Nonprofit Holiday Fundraising Ideas
Looking for nonprofit holiday fundraising ideas? It is a incredibly busy time of year with many nonprofits planning fundraising and community events. Depending on your non profit location and needs piking the right activity or event can have many options. We put together a list of ideas for a wide range on nonprofits and events for anyone looking for nonprofit holiday fundraising ideas.
1. Holiday Gift Wrapping Station
- Partner with local malls or stores to set up a gift-wrapping station where customers can get their gifts wrapped for a donation. Volunteers can wrap gifts, and people can donate whatever they can. This also increases visibility for your nonprofit.
2. Seasonal Product Sales (Holiday Cards, Candles, Ornaments)
- Create custom holiday cards, candles, or ornaments and sell them online or at local events. You could involve artists, local artisans, or even community members to design them, making it a meaningful and community-based fundraiser.
3. Virtual Christmas Caroling or Holiday Concert
- Host a virtual or in-person holiday concert featuring local musicians or choir groups. Offer tickets for entry and consider streaming the event online to reach a wider audience.
4. Holiday Charity Auction
- Collect donations of items or experiences from local businesses, artists, or community members and hold an auction. Items could include anything from holiday-themed gift baskets to artwork or local services, with all proceeds benefiting your nonprofit.
5. “Adopt-a-Family” for the Holidays
- Coordinate with community members to “adopt” a family in need during the holidays. Donors can provide essentials or gifts for families to ensure they have a joyful holiday season. You can also offer this as a digital initiative to reach a wider audience.
6. Giving Tree or Gift Drive
- Set up a giving tree where people can pick a tag with specific donation requests (like toys, warm clothing, or groceries) and donate accordingly. Collaborate with local businesses to host the trees or collect items.
7. “Holiday Cards for a Cause”
- Offer personalized holiday cards featuring stories of impact or photos that connect back to your mission. This is especially meaningful if the cards highlight the people or areas your organization supports.
8. Seasonal Recipe Book or Virtual Cooking Class
- Gather favorite holiday recipes from supporters, volunteers, and beneficiaries, and compile them into a digital recipe book to sell. Alternatively, you could host a virtual cooking or baking class with a suggested donation for participants.
9. End-of-Year Giving Campaign
- Launch a digital end-of-year campaign with matching gifts or special rewards for supporters. Share stories of impact to encourage last-minute donations and offer incentives such as exclusive online content or thank-you gifts for different donation levels.
10. Virtual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
- Host a gingerbread house decorating contest, where participants enter by donating a fee. You can announce winners in different categories, and winners could receive small prizes or recognition on social media.
11. Holiday Movie Marathon
- Host a virtual holiday movie marathon where supporters can join for a donation. Include family favorites, and encourage viewers to tune in with friends and family. Make it festive by encouraging themed costumes or holiday snacks.
12. Polar Plunge Challenge
- Organize a polar plunge event where participants get sponsored to take a dip in icy water, with all funds going to your organization. You can add a virtual option by inviting people to do their own “plunge” at a local lake or even a kiddie pool.
13. Santa’s Workshop: Sponsor-a-Child
- Offer a program where donors can sponsor gifts or essentials for children supported by your nonprofit. Let donors know specifically how their contributions will make a holiday brighter for the kids.
14. 12 Days of Giving Campaign
- Run a “12 Days of Giving” social media campaign where each day you showcase a different story, impact area, or need of your organization. Encourage donations daily with small goals, matching gifts, or suggested donation amounts.
15. Festive Fun Run or Jingle Jog
- Host a 5K “Jingle Jog” where participants dress up in holiday attire. It can be in-person or virtual, where participants track their progress and submit photos. Include an entry fee with all proceeds going to your nonprofit.
16. Holiday Wish Lists on Amazon or Local Stores
- Create a holiday wish list on Amazon or local stores with items needed for your nonprofit’s programs. Encourage supporters to “purchase” gifts directly, allowing them to contribute specific items for your cause.
17. Holiday Photo Booth
- Set up a photo booth with holiday-themed props at community events or shopping centers. Ask for a donation to take and print photos on the spot, or offer digital copies for a small fee.