Make the most of Christmas fundraising opportunities

Christmas is traditionally a time for giving, making it an ideal opportunity for charities to engage with supporters old and new, raise awareness of their work and generate much-needed funds.

For many charities, the festive season is one of the most important periods in the fundraising calendar. It is also a time when individuals, businesses and communities are looking for ways to make a positive difference.

Research from online giving platform goDonate highlights just how important the final few days before Christmas can be. Its analysis of donations in December 2025 found that 22-24 December were among the five busiest days of the month for one-off donations.

The research also found that mobile giving increased significantly over Christmas. While just under three in five one-off donations were made via mobile phones throughout the year, this increased to more than two in three on Christmas Eve and over three in four on Christmas Day.

With Christmas fast approaching, now is a good time to plan activities that can help your charity make the most of the festive spirit, right up to Christmas Day.

Here are some suggestions for fundraising activities that charities of all sizes can get involved in.

Christmas fundraising ideas

• Christmas jumper day – Encourage local businesses, schools and community groups to wear their favourite Christmas jumper in return for a small donation. It’s a simple activity that can also help raise awareness of your charity.
• Christmas raffle – Ask local businesses to donate prizes, such as hampers, restaurant vouchers or experiences, and organise a festive raffle. This can be particularly effective when working with corporate partners and local community groups.
• Festive quiz night – Bring supporters together for a Christmas-themed quiz, either in person or online. Charge an entry fee, encourage teams from local businesses to participate and consider adding a raffle to boost funds raised.
• Christmas gift wrapping service – Partner with local retailers or shopping centres to offer a gift-wrapping service in return for donations. This can be a great way to engage volunteers and introduce your charity to new supporters.
• Christmas bake sale or festive market – Encourage supporters and volunteers to make and sell festive treats, crafts or decorations. Local businesses may be willing to provide a venue or help promote the event.
• Alternative Christmas gifts – Encourage supporters to make a donation to your charity instead of buying a traditional gift. You could offer a Christmas card or digital certificate explaining how the donation will help your charity and its beneficiaries.
• Christmas challenge or sponsored activity – From festive walks and runs to sponsored Christmas activities, encourage supporters to set themselves a challenge and seek sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues.
• Corporate Christmas giving – Many businesses are looking for meaningful ways to support charities at Christmas. Consider approaching existing corporate partners and local employers about making a charitable donation instead of sending Christmas cards or gifts, or organising a workplace fundraising event.
• Social media Christmas campaign – Use the countdown to Christmas to share stories about the difference your charity makes. A series of short posts, videos or supporter stories can help build awareness and encourage donations throughout December.

Don’t wind down your fundraising too early

The goDonate research is a useful reminder that Christmas fundraising shouldn’t finish when the office closes for the festive break.

With so many donations being made via mobile phones in the days immediately before Christmas, charities should make sure their online donation pages are easy to find, simple to use and work well on mobile devices.

Consider scheduling social media posts and email reminders in the run-up to Christmas Day, with clear links to donation pages. Offering convenient payment options, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal, can also make it easier for supporters to give.

Make the most of your existing supporters

Christmas fundraising needn’t involve organising large events or committing significant resources.

Your existing supporters, volunteers, trustees and corporate partners can all play an important role in generating ideas, organising activities and spreading the word.

Consider how your charity’s work might resonate particularly strongly at Christmas. Sharing stories that demonstrate the impact of donations can be a powerful way to encourage support.

Christmas can also provide an opportunity to develop longer-term relationships with businesses and individuals who might be willing to support your charity beyond the festive season.

Don’t forget to use your website, newsletters, social media channels and local media outlets to promote your activities and celebrate the contributions of those taking part.

Practical considerations

As with any fundraising activity, it is important to plan appropriately and make sure your charity is meeting its responsibilities.

• Ensure events are appropriately risk assessed and approved by trustees where required.
• Put secure processes in place for collecting, handling and banking donations.
• Check whether raffles, lotteries or other fundraising activities require licences or permissions.
• Consider whether donations qualify for Gift Aid and make sure the necessary declarations and records are maintained.
• Follow data protection requirements when collecting and using supporter information.
• Check whether events require insurance, food safety arrangements or other permissions.
• Be mindful of the financial pressures many households face at Christmas and ensure fundraising messages are appropriate and sensitive.

It is also important to consider the costs involved in fundraising activities and whether the expected income justifies the time and resources required.

Make the most of the festive season

Christmas provides charities with a valuable opportunity to raise funds, strengthen relationships with existing supporters and reach new audiences.

Not every fundraising activity needs to be ambitious or expensive. Often, the simplest ideas, delivered with enthusiasm and supported by volunteers and local businesses, can make a real difference.

Planning early, encouraging creativity and keeping fundraising campaigns running through the final days before Christmas can help charities maximise the opportunities that the festive season brings.

Whether you’re planning a festive fundraising campaign or looking to make the most of your charity’s year-round fundraising opportunities, our charity specialists can help. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your organisation.