1. Holiday light tour
If your neighborhood is known for its holiday lights, give groups of people walking tours in the name of your good cause. Participants can pay with a small donation as a way for you to raise money. You can also serve hot apple cider and other holiday treats for a small fee (again, in the form of donations to your cause).
2. Polar bear plunge
Another great option to help expand your fundraising in January and move beyond just the holidays, the polar bear plunge is a great idea. Hardy volunteers take the plunge into the icy waters of a lake, river, ocean, or pool, no wetsuits allowed. Ask competitors to contribute an entrance fee in the form of a donation to your fundraiser. Or have them raise funds through sponsorships from friends and family. Charging spectators a small fee in the form of a donation to your cause is another option, or simply “pass the hat” (or take donations via a mobile device) at the event. Don’t forget to post the action shots.
3. Holiday concert
A holiday concert is one of the most classic winter fundraising ideas. People love holiday music, and its themes inspire giving. Enlist local choirs, bands, soloists, and other musicians to participate in a community-wide holiday concert. Partner with a local venue who may be willing to host your event (remember that weather is a factor, so you may need an indoor space). Sell tickets in the form of donations to your fundraiser. Remember to bring a mobile device to the concert so people can donate to your fundraiser as they enter.
4. Gingerbread house party
Another great winter fundraising idea, to get all ages involved, is a gingerbread house party. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to combine fundraising with a classic holiday party. Send out an invite (via email and social media, perhaps using a Facebook Event) to family, friends, and neighbors. Ask for RSVPs to get an idea of how many gingerbread houses you’ll need—buying supplies in bulk may get you a discount. Select a day, time, and place to host the party. Ask attendees to make a donation to your cause as the price of admission. Once the gingerbread houses are complete, have everyone take photos of their creations and share online, along with a link to your fundraiser. This can be especially effective if your cause is related to housing, food, families, or children.
5. Super Bowl party
The Super Bowl doesn’t happen until early February, but a fundraiser party at this time can be a good choice because it won’t compete with the busy holiday season. To make the event more fun, offer donation options such as $20 for every field goal or $50 for every end-zone dance. Print out a sheet showing these options and ask people to make their selections before the game starts. At the end of the party, collect the pledged amounts—people will be especially glad to pay up if the team they’re rooting for wins.