12 Holiday Fundraising Ideas for Busy City Families

Everyone loves giving and receiving gifts during the holiday season, but finding time to give back isn’t always easy. Fortunately, you don’t need to make a huge time or cost investment to create a memorable and effective fundraising effort. Maybe you’re working with your child’s school to make money, or you want to assist a community organization. In any case, here are 12 simple holiday fundraising ideas that can boost everyone’s spirits!

1. Community Craft Market

You can get the whole community involved in fundraising by organizing a community craft market. Families can volunteer to make baked goods or homemade gifts, like seasonal ornaments. Set up tables in a local gym or community center, add a few decorations, and you’ll have a successful fundraiser. 

2. A Hot Chocolate Stand

You can earn instant attention with a hot cocoa stand on a cold day. Bring a few thermoses and some toppings, like marshmallows. When you’re set up on a street corner, you’ll have instant visibility—and passersby will love the opportunity to warm up while supporting a good cause. Another crowd-pleasing option is offering flavorful flavored pecans in seasonal tins or jars these make delightful, ready-to-gift treats that combine indulgence with simplicity, perfect for holiday fundraising.

3. Ready-Made Gift Tins

Why not sell ready-made gift tins to make money? Everyone’s in the mood to indulge a little more during the holidays. Purdys Fundraising program helps bring decadent, delicious chocolates to everyone in assorted tins. You can do orders online and keep track of profits easily, knowing that you’re offering the finest chocolates to supporters. 

4. Employer Match Donations

Many adults work for companies that may offer donation matching to employees. When a family confirms this and fills out any necessary paperwork, they can double their gift. This is an easy way to make a difference while keeping the holiday stress at bay. 

5. Donation Stands

Busy city families don’t want to go far to make donations. Placing a festive donation box in an apartment lobby is a convenient way to let people contribute to a good cause without traveling. 

6. Online Auctions

While in-person auctions can be exciting, they’re not always easy to fit into your schedule during the holidays. Thankfully, online auctions have emerged as an effective fundraising alternative. Individuals can bid on items like concert tickets, snow boots, or handmade scarves. 

7. Local Raffles

Let local businesses gain a little visibility during the fundraising process by contributing to raffles. They can donate gift cards for products or a night out at their restaurant. Families can reach out to their school and friend networks to sell tickets and announce winners as the holidays near. 

8. Festive Performances

Everyone loves hearing holiday tunes when December rolls around. Offer concerts featuring local school choirs or other musicians. The concert can be free, but encourage donations by passing around donation buckets or offering a QR code. 

9. Fitness Competitions

You can bundle fundraising and calorie burning with fitness competitions. Host a family race or concoct a fun obstacle course. You’ll raise money through pledges and registration fees.

10. Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are always a welcome presence during the holiday season. Craft baskets from donated items, like handcrafted hats or hand warmers, and sell them at a local market. 

11. Decorated Giving Trees

With a decorated giving tree, you’ll invite families to purchase and donate the items attached to the tree. Toys for kids, boots, and other clothing items are popular items that can make a difference.

12. Kids’ Holiday Cards

Why not turn children’s artwork into charming holiday cards? Taking a snowman drawing or Santa painting, digitizing it, and printing it as a card can give you a wonderful way to honor the creative skills of kids while supporting a good cause. 

Finding the Best Fundraising Ideas

When you’re feeling pressed to find the best fundraising ideas, know that you don’t have to stretch yourself too thin. Simple hot chocolate stands, raffles, concerts, and gift tins can go a long way. And you won’t have to make a huge effort for these events and activities to go smoothly and make a positive impact.

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