With the year coming to an end, you may be wondering what else you can do to raise money for your organization during the holiday season. Here are a few simple last-minute fundraising ideas to keep everyone in the giving spirit.
1. Stay Social
Break into the constant stream of holiday consumerism in the social media feeds of your friends and family with messages of hope and encouragement.
Gather up your best photos, videos and success stories, and use them to bulk up your usual social media strategy with extra posts focused on the amazing things you or your organization will be able to do with the funds raised this holiday season.
For example, share the school renovations your PTA will be able to complete, the pizza night your running club will be able to host, or the gifts you’ll be able to give to children in need with the funds raised.
2. Step into Christmas
Hosting a GotSneakers shoe drive fundraiser will stand out from the dozens of other people requesting monetary donations around Christmas. Instead, ask your community to give up a pair of athletic shoes already sitting in their closet to help with your sneaker drive fundraiser.
For every pair that you collect, you’ll earn up to $3 for you or your organization. Plus your friends and family can clear out their closets to make room for new items received this holiday season. It’s a win-win for everyone!
3. Offer Trees to Trim
Many people in your community will be purchasing a Christmas tree this holiday season, so why not be the one to provide it? You can purchase trees in bulk and offer them in exchange for donations at popular local holiday events if you have the budget to do so.
Or you can ask a local tree farm or vendor to partner with your organization and donate a portion of their proceeds to your cause. This is a great option if you don’t have the funds to purchase the trees in bulk upfront.
4. Break Out the Ugly Sweaters
Hosting an ugly sweater party to inject a little humor into your end-of-year fundraising gives donors the opportunity to de-stress from the holiday rush. Track down some cheap or free sweaters, and hand them out to party guests who make donations.
Incorporate other fundraising efforts into the party, such as a raffle for a chance to win gift cards from local businesses. Assign a social media hashtag to the event for donors to use when posting pictures of themselves in their sweaters.
Last-minute holiday fundraisers tap into the spirit of the season and prompt donors to give liberally. Get creative, have fun and close out your nonprofit’s year on a high note.