Last-Minute Christmas Fundraising Ideas

Posted by Ella Jacques on 28 November 2023

Although we are sure many charities will have their Christmas fundraiser plans solidified by now, we want to share our last-minute ideas in case they spark some seasonal inspiration!

There is no denying the feeling of joy that comes from spreading kindness and making a difference in the lives of others during this magical time of the year. In fact 49% of people say they are more likely to donate to a charitable cause around the festive period. Whether you’re a part of a community group, a school, a charitable organisation, or simply an individual with a big heart, this blog is your go-to guide for Christmas fundraising ideas that go beyond the ordinary with the help of the Givergy platform.

The Benefits of Christmas Fundraising

There are so many reasons why planning fundraising campaigns into a festive season like Christmas can aid your organisation. The main ones are:

Spirit of Generosity: Christmas is synonymous with the spirit of giving. During this time, people are naturally inclined to be more generous and charitable. The festive atmosphere and the emphasis on gratitude create an ideal environment for fundraising efforts, as individuals are more open to supporting causes that make a positive impact.

Heightened Emotional Connection: Christmas is a season that fosters strong emotional connections. Families come together, and individuals reflect on the values of love, compassion, and goodwill. Capitalising on this emotional sentiment can enhance the effectiveness of fundraising campaigns, as people are more likely to connect with and support causes that align with the spirit of the season.

Increased Social Engagement: Christmas brings people together, both online and offline. Social gatherings, parties, and events are prevalent during this time. Leveraging these opportunities to promote and raise funds for a cause can significantly amplify the reach of your campaign. The holiday season encourages social sharing and word-of-mouth promotion, creating a snowball effect for your fundraising efforts. This means more awareness for your cause long after the tinsel has been stored away for another year.

Last-Minute Christmas Fundraising Ideas

Seasonal events are a fantastic way of raising money and awareness simultaneously. They are also the perfect excuse to go all out, with glitter and glitz expected, making for a fun environment. 

Below are some of our top Christmas fundraising ideas for charities that can be arranged even if you only have a few week’s notice.

1. Arrange a gift-wrapping service that is paid for via donations. This is a great way to engage the local community to ensure that not only raises money, but increases charity awareness. You can ask local companies to donate the wrapping supplies and set up somewhere with a busy footfall to maximise impact.
2. Lead a Christmas-themed silent auction. Collect donated prizes, such as gift cards, electronics, or holiday hampers, and use some festive-themed communications to share your fundraising site. Advertise the auction via your supporter’s community and encourage them to spread the word to make a bigger impact.
3. Host a ticketed Christmas-themed competition. Organise activities like a gingerbread house decorating contest, a Christmas trivia night, or a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. Participants can purchase tickets for a small entry fee and winners can receive prizes donated by local businesses.
4. Organise a virtual Christmas concert or talent show as a virtual gala event. Who doesn’t love a talent show or fab event this time of year? Running this online means your overheads are lower and the audience can be larger. You can use the event to share stories about your work and upcoming fundraising initiatives for the next year.

Create The Perfect Christmas Fundraising Event With Givergy

Are you ready to deck the halls and add Christmas flair to your operations to raise more this season? Even though time is running out, we have a proven track record of being able to turn around event ideas in a short space of time. Get in touch with our team today to chat about last-minute Christmas fundraising plans that can bring added attention to your worthy cause for an entire year.

Ella Jacques

Global Client Services Manager at Givergy

Ella heads up the global Fundraising & Events team. A key part of Givergy’s growth for four years, Ella has a passion for event planning and ensuring her and her teams’ clients exceed their fundraising targets. Furthermore, Ella’s exposure to some of the highest-profile fundraising events gives her a unique insight into the newest and most innovative way in which charities are engaging with their audiences.