It’s that time of year – fun, food and festivities. This year you can turn all that good cheer into the perfect fundraising opportunity for your favorite non-profit.
Wine and cheese party. You’re going to be invited to numerous holiday parties and may even be planning one yourself anyway. Turn it into a party with a cause. Invite your friends and family to a wine and cheese party or even a wine, cheese and chocolate party. Let everyone know that the get-together is to raise money for a cause that is close to your heart (in my case the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation). Set a price for everyone that includes the party, maybe some prizes like wine and cheese baskets, and a goodie bag. Charge per person or per family and you can help raise money for childhood cancer, autism, or your local children’s hospital.
Bowling fun. It’s cold outside. Some of us like it, the rest of us don’t. Plan a bowling fundraiser to get out of the house while still staying warm and getting exercise. You can have people raise money through sponsorships for the event, or you can charge a flat rate at the door. Most bowling alleys will offer you a deal on the bowling, so you get to have a fun, family event to celebrate the holidays and raise money for a great cause.
Invite Santa. Host a party with Santa as the guest of honor. You can have it at your local school gym or community center. Set up a nice spot for children to take pictures with Santa and let everyone know that there is no set cost but donations are being accepted to benefit whichever cause you have chosen.
Sell holiday décor. Get together with some friends, and create some beautiful holiday wreaths and garland to sell for your charity. Everyone wants to have beautiful holiday decorations but the expenses can be overwhelming. Inspire them to make their home beautiful this season while giving the money to a great cause instead of to the local department store.
There are tons of opportunities during the holidays to raise money for your non-profit. Get creative, have fun and remind everyone what the season is really all about.