20 Winter Fundraiser Ideas to Keep Your Season Warm and Funded

Winter can be one of the best times of year to fundraise. Families are indoors, communities are in a giving mood, and sports, schools, and nonprofits all have projects that need support. December is consistently the most charitable month of the year, and that generosity often carries through January and February.

Here are twenty winter fundraising ideas that keep your program active, engaging, and profitable even when the temperatures drop.

1. Calendar Fundraiser

Start the year with a digital or printed calendar fundraiser. Supporters pick a date and donate that dollar amount. It is quick to share online and can raise thousands with almost no setup.

2. Hot Chocolate Stand

Trade the summer lemonade stand for a deluxe hot chocolate bar. Offer toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or peppermint sticks for an extra donation.

3. Winter Fun Run or Walk-a-Thon

Bundle up and host a chilly run, walk, or snowshoe event. Participants collect pledges per mile and enjoy a hot drink at the finish line.

4. Crowdfunding Campaign

Use a storytelling approach to raise money online through school fundraiser and other organizational fundraising efforts like crowdfunding. Photos and short updates about what the funds support help drive donations through the winter holidays.

5. Holiday Gift Wrapping Station

Set up a wrapping booth at a mall, church, or school event. Offer several wrapping paper options and charge a small fee per gift.

6. Ugly Sweater Contest

Invite students, staff, or community members to show off their tackiest holiday sweaters. Charge a small entry fee and let people vote for the winner with $1 donations.

7. Winter Carnival

Host a small festival with games, baked goods, and raffles. Include snowman-building or hot cocoa-chugging contests for a playful touch.

8. Cozy Blanket Drive with Donations

Partner with a local charity to collect blankets, coats, or socks. Ask donors to include a few dollars with each item to help cover community needs.

9. Snowball Toss Game

Create a fun indoor or outdoor throwing game using foam balls and buckets. Charge per throw or per round, and give small prizes for top scorers.

10. Pancake Breakfast

A warm breakfast fundraiser never fails. Sell tickets in advance and host it on a Saturday morning in a gym or cafeteria. Families love it, and volunteers can help cook.

11. Pep Rally Fundraiser

Combine school spirit with giving. Sell admission, snacks, or raffle tickets at a winter sports pep rally to support upcoming expenses.

12. Holiday Talent Show

Showcase your community’s singers, dancers, and comedians. Charge a modest entry or viewing fee, and stream the event online for extra reach.

13. Car Window Clean-Up

Cold weather makes windshields messy. Offer to clean windows at local parking lots or events for donations.

14. Candle or Ornament Sale

Work with a local crafter or small business to sell winter-themed candles or ornaments. Keep it local, simple, and limited to a few high-quality items.

15. “Fill the Tree” Fundraiser

Set up a paper tree on a wall or window. Each leaf or ornament represents a donation level. As the tree fills up, supporters see progress in real time.

16. Warm Soup Lunch

Host a soup cook-off or chili lunch. Ask volunteers to bring their favorite recipes, then let guests vote for the winner with dollar donations.

17. Polar Plunge Challenge

If your group is bold, host a polar plunge in a lake or pool. Participants collect pledges for every second they stay in the water.

18. Movie Night

Turn a gym or auditorium into a cozy movie theater. Charge admission and sell popcorn, candy, and hot chocolate for extra profit.

19. Gingerbread Contest

Families or students build gingerbread houses at home and bring them in for judging. Charge an entry fee and display the houses during a school or community event.

20. Winter Photo Booth

Set up a backdrop with snowflakes, lights, or school mascots. Charge per photo and offer digital copies or small prints for supporters.

Tips for Winter Fundraising Success

1. Lean into the season. People are naturally more generous during the holidays, so connect your cause to the spirit of giving.

2. Make it visual. Calendars, trees, and progress thermometers encourage donors to act quickly.

3. Keep it short. A two- or three-week campaign is ideal. Urgency keeps energy high.

4. Promote online. Social media posts, text reminders, and email updates bring in far more donations than word of mouth alone.

5. Say thank you often. Recognition posts, photos, or handwritten notes help donors feel appreciated and more likely to give again.

Bringing It All Together

Winter fundraising doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right idea, a clear goal, and a little creativity, your team or organization can make this season both successful and fun.

Whether you pick a digital calendar, a cozy breakfast, or a friendly snowball competition, focus on connection and celebration. The colder months can bring your community closer together — and help you reach every fundraising goal before spring arrives.