The year-end giving season is often the peak time for charitable giving. But what happens once January rolls around and donations start to cool down, along with the weather? For many nonprofits and schools, the first few months of the year can bring a fundraising lull. The good news is that winter offers creative opportunities to re-engage donors, build community, and raise funds well into the new year.
So how can your organization maintain momentum after the holidays? Here are some of our best winter fundraising ideas—many of which can be run for free using our donor-friendly fundraising software.
What We’ll Cover:
- Why Winter Fundraising Matters
- 1. Host a Cozy Winter-Themed Fun Run or Walkathon
- 2. Launch a New Year’s Resolution Fundraiser
- 3. Run a Valentine’s Day-Themed Fundraiser
- 4. Organize a Chili Cook-Off
- 5. Host an Online Auction
- 6. Organize a Virtual Talent Show or Concert
- 7. Promote a Monthly Giving Campaign
- 8. Spread the Warmth with a Winter Clothing Drive
- 9. Try a Winter Raffle Fundraiser
- Plan Ahead for Spring
- Keep the Energy Going Year-Round with DoJiggy
Why Winter Fundraising Matters
After the rush of Giving Tuesday and year-end appeals, it’s tempting to take a break. But consistent engagement with your supporters is key to donor retention. The months following the holidays are perfect for smaller, community-driven events and creative online campaigns that keep supporters connected to your mission.
Winter fundraising doesn’t need to mean expensive galas or large-scale efforts. In fact, with the right tools, you can run simple, cost-effective campaigns that keep your organization top of mind and funds steadily coming in.
DoJiggy’s platform offers everything from peer-to-peer crowdfunding to raffles, auctions, and event ticketing, giving you the flexibility to launch winter campaigns of any size.
1. Host a Cozy Winter-Themed Fun Run or Walkathon
Yes, outdoor events can still work in the winter. Hosting a “Frosty 5K,” “Snowflake Shuffle,” or “Hot Cocoa Walk” is a fun way to get people outside and active after the holidays.
Encourage participants to dress in their coziest winter gear, and offer prizes for the best costume or the most creative team name. Partner with a local coffee shop or bakery for hot drinks and treats at the finish line.
Use our P2P crowdfunding software and encourage participants to collect pledges online. Each runner can create their own fundraising page, share it on social media, and track their fundraising progress. With built-in donation processing and leaderboards, you’ll encourage friendly competition and raise more money.
2. Launch a New Year’s Resolution Fundraiser
The start of a new year is all about fresh starts and setting goals. Why not tap into that motivation with a Resolution Challenge?
Invite supporters to commit to a personal goal—like exercising daily, reading more, or volunteering with your organization—and ask friends and family to sponsor their progress.
Examples:
- “Read 20 Books in 2026” Challenge for a literacy nonprofit
- “Steps for Change” walking challenge for a health-related cause
- “Dry January” challenge, where participants donate what they would have spent on drinks
3. Run a Valentine’s Day-Themed Fundraiser
Love is in the air in February —and it’s also a great time to show love for your cause. Valentine’s Day provides endless possibilities for creative fundraising.
Ideas include:
- Send-a-Smile Campaign: Supporters donate to send digital valentines or thank-you messages to friends and loved ones.
- Valentine’s Auction: Host an online auction featuring date-night packages, spa treatments, or local restaurant gift cards.
- Show the Love Raffle: Run an online raffle with romantic gift baskets or getaways as prizes.
Using DoJiggy’s online raffle or auction platform, your organization can easily sell tickets, collect payments securely, and track winners automatically. You can even make the event hybrid or fully virtual—perfect for winter.
Find more virtual fundraising ideas.
4. Organize a Chili Cook-Off
Nothing says “winter comfort” like a warm bowl of chili. Invite local chefs, restaurants, or community members to compete in a Chili Cook-Off, where attendees sample and vote for their favorites.
Our online ticketing platform lets your group easily manage registrations and payments. Include a silent auction or raffle to generate additional revenue.
5. Host an Online Auction
Online auctions are one of the easiest and most effective fundraising options during the colder months. They’re accessible, fun, and can reach supporters wherever they are.
Use our free auction platform to:
- List items with photos, descriptions, starting bids, and fair market value
- Allow supporters to bid from their phones or computers
- Automate bidding notifications and payment collection
Winter auction ideas can include:
- Ski passes or cabin getaways
- Handmade blankets or scarves
- Hot chocolate or red wine gift sets
- “Staycation” packages with local hotels and experiences
6. Organize a Virtual Talent Show or Concert
Many supporters are looking for indoor entertainment during the winter months, and an online talent show or mini-concert is the perfect solution.
Invite local performers, students, or community members to show off their skills—singing, comedy, dance, or magic.
7. Promote a Monthly Giving Campaign
Since many donors feel tapped out after the holidays, encourage supporters to make smaller, recurring gifts rather than one-time, large donations.
Set up or revamp your monthly giving program to build sustainable funding and strengthen your relationship with donors well beyond winter.
8. Spread the Warmth with a Winter Clothing Drive
A clothing drive is a classic winter fundraiser that combines giving and goodwill. Encourage donors to contribute new or gently used coats, hats, scarves, and gloves—or make a monetary donation toward new items.
You can create a hybrid drive by combining online and in-person donations.
- Collect physical donations at drop-off points
- Set up an online donation page to cover distribution costs or purchase specific items
Share photos, thank donors, and highlight impact stories on your website or social media to keep the energy going.
9. Try a Winter Raffle Fundraiser
If you’re looking for a quick, low-effort fundraiser, an online raffle is ideal. Because raffles are easy to promote on social media and email, they can attract both new and returning supporters.
With our free raffle platform, you can sell tickets digitally and in person, automatically draw winners, and keep everything secure and compliant.
Winter raffle prize ideas include:
- Weekend getaways or ski trips
- Gift cards to local restaurants or shops
- Winter gear bundles or gift certificates
- Cozy movie night and Staycation baskets
Find more of the best raffle prize ideas.
Plan Ahead for Spring
Finally, use the winter period for planning and fundraising for your spring events. Whether you’re organizing a golf tournament, fun run, or other event, you can start promoting early and offering early-bird registration discounts. Promoting spring events helps maintain momentum with your supporters while giving your team a head start on logistics.
Keep the Energy Going Year-Round with DoJiggy
Winter fundraising doesn’t have to be slow or stressful. With creativity and the right online tools, your organization can continue to inspire giving and community connection after the holidays and year-end giving season.
Whether you’re planning a cozy community event, a virtual challenge, or a high-impact online campaign, DoJiggy provides everything you need to succeed:
- Free online donation pages
- Peer-to-peer and crowdfunding tools
- Auction and raffle software
- Event registration and ticketing
- Donor management and reporting tools
Keep donations flowing all winter long and set the stage for a strong year ahead.
Related Resources
