Key Takeaways
- January offers great opportunities for creative, low-effort fundraising ideas during charity marathons.
- Key reminders include sharing your personal story, engaging with your community regularly, and showing gratitude to donors.
- Fun January fundraising ideas include hosting Spaghetti for a Cause, Cheese Board Challenge, and alcohol-free cocktail tastings.
- Incorporate quirky national days, like National Popcorn Day or National Squirrel Appreciation Day, to attract donations.
- Always remember to manage your organization behind the scenes and give yourself breathing space during the fundraising journey.
This post about January fundraising ideas contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission on eligible purchases made through these links. Thank you for supporting this content!
January is a month of reset and a great reminder to kick off your goals! While you may have a lot on your plate with resolutions, here’s a list of simple fundraisers to help you stay on-track with your fundraising goals.
Key Topics Included in this Post
Fundraising Ideas for January
You already have a lot on your plate, training for a marathon! You’re juggling long runs, meal prep, early mornings, work, family life, and somehow fitting in fundraising on top of it. The good news: January is full of fun holidays and quirky national days that make fundraising actually enjoyable! More importantly, these January fundraising ideas are creative enough to stand out in a crowded charity marathon season. These fundraising ideas for non-profits are designed for busy runners who want low-effort, high-impact ways to support a cause that matters deeply to them.
Whether you’ve been fundraising for years or this is your very first charity marathon, you’ll find fresh marathon fundraising ideas that match your energy level, your personality, and your goals.
Fundraising Program Reminders
Even with a strong plan and plenty of January fundraising ideas, the heart of your charity marathon fundraising success isn’t just in creativity. A great marathon fundraising campaign is built on consistency, clarity, and connection. These reminders will help you stay aligned, inspired, and prepared for a successful season of giving.
Tell Your Story
Your “why” matters more than any holiday theme. Share the heart behind your fundraising: why this charity matters to you, how it aligns with your journey, and what impact you hope to make. Readers, friends, and followers love hearing the real story behind your training and this is a perfect place to insert your personal experience and your mission.
Engage Regularly
Updates keep the momentum going. Share your progress through photos, long-run insights, mini reflections, race training struggles, or “week-in-the-life” snapshots. Regular engagement reminds your community you’re actively working toward something meaningful. Short behind-the-scenes reels, Sunday training recaps, or midweek check-ins work beautifully here.
Mix and Match Fundraising Ideas
Your fundraising journey is not one-size-fits-all. Combine themed days, your personal stories, interactive social prompts, or running-specific challenges to create a campaign that feels like YOU. If one idea doesn’t land, pivot since there is zero pressure to do it all perfectly.
Show Gratitude in Real Time
A heartfelt thank you is powerful. Express appreciation publicly or privately, depending on your comfort level and the donor’s preference. Try handwritten notes, quick video thank-yous, or shout-outs in your IG Stories. Gratitude strengthens relationships and encourages repeat giving. Consider writing handwritten Thank You cards and check out my favorite pens for writing notes!
Stay Organized Behind the Scenes
Make a simple checklist to manage your donor list, track goals, and follow-ups. Stay on top of your alerts to thank your donors and celebrate milestones.
Remember to Rest
Fundraising is emotional labor, especially while training for a marathon. Give yourself grace. Not every post has to be perfect. Not every friend is going to donate. Your authenticity and consistency matter far more.
January Fundraising Ideas
If sharing your fundraiser feels a little cold or without intention, use these fun holidays as a reason to tie your fundraiser to the purpose of your fundraiser.
Fundraising Ideas for Foodies
These are perfect for runners with an appetite (aka all of us) and great for inviting friends and family to support your charity marathon in a delicious way.
National Spaghetti Day (January 4)
Host a “Spaghetti for a Cause” virtual dinner or in-person pasta night. Share your favorite carb-loading recipe and ask guests to donate the cost of what they’d normally spend on dinner. You can even invite friends to cook along via Zoom while you chat about your training updates and why supporting your charity matters.
Charities This is Perfect For: Hunger relief organizations, food banks, community kitchens
Social Media Prompt: “January 4th is National Spaghetti Day! I’m cooking up carbs AND kindness. If pasta night makes you smile, consider donating to support [insert charity here]. I’m training for a charity marathon and each donation fuels my miles. Donate what you’d spend on your family dinner here: [insert link]”
National Popcorn Day (January 19)
Share your favorite popcorn topping combinations (savory, sweet, kettle-style) and invite people to “join you” in a cozy movie night at home while donating the cost of a movie ticket.
Charities This Is Perfect For: Youth programs, arts organizations, after-school programs
Social Media Prompt: “It’s National Popcorn Day and I’m celebrating with a cozy movie night! Instead of buying a movie ticket, consider donating that cost to [insert charity], which helps [insert mission]. Your support helps me reach my charity marathon goal! Donate here: [insert link]”
National Cheese Lover’s Day (January 20)
Host a “Cheese Board Challenge.” Post a photo of your dream cheese board and invite friends to share theirs in exchange for a small donation.
Charities This Is Perfect For: Community support, nonprofits, arts organizations, hunger-relief charities
Social Media Prompt: “Cheese Lover’s Day! In honor of my favorite food, I’m hosting a Cheese Board Challenge. Comment a photo of ANY cheese board you’ve made and consider donating the price of your favorite cheese to support [insert charity]. Donation link: [insert link]”
National Hot Chocolate Day (January 31)
A perfect cozy fundraising moment. Share your favorite hot chocolate recipe or set up a “Buy Me a Hot Chocolate” fundraiser where donors send the cost of a cup to your charity link.
Charities This Is Perfect For: Mental health organizations, education support services, children’s charities
Social Media Prompt: “Happy National Hot Chocolate Day! If you’d love to warm someone’s day, consider donating the cost of a hot chocolate to support [insert charity]. Every sip-sized donation helps me reach my marathon goal. Link here: [insert link]”
Dry January Fundraising Idea
Host an alcohol-free cocktail tasting event. Create a fun NA (non-alcoholic) cocktail menu with a variety of beverage options or NA beers (like this sample pack from Go Brewing or Athletic Brewing Co). This espresso martini mix from Craftmix can also be made as a NA option (just don’t add vodka). You could also explore a zero-proof spirit alternative (like Ritual) or alcohol removed sparkling wine (I love this option). Request a minimum donation to attend.
Related Post: Check out this post with NA cocktail recipes!
Hot Chocolate Kit Essentials
If you want to elevate your hot cocoa fundraiser and give friends an excuse to cozy up with you, share your go-to hot chocolate setup. Here’s a breakdown you can use for a hot cocoa fundraiser.
The Mug (Your Cozy Moment Starts Here)
A good mug makes the experience. Pick a mug that is fun, oversized, or marathon-themed.
These cute monogrammed mugs are adorable! Check out this set and find your letter!
High-Quality Hot Cocoa Mix
Include a couple of your favorite cocoa powders—classic, gourmet, or flavored.
- This cute cocoa gift set from BomBombshas six flavors including double chocolate, French vanilla, salted caramel, toasted marshmallow, caramel, peppermint. Just add water or steamed milk!
- Here’s a gift set from Thoughtfully Gourmet with nine flavors including Snickerdoodle, caramel and cherry chocolate!
- Craftmix Cocktails creates an incredible espresso martini and now they have a hot cocoa option!
Milk Frother or Handheld Whisk
Level up your cocoa game with café-style foam with a milk frother.
Toppings Bar (Fun for In-Person or Virtual Events)
Share your go-to toppings and encourage donors to build their own versions:
- Crushed candy canes
- Cinnamon or nutmeg
- Chocolate shavings
- Salted caramel drizzle
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
Upouria has options for cocoa powder, mini marshmallows and cinnamon. Find the toppings here.
Animal-Themed Fundraisers
Perfect for runners who love an animal pun, have pet photos for days, or support animal-related causes.
National Squirrel Appreciation Day (January 21)
Share a funny squirrel photo, meme, or personal squirrel encounter from your runs (we all have at least one). Encourage full-on squirrel fandom while calling attention to your fundraiser.
Charities This Is Perfect For: Wildlife rescue groups, nature conservancies, animal shelters
Social Media Prompt: “It’s National Squirrel Appreciation Day and my feed is officially a squirrel fan page today. If these little guys make you smile, consider donating to help support [insert charity]. Donation link in bio or here: [insert link]”
National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day (January 22)
Ask your followers to submit the “questions their cats would ask” about your marathon training journey. Reply with playful answers and direct them to your donation link.
Charities This Is Perfect For: Animal rescues, adoption centers, feline welfare groups
Social Media Prompt: “Today is National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day! My cat wants to know why I keep running in the cold… Want to help support my charity marathon? Donate in their honor: [insert link]”
Related Post: Need last-minute fundraisers for one final fundraising push? Check out these last-minute fundraisers to get your fundraiser over the finish line!
How to Fundraise with Intention
These days are perfect for gratitude-filled, low-pressure fundraising ideas to fill the month of January with warmth.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Kick off the new year by sharing your marathon and fundraising goals. Invite your community to join you in starting the year strong.
Charities This Is Perfect For: All charities
Social Media Prompt: “Happy New Year! I’m kicking off the year by supporting [insert charity]. This charity is close to my heart because [insert your why]. You can donate here: [insert link]”
Related Post: Love these ideas? Get fundraising ideas for the whole year with this guide!
International Thank You Day (January 11)
Create a gratitude post thanking past donors, training partners, or community support. Follow it with an invitation for new donations. Gratitude always sparks generosity.
Charities This Is Perfect For: All charities, especially those centered around community impact
Social Media Prompt: “Happy International Thank You Day! I’m grateful for every person who has cheered me on this season. If you’re able, consider supporting [insert charity] today. Every donation counts! Link here: [insert link]”
Pro Tip: Get fun Thank You cards and these are my favorite pens for writing notes!
National Vision Board Day (January 13)
Share your marathon training vision board or encourage others to make their own. Connect the act of visualizing goals with supporting the cause you’re running for.
Charities This Is Perfect For: Education programs, women’s empowerment, youth mentorship, arts organizations
Social Media Prompt: “Happy National Vision Board Day! I’m manifesting strong miles, community support, and a big fundraising goal! Want to help me make it happen? Donate here: [insert link]”
Pro Tip: Check off your New Years goals with a bingo card!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (observed January 19)
Share a quote that inspires your charity marathon journey. Invite donations to honor Dr. King’s legacy of community, compassion, and justice.
Charities This Is Perfect For: Civil rights organizations, community justice groups, social equity nonprofits
Social Media Prompt: “In honor of MLK Day, I’m fundraising for [insert charity] who works to [insert mission]. Your donation today helps continue Dr. King’s legacy. Donate here: [insert link]”
National Compliment Day (January 24)
Run a “Compliments for a Cause” post. Offer to write a custom compliment for every person who donates.
Charities This Is Perfect For: Mental health organizations, youth programs, women’s support nonprofits
Social Media Prompt: “Happy National Compliment Day! Donate any amount to [insert charity] and I’ll write you a personalized compliment. Let’s spread kindness together. Donate here: [insert link]”
Super Bowl Football Squares
While the Super Bowl is hosted in February, the Divisional Championship games are on Sunday, January 25th. If you decide to host a Super Bowl squares fundraiser, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to sell your football squares. This is actually one of the top fundraisers I’ve hosted! Get tips for how to host a football squares fundraiser online with this guide!
Related Post: These fundraisers are super simple and make reaching your fundraising really easy. Read here to get the simple fundraiser guide.
Silly Fundraising Ideas for a Marathon
These are playful January fundraising ideas that encourage interaction and creativity—perfect for quick engagement during busy training weeks.
National Bobblehead Day (January 7)
Post a selfie mid-run with and awkward running photo and ask supporters to donate for more funny running photos.
Charities This Is Perfect For: Arts programs, youth groups, health charities, sports-based charities
Social Media Prompt: “Happy National Bobblehead Day! Donate to [insert charity] and I’ll post a hilariously real running photo. Let’s raise funds one bobblehead moment at a time! Link: [insert link]”
Related Post: Are you participating in Dry January this year? This post has great mocktail and alcohol-free beverage recipes!
Wrap Up: Marathon Fundraisers for January
January doesn’t have to feel heavy or overwhelming—especially when you use these creative fundraising ideas to bring joy into your marathon fundraising journey. Whether you’re fueling your cause with hot chocolate, sharing a squirrel meme, or building a vision board, each themed moment becomes an opportunity to bring people into your mission. Use these fun hooks, share your authentic story, and remember that your charity marathon is bigger than your miles—it’s about impact, community, and heart.
What are your best last-minute fundraising tips? Leave a note in the comments! And get the latest posts and my best running tips! Subscribe to my newsletter and get weekly updates in your inbox! If you found these ideas helpful, share the post with a friend who’s also training, drop your favorite idea in the comments, or join my newsletter for weekly running, travel, and fundraising inspiration.
Leave a Reply