The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, celebrations, and generosity—making it the perfect opportunity to raise funds for important causes. Whether you’re supporting a school, nonprofit, church, or personal project, people are often more willing to donate during this time of year. To help you make the most of the holiday spirit, here are 5 fundraising ideas for holidays that are both creative and effective.
1. Holiday Gift Wrapping Service
How It Works
Offer a gift-wrapping service during the busiest shopping weeks of the holiday season. This idea works particularly well if you set up a booth at a mall, local store, or community center. Shoppers will appreciate the convenience, and in return, you can ask for a donation or charge a small fee for each gift wrapped.
Why It Works
- Many people are short on time during the holidays.
- Wrapping gifts professionally adds value, making donors feel good about contributing.
- You can build partnerships with local stores to set up free booths in high-traffic areas.
Pro Tips
- Offer multiple wrapping styles or themes (e.g., eco-friendly wrapping).
- Include your organization’s branding on wrapping tags or stickers.
- Promote your service on social media to attract more people.
2. Sneaker Drive Fundraiser
How It Works
A sneaker drive fundraiser is a unique and eco-friendly way to raise funds while promoting sustainability. The concept is simple: participants are encouraged to bring in their gently used sneakers, which are collected and shipped to a partnering company. This company assesses the condition of the sneakers and determines if they can be resold, refurbished, or responsibly recycled.
This type of fundraiser is especially popular because it’s a win-win: supporters can declutter their homes, help reduce landfill waste, and contribute to a meaningful cause—all without spending a dime. Plus, since the holidays are right around the corner, many people will be getting new sneakers and will be looking for something to do with the old ones they no longer need!
Why It Works
- No upfront costs
- Everyone has old sneakers lying around
- Just collect the sneakers, mail them in, and get paid
Pro Tips
- Get started with GotSneakers: They make it easy by providing everything you need to run your sneaker drive fundraiser, including collection bags, marketing materials, and shipping labels. All you need to do is sign up here.
- Host your event and collect the sneakers:
- Send them in: When you have all the sneakers in the collection bags, just apply the provided shipping labels and send them in. Once they receive your collection bag(s), they will send you an e-check for all eligible sneakers!
3. Christmas Tree or Wreath Sale
How It Works
Partner with a local tree farm or wholesale nursery to sell Christmas trees, wreaths, or holiday greenery. You can arrange pre-orders online and organize a drive-through pickup event to make the process easy for donors. Alternatively, host a pop-up tree lot in your community.
Why It Works
- Families are already shopping for holiday decorations, so this fundraiser fits naturally into their plans.
- Partnering with local businesses helps build community ties.
- Selling physical items adds a tangible value to donations.
Pro Tips
- Offer delivery options for an extra donation.
- Include holiday add-ons, such as tree stands or ornaments.
- Create a photo booth area at your tree lot to encourage visitors to share their experience on social media.
4. Ugly Sweater Fun Run
How It Works
Organize a festive fun run or walk where participants wear their most outrageous holiday sweaters. This light-hearted event is a great way to bring people together, raise money, and promote fitness during the holidays. You can charge an entry fee and offer prizes for the best or funniest outfits.
Why It Works
- The event is family-friendly and appeals to people of all ages.
- The humor of an ugly sweater theme encourages participation and social sharing.
- Runs and walks are great for promoting health and community involvement.
Pro Tips
- Set up a photo station and encourage participants to share on social media with a dedicated hashtag.
- Offer virtual participation options for supporters who can’t attend in person.
- Partner with local businesses for sponsorships or post-race refreshments.
5. Holiday-Themed Raffle or 50/50 Drawing
How It Works
Raffles are always a hit, but adding a holiday twist makes them even more appealing. You can offer prizes like holiday gift baskets, tickets to seasonal events, or a grand prize vacation. Another idea is to host a 50/50 raffle, where half of the proceeds go to the winner and the other half supports your cause.
Why It Works
- People are more inclined to participate during the holidays, especially with exciting prizes.
- Raffles are easy to organize and can be run at in-person or virtual events.
- 50/50 drawings attract participants who enjoy the chance of winning while supporting a cause.
Pro Tips
- Promote your raffle early and sell tickets online to maximize reach.
- Announce winners on social media to maintain transparency and engagement.
- Use a countdown timer or holiday-themed graphics to build excitement.
Final Thoughts
These 5 fundraising ideas for holidays are perfect for tapping into the festive spirit and raising money for your cause. From creative events like ugly sweater runs to practical services like gift wrapping, each idea offers an opportunity to engage your community and increase donations.
As you plan your holiday fundraiser, remember to promote it through multiple channels, including social media, newsletters, and your website. Engaging donors with festive messaging, countdowns, and updates will keep the momentum going.
With the right preparation and enthusiasm, you’ll find that the holidays are not only a time of celebration but also a season of giving—making it the perfect opportunity to achieve your fundraising goals.
Key Takeaways:
Plan ahead to promote your fundraiser effectively.
Partner with local businesses for sponsorships and added value.
Leverage online tools for virtual events and ticket sales.
By using these 5 fundraising ideas for holidays, you’ll inspire generosity and make a lasting impact during the most wonderful time of the year.