How to boost donations for your Christmas fundraiser
Christmas is right around the corner, with people across the country preparing for charity events. We'll give you our top tips for getting the most out of your festive fundraiser.
People often feel more generous at Christmas, but that can make fundraising competitive.
With so many charities and causes asking for support, it can be harder to get noticed - but we can help make your Christmas fundraiser stand out!
Emotional connection can help your fundraiser get noticed.
Instead of simply asking for support donations, make it clear why it is necessary support is needed and what will happen without it
For example, if you're fundraising for a charity like Action for Children, you can explain that without support, many children across the UK will wake up to no presents on Christmas Day because they're living in poverty.
Being specific about why you're raising money is more powerful than repeating a blanket statement. It helps people understand the impact and encourages them to act.
Appealing to as many as possible will give you more willing donors.
For example, if you’re planning a 'Christmas Drinks' session for your work colleagues, make sure there are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available, and that this is widely advertised. Consider planning the event for a day when people are usually in the office to make it as easy as possible to attend.
Why not consider doing more than one fundraiser? This can be a good way to draw different crowds. Perhaps you could host a festive craft session in the afternoon, followed by an evening quiz!
Let's face it: very few people check their emails over the weekend, especially during the holidays. So, be conscious of when you ask for donations, as well as how you ask.
If you're doing a charity collection rather than an event, avoid asking over the weekend. Fridays in December are typically a good time to seek donations as people are usually feeling more jolly, and be mindful that between Christmas and the New Year people may still be willing to contribute something.
Whether you're emailing, putting a post out on social media, or asking in person, try to catch people at the right time!
You could provide a child with meals and snacks for a week.
To avoid confusion, it's best to have one ask.
For example, asking for cash donations, items for food or toy hampers, and to join events all for the same cause can be overwhelming. People may feel pressured to give in each way, and this could put them off joining in at all.
If you're hosting a party, you could have a variety of ways to support your charity financially. There could be an optional entry fee, raffle tickets, and some collection buckets. Making it clear that none of these are required will encourage party-goers to give where and what they can.
Some of the most successful fundraising involves working collectively towards a specific goal.
For example, that could be a financial total that you'd like to achieve as a collective, or a goal related to your fundraiser - like walking a specific number of miles across December, or creating a certain number of food parcels.
When there’s a target in mind, it can make fundraising feel more accessible. It shows people how many others have taken part, and encourages them to join in on the fun. And it will certainly make someone feel special to see their donation move you closer to the fundraising goal!
There’s a difference between stating facts and explaining the realities of the situation.
For example, when it comes to how we speak about poverty, we’ll reference 4 million children living in poverty across the UK. But something to remember is that each child who makes up that extraordinary number has their own specific experience, and it's important to tell their story.
When you're preparing your fundraiser, look for a story that highlights the impact donations could make this Christmas. Your chosen charity's website should have some good examples on there - we have our real-life stories page, if you're fundraising for us.
Pick a story that resonates with you and share it with your audience. Make them understand just how much of an impact they could have.
You could make Christmas magical for vulnerable children.
If you're still in the planning stages of your festive fundraiser and looking for a cause to support, consider ours. Here at Action for Children, we have thousands of service workers across the UK assisting children and their families at Christmas and beyond.
We appreciate fundraisers of all sorts - whether you're sporty, crafty, social or all the above, we'd love you to fundraise for us this Christmas.
In need of inspiration? Check out our favourite Christmas fundraising ideas!
