February can feel like a short, quiet month, but for fundraisers, it’s full of opportunity. From Valentine’s Day to Random Acts of Kindness Day, the month gives you natural moments to connect with your community and raise support in fun, meaningful ways.
Whether you’re part of a nonprofit, school, or local team, this guide will help you tap into that energy and build fundraising events that feel exciting, doable, and worth it.
You don’t need a huge team or budget to make an impact. With the right tools and a few creative ideas, February can become one of your strongest fundraising months of the year.
Plan your February fundraising campaign around key seasonal moments
When you're planning a campaign, it's helpful to build around things your community already cares about. February isn’t just about Valentine’s Day, it’s packed with moments that spark emotion, reflection, and action. That gives you lots of chances to connect your mission to what people are already thinking about.
For example, Black History Month opens the door for events that highlight education, equity, and culture. You might host a speaker night, organize a book drive, or run a fundraiser that supports a related local cause.
Valentine’s Day is a no-brainer for showing love through giving. But don’t overlook smaller awareness days, like Random Acts of Kindness Day or World NGO Day. These are perfect for quick peer-to-peer challenges, thank-you campaigns, or donation drives that bring people together.
When you match your campaign to what matters in the moment, people are more likely to pay attention, and take action.
Valentine’s Day fundraising ideas that connect with community members
Valentine’s Day is a great time to remind people how powerful small acts of love can be, especially when they help a good cause. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Just bring a little heart into your fundraising, and your supporters will show up.
One easy win? A Valentine’s Day silent auction or raffle. Ask local businesses to donate date-night items like gift cards, flowers, or spa packages. It’s a great way to raise money and build relationships with partners in your area.
Want something simple and fun? Try a “candy gram” campaign. Supporters buy a treat and a message, and your team delivers them to classrooms, offices, or community centers. It’s low-cost, quick to set up, and always gets smiles.
Dinner events are another classic. Partner with a local restaurant to host a special Valentine’s menu where part of the proceeds support your cause. Or, offer “takeout date night” bundles, think meal kits, candles, and a playlist.
You can also go digital. Run a virtual love-your-community campaign where donors share what they love about your mission on social media. Add a giving link, and invite their friends to join in.
These ideas work because they make people feel good, and that’s what Valentine’s Day is all about.
Fundraising ideas for schools and teams: easy and fun February events
When you're working with students or team parents, simple is best. You want fundraising ideas that are quick to plan, low on stress, and still make people excited to pitch in.
Sweet treat sales are always a hit. Think cupcakes, candy bags, or hot cocoa stands. Set up a table after school, during practice, or at weekend games. People love a little sugar for a good cause.
Family-friendly events are another solid bet. Try a parent-child dance, Valentine’s-themed game night, or even a simple movie screening with popcorn. You can sell tickets, snacks, or both.
If you’ve got a creative group, arts and crafts fundraisers can be a fun way to raise money. Sell handmade Valentine’s cards, set up a photo booth with props, or host a paint night where families donate to join in.
These kinds of events feel personal, and they remind your supporters that giving back can be easy, joyful, and part of their everyday life.
Use peer-to-peer fundraisers to extend your February impact
If you’ve got a tight team or limited time, peer-to-peer fundraising can help you reach way more people without doing all the work yourself. It’s about turning your supporters into your fundraisers, and when they get involved, they bring their friends with them.
One simple idea is a kindness challenge. Ask your community to do small good deeds, like helping a neighbor, writing a thank-you note, or donating gently used clothes, and invite their friends to donate in honor of the effort.
A virtual fun run or walk is another great February activity, especially if you tie it to Valentine’s Day. Set a goal (like walking 14 miles for the 14th), and let people track their progress while collecting pledges online.
You can also try a storytelling campaign. Invite your supporters to share why they care about your mission. They post a short message or video, tag a few friends, and ask them to give or share. It’s personal, powerful, and spreads fast, especially on social media.
With peer-to-peer fundraising, your impact grows every time someone shares your mission. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Partner with local businesses to expand your February reach
You don’t have to do this on your own. Local businesses are often looking for ways to support causes that matter, and February gives you a great reason to team up.
Start simple: ask a favorite local café or bakery to create a themed item for your organization, like a “heart cookie for a cause.” A portion of every sale can go directly to your fundraiser.
Florists and restaurants are also great partners during Valentine’s season. They’re already getting extra traffic, so why not ask if they’ll add a donation option at checkout, or put your flyer by the register?
You can even work together on co-branded giveaways or bundles, like a dinner, flowers, and a donation card all in one. It’s easy for supporters, fun for businesses, and good for everyone involved.
And don’t forget to shout them out. Thank your partners on social media, tag their business, and make sure your supporters know who's helping power your work.
These partnerships grow your reach, strengthen community ties, and take a little pressure off your team.
Don’t forget to follow up and celebrate your community
Once the fundraiser wraps up, don’t just move on, this is your chance to build even stronger connections. A quick thank-you goes a long way, and it helps people feel proud of what they were part of.
Start by sending a simple thank-you email or message. Keep it personal, and tell them how their gift made a difference. If you raised money for a specific goal, show how close you came, or better yet, how you reached it.
Share photos or short stories from the event. A few snapshots from your dance, treat sale, or peer-to-peer campaign can help people see the impact they made. If you can, include quotes from team members or donors. Real voices matter.
Post your appreciation on social media too. Tag supporters and business partners so they feel seen, and so others notice what you're doing.
Following up isn’t just polite. It builds trust, keeps people engaged, and makes it more likely they’ll give again next time.
Leave a big mark
February is short, but it can leave a big mark when you plan it right. Whether you ran a small candy gram sale or a full-on dinner event, every dollar you raised and every supporter you reached brings your mission one step further.
And the best part? The energy you build now doesn’t have to stop. These fundraising ideas can help you carry momentum into spring, and keep your community engaged all year long.
Want a partner to help you grow that impact even more? Harness gives you the tools, strategy, and team support to make fundraising easier, and more powerful. Let’s build something great together at goharness.com.
