Winter is the perfect time to get creative with your fundraising. The holidays are in full swing, people are feeling generous, and cozy events just make sense when it’s cold outside. Whether you're part of a small nonprofit or just trying to rally your local community, winter gives you a real chance to raise money and make people feel good about giving.
We’ve seen what works and what flops. That’s why this list is full of ideas that are easy to pull off, fun to run, and good at bringing people together. Some need only a little planning; others might take a team effort, but all are designed to help you raise more without burning out.
Low-cost winter fundraising ideas for every nonprofit organization
You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. Some of the best winter fundraisers we’ve seen are simple, affordable, and surprisingly powerful. When you keep costs low, more of the money goes where it’s supposed to, straight to your cause.
A bake sale is always a winner. Set up a table at a local market or community center and ask volunteers to bring homemade treats. Keep the prices friendly, and people will happily spend a few dollars for something sweet.
Hot chocolate stations are another favorite. They’re easy to set up, just some warm drinks, cups, and a smile, and they work especially well near holiday events or local parades. Ask for small donations in return, and you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up.
Board game nights are a cozy way to gather people indoors. You can ask for an entry donation, serve snacks, and maybe even offer a little prize for the winner. It’s fun, affordable, and gives everyone a reason to stick around and connect.
The best part? These events don’t just raise money. They bring your community together in a way that feels warm, personal, and meaningful.
Winter fundraising ideas perfect for friends and family
Sometimes the best fundraisers are the ones that start close to home. Friends and family are often your biggest cheerleaders, and winter gives you the perfect excuse to bring everyone together for a good cause.
Host a family game night where people can pay a small donation to join. Set it up in your living room, a community hall, or even online. Break out the classics, Uno, Pictionary, charades, and let the laughs (and donations) roll in.
Movie marathons are another easy win. Pick a theme, holiday classics or favorite childhood flicks, and invite folks over for a cozy night in. Ask for a small donation at the “door,” and don’t forget the popcorn.
A gingerbread house decorating contest is fun for kids and adults alike. You can offer a prize for the most creative build, sell kits in advance, or ask each family to bring their own supplies. It’s messy, silly, and perfect for building memories.
These gatherings don’t have to be fancy. What matters is the heart behind them. When your loved ones see how much this means to you, they’ll show up, and they’ll give.
Winter fundraising events to engage your local community members
If you’re looking to grow your reach beyond friends and family, your local community is a great place to start. People love getting involved, especially when the event is fun, seasonal, and supports something close to home.
A winter carnival is one of the most exciting ways to raise funds and lift spirits. Set up simple booths like ring toss, cookie decorating, or a snowman-building contest if you’re lucky with the weather. Local volunteers or businesses might even help sponsor parts of the event.
Holiday light walks are another great idea. Pick a street or a local park, string up some lights, and guide small groups through the route in exchange for a donation. Add music or hot drinks to make it feel extra special.
If you want something low-key, try caroling for a cause. Gather a group, rehearse a few songs, and visit local homes or businesses. Carry a donation jar, or even better, set up a QR code so people can give online.
You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help when they know it’s for a good reason. These kinds of events turn neighbors into supporters, and supporters into friends.
Holiday-themed ideas that boost your winter fundraising campaign
The holiday season is all about giving, and that makes it the perfect time to run a fundraising campaign. People are already in a generous mood, so your job is to make it easy and fun for them to support your cause.
Selling Christmas trees or offering a delivery service is a tried-and-true way to raise money. Partner with a local tree farm, take pre-orders, and use your volunteers to handle the rest. It’s a great way to bring in donations and spread cheer at the same time.
Holiday ornament auctions are another simple way to engage supporters. Ask local artists, students, or community members to create and donate handmade ornaments. Then host an online or in-person auction where the highest bidder gets to take one home.
Photos with Santa? Still a hit. All you need is a volunteer in a Santa suit, a festive backdrop, and a way to collect small donations in exchange for a quick snapshot. Parents love it, kids have a blast, and your nonprofit gets a boost.
When you connect your campaign with the holiday spirit, it becomes more than just fundraising, it becomes part of someone’s celebration.
Creative indoor winter fundraiser ideas for raising money safely
Cold weather doesn’t mean your fundraising has to slow down. In fact, some of the best winter events happen indoors, where it’s warm, safe, and easy to plan around.
Indoor mini golf is one of those “surprise hits.” Use cardboard, boxes, and a little imagination to turn a hallway, gym, or big room into a mini golf course. Charge a small fee per player and keep the vibe fun and casual.
Puzzle tournaments are another great idea. Get teams to race against the clock to finish a puzzle. Ask for a small entry fee and offer a fun prize to the fastest team. It’s low stress, low cost, and big on laughs.
Paint and sip nights (with cider or cocoa instead of wine, if needed) are easy to organize and a great way to bring in creative donors. Set up a table with basic supplies, charge a small fee, and let people enjoy a night of painting and chatting.
You don’t need fancy venues or big budgets. What you need is a warm space, good energy, and a reason for people to come together.
Ticketed winter fundraising events with strong revenue potential
Sometimes, going big really pays off. Ticketed events may take a bit more planning, but they also offer a chance to raise more money while giving people a night to remember.
A formal winter gala is a classic option. Think cozy lights, simple decorations, and local music or speakers. Sell tickets in advance, offer a meal or drinks, and consider adding a silent auction or raffle to boost your total.
If you want something with more flair, try a murder mystery dinner. People love the chance to dress up and play along, especially if it’s themed around the holidays. You can find ready-to-use kits online or write your own story if you’re feeling creative.
Live music nights or local comedy shows are also solid choices. Find performers in your area, rent out a small space (or ask to use one for free), and sell tickets online or at the door. Keep it simple, just good entertainment and a good cause.
These events take effort, but they can also be your biggest earners. And when done right, they become something your supporters look forward to every year.
Smart ways to promote your winter fundraiser on social media
You’ve got the event, now you need to get the word out. Social media is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reach your community and encourage your supporters to show up and give.
Start with simple posts. Share what the fundraiser is, who it helps, and why it matters. Use friendly, real photos, people connect with faces and stories more than flyers. Don’t forget to include a clear link or instructions for how to donate or sign up.
Countdowns work well too. Post updates like “3 days to go!” or “We’re halfway to our goal!” to build excitement. Ask your supporters to share your posts, people are more likely to donate when they hear about it from a friend.
You can also run quick giving challenges, like “Donate $5 and tag 5 friends.” These mini campaigns are easy to join and spread fast when tied to a good cause.
And if you’re using Harness, take advantage of tools like two-way texting or automated thank-you messages to keep your donors engaged and feeling appreciated.
The key is to keep it personal, clear, and consistent. Let people see the impact they’re part of, and they’ll want to be part of it.
Partner with a local business for fundraising events
If you want to grow your reach fast, partnering with a local business is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s a win-win: they get community exposure, and you get more eyes on your cause.
One great option is a dine-out night. A restaurant picks a night to donate a portion of its sales, and your supporters show up to eat. It’s easy to organize, and most local spots are happy to help, especially during slower winter months.
You can also host trivia nights at local breweries or coffee shops. They provide the space, you bring the crowd, and everyone enjoys a fun night while raising funds through ticket sales or small entry fees.
Other businesses might pitch in with services. A salon can donate a day of “tips for a cause,” or a gym might offer a winter fitness class where all proceeds go to your nonprofit.
The best part? These events bring new people into your circle. Even if they’re not familiar with your mission, a great event gives them a reason to care, and maybe give again.
Bonus resources to elevate your next fundraising campaign
Planning a fundraiser can be a lot. Between the emails, event setup, and donor follow-ups, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where the right tools, and a little help, can make a big difference.
Start with a plan. A simple checklist or timeline can keep your team on track. If you're using Harness, we’ve got campaign planners and ready-to-go templates that make organizing events way less stressful.
Show donors what their support does. Use impact amounts on your giving forms, like “$25 helps feed a family for a day”, so people see the power of even a small donation.
Don’t forget to say thanks. With Harness, you can automate text or email thank-yous that go out right after someone gives. It’s a small touch that makes people feel seen and appreciated.
Recurring donations are another game-changer. Add that option to your donation forms, and you’ll turn one-time givers into long-term supporters, without asking twice.
Smart planning and simple tools go a long way. When you’ve got the right setup, you can focus more on impact and less on logistics.
Make this season special
Winter is more than just a season, it’s a chance to bring people together and do some real good. Whether your fundraiser is big or small, indoors or out, what matters most is that it connects people to your mission in a meaningful way.
With the right mix of creativity and planning, you can turn simple moments into powerful support. And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone.
Want to take your winter fundraising to the next level? Discover how Harness can help you raise more with less effort.
