January might feel like a quiet month, but it’s actually full of potential for fundraising. The holidays are over, people are resetting, and communities are looking for meaningful ways to start the year.
It’s the perfect moment to re-engage your supporters, while their energy (and resolutions) are fresh.
We’ve seen it firsthand: winter events can bring people together, spark joy, and raise real money for your mission. From cozy hot chocolate pop-ups to digital raffles that anyone can join, there are so many ways to kick off your year strong. And if you’re tired of juggling five platforms to make it happen, that’s where we come in.
Low-cost January fundraiser ideas to kickstart the year
Let’s be real, January budgets can be tight. But fundraising doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. These low-cost ideas focus on community, fun, and simplicity. They’re great for small teams and perfect if you want to get things rolling without a big upfront spend.
1. Winter walk-a-thon with friends and family
This one’s a classic for a reason. Invite supporters to walk a set distance in their neighborhoods, at a local park, or even indoors at a school gym. Ask them to collect donations or pledges for each mile walked. It’s easy to organize and works well even in colder weather.
2. New Year resolution challenge
Encourage your supporters to set a personal goal, like no sugar for a week or journaling every day, and ask friends to sponsor them. This taps into that “fresh start” feeling and lets people do something healthy while supporting your cause.
3. Indoor paint-a-thon
Gather supplies (or ask local artists to donate some), set up tables, and invite folks to paint for a cause. You can charge a small fee to join or let people donate what they can. It’s family-friendly and makes for great social media moments, too.
4. “Snow sprint” with snow machine
If you’ve got access to a snow machine, or live where snow is guaranteed, host a short, fun race event. Think quick dashes, silly outfits, and a prize for the winner. It’s more about laughs than competition. Keep it short and safe, and charge a small entry fee.
Community clean-up for donations
Invite volunteers to help clean a park, schoolyard, or neighborhood block in exchange for donations from local businesses or individuals. You’ll raise funds and make your community a little brighter. Win-win.
Warm and cozy fundraising events for cold weather
When it's chilly outside, people naturally gather indoors, and that makes it the perfect time for warm, simple events that bring everyone together. These ideas create comfort, connection, and a reason to give, even when it’s freezing out.
5. Hot chocolate station pop-up
Set up a table at a school, church, or local business and offer hot chocolate for a small donation. Add extras like marshmallows, whipped cream, or candy canes for bonus appeal. Partner with a local café or bakery to keep costs low, or get supplies donated. It's quick to set up, and people love it.
6. Winter-themed recipe book fundraiser
Ask your supporters to send in their favorite winter dishes, soups, stews, cookies, you name it. Compile them into a simple recipe book and sell digital or printed copies. It’s a great way to spotlight your community and raise funds at the same time.
7. Soup night or chili cook-off with ticket sales
Host a casual evening where volunteers cook their best soup or chili, and guests vote for their favorites. Charge a small ticket fee, and maybe offer a prize to the winning cook. It’s low-key, tasty, and works great as a social gathering.
8. Blanket-making workshop or knit-a-thon
Gather folks to make simple fleece tie blankets or knit squares for donation. Ask for a suggested donation to participate, and give people the option to keep one item or donate all to a shelter. It’s a hands-on way to do good and stay warm together.
9. Hot beverage and story night for families
Invite families to come in for warm drinks, cookies, and a cozy storytelling session. Local teachers, authors, or volunteers can read winter books aloud. It's especially great for younger kids and gives parents a break. Donations at the door help keep it going.
Partner with local businesses to raise funds
You don’t have to do it all alone. Local businesses are often eager to support community efforts, especially when it brings more people through their doors. These ideas make fundraising a win for everyone.
10. Sell tickets to a local movie night or trivia event
Partner with a local theater, brewery, or coffee shop to host a low-key evening event. You handle the promotion, they provide the space (or discount), and you both get a boost in visibility. Sell tickets ahead of time, and keep things fun and simple.
11. Winter scavenger hunt through downtown shops
Create a fun checklist of clues or items to find in local stores. People can join solo or in teams, paying a small fee to participate. Stores get foot traffic, and you get donations. Offer a prize to the team that finishes first or finds everything fastest.
12. Restaurant week fundraiser
Team up with a few local spots to run a “dine and donate” week, where a portion of each meal goes to your nonprofit. This works especially well during slower restaurant months and gives supporters a great excuse to eat out.
13. Pop-up artisan market or craft fair
Invite local artists, crafters, and bakers to set up tables at your school, church, or community center. Charge a small vendor fee or take a cut of sales. These events also bring in foot traffic and are a great way to build community partnerships.
14. Charity bake sale hosted by local bakeries
Instead of baking everything in-house, ask local bakeries to donate a few items or run a promotion where a set menu item supports your cause. Promote it together on social media, it’s a quick, low-lift way to raise funds and build goodwill.
Fundraising events that engage community members
Sometimes the best fundraising ideas are the ones that feel like good old-fashioned fun. These events are built for connection, simple, social, and easy to customize for your community. And when people feel involved, they’re more likely to give.
15. Snowman building contest (park or backyard edition)
No need to overthink it. Just ask families or teams to build their best snowman and share photos online or come together at a local park. Charge a small entry fee and offer fun prizes, like “most creative” or “tallest snowman.” It’s playful, and it works for all ages.
16. Community talent show or karaoke night
Invite people to show off their skills, singing, dancing, magic tricks, anything goes. Rent a small space (or partner with a school or rec center), charge for admission, and sell concessions. You’ll get laughs, donations, and a night to remember.
17. Game night fundraiser (board games, trivia, or bingo)
Ask families and friend groups to join for an easy night of games. You can offer prizes, sell snacks, and even get sponsors for each game table. It’s an easy lift with big potential, especially in colder months when people are looking for things to do indoors.
18. Family dance party or disco for a small fee
Clear out a gym, turn on the music, and let the kids loose. Sell glow sticks, snacks, and maybe have a dance-off. Parents get to relax, kids have fun, and you raise money for your mission.
19. Valentine’s Day prep night (make cards, crafts, and sweets)
Get ahead of the holiday by inviting people to create handmade valentines and small gifts. Charge for materials or ask for donations at the door. This one’s great for kids, but adults love it too, especially when it supports a good cause.
Digital and virtual January fundraising ideas
Not everyone can make it to an in-person event, and that’s okay. Virtual fundraisers are a great way to reach more people, especially during the winter months. These ideas work well with smaller teams, offer flexibility, and still bring in real support.
20. Online raffle or giveaway campaign
Set up a simple raffle using donated items or experiences (like a gift card to a local restaurant). Supporters buy entries online for a chance to win. It’s easy to share and lets people give from anywhere. Use social media and email to spread the word fast.
21. Virtual classes or skill-share workshops
Ask community members to teach something they know, like yoga, baking, or painting. Host the sessions live or record them ahead of time. Supporters can donate to join, and you can even bundle classes into a “January Learning Series.”
22. Social media fundraising challenge
Start a challenge like “Donate $5, Tag 5” or something tied to your mission. Encourage people to share why they gave and invite others to do the same. It’s a great way to reach new donors and build momentum quickly.
23. Crowdfunding campaign with impact tracker
Set a clear fundraising goal and launch a short-term campaign. Use an impact tracker to show progress and keep people excited. Celebrate milestones along the way to keep donations coming in.
24. Livestream concert or Q&A with a local leader
Host a live event, music, a talk, or even a roundtable. Make it interactive, include stories from your nonprofit, and give people a chance to donate in real time. These events can feel personal, even if everyone’s watching from home.
How to promote your january fundraiser on social media
You’ve got great ideas, now you need people to show up. Social media is your best friend when it comes to spreading the word, building energy, and keeping your supporters in the loop. These simple tips can help you get noticed without spending a dime.
Use strong visuals to catch attention
Photos and short videos go a long way. Share past event highlights, behind-the-scenes setup, or even a countdown to build excitement. For example, if you’re hosting a hot chocolate station, snap a quick pic of the setup or the toppings bar.
Encourage friends and family to share
Your supporters are your biggest promoters. Ask them to tag a few friends when they post about your fundraiser or to share your event page. A few personal shares can help you reach people you’d never find on your own.
Add winter-themed flair
Keep your posts on-brand but have fun with the season. Use snowy backgrounds, bold headlines, and simple winter icons (like mugs, scarves, or mittens) in your designs. You want your fundraiser to feel timely and inviting.
Tease your fundraiser with mini updates
Don’t just post once and walk away. Share bite-sized updates: “We just hit 25% of our goal!” or “Only 3 days left to grab your trivia night tickets!” These updates keep your fundraiser top-of-mind and create urgency.
Tag local businesses and community members
If a local bakery donated cookies or a sponsor helped cover costs, tag them. They’ll often reshare your post, which means more eyeballs on your event. It also helps build stronger partnerships for the future.
Bring some warmth into the winter months
January fundraising is more than just getting a head start on your year, it’s a chance to reconnect with your supporters, bring some warmth into the winter months, and show your community what you’re all about. Whether you’re setting up a hot chocolate station, running a virtual raffle, or organizing a snowman contest, every small effort adds up to something big.
We’ve seen what’s possible when organizations lean into creativity, consistency, and connection. You don’t need a huge team or a big budget, you just need a clear plan and a way to bring people along for the ride.
And if you’re ready to take things further, we’re here to help.
At Harness, we make it easier for nonprofits to raise more, stress less, and grow with confidence. From smart tools to expert support, we’re here to help you turn great ideas into lasting impact.
