6 heartwarming winter fundraising ideas
Winter is the perfect time to start fundraising for the causes that mean the most to you. When you fundraise for St. Jude, you help provide cutting-edge treatment at no cost to families.
Art by St. Jude survivor Tayde.
Why does winter fundraising matter?
It should come as no surprise that people become more generous during what's called the "giving season". Winter fundraising has the potential to help charities, nonprofits and other causes exceed their fundraising goals for the year, ultimately helping to make a difference in the lives of people around the world.
7 winter fundraiser ideas
1. Hot chocolate sale
Nothing warms the heart and body faster than a classic cup of hot chocolate. Consider running a hot chocolate stand at local school functions or community fundraising events. Take it a step further by offering topping options like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, marshmallows and more.
2. “Winter sport”-a-thon
Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding or ice skating, nearly every winter sport can be turned into a fundraising event. For whichever you choose, book your venue and vendors, advertise your fundraiser on social media and incorporate various prizes for participation.
3. Snowman-building contest
A snowman-building contest is a fun way to bring your community together for some lighthearted competition! Encourage folks to enter by donating to your cause and have participants bring their own materials to build the snowman of their dreams. Select winners based on fun categories like the craziest, the most realistic, the strongest, etc.
4. Gingerbread house competition
Another great family-friendly and competition-based fundraising idea is to host a gingerbread house decorating contest. Let community members, friends and family explore their creativity while raising funds for important causes. Similar to snowman-building contests, you can select winners based on categories like the most structurally sound, innovative, overall attractiveness, etc.
5. Sleigh rides
If you live in an area that typically gets a lot of snow during winter, you might be interested in hosting a sleigh ride fundraiser. Reach out to local farms or horse training facilities to inquire about partnership opportunities for this idea! Participants can make a donation for their ride and then sit back to enjoy the view.
6. Winter-themed scavenger hunts
Scavenger hunts are a great way to involved family members of all ages. Consider incorporating information surrounding your cause into the theme of your scavenger hunt to help raise additional awareness. Participants can make a donation to enter, and small prizes can be provided to the winners to help boost interest.
Looking for more information on fundraising?
Our fundraising guide is full of helpful tips and ideas to help get you started!
St. Jude patient Aditya
Fundraising helps patients like Aditya
Aditya, who goes by Adi, was on vacation in India with his family when he began feeling sick. His parents took him to a doctor who prescribed medicine for Adi, but his fever persisted, which led to more tests at a local hospital. There, Adi received a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
Adi, who was 4, got immediate care in India, and then returned home to Tennessee. Adi began chemotherapy at a hospital near his home in January 2024, then he was referred to St. Jude.
Adi's father, Bhargav said coming to St. Jude lifted much of the burden he had been feeling over his son’s diagnosis and treatment. Adi is described as a brave and happy boy who likes video games, Legos® and walking around the hospital. “He has given us strength to keep moving forward,” his dad said.
Why choose St. Jude for a children's cancer donation?
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
St. Jude has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% in 1962 to 80% today. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer. Together, we can save more lives.
Start fundraising for St. Jude this winter
Because of your support, we can provide customized care for some of the world's sickest children. Unlike other hospitals, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors. Join us, and be part of our mission to save more lives.
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Get involved with St. Jude
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