personal fundraising pages, providing incentives that not only intensify the thrill of the game but also channel their efforts into meaningful contributions to your cause.
14. Winter Wine and Cheese Tasting
Indulge in the elegance of a winter wine and cheese tasting, a sophisticated and delectable means of fundraising while pampering your cherished donors and supporters with exquisite flavors. Collaborate with a local winery or cheese shop, inviting them to generously donate their products or offer them at a special rate.
Choose to either sell tickets or welcome donations at the entrance, ensuring accessibility for all. Elevate the experience by providing insights into the wine and cheese varieties, and sharing information on their origins, flavors, and ideal pairings.
The wine and cheese tasting event promises to be a delightful exploration of the senses, where the joy of giving and savoring fine delicacies harmoniously merge.
15. Christmas Tree Recycling
Extend the holiday spirit with a Christmas tree recycling project, offering a valuable service to your supporters and the community post-festivities. Participating is easy as you charge a fee per tree and offer pickup services from their home or offices ensuring a hassle-free process.
You can also accept donations for recycling wreaths, garlands, or other greenery. By partnering with a local recycling center, compost facility, or mulch company to dispose of the trees. The small act of environmentally responsible recycling has a significant impact on preserving the planet, making it a collective effort that truly matters.
16. Black Gala
A black gala is a glamorous and elegant affair that not only raises funds but also pays tribute to your valued donors and supporters for their unwavering commitment to your cause. You can invite local businessmen, local artists, supporters, and politicians to participate in your event. Participants can secure their spot by purchasing a digital ticket or making a generous donation to attend this exclusive event.
Enhance the evening by offering diverse entertainment and activities, from enchanting live music and dancing to inspirational speeches and awards ceremonies. The Black Gala is not just an event; it’s an unforgettable experience that celebrates the generosity of your supporters while ensuring that your cause continues to thrive.
Winter Fundraiser Ideas for Children
17. Snowman Building Contest
Get ready for a flurry of frosty fun with our snowman-building contest with your kids, a chance to unleash their creativity and showcase their snow-crafting skills. It’s a fun event filled with smiles and chilly camaraderie!
Participants can hop in on the fun by paying a small fee or collecting donations from their supporters to secure their spot in this frosty challenge. Provide them with snowman kits that include hast, carves, buttons, carrots, sticks, and other accessories.
To make the contest fair and exciting, set up some rules and criteria for judging the snowmen, considering factors like size, theme, and originality. Prizes await the best snowmen, as well as those who gather the most generous donations. So, bundle up, get ready to roll some snowballs, and let the snowman-building fun begin!
18 Ice-skating Workshop
Experience the pure joy of winter by organizing an ice-skating workshop, especially for kids. A perfect blend of fun and fundraising, giving children a chance to learn and play in a winter wonderland. Participation is easy – simply charge your supporter with an admission fee or ask them for a wholehearted donation.
Team up with a local ice-skating rink or experienced instructor who has graciously donated their time and space to make your event possible. Watch as your kids master the art of gliding on ice, learning balance, coordination, and confidence along the way. It’s an experience that will stay with them for years to come.
19. Fashion Show
If you’re looking for a winter fundraising idea that will attract attendees as well as children, try organizing a fashion show intended for kids. A stylish and glamorous way to raise money and showcase talents and personality.
You can invite local designers, boutiques, or thrift stores to donate some of their clothes and accessories for the children to wear. Set up a runaway, a stage, or a backdrop for the kids to walk on. Enrich your event by introducing captivating themes that infuse a distinctive ambiance into the occasion.
20. Photos with Santa Claus
One of the child’s favorite winter fundraising ideas is a photo with Santa Claus. A classic and cheerful way to raise money and capture some precious memories with your kids. You’ll have the chance to meet Santa Claus, share your holiday wishes and stories, and capture professional-quality photos that preserve every heartwarming moment.
The cozy and festive setup, adorned with Santa’s sleigh, a glowing fireplace, artificial snow, and a sparkling Christmas tree, provides the ideal backdrop for your holiday photos. With a variety of photo package options, including physical prints and digital copies, you can choose the perfect way to remember the magic.
21. Sleigh Rides
Experience the charm and wonder of winter like never before with an enchanting sleigh ride. A sleigh ride is not just about raising funds; it’s about creating cherished memories with your loved ones.
For a nominal fee or donation, participants can take a cozy ride on a horse- or reindeer-pulled sleigh. It’s a magical experience that brings out the child in all of us. Partner with a local farm or ranch and ask them if you can use their animals or farm equipment for a sleigh ride experience.
You can also provide some blankets, pillows, or heaters for your riders. And add some music, stories, or jokes to your sleigh rides.
Great Winter Fundraising Idea for All Ages
22. Gift Wrapping Station
Offer a gift-wrapping service to your supporters and the public during the holiday season. Set up a gift-wrapping station at a mall, store, or market and charge a fee per gift or size. You can also accept donations for wrapping gifts of odd-shaped or oversized items.
Make sure to have plenty of wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, scissors, tags, and boxes on hand.
23. New Year’s Resolution Challenge
Challenge your supporters to make a New Year’s resolution that benefits your cause and themselves.
For example, they could pledge to run more miles, read more books, volunteer more hours, or donate more money. You can charge a registration fee or ask participants to raise funds from their friends and family through peer-to-peer fundraising.
Also offer incentives like prizes, recognition, or coaching for reaching certain milestones. To celebrate their commitment and achievements, you can host a formal winter charity ball on New Year’s Eve and sell tickets for a registration fee or ask for donations at the door.
24. Winter Craft Workshop
Host a winter craft workshop and teach your supporters how to make their winter-themed crafts like snow globes, snowflakes, candles, scarves, artificial snow, hats, or ornaments.
You can charge an entry fee per person or craft and provide them with materials, instructions, and tools. To raise additional funds, you can sell drinks, snacks, or merchandise at the workshop.
25. Giving Tuesday
Participate in Giving Tuesday, a world kindness day of giving that falls on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the US. Create an online fundraising campaign that showcases your impact, your goals, and your stories.
Utilize social media, email, and text messages to spread the word and ask for donations. You can also leverage matching gifts, challenges, or incentives to boost your fundraising results.
26. Holiday Movie Night
A cozy and fun way to bring people together for a good cause by organizing a winter movie night. You can host a movie night at your venue, at a local movie theater, or online using a streaming platform.
Choose a theme for your movie night, such as holiday classics, winter wonderland, or family favorites. Charge a ticket fee for entry and offer snacks and drinks for sale or donation. Add some extra fun by having a raffle, a trivia contest, or a costume contest related to the movie.
27. Book Sale
Winter book sale is a simple and effective way to raise money and promote literacy. You can ask your supporters to donate their used books like winter favorites recipe books or some fictional books, or partner with a local bookstore or library to get books at a discounted price.
You can sell the books at your venue, at a community center, or online using a platform like Amazon or eBay. Make your winter book sale more appealing by having a theme, such as winter reads, bestsellers, or genres.
28. Holiday Bake sale
Enjoy a delectable and straightforward means of fundraising for a cause by hosting a holiday bake sale. Ask your supporters to showcase their baking talents by preparing their finest cheesecakes and other holiday treats, which they can either bring to the venue or sale it online.
You can also charge per slice or item for the bake sale, and offer coffee or tea for sale or donation. To elevate the enjoyment, make your cheesecake contest or bake sale more fun by having prizes, music, or games. And have judges or guests vote for their favorite cheesecake.
29. Raffle
Winter raffle is a classic and simple way to raise money for your cause. Ask your supporters, local businesses, or local celebrities to donate prizes that are related to winter or your cause. Use the features of Event Smart to sell raffle tickets online, and draw the winners at a specific date and time. Offer multiple prizes and multiple draws to increase the chances of winning and the excitement of the fundraising event.
Whether it’s a delightful holiday treat, a heartwarming cheesecake, or the chance to win fantastic prizes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and engage with your event.
30. Caroling Fundraiser
Get into the holiday spirit with a heartwarming caroling fundraiser. A simple yet meaningful idea. Gather your friends, family, or volunteers to sing carols in your neighborhood, parks, malls, or nursing homes.
Your beautiful songs not only make people smile but also raise money for your cause. It’s a win-win! Your melodies will attract a big and appreciative audience. You can even add a personal touch by dedicating songs to people or dressing up in festive outfits. Caroling is a tradition that will spread joy and support in your community during the holiday season.
31. Holiday Lights Tour
Arrange a holiday lights tour and take your supporters and children on a scenic drive around town to see the best-decorated houses and buildings. Charge a ticket price per person or car and provide them with maps, guides, snacks, and drinks.
To make your event more engaging, play holiday music and trivia games along the way. You can partner with a local bus company, car rental service, or volunteer drivers to provide transportation.
32. Valentine’s Day Fundraiser
Valentine’s Day fundraiser is a romantic and sweet way to raise funds and celebrate the day of love with your donors and supporters. Offer different services or products that are related to Valentine’s Day, such as flowers, chocolates, cards, teddy bears, etc.
Organize a special event, such as a dinner, a movie, or a spa, for couples or singles who want to treat themselves or their loved ones. Your supporters’ participation takes your fundraiser to the next level, whether through a fee for the services and products or a heartfelt donation for your special events.
Embrace the day of love and let their support add a touch of romance, warmth, and compassion to this beautiful celebration.
Launch your Winter Fundraising Ideas with Event Smart
Now that you have some inspiration for your winter fundraising campaign, it’s time to take action. With these 32 winter fundraising ideas, you can turn the winter season into a fundraising opportunity.
Whether you want to host a cozy event, a thrilling challenge, or a creative contest, you can find something that suits your budget, audience, and goals. Plus, you can make your donors and supporters feel warm and fuzzy inside by showing them how much you appreciate their generosity and kindness.
Choose one or more of these ideas and start planning your event or activity. Use the features of Event Smart to streamline your event management, ticket sales, and promotion. With the right tools of Event Smart, you can turn the chilly winter months into a heartwarming opportunity to raise money and touch your donor’s heart. And remember to thank your donors and supporters after the campaign is over.
Start your free trial today! And have a blast fundraising event with Event Smart.
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