5 Holiday Fundraising Ideas to Wrap Up Your Year

Whether you're fundraising for a school, sports team, church, non-profit, or other organization, there are countless holiday fundraising ideas to help you finish the year strong.

Let's take a look at our five favourite holiday and Christmas fundraiser ideas!

1. Holiday treats and specialties

Product fundraisers have been a tried-and-true method for decades. You can partner with a company that specializes in product fundraising to buy items in bulk and resell them, or use a catalogue and order form to take orders directly.

What products are best for a holiday fundraiser? Fan-favourites include:

• Candles
• Gift wrap
• Baked goods
• Gift baskets
• Christmas wreaths or poinsettias
• Amaryllis or paperwhite bulbs

2. FlipGive

FlipGive takes the stress out of traditional fundraising—you don't have to sell goods or ask for donations.

Instead, supporters simply buy gift cards (great for gifting or everyday spend) or shop online, and your organization earns cashback with every purchase.

As families gear up for holiday shopping and seasonal plans, FlipGive makes it effortless to earn money on the activities and purchases they're already making. In fact, top-earning families raise hundreds of dollars every year (so imagine the impact when more supporters get involved!).

FlipGive is designed to work year-round, but it can easily flex as a quick holiday fundraiser, too. It's free to join, and your organization can be approved within a few days.

FlipGive partners with hundreds of popular brands, from Starbucks to Sephora and everything in between.

To learn more about how a FlipGive program can benefit your organization, download our free guide or start a program today: 

3. Gingerbread house contest

A gingerbread house decorating contest is a festive Christmas fundraiser, but get ready for some planning, prep, and sticky clean-up.

If you're fundraising for a school, youth group, or church, your organization probably has a space for hosting events. If not, consider inquiring about community meeting rooms available in your area. 

Next, you'll need supplies for all participants. Contact grocery stores, bakeries, and other local businesses for donated supplies and prizes. (Or, use a FlipGive gift card to purchase supplies at your preferred store!)

Calculate an entry fee to cover the cost of supplies and other expenses, with all additional proceeds going toward your holiday fundraiser.

4. Holiday soiree, gala, or concert

If you love party planning, this is the holiday fundraiser for you. You can make the event as low-key or high-end as possible, from black tie or masquerade to an ugly Christmas sweater party.

Here are some tips to make your Christmas fundraiser event or benefit concert a smashing success:

• Hire a local musical group to perform (or find one willing to donate their time to help a worthy cause).
  
  
• Contact local businesses to sponsor the event and provide refreshments.
  
  
• If your organization has merch on hand, like shirts, mugs, tote bags, etc., sell these on-site or use them as door prizes.
  
  
• Sell advance tickets and/or charge a cover fee at the door.

5. Holiday-themed raffle

A raffle is a holiday fundraising classic—there's nothing like a chance to win a prize and get people excited to chip in for a good cause.

Before you start planning, check your province's rules for running a raffle. You'll likely need to apply for a licence beforehand. 

Then, follow these tips to make your holiday raffle a snap: 

• Contact local businesses to contribute. Coffee shops can donate gift cards, bakeries can provide cakes or cookies, local artists might donate prints or cards, and spas could provide a free massage or facial. Don't be afraid to ask around!
  
  
• Reach out to larger companies. Many companies and chain stores have donation programs and will contribute prizes to charity events.
  
  
• Go paperless. If you're nostalgic for the roll of colourful raffle tickets, by all means, go old-school. But if you'd rather modernize your raffle, you can use an online raffle creator to manage entries, sell tickets, and select winners.