Winter Fundraising Ideas

When winter rolls in, the season of giving heats up. The colder months offer plenty of chances to spark generosity and raise funds for your cause, from holiday-themed events to cozy community activities. But how can you make the most of the chilly days between October and February to keep the giving going?

Below are some frosty-fun-and admittedly, a little punny winter fundraising ideas for 2025 to help you unite your community and keep those donations flowing. Whether you're organizing a snowman-building competition or operating a warm and cozy hot chocolate stand read on for our top picks, plus a few more for good measure to fire up your winter fundraising efforts. To handle your winter fundraising gracefully, try a free demo of our Paybee platform- an all-in-one suite for all the tools and support you may need to make this season of giving your best.

Winter DIY Workshops for All Ages

Winter Snowman DIY Kits

There's Snowplace like home for some family fun! Design a line of winter snowman DIY kits that families can purchase and assemble in-home. The kits could be as simple as a single item of felt, buttons and cotton provisions to make one adorable little snowman.

You can sell these kits at local events or through your nonprofit's website. This winter fundraiser is ideal for families seeking a fun laid-back project to work on together- especially over the holidays. Bundle the DIY kits with a small packet of hot cocoa mix as a bonus.

Snow Globe-Making Workshop

Snow globe making is a perfect winter fundraiser for kids and adults alike to create their own winter wonderland in a jar. Collect glass jars, glycerin, glitter and small figurines to make snow globes from scratch. Charge for the materials and offer to help guide participants through the steps of creating their own snow globe.

Not only will the participants leave with a glimmering keepsake that shines, but they will actually have fun shaking up their creativity while raising funds. Another option is to have a "sponsor-a-snowglobe" for people who can't come but want to help out. Sponsors pay for someone else's materials, adding to the total of your fundraising goal.

Scent-sational Winter Candle Workshop

A winter candle workshop is an excellent way to warm up in winter and create a really special keepsake. At this workshop, supporters can create their own scented candles using materials such as wicks, wax and essential oils.

Charge a fee to join, which includes all the supplies they need. This best winter fundraiser allows people to take home a lovely handmade product. Consider having a "candle-jar-decoration" station. This would make the experience of making the candle even more personal for participants, and you can charge them extra for any added materials needed for this particular addition.

Decorated Ornaments Workshop

Invite people of all ages to a workshop on ornament decorating and paint the town (or tree) red- and green, and gold! This winter fundraiser invites participants of all ages to decorate their own holiday ornaments, making this event as fun as a “holiday hanger” (as in the one that holds your beautiful creation!).

Provide various types of blank ornaments, such as wood, glass or clay with paints and other decorative items. Participants can pay an entrance fee that includes ornaments and decorating supplies. It's a great winter fundraising idea for December when people look for things to do that put them in the festive spirit. Encourage participants to make extra ornaments to auction off or sell at a Christmas market.

Winter Wreath-Making Workshop

Bring the outdoors to doors with a wreath-making workshop. Gather fresh greenery, ribbons and other festive accents. Participants pay to join and make their own beautiful winter wreaths.

This winter fundraiser could attract families, friends or even local businesses looking for something fun to do together. Team up with a local nursery or craft store for supplies at a discounted rate- they may even donate supplies in exchange for promoting their business at the event.

Winter-Themed Competitions & Events

Gingerbread House Competition

Go all out with winter fundraising and host a competition for building gingerbread houses. Make sure you provide clear instructions to the participants.  

You could run this event in many different ways, but for instance, you might take individual and team registrations and then have them build their gingerbread houses in a certain amount of time with the audience watching. Then, the judges could judge the various gingerbread houses based on aspects like:

• Overall appearance
• Originality
• Difficulty
• Precision
• Consistency of theme

You can also have the contestants bake the gingerbread houses at home and then display them at the event where the judges and audience choose the winners. Charge the audience an entrance fee to watch the competition, view the display or ask for a suggested minimum donation.

Snowman Building Competition

Organize a public snowman competition in a park, with a small registration fee for participants. Make it merrier by offering prizes in categories like "Most Creative," "Funniest," and "Best-Dressed Snowman." The winter season is a perfect time for friends and families to come together and bond over more than just building snowmen- it's a true community event!

Winter Outdoor Adventure Challenge

For those who like a more active winter vibe, get outside with a Winter Outdoor Adventure Challenge! Whether it's a snowshoeing scavenger hunt or a winter hike, challenge participants to complete fun winter-themed tasks. They can sign up by paying an entry fee and gather pledges for each challenge they conquer.

And yes, this fundraising event will put the cool in school (or community). Use Paybee's platform to track the pledges and donations- because we all know it's a "snow joke" how much effort it takes to raise funds during the winter months. The more adventurous the challenges the more generous your donors will be so make it ice-solutely fun!

Frosty Snowball Fight Tournament

Who doesn’t love a little friendly and frosty competition in the snow? Host a Snowball Fight Tournament and let your community throw down- literally- for a good cause! Create teams, charge an entry fee, and make sure to have plenty of snowballs (or soft, safe alternatives) on hand. You could even have a prize for the "Best Snowball Aim" or "Most Creative Snowball Thrower".

For extra fun, offer a “snowball donation” station where people can contribute extra to make things “snowball” into an even bigger fundraiser. This event will "melt" the hearts of your supporters while making your fundraising efforts snow joke- it’s all about the throw for a good cause!

Winter Holiday-Themed Social Events & Gatherings

Holiday Spa Night to Unwind

After all that holiday hustle unwind with a holiday spa night! Host a holiday spa night where participants can relax and make spa products like sugar scrubs, bath bombs and face masks. Charge an entry fee that covers the materials and lets everyone unwind in a laid-back setting. This winter fundraising event encourages people to take a break from the holiday hustle. Offer a "premium ticket" option with extra goodies like a plush towel or a small candle.

Winter Warming Cocktail Party 

Embrace the cozy vibe of winter with a cheers to giving warming cocktail party! Encourage guests to wear their Christmas jumpers, set up a fire or fireplace and provide cozy blankets and candles for the perfect atmosphere to sip back and relax. Serve belly-warming hot cocktails and mocktails for a minimum donation. This is an ideal way to enjoy the season, connect with friends and raise funds in a relaxed and festive setting. Whether it's a Jingle Bell Julep or a Rudolph's Red-nosed Punch, you’re sure to raise funds and spirits. Get your donations flowing like the drinks and keep the festive cheer on tap! 

Festive Movie Night

Organize a Christmas-themed movie night by screening classic holiday films like Home Alone and Elf at a local community center. Charge an admission fee and offer food items like hot chocolate and popcorn for purchase. This will be a family-friendly event that would be great to bond over; you can even create an online donation page where supporters who aren't able to join in person could contribute.

Carnival

You might think that hosting a carnival requires a large financial investment, but it doesn’t have to. By incorporating more self-made booths and activities, you can actually raise more money than you spend setting it up. For example, your photographer friends (or their connections) can run a photo booth, and a few of your "great cooks" friends can set up a snack stall to keep everyone satisfied. Supporters might also enjoy participating in a fashion show with costumes based on a fun winter theme. Additionally, a winter treasure hunt would be a great way to engage the kids and keep them busy.   

Winter Fundraising through Community Service

Christmas Market

Let your community shine with a Christmas Market. Invite participants to sell homemade baked goods, crafts, and holiday-themed items, giving a portion of the proceeds to your fundraiser. Ideas include holiday workshops like cookie decorating or ornament making, where you can garner donations to participate.

You can also set up a gift-wrap station where supporters can donate to have their gifts beautifully wrapped- because who doesn’t love a gift wrapped in both holiday cheer and good intentions? And don’t forget to spread some holiday cheer by inviting Santa for pictures, or organizing a “Winter Wonderland” photo booth where families can donate for festive snaps. This is the jolly way to spread the holiday spirit while raising funds!

Wrap Up Your Generosity 

Setting up a wrapping station at a local shopping area can be great for connecting with people needing holiday prep help. Offer gift wrapping in exchange for donations. You can do this at malls, community centers, or holiday markets- anywhere there's plenty of foot traffic. All you need is wrapping paper, some volunteers, and a suggested donation per gift wrapped. To make it even more engaging, use eco-friendly wrapping materials and highlight that aspect.

Snow Removal Services

There are likely many people in your community who don't have the ability or the time to clear snow from their driveways, sidewalks, and roofs. So, with this winter fundraising idea, you can offer community service and raise money simultaneously.

You'll want volunteers on standby, shovels, snow blowers, and any other necessary snow removal equipment. When a storm is expected to hit, it's time to round up the troops. To help you organize who works, offer your neighborhood an easy phone number to call and book a time slot. Don't forget to get volunteers to sign a liability waiver!

Christmas Tree Recycling Service

Offer a Christmas tree recycling service where households can request a pickup for a small fee, and have the trees reprocessed in an environmentally friendly way. This would be highly welcomed by all families after the holiday season, while it simultaneously generates funds for other green initiatives or community projects.

Winter Gear Drive and Swap

Winter is here, and so is the need for cozy gear! Help your community stay warm while raising funds with a Winter Gear Drive and Swap. Ask people to donate gently used winter essentials: coats, boots, scarves, and mittens. They get to swap their item for something new to them, and you raise money for your cause. To "seal the deal," charge a small entry fee to participate, and if people are in the spirit of giving, they can donate through Paybee, too!

Need something extra? You could have a "Bid for Warmth" section with higher-end winter gear up for auction- this would keep people cozy and your fundraising goal on track.

Food & Drink-Based Winter Fundraisers

Hot Chocolate Stand 

Warm up your spirits and your taste buds with a cozy cup of hot cocoa-llaboration! It's one of the easiest ideas for winter fundraisers and is ideal for football games, winter 5Ks, marathons, or local outdoor gatherings. Set up a small table with cups, an insulated container of hot chocolate, whipped cream, and other toppings like marshmallows and chocolate flakes for supporters to indulge in a cup of melt-in-your-heart goodness.

Print out QR codes for your fundraiser, which people can use to donate to your cause and make sure everyone knows: "There’s no 'mug'nificent cause like this one!" Advertise your pop-up hot chocolate stand on your social media in advance of the event to increase awareness and maximize donations. It’s a latte love for a great cause!

Hot Chocolate Crawl

Host a Hot Chocolate Crawl and let your supporters try the best hot chocolate your community has to offer! Collaborate with local cafes and businesses to create a route where participants can sample unique cocoa creations from marshmallow mountains to peppermint perfection.

Charge an entry fee and include a punch card for each stop. To make it extra “sweet” award prizes for the most creative drink or let participants vote with donations for their favorite hot chocolate concoction. The real question is how many cups of hot chocolate can one person drink in a day?

Fire Pit Gatherings and S'mores Fundraiser

Winter nights call for warmth, s'mores, and great company. Round up your community for toasty fun at the Fire Pit Gathering and S'mores Fundraiser. Charge a nominal entry fee that would include a s'mores kit and offer additional kits or even hot cocoa with marshmallow toppings for that little "extra warmth."

You can advertise your event with a fiery pun: "Let's get s'more involved and make this winter fundraiser smokin' hot!" Finally, include the donation link on Paybee so the giving doesn't happen even after the fire goes out. Sweet times with sweet treats- that's what s'more fundraising's all about!

Winter Bake Sale

A delicious and easy way to raise funds for your cause is to hold a winter bake sale. Invite your supporters to show off their baking skills by baking their most delicious Christmas cakes and other holiday goodies, either by bringing them to the venue or selling them online.

You can sell items from the bake sale individually or by slice and offer coffee or tea for sale or by donation. Add to the fun by having your Christmas cake contest or bake sale with prizes, music, or games, and having judges or guests vote for their favorite Christmas cake.

Chilly Chili Cook-off

Spice up your winter fundraising with a Chilly Chili Cook-off! Invite your community to enter their best chili recipes-whether spicy, mild, or just plain hearty-and have a tasting event where attendees pay to sample and vote for their favorites. You could even offer a "Spicy Sponsor" tier where businesses can sponsor a chili pot for extra visibility.

You’ll keep it spicy and hot for a good cause! Make sure to set up a QR code to Paybee for easy donations. And don’t forget to shout out: "Let’s chili for a cause!" It’s a simmering fundraiser that’s sure to raise a lot of funds (and a lot of eyebrows with those daring chili recipes)!

A Warm and Cozy Soup Party

Let's start with a warm way to raise funds- soup-er easy and soup-er delicious! The cold weather will most likely have everyone craving for a hot bowl of soup. The shortest day of the year (aka midwinter) is known as the winter solstice and falls on the 21st of December. You can choose this day to mark the onset of Christmas and have a soup party with your church members or community. You can ask your supporters to get various soup recipes, cook and share together. You can charge an entrance fee whose proceeds you can set to accomplish your fundraising target.

Unique Winter-Themed Fundraising Experiences

Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights While Raising Funds

Holiday lights magically lighten up dark and cold winter nights, turning homes and streets into a spectacular display of festivity during the holiday season. This twinkling wonderland setting has created the perfect backdrop for unique and creative fundraising opportunities. Turn the magic of holiday lights into an event to remember by giving tours through spectacularly decorated neighborhoods while raising money for your nonprofit cause. 

Such fundraising events appeal to all ages making them perfect for student groups, couples, and families looking for outdoor activities. Nonprofits can organize walking tours, trolleys, or buses in the most dazzling and holiday light-filled neighborhoods. To keep everyone warm this winter and fundraise even more, set up a hot chocolate station or serve hot drinks like mulled wine.

Ornament Swap Event

Many people love decorating their homes and adding a unique and new touch during holidays. Having to purchase new ornaments and decorations each year begins to add up over time.

Organize an ornament-swap event within your community, inviting supporters to bring in a couple of ornaments to swap with other visitors for a festive twist on the usual gift exchange! Set a number, say 3 or 5 ornaments. This way everyone will end up with a couple of new ornaments at the end of the day and at the same time, reduce waste and unnecessary consumption. 

Use the ornament swap in conjunction with other winter fundraising ideas, such as setting up a hot drink stand, an ornament-making and decorating workshop where visitors could make and decorate their own ornaments or even a booth where kids can take pictures with Santa.

Holiday Gift Wrapping Party

Some people enjoy wrapping presents during the holidays. Some may find it fun but I'm one of those people who would pay to avoid the task altogether. A holiday wrapping party can assist those who just don't have the knack for correctly wrapping a gift. Schedule a day near the holidays when folks from your community can bring their presents in for wrapping. Talk to local businesses about donating the supplies to wrap the gifts (hint: Target and Walmart might be good places to begin). 

Tree Of Giving Auction

A giving tree is a fun way to unite your community and raise money for a great cause. Decorate a tree with ornaments, tags, or items representing the donations, experiences, products, or services up for auction. Generally the ornaments or tags include descriptions of items, value or minimum bid. Participants will bid on the items either at the event itself or online if your format calls for it- whoever bids the highest amount wins. It's a festive and engagingly popular way to have people donate to your cause.

Winter Wonderland Escape Room

For an icy twist on classic fun, create a Winter Wonderland Escape Room where participants must solve puzzles to "escape" the chilly mysteries of a winter-themed room. This could be set up indoors with frosty decorations or even in a tent outside if you're feeling a bit more adventurous.

You can make the puzzles fun and frosty like finding the missing winter gloves, solving snowman riddles or escaping from the "ice palace." Charge an entry fee to participate and offer multiple "escape times" throughout the day. The best part? You can easily accept donations through Paybee to help fund your escape from the cold! It's the ultimate winter brain freeze- and who wouldn’t want to escape into some fun?

Winter Book Sale

Winter book sales are an easy but efficient and creative way to raise money for your cause while encouraging literacy. You can either ask your supporters to donate used books such as winter favorites, recipe books or winter-themed fiction, or you can team up with a local bookstore or library to purchase books at a discounted price.

You can sell the books at your venue, community center or online using a platform like Paybee, Amazon or eBay. Make your winter book sale more appealing with themes like winter reads, bestsellers or genres.

Winter Challenges & Active Fun

Winter Climbing Challenge

Have you ever climbed your way to winter glory? Organize a Winter Climbing Challenge at a local climbing gym complete with frosty decorations and snowy themes. Participants can scale walls adorned with icy designs while enjoying festive music and cheering from the crowd. To make it even cooler (pun intended) challenge climbers to secure pledges for every wall they conquer- who wouldn’t love to cheer on their favorite "ice adventurer"? Whether you're a seasoned climber or just looking for a good time this event is bound to reach new fundraising heights!

Santa Run 

Ho-ho-ho get in the holiday spirit by participating in a local run in December and going the extra mile for a great cause! Get ready to "sleigh" the run with everyone kitted out in Santa outfits- remember to ask friends and family for sponsorship. You can also approach a local business to donate a prize for the "Santa" who raises the most money. It's a fun and festive way to bring attention to your cause while keeping everyone active and engaged.

Cold Water Polar Plunge

You'll be surprised at how many people are willing to plunge into icy cold water to raise money for your organization. This polar plunge event will not only help raise awareness but will also be something your supporters look forward to for months and years to come. 

Now, it's time to start planning your cold water plunge. Reserve a location and get any necessary permits, then recruit eager plungers. Using Paybee's online peer-to-peer fundraising platform, create a personal fundraiser toolkit for plungers that will help them determine the best way to fund their plunge.

Winter Hike for Charity

Not into plunging into freezing waters but still want to enjoy the crisp winter air? Why not organize a Winter Hike for Charity! Find a local trail and invite your community to hike while raising funds through sponsorships. As you trek through the snow-covered landscape, encourage everyone to dress in their warmest and coziest gear. Hot drinks, snacks and plenty of good vibes to go around after the hike. It's the perfect way to get some fresh air, take in the beautiful winter scenery and fundraise for a great cause. Why not hike for more than just the view?

Fun & Engaging Winter Activities

Winter Wonderland Pet Parade

Do you have a furry friend who’s ready to strut their stuff? Host a Winter Wonderland Pet Parade where pet owners can showcase their furry friends in their best winter attire. Charge an entry fee for the pets and have judges award prizes in categories like "Best Dressed," "Cutest Snowdog" and "Most Likely to Lead a Snowstorm".

Promote it with a paws-itively adorable slogan: "Get your pet ready to paw it forward for a good cause!" Your supporter is not a pet owner? They can still join in by donating to the event via Paybee. Let’s face it everyone loves a parade- and this one’s fur a fantastic reason!

Frosty Photo Booth

Everyone loves taking pictures at winter events, so why not set up a Frosty Photo Booth at your next holiday fundraiser? Create a winter wonderland backdrop with snowy props like scarves, mittens and oversized candy canes, and charge a small fee for people to snap their best winter-themed pics.

To keep it festive you can even have themed frames like “I’m snow excited to help!” or “Chillin’ for a cause!” Make sure to include a link to your Paybee fundraising page in all the photos so supporters can easily donate and spread the word. It's a freeze-frame moment that will last in both the photo album and your fundraising efforts.

Ice Skating Party

Why not “spin” your next fundraiser into an Ice Skating Party? Rent out a local rink, deck it out with twinkling lights and winter decorations, and invite your community for a night of skating and fundraising. Charge an admission fee and add extra fundraising opportunities like skate races, a “best skating trick” contest or a raffle.

For those supporters who prefer to stay off the ice, set up a cozy corner with hot chocolate and snacks for sale. The question on everyone’s mind will be "who will dazzle the crowd with their spins and who will end up on the cold, hard ice?"- either way everyone wins when it’s for a good cause!

Creative Winter Performances & Talent Shows

Snowflake Dance-Off

Get ready to shake, shimmy and sashay your way into the holiday spirit with a Snowflake Dance-Off! Invite participants to show off their moves to a playlist packed with winter and holiday hits- categories like “Most Creative Choreography”, “Best Group Routine” and “Funniest Moves” will keep the energy high and the audience laughing. Charge an entry fee for dancers and sell tickets to spectators who can also vote for their favorite performance by making donations. After all who wouldn’t want to see a reindeer doing the cha-cha? It’s a toe-tapping way to spread holiday cheer and boost your fundraising efforts!

A Verse for a Cause Winter Poetry Grand Slam

A creative winter fundraising idea invites participants to write and perform an original winter-themed poem at a Winter Poetry Grand Slam. Charge an entry fee for the poets and sell tickets to the event for an audience in person or virtually.

Another option would be to open voting to viewers, with donations being accepted to vote for the favorite performance. Consider partnering with a local coffee shop for this event. They can sell hot drinks, and their atmosphere will only add to the coziness and help sell more tickets.

Winter Concert or Open Mic Night

A holiday concert is one of those classic winter fundraising ideas. People love holiday music, and the themes make people want to give. Invite your local choirs, bands, soloists, and any other musicians you know to perform in a community-wide holiday concert- partner with a local venue that might be willing to host your event. To encourage donations, include the URL for your fundraiser on event materials or print QR codes, making it easy for attendees to contribute while enjoying the performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Fundraising

Can you help me come up with some easy winter fundraising ideas that don't require much preparation?

If you're looking for something simple yet effective, consider hosting a Hot Chocolate Stand or offering Gift Wrapping Services. Both of these events require minimal setup and can be held in high-traffic areas like shopping malls or community centers. Plus, they're perfect for cozying up with donors and spreading some holiday cheer, one donation at a time- remember: it's a "mug-nificent" way to raise funds for your cause!

How can I make sure my winter fundraiser stands out from other fundraisers?

Get creative! A Winter Snowman Building Competition or Gingerbread House Contest can add a fun and competitive element to your event while a Fire Pit Gathering with s'mores brings warmth to both the atmosphere and your cause. Make sure to advertise in advance, use engaging hashtags, and have a catchy slogan. Oh, and when it comes to fundraising, puns are always a good idea!

Am I able to host a winter fundraiser online or does it need to be in person?

You can absolutely "chill" online- you can run events like a Winter Poetry Grand Slam or a Winter Book Sale virtually which can help you engage a broader audience. And don't forget platforms like Paybee make it easy to set up donation pages, track contributions and keep the fun flowing from wherever your supporters are!

What kind of supplies or resources do I need for a DIY winter fundraiser?

It really depends on the event but many winter fundraising activities are DIY-friendly! For a Snow Globe-Making Workshop, you'll need glass jars, glitter, glycerin and small figurines. For a Scent-sational Candle Workshop you'll need wax, wicks and essential oils. Partnering with local businesses can help you get supplies at a discount or even receive donations. Just be sure to keep it simple- after all, it’s about having fun while fundraising!

How do I encourage my community to participate in my winter fundraiser?

Start with fun, catchy promotions! Use puns, eye-catching graphics and event teasers on social media to drum up excitement. Offer early-bird registration discounts or prizes to the "Most Creative Snowman" or the "Best Gingerbread House Builder." And don’t forget to set up a Paybee donation link so people can easily give even if they can’t make it in person. Let’s face it- who can resist donating for a "sleighing" good cause?

Let’s Make This Winter a Season of Giving!

As the winter chill sets in it’s the perfect time to warm hearts and raise funds for your cause. From snowball fights to gingerbread competitions, there are plenty of ways to bring the community together and keep the giving spirit snowballing throughout the season! Whether you're hosting a winter wonderland pet parade or getting cozy with a hot cocoa stand, each of these fundraising ideas can spark joy- and donations!

Remember, with platforms like Paybee you can easily manage donations, track progress and keep your fundraising on ice- without the stress. After all there’s no better way to keep your efforts chillin' than with the support and tools you need to succeed.

So let’s turn this frosty season into a snow-tacular opportunity for generosity and fun. Whether you’re hosting a "sleighing" holiday concert or organizing a "paws-itively" adorable pet parade, we hope these ideas inspire you to get creative and have a little fun while making a big difference.

So, ready to make this winter the warmest one yet? Let’s raise funds and spirits in style- because when it comes to winter fundraising there’s no cooler way to give back! Now go forth and make this season snow much fun- and raise so much more for your cause!