Make your fundraising event more personal by allowing supporters to take photos with Santa. This is a perfect idea for kids-focused fundraisers. During this time, your organization can offer to dispose of Christmas trees for a small donation. This is a great fundraising idea that works well in larger communities.
Create a Website
Remember that “gift” fundraising has a much higher conversion rate when creating your campaign than asking for cash donations. This is because people associate gifts with warmth, happiness, and generosity. Use storytelling strategies to promote your Christmas fundraisers for schools.
Choose a central character, like a lifelong donor or a grateful beneficiary, and share their story in a way that tugs at donors’ heartstrings. For example, if your nonprofit provides rehabilitation services to veterans, have them record a video about their journey. Run a 5K that raises money for your nonprofit by charging participants an entry fee and offering branded merchandise, such as t-shirts and mugs. Alternatively, host a family-friendly event such as a cookie swap or a cookie-eating contest. These events will inspire friendly competition and help you collect more funds. Also, use SMS or text messaging campaigns to reach supporters who don’t interact with social media. These campaigns can be especially effective when targeting younger demographics.
Create a Ticketing System
In-person and virtual fundraising challenges can be a great way to raise money this time of year. You can even turn an ugly sweater contest into a fundraiser by charging participants an entry fee and giving prizes to the winners. Set up a Santa’s Village at school that can be an alternative to the crowded and chaotic mall.
Charge an entrance fee for children to enter and sell treats like hot chocolate, cookies, and candy canes. You can also host a Penguin Shuffleboard game where players slide penguins (or other winter-themed objects) down a shuffleboard table to make it across the scoring area for a high score. Another popular Christmas fundraiser idea is to provide gift-wrapping services for families. Promote the service through flyers, email blasts, and social media to raise awareness and generate revenue. You can extend the offer to Hanukkah, Kwanza, or other cultural holiday celebrations.
Create a Donation Form
A successful online Christmas fundraiser will provide supporters with multiple opportunities to contribute. Whether purchasing tickets or donating through text-to-donate, your nonprofit must offer different donation methods and record their contributions correctly to generate the highest possible revenue. Ask attendees to send in photos of their decked-out homes for a festive photo contest.
You’ll need a system for accepting entries and assigning them to judges before the event begins. You can also tie in a prize for the most beautiful home to give participants something extra to look forward to at the night’s end. Offer a holiday gift catalog to raise funds during the season. Include items from local businesses aligned with your school’s mission and target audience, making it easier for supporters to buy thoughtful gifts while supporting your nonprofit. This type of fundraiser is prevalent for schools that need to raise money for gifts and supplies for students.
Create an Email Campaign
Make sure to promote your fundraisers using emails that are timely and relevant. For example, if you’re running a virtual holiday shop during Christmas, you could email a newsletter with tips to parents on keeping their kids safe while ordering online. Encourage participation by spelling out specific needs and offering exciting incentives.
For example, if you’re fundraising for rehabilitation services, you can use storytelling strategies like testimonial videos featuring grateful beneficiaries to engage donors and motivate them to support your cause. Another engaging idea is a 5K or fun run. Recruit influencers in your network to promote the event and generate interest with their social media posts and email newsletters. Make sure to add competitive elements like leaderboards to increase donations. When the campaign ends, send a celebratory email sharing the final results and thank your supporters for their generosity. You can also share video clips from your influencers to show their appreciation.