How to Raise Funds for a Good Cause During the Christmas Season

Christmas Scene

Christmas is all about giving--and thinking of others before yourself. Teach this lesson to others by raising money for a good cause. Dedicate the month of December to finding people who are willing to donate to your cause. People are generally more inclined to give during the Christmas season.

Things You'll Need

• Baked goods
• Auction items
• Craft supplies
• Wrapping paper

Instructions

1. Bake cookies and ask some friends to bake Christmas sweets. Fruit cakes and pumpkin pies are popular during this season. Sell the baked goods at a school function, Christmas party, craft fair or any other place where there are a lot of people. Donate all of your profits to your cause.

2. Hold a silent auction. Ask area businesses to donate items that can be given as Christmas presents. Invite everyone you know to the auction, and ask them to bid on items they like. The person with the highest bid at closing wins the present. It may help if you offer free gift wrapping on the spot. Donate the money to your favorite cause.

3. Set up a page at FirstGiving.com (see Resources). Add pictures, stories and information about your cause to your page. The company will collect the money safely and securely and disperse the funds directly to your cause when your campaign is up. Send out an email with a link to your website.

4. Make ornaments. Schedule a day at the beginning of December to get together with family and friends to make ornaments for a Christmas tree. Sell the ornaments around town and donate the money to your cause.

5. Get together with your family and friends and make homemade Christmas cards. Children can participate as well. Sell the cards in packs of 8. Donate the profits to your charity.

6. Advertise a Christmas wrapping paper service. Charge customers to wrap their presents for them. Arrange to provide this service at a central location, or you can travel to their home. This service can be performed for 2 weeks before Christmas. Present the money you collected to your favorite cause on Christmas Day.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose more than one method of raising funds to maximize your donation.

• Don't take it personally if someone refuses to support your cause.

Resources

• First Giving