30+ Jolly Winter Fundraising Ideas

For fundraisers, winter is a time of both prosperity and stress. Between the December donation rush and planning for the new year, it’s easy to freeze (get it?) fundraising events during the winter. But fundraising events are a great way to keep donations coming in after the holidays. Try to make time for winter fundraisers this year to start your new year off on a good note.

Here’s some great winter fundraising ideas to help you raise money during the cold winter months:

• Winter fundraising ideas for December
• Winter fundraising ideas for January
• Winter fundraising ideas for February
• Outdoor winter fundraising ideas
• Indoor winter fundraising ideas
• FAQs for winter fundraisers

Winter fundraising ideas for December

Check out these winter fundraising ideas for December:

1. Christmas tree sale

Selling Christmas trees is a classic and effective fundraising idea. Partner with a local tree farm to get trees at a discount and sell them to your community. Set up a cozy lot with festive decorations, hot cocoa stands, and holiday music to enhance the experience. 

2. Gingerbread house competition

Host a gingerbread house competition where participants pay an entry fee to showcase their creative skills. Offer prizes for categories like “Most Creative,” “Best Use of Candy,” and “Best Overall Design.” Encourage families and friends to join, making it a fun and engaging event for all ages.

3. Build-a-Menorah

Celebrate Hanukkah by organizing a “Build-a-Menorah” event. Provide participants with materials to create their own menorahs, which they can take home. Charge a participation fee and offer workshops on the significance of each candle in the menorah. 

4. Dreidel fundraiser

A dreidel fundraiser is a fun and interactive way to celebrate Hanukkah while raising funds. Participants donate to join the game, and winners receive prizes. Consider hosting a dreidel spinning contest and other related activities to add more excitement to the event.

5. Kwanzaa potluck

Organize a Kwanzaa potluck to bring the community together and celebrate this cultural holiday. Ask attendees to bring a dish representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa and charge a small fee for entry. Use the event to educate people about Kwanzaa’s significance and promote unity.

6. Kinara candle making

Host a kinara candle-making workshop where participants can create their own Kwanzaa candles. Charge a participation fee and provide all necessary materials. This hands-on activity encourages creativity and allows attendees to take home a meaningful keepsake.

Winter fundraising ideas for January

Here are a few winter fundraising ideas for January:

7. Resolution bingo

Kick off the new year with a Resolution Bingo fundraiser. Sell bingo cards with common New Year’s resolutions, such as “Drink More Water” or “Exercise Daily.” Participants mark off resolutions they’ve completed, and the first to achieve a bingo wins a prize. 

8. Leftovers eating competition

After the holiday feasts, host a leftovers eating competition. Participants bring their holiday leftovers and compete to see who can eat the most within a set time. Charge an entry fee and offer prizes for the winners. 

9. Tree bonfire

Organize a tree bonfire event where people can bring their old Christmas trees to be burned. Charge a donation for entry and offer hot drinks and snacks. Ensure safety measures are in place and consider partnering with local fire departments.

10. MLK Day of service

Honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day by organizing a day of service. Rally volunteers to participate in community service projects, such as cleaning parks, assisting local shelters, or tutoring students. Encourage participants to seek sponsorships for their time, turning their service into a powerful fundraising effort.

11. Family cornhole tournament

Host a family cornhole tournament where teams compete for bragging rights and prizes. Charge an entry fee and provide refreshments. This outdoor activity is perfect for all ages and fosters friendly competition while raising funds.

12. New Year auction

Kick off the year with a New Year auction. Collect donations of goods and services from local businesses and community members. Host a live or silent auction and encourage a bit of spirited bidding competition between donors. 

Winter fundraising ideas for February

Take a look at these winter fundraising ideas for February:

13. Groundhog watch

Celebrate Groundhog Day by hosting a Groundhog Watch event. Charge admission to watch a local groundhog make its weather prediction. Include themed activities, refreshments, and educational talks about the history of Groundhog Day.

14. Mardi Gras parade

Bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to your community with a parade fundraiser. Charge an entry fee for participants and invite local businesses and organizations to sponsor floats. Sell beads, masks, and refreshments to spectators. 

15. Lunar New Year celebration

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a cultural event featuring traditional performances, food, and crafts. Charge admission and offer activities such as calligraphy workshops, lion dances, and cooking demonstrations. 

16. Singing Valentines

Offer singing valentines as a unique fundraising idea. Charge a fee for sending a group of singers to deliver personalized serenades to loved ones. This charming gesture can brighten someone’s day and support your cause.

17. Super Bowl fashion show

Combine the excitement of the Super Bowl with a fashion show fundraiser. Host a runway event featuring sports-themed outfits and accessories. Charge admission and hold a raffle or auction of the showcased items. 

18. Recipe trading and cookoff

Organize a recipe trading and cookoff event where participants share their favorite winter recipes. Charge an entry fee and have attendees sample and vote on their favorite dishes. Offer prizes for the best recipes and publish a community cookbook as a fundraiser.

Outdoor winter fundraising ideas

Here are some exciting outdoor winter fundraising ideas:

19. Polar plunge

Challenge participants to take a chilly dip in a local body of water for a good cause. Charge an entry fee and encourage participants to seek sponsorships. Provide hot drinks and towels for post-plunge warmth. 

20. Snow tubing

Host a snow tubing event at a local hill or ski resort. Charge admission and offer discounts for group bookings. Snow tubing is a fun and family-friendly activity that can draw large crowds and generate significant funds.

21. Ice skating

Partner with a local ice rink to host a fundraising event. Charge an entry fee and offer skate rentals. Include activities like figure skating demonstrations, contests, and a hot chocolate stand to enhance the experience.

22. Snowman building contest

Encourage creativity with a snowman-building contest. Charge a participation fee and offer prizes for categories like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” and “Best Overall.” This outdoor activity is perfect for families and can bring the community together.

23. Lights tour

Organize a lights tour of beautifully decorated homes and businesses in your community. Charge admission and provide maps or guided tours. Include festive activities like caroling and hot cocoa stops along the way.

24. Sleigh rides

Offer sleigh rides as a magical winter fundraising idea. Partner with local farms or stables to provide horse-drawn sleigh rides through scenic areas. Charge for tickets and offer festive treats and warm drinks.

Indoor winter fundraising ideas

Here are some fun indoor winter fundraising ideas:

25. Seasonal movie night

Host a seasonal movie night featuring classic winter films. Charge admission and sell popcorn, candy, and drinks. Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets and pillows for a memorable movie experience.

26. Gift wrapping

Offer a gift-wrapping service during the holiday season. Set up a booth at a local mall or community center and charge a fee for wrapping presents. Provide a variety of wrapping paper, ribbons, and tags to choose from.

27. Snowflake crafts

Organize a snowflake crafts workshop where participants can create their own unique snowflake decorations. Charge a participation fee and provide all necessary materials. This indoor activity is perfect for children and families.

28. Candy bag-making

Host a candy bag-making event where participants can create custom candy bags for themselves or as gifts. Charge an entry fee and provide a variety of candies and packaging materials. 

29. Hot chocolate station

Set up a hot chocolate station at a local event or community center. Offer a variety of toppings and flavors for people to choose from for a small donation. This warm and cozy treat is perfect for cold winter days.

30. Family concert

Let your supporters shine! Organize a family concert featuring local musicians and performers. Charge admission and offer refreshments. Include activities like sing-alongs and dance contests to engage the audience.

31. Community board game night

The winter season can be overwhelming for many people. Host a community board game night where participants can relax and play their favorite games. Charge an entry fee and provide a variety of games to choose from. 

FAQs for winter fundraisers

Here are some commonly asked questions about fundraising in the winter:

Why should nonprofits fundraise in the winter?

Winter is a season of giving, making it an ideal time for fundraising. People are more inclined to donate and participate in charitable activities during the holidays. Additionally, winter fundraising can help nonprofits meet their year-end goals and start the new year strong.

How do nonprofits deal with the weather when hosting a winter fundraiser?

Planning is key to dealing with the weather for winter fundraisers. Have contingency plans for outdoor events, such as tents or indoor alternatives. Provide plenty of warm drinks and blankets to keep participants comfortable. Always check the weather forecast and communicate any changes promptly.

Why is winter fundraising important?

Winter fundraising is crucial for nonprofits as it helps bridge the gap between the end of the year and the start of new initiatives. It keeps the momentum going and ensures continuous support for the organization’s mission. It also capitalizes on the generous spirit of the holiday season.

How do nonprofits promote their causes during the holidays?

Nonprofits can promote their causes during the holidays by leveraging social media, email campaigns, and community events. Share heartwarming stories and testimonials to connect with supporters emotionally. Collaborate with local businesses and influencers to amplify your message.

Final thoughts

Winter is a busy time for fundraisers, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a good time to isolate yourself from your supporters. Winter fundraising events are a great idea for this time of year because the colder weather, snow, and ice can give people cabin fever. Your event guests will be delighted for an opportunity to be out of the house, taking part in something fun. Make everyone’s winter a warmer, friendlier time of year by taking part in some of these fundraising event ideas. 

Additional resources

For more information about fundraisers, check out these additional resources:

• Event Management Software for Nonprofits: Top 25+ Tools. Find the right event software with this list! 
• Holiday Fundraising Ideas. Brainstorm your perfect Holiday Fundraiser with these ideas! 
• How to Maximize Offline Fundraising Events in an Online World. Watch this webinar to maximize your event fundraising efforts!