Fundraising Ideas     |     25 September 2024

11 Thanksgiving Fundraising Ideas for the Festive Season

Creative and simple ways to raise funds during the Thanksgiving holiday season

15 minute read

Thanksgiving is when we gather with loved ones, reflect on the year, and express gratitude for the good in our lives. It’s also a perfect moment to extend that gratitude beyond our own circles by supporting causes that matter. During this season, communities come together to share meals and give back in meaningful ways. Fundraising around Thanksgiving taps into this spirit of generosity, making it a great opportunity to raise money for necessary causes.

Thanksgiving marks the start of the largest holiday season of the year. People are more inclined to donate during the holidays because it aligns with the theme of giving thanks. Whether it's helping a local charity, supporting a school, or raising funds for a community project, a Thanksgiving fundraiser connects giving with the holiday’s essence. This connection makes it easier to engage people and encourage them to contribute.

Let’s look at all the fundraising ideas that can tap into the generosity accompanying the season of giving thanks. 

Planning your Thanksgiving fundraiser

Bringing your Thanksgiving fundraising ideas to life isn’t something that just happens overnight. Proper planning can turn your ideas into successful events. Here are some things to consider:

Choosing the right venue

Selecting the right venue is key to your fundraiser's success. Consider the type of event and the number of attendees. A community center might be ideal for dinner, while a fall festival could need a larger space like a park or gym. Keep costs low by exploring donated or discounted venues from local businesses. Find a venue that is easily accessible and comfortable for all guests, including those with disabilities.

Creating a timeline

Start planning your fundraiser at least two to three months in advance. Create a timeline outlining key tasks, such as securing a venue, recruiting volunteers, and promoting the event. Break down the timeline into weekly tasks to stay organized and leave some flexibility for last-minute changes. Early planning and organization are key to a successful Thanksgiving fundraiser.

11 Fundraising Ideas for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinner

One of the most heartwarming ways to raise funds during Thanksgiving is by hosting a community dinner. The idea is simple:

• Gather people for a meal.
• Charge a reasonable ticket price.
• Donate the proceeds to your cause.

This kind of event raises money and strengthens community bonds as people come together to share a meal.

Tips for pulling it off

• Menu planning: Start by planning an appealing and budget-friendly menu. Traditional Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie are always popular. Consider offering a vegetarian option to cater to all dietary needs and preferences.
• Volunteers: Reach out to local chefs, restaurants, or even skilled home cooks to volunteer their time and culinary talents. Many people are willing to contribute when they know it’s for a good cause.
• Venue: Choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your expected guest count. Community centers, school cafeterias, or even large homes work well for this type of event.
• Promotion: Promote the dinner through local social media groups, community boards, and word of mouth. Make it clear that the event is for charity, often encouraging more people to attend. 
• Ticket sales: To maximize your fundraising potential, consider offering different ticket tiers—standard, premium (which could include extra perks like a special dessert), and family packages.

Thanksgiving-themed auction

Auctions are a tried-and-true fundraising method, and adding a Thanksgiving theme makes them even more engaging. Whether live or silent, auctions can feature a wide range of items, from holiday-themed goods to unique experiences.

Tips for pulling it off

• Auction items: Seek donations from local businesses, artisans, and community members. Thanksgiving-related items like handmade crafts, holiday decor, or even a fully-cooked Thanksgiving dinner can generate much interest.
• Online and in-person: Depending on your audience, consider combining an online auction with your in-person event. This way, people who can’t attend in person can still participate.
• Setting the mood: Create a festive atmosphere with seasonal decorations, soft lighting, and Thanksgiving-themed music. This will improve the experience and encourage higher bids.
• Auctioneer: If you're hosting a live auction, a lively and engaging auctioneer can make all the difference. If going the silent route, ensure clear instructions and easy-to-read bid sheets are provided.

Turkey trot or fun run

A turkey trot or fun run is a fantastic way to get the community moving while raising funds. Participants pay an entry fee to join the race, and you can also raise additional funds through sponsorships or by selling event merchandise.

Tips for pulling it off

• Route planning: Choose a scenic and safe route suitable for all ages. Parks, neighborhoods, and school tracks are great options. Ensure the course is well-marked and that volunteers are present at key points to guide runners.
• Registration: Offer early-bird pricing to encourage people to sign up in advance. Consider providing a small incentive, like a free T-shirt, for those who register early.
• Sponsorships: Local businesses often love to sponsor community events. In return, they should be offered visibility, such as their logo on the race banner or T-shirts.
• Fun elements: Make the event family-friendly by encouraging participants to dress up in Thanksgiving-themed costumes, such as turkeys or pilgrims. Offer small prizes for the best costumes.

Thanksgiving basket raffle

A Thanksgiving basket raffle is a simple yet effective way to raise funds. Create baskets filled with Thanksgiving essentials—think gourmet food items, festive decor, and small gifts—and sell raffle tickets to win them.

Tips for pulling it off

• Basket themes: Consider creating different themed baskets to appeal to various tastes. For example, a “Gourmet Thanksgiving” basket might include high-end ingredients and a bottle of wine, while a “Cozy Thanksgiving” basket could feature candles, a soft blanket, and a good book.
• Ticket sales: Sell tickets in advance and at the event itself. Make sure to price them affordably so more people will buy multiple tickets.
• Drawing the winner: Build excitement by drawing the winning tickets during your main event. You could also live stream the draw for those who can’t attend in person.

Pie sale

Thanksgiving and pies go hand in hand, making a pie sale a delicious and lucrative fundraising idea. Whether you organize a bake-off or simply sell donated pies, this event will surely be a hit.

Tips for pulling it off

• Pie donations: Contact local bakeries, restaurants, and enthusiastic home bakers to donate pies. Be sure to offer a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes.
• Selling locations: Set up your pie sale at a busy location like a community center, school, or local market. Promote the event ahead of time to ensure a good turnout.
• Add some fun: Consider making a game out of the event. For example, have attendees purchase a ticket to spin a wheel that determines which buy they win. 

Bake-off or cook-off competition

A bake-off or cook-off competition adds a fun, competitive edge to your Thanksgiving fundraiser. Community members can enter their best dishes; attendees can pay to sample and vote on their favorites.

Tips for pulling it off

• Categories: Offer different categories, such as best dessert, best side dish, and best overall. This variety encourages more people to participate and gives everyone a fair shot at winning.
• Entry fees: Charge a small fee for each contestant to enter their dish and an admission fee for attendees to taste and vote.
• Prizes: To encourage participation, secure small prizes for the winners, such as gift cards or themed trophies.

Fall festival or fair

A fall festival is a great way to bring the community together for fun while raising funds. Offer games, crafts, food, and other attractions, with all proceeds going to your cause.

Tips for pulling it off

• Activities: Include classic fall activities like apple bobbing, hayrides, and pumpkin decorating. Charge a small fee for each activity or sell an all-inclusive wristband.
• Vendors: Invite local vendors to set up booths and charge them a fee to participate. That can include craft sellers, food trucks, or even local artisans.
• Raffle or auction: To raise additional funds, incorporate a raffle or auction into the festival. Announce winners at the end of the event to keep people engaged throughout the day.

Thanksgiving cooking class

A Thanksgiving cooking class is a creative way to bring people together while raising funds. Participants can learn how to prepare classic holiday dishes and take home skills they can use for years to come.

Tips for pulling it off

• Partner with a local chef: Collaborate with a local chef or skilled home cook who can lead the class. Their expertise will make the event more engaging and informative.
• Focus on essential dishes: Teach participants how to make key Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, stuffing, and pie. This focus promises that the class is both practical and relevant.
• Choose a suitable venue: Host the class in a space with a kitchen, such as a community center or a restaurant. If in-person isn’t feasible, consider offering the class online.
• Offer take-home recipes: Provide participants with recipe booklets or digital copies of the dishes they learned, adding value and reinforcing their connection to your cause.

Giving tree

A giving tree is a simple but powerful way to raise funds and involve the community in your cause. Set up a tree where people can purchase leaves or ornaments, with the money going to your fundraiser.

Tips for pulling it off

• Tree location: Place the giving tree in a high-traffic area, like a school lobby, community center, or local business. Make it visually appealing with decorations that draw attention.
• Donations: Attach a price to each leaf or ornament, encouraging people to “buy” one supporting your cause. You can also allow for larger donations with bigger ornaments.
• Acknowledgment: Offer to write the donor’s name on the leaf or ornament they purchase or let them dedicate it to someone special. This personal touch makes it more meaningful.

Craft fair

A craft fair is an excellent way to support local artisans while raising money for your cause. Rent out booths to vendors and charge admission for attendees to browse and shop.

Tips for pulling it off

• Vendor recruitment: Start by recruiting vendors from your community. Look for artisans, crafters, and small business owners who would benefit from the exposure. Charge a booth fee to generate income.
• Marketing: Promote the event through social media, local flyers, and community bulletin boards. Highlight unique items or vendors to attract more attendees.
• Additional fundraising: To raise extra funds, consider adding a raffle or silent auction to the event. You could also sell refreshments or baked goods to increase your earnings.

Thanksgiving game night

Hosting a Thanksgiving family game night is a fun and interactive way to raise funds while bringing people together. This event can include games that appeal to all ages, making it a great choice for families and friends.

Tips for pulling it off

• Game selection: Offer a mix of classic board games, card games, and trivia to cater to different interests and age groups. You could even include a few Thanksgiving-themed games to keep things festive.
• Entry fee: Charge an entry fee per person or family, with proceeds going to your cause. Consider offering a discounted rate for larger families to encourage participation.
• Prizes: Provide small prizes for game winners to add an extra layer of excitement. Local businesses might be willing to donate items or gift certificates.
• Snacks and drinks: Set up a concession stand with snacks and drinks available for purchase, adding an additional fundraising opportunity.

Executing your fundraiser

The day of your fundraiser is when everything comes together. To keep things running smoothly, be sure to bear the following elements in mind. 

Volunteer coordination: Assign clear roles to volunteers beforehand, helping everyone know their responsibilities.

Donation management: Set up easy-to-find stations for donations, whether cash, checks, or digital payments. Silent Auction Pro’s tools can simplify this process.

Engaging attendees: Keep the energy high with a lively emcee or auctioneer, and have volunteers available to answer questions and encourage participation.

Handling issues: Be ready for unexpected challenges with a calm demeanor and a backup plan. Remember, Silent Auction Pro offers a complimentary night of support, even if your event is outside of our normal business hours. 

Closing out: Make checkout and donation collection efficient, helping guests leave with a positive experience.

Post-event follow-up

The work doesn’t stop when the event ends. Follow up with everyone involved to maintain strong relationships and encourage future support.

Thanking donors and volunteers: Send personalized thank-you notes or emails to show appreciation and foster future involvement.

Sharing results: Communicate the fundraiser’s success and impact through social media, email, or a post-event blog to build trust and encourage ongoing support.

Collecting feedback: Gather feedback from volunteers and attendees to learn what worked and what can be improved for future events.

End with gratitude and forward momentum

Hosting a Thanksgiving fundraiser may help raise money, but it also helps bring people together for a cause that matters. Your event can impact your community by channeling the gratitude that Thanksgiving embodies. Whether funding a local project, supporting a charity, or helping a school, your money can drive real change and spread positivity.

But the impact doesn’t have to stop with Thanksgiving. Keep the momentum by setting up recurring donations, planning future events, or staying in touch with your supporters throughout the year. Consistent communication and engagement can turn one-time donors into long-term allies for your cause.

If you’re looking to make your next fundraiser even more successful, Silent Auction Pro offers a suite of tools designed to simplify and improve your fundraising efforts. Silent Auction Pro has you covered from managing auctions to tracking donations and communicating with your supporters. Request a free demo today and see how it can help you raise more, stress less, and make your fall fundraising ideas a reality.