22+ Thanksgiving Fundraising Ideas to Support Your Cause

Thanksgiving is a season steeped in gratitude, community, and giving, making it one of the best times of the year to inspire people to support meaningful causes. As families and friends gather to celebrate the holiday, there’s a natural focus on sharing what we’re thankful for and giving back to those in need. This mindset of generosity provides a unique opportunity for nonprofits, charities, schools, and community organizations to make a lasting impact through family fundraising efforts.

During the Thanksgiving season, people are often more inclined to contribute to causes that resonate with them, as they reflect on their blessings and look for ways to give back. Thanksgiving-themed fundraisers can easily align with holiday events and gatherings, offering creative ways for communities to come together, have fun, and raise support. Whether it’s a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, a community Turkey Trot, or a seasonal auction, these Thanksgiving fundraising ideas tap into the holiday spirit and create lasting benefits for both donors and beneficiaries alike.

In this guide, we’ll share some of the best Thanksgiving fundraising ideas that can help your organization make the most of this giving season and bring your community closer in support of a good cause.

22+ Thanksgiving Fundraiser Ideas

The Thanksgiving season offers countless opportunities to bring communities together in support of worthy causes. Here are some impactful and creative Thanksgiving fundraising ideas that can help your organization raise funds and spread holiday cheer.

1. Thanksgiving Dinner Fundraiser

Hosting a Thanksgiving-themed dinner fundraising can be a wonderful way to bring families and supporters together in a warm, festive environment. By selling tickets to this dinner, you’ll not only raise funds but also foster a sense of community. You can elevate this fundraising event by including a guest speaker, live music, or a silent auction. Consider partnering with local restaurants or caterers to donate food or services, making it easier to host a memorable and successful dinner.

Tips for Success:

Offer multiple ticket options, such as individual tickets, family packages, or VIP tables.
Incorporate a short presentation to share how proceeds will support your cause.
Send follow-up thank-you emails to attendees with a recap of the funds raised and the impact they’ll make.

2. Turkey Trot Fun Run

A Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving classic that combines fitness, fun, and philanthropy. Organize a run or walk on Thanksgiving morning, and encourage participants to seek sponsors for every mile or lap they complete. Turkey Trots are often community events in the holiday season, so you’ll have the opportunity to raise awareness and engage people of all ages. Runners, walkers, and even families with strollers can join in, making it accessible and fun for everyone.

Tips for Success:

Set up an online registration page and encourage early sign-ups.
Offer participants Thanksgiving-themed swag like T-shirts or medals.
Partner with local businesses to sponsor the event, covering costs and providing giveaways.

During Thanksgiving, many families face financial hardship and struggle to afford a holiday meal. By creating a "Sponsor a Family" program, you can encourage donors to contribute directly to a Thanksgiving meal for a family in need. Donors can choose to sponsor an entire meal or contribute a smaller amount toward the cost, allowing them to make a meaningful difference in another family’s holiday experience.

Tips for Success:

Break down donation options, such as $25 to sponsor part of a meal or $100 to sponsor a full meal for a family.
Share stories of the families who will benefit, highlighting the impact each donation makes.
Partner with grocery stores or food suppliers for discounted or donated meal ingredients.

4. Pie Sale Fundraiser

Few things say “Thanksgiving” like pie! Partner with local bakeries or ask volunteers to bake a selection of classic Thanksgiving pies, such as pumpkin, apple, and pecan, and sell them in your community. This fundraiser not only brings in donations but also provides people with delicious treats for their Thanksgiving celebrations.

Tips for Success:

Offer pre-ordering to help gauge demand and streamline the baking process.
Set up a pie pick-up station at a central location for easy distribution.
Create a pie sampling day where people can try small slices before ordering.

5. Thanksgiving Bake-Off Competition

A Thanksgiving bake-off is an interactive way to engage your community while raising funds. Charge an entry fee for bakers who want to participate, and sell tickets for attendees who wish to taste the treats and vote for their favorites. This fundraising event can feature classic Thanksgiving desserts and baked goods, bringing out the competitive spirit in participants and offering a delicious experience for the audience.

Tips for Success:

Encourage bakers to bring themed creations and award prizes for categories like "Best Thanksgiving Pie" or "Most Creative Dessert."
Invite local chefs or bakers to act as judges for added prestige.
Create a fun atmosphere with live music, decorations, and a photo booth.

6. Online Thanksgiving Auction

An online Thanksgiving auction is a flexible way to reach supporters who may not be able to attend in-person events. Gather donations of Thanksgiving-themed gift baskets, restaurant gift cards, handmade items, and other unique prizes, then auction them online. Using an online platform allows supporters to bid from anywhere, making it convenient and accessible. Plus, the competitive nature of auctions can help drive up donations.

Tips for Success:

Choose a user-friendly online auction platform to streamline the bidding process.
Include descriptions and photos of each item to attract more interest.
Offer “Buy Now” options on select items for those who prefer immediate purchase over bidding.

7. Thanksgiving Recipe Booklet Sale

A Thanksgiving recipe booklet fundraiser is a meaningful way to engage your community and celebrate holiday traditions. Collect favorite Thanksgiving recipes from supporters, volunteers, and community members, and compile them into a beautifully designed recipe booklet. Sell the booklets as a holiday keepsake, with proceeds supporting your cause.

Tips for Success:

Request a mix of appetizers, sides, main courses, and desserts for a well-rounded collection.
Include a few “featured” recipes and thank contributors for their submissions.
Offer digital and print versions for added flexibility in sales and distribution.

8. "Thank You" Card Fundraiser

Help your supporters express their gratitude by offering custom-designed Thanksgiving “Thank You” cards. You can create a set of cards with festive designs, heartfelt messages, and blank space for personal notes. These cards can be sold individually or in packs, with all proceeds going toward your fundraising goal. This fundraiser provides a meaningful way for supporters to give thanks while supporting your organization.

Tips for Success:

Consider designing cards in various themes, such as traditional, modern, and kid-friendly.
Offer the option to personalize cards for bulk orders, like for businesses or large families.
Promote early sales to ensure supporters have their cards in time for Thanksgiving.

9. Turkey Raffle

A Thanksgiving turkey raffle is a fun and straightforward Thanksgiving fundraising idea that can draw lots of interest around the holiday. Sell raffle tickets for a chance to win a Thanksgiving turkey and consider adding additional prizes, like holiday gift baskets or desserts. This raffle offers supporters a chance to contribute to your cause while potentially winning something they need for the holiday.

Tips for Success:

Include multiple raffle prize options, such as organic turkeys, side dishes, or gourmet dessert items.
Partner with local grocery stores or farms to source the turkeys and other raffle items.
Announce winners well in advance of Thanksgiving to allow time for prize pick-up.

10. Holiday Craft Sale

Selling Thanksgiving and autumn-themed crafts is one of the creative Thanksgiving fundraising ideas to raise money and celebrate the season. Gather handmade items from volunteers, students, or local artisans, and set up a craft sale either in person or online. Popular items could include Thanksgiving centerpieces, wreaths, candles, and other seasonal decor, making it easy for supporters to buy holiday gifts while supporting your cause.

Tips for Success:

Plan a crafting day where supporters can help make items for the sale.
Offer online sales and shipping for supporters who can’t attend in person.
Create bundle deals with multiple items for increased sales and donation amounts.

11. “Friendsgiving” Potluck

A Friendsgiving potluck is a relaxed and fun way to bring your community together while raising funds. Invite supporters, friends, and family to gather and share a meal, where each attendee brings a dish to share. Charge a small donation as an “entry fee” to the potluck, and create a welcoming environment for people to connect and celebrate the season.

Tips for Success:

Provide a sign-up sheet for attendees to list what dish they’ll bring, ensuring a variety of food options.
Include donation stations or QR codes at each table for those who wish to give additional support.
Consider adding a fun activity like a raffle or a “best dish” contest to keep guests engaged.

12. Thanksgiving Trivia Night

Thanksgiving trivia night combines fun and fundraising for an entertaining evening. Organize a trivia in-person event featuring questions related to Thanksgiving, American history, and holiday traditions. Charge an entry fee per team or individual, and offer small prizes for the winning team. This event can be held in person or virtually, making it flexible and accessible.

Tips for Success:

Set up trivia rounds with different themes, like “Thanksgiving Traditions,” “History,” and “Holiday Foods.”
Partner with a local restaurant or bar to host the event and offer drink specials or snacks.
Encourage people to dress up in Thanksgiving-themed outfits for an extra festive touch.

13. Food Drive for Donations

A Thanksgiving food drive is an impactful way to support families in need while raising awareness and funds for your cause. Ask community members to donate non-perishable food items, and include an option for monetary donations to further support your mission. The combination of food and financial contributions allows you to make a significant impact in your community.

Tips for Success:

Set up donation bins in popular locations around town to maximize participation.
Use social media and email newsletters to spread the word and encourage people to donate.
Partner with a local shelter or food bank to distribute the collected items to families in need.

14. Gift Basket Silent Auction

A gift basket silent auction is a versatile and engaging fundraiser for Thanksgiving. Create themed baskets with popular items like wine, gourmet snacks, candles, or gift certificates. Host a silent auction where supporters can bid on their favorite baskets, either at an event or online, allowing participants to contribute to your cause while getting holiday-themed gifts.

Tips for Success:

Assemble baskets with various themes, like “Wine Lover,” “Home Spa,” or “Family Movie Night.”
Offer an online bidding option for supporters who cannot attend in person.
Highlight the retail value of each basket to encourage higher bids.

15. “Give Thanks” Donation Drive

A “Give Thanks” donation drive encourages supporters to make donations in the spirit of gratitude. Run a campaign asking people to donate as a way of giving thanks for what they have, either as a one-time contribution or a monthly commitment. Sharing stories of how each donation impacts the community can further inspire generosity during the holiday season.

Tips for Success:

Share a story or example of someone whose life has been positively impacted by past donations.
Create social media graphics and email templates to spread the word and encourage people to give.
Consider offering an option for supporters to “give in honor” of someone they’re thankful for, with a digital or printed card to acknowledge the gift.

16. Thanksgiving Centerpiece Sale

Selling Thanksgiving centerpieces is a festive way to raise funds while offering supporters a beautiful addition to their holiday tables. Partner with a local florist or host a DIY event to create autumn-themed centerpieces, then sell them to your community. Centerpieces featuring seasonal flowers, candles, and foliage make lovely Thanksgiving decorations and meaningful gifts.

Tips for Success:

Offer a few design options to appeal to different tastes, such as traditional floral arrangements or rustic candle holders.
Take pre-orders to ensure you have enough supplies and manage production costs.
Set up a pickup location or offer delivery options for added convenience.

17. Volunteer Pledge Challenge

Encourage supporters to give back through a volunteer pledge challenge, where they can commit a certain number of hours to volunteering or donate based on their time volunteering. Supporters can volunteer for your organization or at local community centers, schools, or food banks, embodying the spirit of Thanksgiving by giving their time.

Tips for Success:

Create a pledge form that allows participants to record their hours or donations.
Feature volunteers on social media, sharing stories about their work and its impact.
Set a community goal for total hours volunteered and celebrate when you reach it.

18. Virtual “Thankful” Challenge

A virtual “Thankful” challenge is a creative online fundraiser that encourages people to share what they’re thankful for and make a donation. Participants can post on social media about something they’re grateful for, tag friends to participate, and contribute to their cause. This challenge spreads awareness and allows people to express gratitude while supporting a meaningful initiative.

Tips for Success:

Create a unique hashtag for the campaign to track participation and reach.
Offer an option for participants to donate directly through your website or a dedicated fundraising page.
Post regular updates on your organization’s social media, sharing highlights from participants’ posts.

19. Seasonal Photo Booth Fundraiser

A Thanksgiving-themed photo booth is a fun and family-friendly way to raise funds. Set up a festive backdrop with autumn leaves, pumpkins, and Thanksgiving decorations, then charge a small fee for families or friends to take photos. You could offer both digital and printed photos, making it an appealing activity for holiday gatherings or community events.

Tips for Success:

Offer props, like turkey hats or pilgrim costumes, to make the photos more fun.
Partner with a local photographer to capture high-quality shots or set up a self-service photo station.
If possible, locate the booth at a local Thanksgiving festival or community center to attract more visitors.

20. Thanksgiving Movie Night

Hosting a Thanksgiving movie night is a cozy, family-friendly fundraiser. Show a classic Thanksgiving-themed movie and sell tickets, popcorn, and snacks, with proceeds going toward your cause. This event can be held in a local theater, school auditorium, or even as a drive-in experience, making it a great way to gather the community for a fun, charitable evening.

Tips for Success:

Choose a Thanksgiving-themed or family-friendly movie to appeal to a wide audience.
Offer additional concessions like hot chocolate, cider, or holiday treats for added sales.
Encourage families to bring blankets or set up seating for a comfortable, festive atmosphere.

21. Thanksgiving Bake Sale

A Thanksgiving bake sale is a classic fundraiser that brings people together over delicious seasonal treats. Ask volunteers or local bakeries to donate baked goods like pies, cookies, breads, and other Thanksgiving favorites. Set up a booth at a community center, school, or local market, and sell the goodies to collect donations. This simple but effective bake sale fundraiser appeals to everyone and is a great way to spread holiday cheer while raising money.

Tips for Success:

Offer pre-orders for popular items like pies or holiday bread to ensure demand is met.
Bundle items for larger purchases, like a “Thanksgiving dessert pack” with several baked goods.
Make sure to include a variety of treats, including options for different dietary preferences.

22. Thanksgiving Crowdfunding Campaign

Launching a Thanksgiving-themed crowdfunding campaign is a powerful way to reach a broad audience and raise funds quickly. Share your story and how donations will make a difference, inviting supporters to contribute in the spirit of gratitude. Use photos, videos, and updates to keep your community engaged and motivated to give. Crowdfunding platforms like *spotfund make it easy to set a goal, track progress, and celebrate milestones along the way.

*spotfund is a free, user-friendly online fundraising platform that allows you to create personalized fundraising pages with engaging visuals, detailed descriptions, and custom donation options. Its integration with social media platforms makes it simple to share your campaign widely, helping you maximize visibility and connect with supporters where they are most active. With no platform fees, *spotfund ensures that more of the funds raised go directly toward your cause, making it a valuable tool for effective fundraising.

Tips for Success:

Use *spotfund's storytelling features to craft a compelling campaign page that inspires donations.
Share your *spotfund campaign on social media, email newsletters, and your website to broaden your reach.
Opt to set up recurring donation features for your campaign by emailing us at support@spotfund.com to create ongoing support for your cause.
Directly thank your donors through *spotfund's email feature, building connections and encouraging repeat donations.

Looking for an easy way to start your Thanksgiving crowdfunding campaign? Try using *spotfund to launch and share your campaign today!

Tags:Fundraising Ideas