Key Takeaways
- The article suggests creative holiday fundraising ideas like Turkey Trot donation matches and Giving Tuesday challenges.
- It emphasizes combining holiday spirit with training goals to inspire donations.
- Ideas include organizing a cookie recipe exchange, a Hot Cocoa Run, and a festive Elf Yourself Challenge.
- Daily mini challenges can help maintain fundraising momentum through the 12 Days of Fundraising.
- Involving community members in fun activities makes holiday fundraising enjoyable and memorable.
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When the holiday season rolls around, many of us are juggling busy calendars packed with family dinners, parties and travel plans. And if you’re training for a race or raising money for a charity, you have even more on your plate.
It’s also one of the most generous times of the year, which makes it perfect for getting creative with your holiday fundraising ideas. Whether you’re running a charity marathon, half-marathon, or hosting a festive challenge, these holiday-themed fundraisers can keep your training fun while helping you reach your donation goals.
Related Post: Love these ideas? Get fundraising ideas for the whole year with this guide!
Key Topics Included in this Post
Thanksgiving-Themed Holiday Fundraisers
Turkey Trot Donation Match
If you’re running a local Turkey Trot, turn those miles into money for your cause. Ask supporters to pledge $5 (or another set amount) for every mile you cover.
- Social prompt: “I’m trotting and raising money for [your charity] this Thanksgiving. Please consider donating $15 to help support [the charity’s mission] and you’ll also help me reach my charity marathon goal!”
Thanksgiving Day Football Squares
Host a squares football pool for Thanksgiving Day fundraising excitement! Get the guide for hosting a squares fundraiser and have a fun holiday fundraiser for turkey day! While most people think of this as a Super Bowl exclusive fundraiser, you can make any game a football squares fundraiser!
Related Post: Need holiday survival tips? Check out this round-up with holiday travel, holiday gift guide and other holiday tips for runners.
Cold Weather Running Gear for Women
Running a Turkey Trot for the first time? Here are a few items you’ll need for running in colder temperatures:
- Winter Running Socks: My favorite cold-weather running socks are these running socks from Smartwool.
- Winter Running Headband: Another Smartwool favorite! Here is the Smartwool headband I’ve been using for years!
- Thermal Running Pants: Here are the Gym People running pants I wear all winter (I have multiple pairs).
- A Wool Base Layer: Keeping your organs warm is one of the key parts of staying warm while running in the winter. This Smartwool base layer is incredible and one of my favorite pieces.
Related Post: Get skin care tips for running outside in the winter, check out this post!
Giving Tuesday Challenge
Giving Tuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving) is one of the biggest charitable giving days of the year. People set a goal of donating to a charity for Giving Tuesday, so make a case so they should donate to your charity fundraiser.
Set a clear fundraising goal, announce it on Thanksgiving, and keep reminding your community until Tuesday night. Track your goal and provide updates throughout the day. I like using a letter board to make impressionable photos.
- Update your progress! Post updates on your progress throughout the day
- Share your fundraiser through email! Send one dedicated email to friends and family sharing your story and your intention early in the day (or even on the night before)
- Utilize Social Media Stories! Share stories of why your cause matters on Facebook and Instagram
- Share your story on LinkedIn! LinkedIn is one of the most underutilized options for sharing a fundraiser online. Let go of your fear of judgment (or whatever comes up for you) and spread the word about your cause.
Related Post: Looking to run a marathon for charity but unsure where to start? Check out this post with tips for how to pick a marathon charity team to get started!
“Pile on the Miles” November Run Streak
Commit to running every day in November and ask donors to pledge money for every mile of your streak.
- Share your streak daily on Instagram stories. Take photos with Thanksgiving-related decor to make it fun.
- End each week with a donation reminder and weekly recap. Use a letter board for easy donation updates!
Related Post: Need additional support for creating a run streak fundraiser? These tips will help guide you in creating a run streak fundraiser for yourself.
Gratitude & Holiday-Themed Giving
Gratitude Wall or Advent of Thanks
Throughout November or December, post one thank-you note each day to showcase your campaign. Highlight things you’re grateful for: donors, training milestones, or simply what you’re grateful for.
- Add your Venmo (so you could donate on someone else’s behalf) or include your donation link as a gentle daily reminder
- Share these posts on Instagram Stories for easy visibility
Related Post: Revisit this post for how to bounce back after a setback. Find tips for how to rebuild your confidence with grace!
Holiday Recipe Swap
Offer your favorite family recipes or create a downloadable PDF in exchange for a donation. You can keep it fun by organizing a virtual recipe swap among donors.
Holiday Cookie Gadgets
Ready to bake some holiday cookies? Here are the gadgets you’ll need to get started.
- If you don’t have a counter mixer (I use the Kitchenaid mixer), invest in a good multi-speed hand mixer. A mixer is such a good investment. I use mine for food prep, like shredding chicken or mixing meatloaf.
- Baking sheets for baking your cookies.
- Cookie measuring scoops for perfectly sized cookies.
- Cookie cooling sheets to ensure your cookies don’t overbake.
- Parchment paper for lining your baking sheets.
Holiday Fundraising Event Ideas
These holiday fundraising event ideas are sure to keep the mood festive and can help raise funds for your non-profit organization.
Wreath-Making or Craft Night
Host a cozy evening of wreath-making or holiday crafting in-person fundraising event.
- Try reaching out to a local wreath vendor to order wreaths and ask for a bulk discount to add to your margin.
- Partner with a local florist, art studio, or dollar store to donate decoration supplies (ribbons, ornaments, bells, etc).
- Charge an entry fee for participation (include the cost of the wreath, decorating supplies, and a donation amount in the fee).
Host a Hot Cocoa Run or Walk
Invite friends for a 1–3 mile festive jog, followed by hot cocoa or cider to warm up. Alternatively, you could host a cocoa social stroll to look at holiday lights in your neighborhood. Either way, it’s a great way to offer an in-person event, socialize, and raise money for a good cause.
- Ask for a $10+ donation as an entry fee.
- Share pictures from the event to boost future fundraising.
- Get disposable insulated coffee cups with lids to bring your drinks on your stroll.
Related Post: Want to keep the fundraising momentum in January? Check out these January fundraising ideas!
Festive and Fun Holiday Fundraising Ideas
Elf Yourself Challenge
Dress up in holiday gear with costume pieces like reindeer ears, elf hats, or ugly sweaters for your runs.
- Run every day until you reach a specific goal. Make videos singing holiday cheer or ham it up to entice your friends to “make it stop.”
- Ask donors to sponsor or vote for their favorite holiday costume with $5 increments for each vote. The costume with the most wins gets a video of you running in it.
Related Post: Need tips for stress-free holiday travel? Check out these tips for your holiday trip!
12 Days of Fundraising
For 12 days in December, share a fact about your charity or your marathon training. Pair each fact with a mini-challenge as a suggested donation amount.
Here are some examples you can create for each day’s suggested donation amount for your fundraiser:
- Donate $1 for each mile of my goal race ($26.20 or $13.10)
- Donate $5 if you’ve ever run a race!
- Donate $10 if you’ve ever skipped a long run!
These daily reminders are great for creating overall awareness and are a fun way to share fun details about your charity’s goals.
Related Post: Need ideas for stocking stuffers? Here is the perfect stocking stuffer gift list!
Holiday Movie Marathon Fundraiser
Host a holiday movie night (in-person or on Zoom) and ask for a donation-based “ticket.”
- Theme snacks for each film (think: cocoa for Elf, cookies for The Grinch)
- Share your highlights or your training updates
Custom Holiday Card Delivery
Send donors a festive holiday card, either by mail or email, to say thank you. Add a race-day update and photo to make it personal. Print your fundraising link on a QR code or include it in your card art for easy scans.
Related Post: Here is a list of simple fundraisers to meet your charity fundraiser goals.
Holiday Fundraising Idea List
- Turkey Trot Donation Match: Turn your miles into money this Thanksgiving
- Giving Tuesday Challenge: Leverage the biggest giving day of the year
- Cookie Recipe Exchange: Share your holiday cookie recipes in exchange for a donation
- Hot Cocoa Run: A cozy, small-group holiday fundraiser
- Elf Yourself Challenge: Let donors vote on your festive gear
- 12 Days of Fundraising: Daily mini challenges that add up to big donation progress
Related Post: Check out these top fundraising tips with notes on my biggest fundraisers I’ve ever hosted.
Wrapping Up Holiday Fundraisers
Holiday fundraising doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, when you connect your training with seasonal traditions, you make it more memorable for everyone involved. Whether you’re trotting, sipping cocoa, or streaming Elf, your creativity will inspire donors to get involved.
So grab your Santa hat, lace up your running shoes, and start putting these holiday fundraising ideas into action. And don’t forget to share your favorite fundraiser in the comments — I’d love to feature some reader stories in a future post!
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