The holidays are a perfect time for nonprofits to remind their supporters that donating to the cause is a great way to display generosity and goodwill towards others. The following ideas can help you set the tone and create a great holiday-themed fundraising campaign.

Challenge Others to a Frosty Dip!

Remember the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that went viral a few years ago and led to millions being raised to advance their mission to find a cure for ALS? This challenge was a variation of a winter activity that’s been popular for years: jumping into a cold, even icy, body of water as a way to raise awareness, and funds for charity. Develop your own cold-water campaign to help your organisation raise awareness for your cause in your community!

Sing for Donations

Christmas carolling is another common activity during the holidays. Recruit a group of volunteer carollers to go out into your community and sing their favourite holiday tunes to draw attention to your nonprofit’s work while they raise donations!

Christmas Photos

Photo ops with Santa and the elves are a great way for families to celebrate the holidays. Hosting this event at a local mall or another popular gathering spot as part of your fundraising campaign is a festive way for folks to interact with your organisation as you ask for donations during the event.

Festivals, Galas, Auctions and Other Christmas Party Events

Christmas is a wonderful time for your organisation to throw a party or other fun event and seek donations at the same time. Partner with local retailers and craftspeople to donate items that you can auction off to raise funds for your nonprofit. Consider offering games of chance, like bingo, or hold a raffle or other special drawing for a prize, where contestants pay an entry fee and can win a prize, with the rest of the proceeds benefiting your NFP. Galas and balls are a glamorous way to raise money for your cause. Consider hosting a couple of these types of events during the season so that all of your supporters have an opportunity to take part!

Sell, Sell, Sell!

During the holidays, there are a number of seasonal items that you can sell to raise funds for your NFP. Wreaths and Christmas trees, concessions such as coffee and hot chocolate at special events, and cinnamon buns and other baked goodies are popular items that you might sell to raise funds. Holiday cards, wrapping paper and even cookbooks that feature recipes contributed by volunteers, staff and others connected with your NFP are also excellent choices!

Seasonal Walks and Runs

Christmas is a great time to host walks and runs to benefit your charity! If it happens to be too cold, or rainy and dreary outside, look for an indoor track where you can hold the event. These types of fundraisers are a great way to introduce a little competitive fun into your campaign when you allow teams to register to compete. Seek third-party partners to offer matching funds to those who raise donations with their walk or run.

The important thing to remember when creating a holiday-themed fundraiser is to choose activities that emphasise the spirit of the season, and that will be fun for people of all ages to participate in and enjoy!