Winter is coming, and so is the giving spirit!
This means, if you haven’t already, it’s time to start planning your winter fundraising campaign.
Today we’ll share three successful examples from charities like yours. We encourage you to use these as fuel for your own campaign to boost donations AND bring your community closer together.
Get ahead of the pack and create your campaign now to get your supporters on board and raise more! Let’s make this your best winter campaign yet.
Our new 2024 Winter Fundraising Guide
Get our free guide for everything your charity needs to run a successful winter fundraising campaign.
Winter Fundraising Examples
Winter walk or run
WWF’s Big Winter Wander campaign is a fantastic example of how to engage supporters in a way that showcases your charity’s message.
The charity asked their community to walk 5km or 10km in nature, while using spotter sheets and activity guides to track what they saw. This made the campaign perfect for families and accessible to all ages, as people could do it over time rather than all at once.
Then, they awarded fundraisers with incentives. Anyone who raised £30 received a panda t-shirt, and if they reached £100, they got a special medal.
WWF tied this into their mission by reminding participants they’re helping protect and restore our world. Plus, with a fitness-based campaign like this, supporters can link their Strava and Fitbit fitness apps to log their steps and share their progress with donors.
The campaign raised £55,347 from 3,596 supporters – now that’s cool.
In-person community event
London City Mission’s Big Winter Sleepout 2024 campaign was another success story.
Every year, they ask supporters to spend a night on the streets to raise money and awareness of homelessness.
They featured participants’ stories in unique ways:
- Sharing personal stories of participants
- Using a Campaign Page video cover to highlight the campaign’s mission
- Writing an in-depth story section to illustrate the event’s importance
The charity raised £15,726 with this campaign, supported by 490 people on JustGiving.Â
Keep in mind that a fundraising event doesn’t have to be in-person to be successful – you could also try running a virtual fundraising event.
Winter fundraising appeal
With its 2023 Winter Appeal, the Young Camden Foundation focused on the urgent needs of their community, especially those of vulnerable children and young adults.
They set out to provide essential services and opportunities for young people by sharing the tough choices they have to make during the cost-of-living crisis.
The charity made the campaign stand out by using a video as their Campaign Page’s cover, which featured the holiday activities and educational programmes they offer.
The charity reached 100% of its goal, raising £10,160 by 41 different supporters. Consider how your charity could launch a simple but effective winter fundraising appeal.
Bonus example: charity partnership
For a unique twist on winter fundraising, look no further than the Orkney Agricultural Society’s Christmas Tractor Run!
It’s an example of how to create an engaging and memorable winter event that captures people’s attention… and the Christmas spirit!
By transforming their everyday tractors into a colourful street parade, the group raised money for two local charities that support families, carers, and young people.
This unique campaign brought in £22,725 by 825 different supporters! Could your charity potentially partner with an organisation to reach new people and do something unforgettable like this?
REMEMBER
Winter fundraising campaigns aren’t limited to Christmas. Do what works for your supporters and tailor your campaign for your community!
These examples showcase how you can create an impactful winter fundraising campaign with some advance planning, a little inspiration, and the right tools!
The key is to connect with your supporters by communicating at the right time, meet them where they are, and align with their interests.
Discover the best ways to engage and grow your audience in our new Winter Fundraising Guide, made just for charities like yours 👇
The JustGiving Winter Fundraising Guide
Get more examples, plus everything your charity needs to plan and launch your own 2024 winter fundraising campaign.
