The holiday season is a time of giving, joy, and community spirit, making it the perfect time to organize a fundraiser. Whether you’re raising money for a school, sports team, nonprofit, or community project, the festive atmosphere encourages generosity. In this blog, we’ll walk you through 15 creative holiday fundraising ideas, including a few from Midland Fundraising, with actionable tips to ensure your success this season.
Why Fundraising is Important
Fundraising is essential for organizations like schools, sports teams, and nonprofits because it provides the resources needed to reach important goals. Fundraisers also build community engagement, encourage volunteerism, and inspire a spirit of giving.
Why the Holidays are a Great Time to Fundraise
The holiday season is an ideal time to run a fundraiser. Here’s why:
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Increased Generosity:
People are more charitable during the holiday season.
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Holiday-Themed Fundraisers:
Festive fundraisers align with the joyful atmosphere of the holidays.
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Gift-Giving Opportunities:
Fundraisers offering products like candles or cookie dough are appealing for holiday shoppers.
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Year-End Donations:
The holidays are the last chance for people to make charitable contributions for the tax year.
1. Holiday Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Cookie dough fundraisers are a classic choice during the holiday season. Participants can sell cookie dough in popular flavors that people can bake at home, making this a simple yet profitable option.
How to Maximize Success:
- Timing: Start promoting in mid-November to catch the holiday baking rush.
- Gift Bundles: Encourage larger purchases by offering bundles.
- Online Ordering: Use Midland Fundraising’s online tools to make it easy for distant family and friends to support the fundraiser.
2. Ornament Making Workshop
This family-friendly event allows participants to create their own ornaments. It’s a hands-on fundraiser that builds lasting memories while raising funds for your cause.
How to Maximize Success:
- Partner with Local Stores: Get craft supplies donated.
- Festive Environment: Create a warm holiday atmosphere with music and decorations.
- Team Events: Invite groups like classrooms or scout troops to participate.
3. Holiday Gift Wrapping Services
Busy holiday shoppers will appreciate a convenient gift-wrapping service in exchange for donations. Set up at local shopping centers or holiday events.
How to Maximize Success:
- Tiered Pricing: Charge by gift size and offer premium wrapping options.
- Strategic Location: Set up in high-traffic areas like malls or at local events.
- Volunteer Training: Ensure volunteers are efficient and friendly.
4. Candle Fundraiser
Candles are popular holiday gifts, and Midland Fundraising offers a range of festive scents that are easy to sell.
How to Maximize Success:
- Focus on Seasonal Scents: Promote scents like cinnamon, pine, and vanilla.
- Target Audience: Market to those looking for thoughtful holiday gifts.
- Encourage Bulk Sales: Offer discounts on larger orders to boost profits.
5. Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
This creative contest is fun for all ages. Participants pay an entry fee and showcase their gingerbread house-building skills.
How to Maximize Success:
- Pre-Registration: Encourage people to sign up early to ensure enough supplies.
- Multiple Categories: Offer prizes for different categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Group Entry.”
- Partnerships: Ask local bakeries to donate gingerbread kits.
6. Winter Wonderland Walk-A-Thon
Turn a traditional walk-a-thon into a festive holiday event. Participants can dress in holiday-themed costumes, and Midland Fundraising offers tools to track pledges and sponsorships.
How to Maximize Success:
- Costume Contest: Add a contest for the best holiday costumes to increase participation.
- Decorated Route: Use lights and holiday decor along the route to create a winter wonderland.
- Business Sponsors: Seek local sponsors to match donations or sponsor participants.
7. Hot Chocolate Stand
Set up a hot chocolate stand at holiday events. It’s an easy way to raise money, especially during colder months.
How to Maximize Success:
- Holiday Toppings: Offer festive options like candy canes or whipped cream.
- Location: Place the stand at crowded holiday events or local tree-lighting ceremonies.
- Bundle with Treats: Sell cookies or gingerbread men along with the hot chocolate for extra donations.
8. Holiday Card Fundraiser
Sell handmade or personalized holiday cards to raise funds. People love sending unique cards during the season, and it’s a low-cost fundraiser to organize.
How to Maximize Success:
- Pre-Orders: Allow buyers to pre-order cards online.
- Corporate Sales: Reach out to local businesses for bulk card orders.
- Custom Designs: Have local artists or students design the cards for added personalization.
9. Holiday Pledge-a-Thon
Turn everyday holiday activities into pledge-worthy events. Participants collect pledges for activities like “ornaments hung” or “cookies baked.”
How to Maximize Success:
- Holiday Themes: Make the event holiday-specific for added excitement.
- Flexible Participation: Allow virtual and in-person participation to increase reach.
- Sponsorship: Ask businesses to match donations or sponsor individual participants.
10. Winter Carnival
Host a carnival with holiday games, rides, and food booths. It’s a fun way to engage the whole community.
How to Maximize Success:
- Pre-Sales: Sell tickets in advance to estimate attendance.
- Themed Games: Include holiday activities like “Snowball Toss” or “Reindeer Ring Toss.”
- Partner with Vendors: Invite local businesses to sponsor games or donate prizes.
11. Ugly Sweater Party
Host an ugly sweater party and charge admission for participants. Offer prizes for the ugliest and most creative sweaters.
How to Maximize Success:
- Contests: Offer awards for various categories like “Best Group Sweater” or “Funniest Sweater.”
- Food and Drink: Sell festive snacks and beverages to raise additional funds.
- Photobooth: Add a photo booth with holiday props for extra donations.
12. Wreath Sale Fundraiser
Selling wreaths is a perfect holiday fundraiser, and Midland Fundraising provides a range of high-quality wreaths for supporters to choose from.
How to Maximize Success:
- Pre-Order Early: Promote the sale before the holiday season to ensure timely delivery.
- Gift Idea: Market wreaths as gifts for friends or neighbors.
- Customization: Offer different sizes and designs to appeal to a wider audience.
13. Holiday Bake Sale
A holiday-themed bake sale is a fun way to raise funds while offering delicious treats.
How to Maximize Success:
- Holiday Treats: Focus on holiday classics like sugar cookies, pies, and gingerbread.
- Gift Packaging: Offer gift-wrapped baked goods to boost sales.
- Location: Set up your bake sale at a local event or market for maximum visibility.
14. New Year’s Eve Gala
Host a New Year’s Eve gala with dinner, dancing, and a midnight countdown. Sell tickets to raise funds for your cause.
How to Maximize Success:
- Ticket Tiers: Offer different ticket levels, such as VIP access or private tables.
- Add a Raffle or Auction: Include extras like a silent auction or raffle for higher fundraising potential.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Partner with local businesses to sponsor the event and help cover costs.
15. Tree Recycling Program:
After the holidays, offer to pick up and recycle Christmas trees for a donation. It’s an eco-friendly service that benefits your community.
How to Maximize Success:
- Offer Pickup Services: Charge extra for home tree pickup.
- Promote Early: Start promoting in December so people know the service is available.
- Partner with a Recycling Center: Collaborate with local recyclers to ensure proper disposal.
Conclusion:
Holiday fundraisers bring communities together in the spirit of giving. By organizing events that capture the magic of the season, your fundraiser can not only reach its financial goals but also create lasting memories. Whether it’s a classic bake sale or a creative pledge-a-thon, Midland Fundraising offers customizable solutions that can elevate your holiday fundraiser to new heights. Let’s work together to make this season one of generosity, community, and success.
Call to Action (CTA):
Start planning your holiday fundraiser today with Midland Fundraising! Contact us to customize your event and make this holiday season a fundraising success.
