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Published November 1, 2023
The winter season is full of festive fun, meaning it’s the perfect opportunity to raise money for your group or organization. Individuals generally feel more charitable during the holidays, so it’s a great time to execute a fundraising effort. Check out these fundraising ideas perfect for winter weather and find the option that works best for your needs.
Gingerbread House Competition
Gingerbread houses are synonymous with winter, so a gingerbread house competition is an ideal way to get in the spirit and raise money for a good cause. You can have individuals or teams pay an entrance fee to participate in the event. On the day of the fundraiser, participants will need to construct their houses within a set timeframe and with provided materials.
Once time is up, have your pre-selected panel of judges rate each house on overall appearance, creativity, precision, etc. To increase your funds, you can also charge audience members a small fee or suggest a minimum donation amount to watch the competition.
If you prefer, participants can construct their gingerbread houses at home then bring them in for display during an in-person event. A panel of judges can choose the winner, or the audience can vote on their favorite.
Toy Drive
A toy drive is a fundraising idea that’s perfect for winter weather because everyone deserves exciting new presents during the holidays. Task your group with collecting toys for kids of all ages and organize an in-person event to sort and package the donations. You can also incorporate a fundraising component by asking for additional donations to benefit your group. For those who can’t donate a toy but still want to participate, it’s helpful to also have a monetary option.
Once all the donations have been sorted, gather your group and head to a local nonprofit or homeless shelter to distribute the toys to children in need. The look of delight on the children’s faces when they receive their new toys will also be a gift for every member of your team.
Hot Chocolate Stand
You’re probably familiar with a classic lemonade stand in the summer, but have you heard of a hot chocolate stand in the winter? A hot chocolate sale is a simple yet effective way to raise money for any team or organization.
All you need for a hot chocolate stand is a table, hot chocolate supplies, and some fun toppings, such as marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and whipped cream. To cater to all dietary needs, offer dairy-free alternatives like almond or soy milk.
Whether you host the event at a school, church, or community space, be sure to set up in a prominent location to attract as many customers as possible. Prior to the fundraiser, have group members advertise the event via fliers, social media posts, and word of mouth to make your hot chocolate stand a success.
Whether you’re looking for basketball, choir, or dance fundraiser ideas this winter, our experts at Vertical Raise can help you boost your profits with a premier online donation platform. Using our platform will help you seamlessly increase the reach of your fundraiser so you can raise more money in less time.