Did you know that charitable donations skyrocket over the festive season?

In fact, December tends to be one of the busier months for those fundraising with ASF, with the week leading up to Christmas accounting for 52% of donations for the month.

The Christmas season is a time of giving, and for those running personal or club fundraising campaigns, it offers a golden opportunity to connect with people's generosity.

While there are plenty of Christmas fundraising ideas that can be effective, it's not the only way to boost donations. With a little bit of storytelling, getting creative on social media, and applying some seasonal sentiment, you can increase contributions without the need for an event.

If you're wondering exactly how to raise money at Christmas, here are some simple yet powerful strategies to encourage donations.

1. Craft a Heartfelt Christmas Appeal

Over Christmas, people are naturally more open to helping others - so much so that 22% of Aussies surveyed in 2022 intended to donate more than in previous years, despite cost of living pressures.

Use this to your advantage by creating a story that resonates with the season.

Particularly if you're part of a club, you can make the most of social media to share why your fundraiser matters, what you're fundraising for, and how donors can make a meaningful impact.

2. Leverage the Power of Social Media

A bonus of many people taking time off work over the holidays means they're spending more time online, sharing festive content and engaging with seasonal campaigns - so make sure yours is seen!

Create eye-catching posts to promote your fundraiser online, and ask friends and family to share them around for even more engagement potential.

You should also maintain a regular posting schedule with updates on your progress and achievements, and include reminders about how people can donate. Include a festive touch to align with the Christmas spirit, and bring that sense of urgency back in, counting down until the final day to hit your goal.

3. Build a Sense of Urgency

For many people, December 25th and 31st act as key dates for achieving goals, and your fundraiser can benefit from this too.

Setting a defined monetary goal to reach by the end of the year, and communicating this with friends, family, and your community can create a sense of urgency to spur on Christmas charity donations in the days and weeks leading up to it.

4. Ask for Donations as a Gift

If you really want to make a positive impact on your fundraising campaign this year, consider asking for donations in lieu of Christmas gifts. While this may leave you without much under the tree, it will be worth it in the long run.

Besides, Christmas is about more than just the presents!

5. Personalise Your Asks

Generic appeals can sometimes fall flat as they don't target a specific person or group. Where possible, tailor your requests to individual supporters. If you have a record of who has donated in the past, double down by reaching out to them again at Christmas with a personalised appeal.

Start out by addressing them by name, thanking them for their previous support and letting them know how their money has been used. Then, go into detail about your new goal and how their generosity can go a long way towards helping you achieve it.

Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances with personal messages that highlight their importance to your cause.

Read more about how to ask for donations.

6. Share Your Story

Showcasing the real-life impact o donations can motivate others to contribute, and the year's end is the perfect time for a recap of what you've achieved over the year.

Share what you've been up to, how donations have helped you on your journey, and how you intend to use future funding to continue on your sporting mission.

7. Emphasise End-of-Year Giving Benefits

As the year draws to a close, let potential donors know that their contributions through ASF are tax-deductible. This practical benefit can motivate people to give during the Christmas season - just remind them to keep receipts to provide at the end of the next financial year!

8. Be Mindful

Christmas means different things to different people, and not everyone will be in a position to give. By approaching your fundraising with empathy and understanding, you'll build trust and foster lasting relationships with your supporters - even if they're not able to give this year.

With this in mind, be careful not to be too pushy in your fundraising efforts. Asking for donations tactfully is the key here. Sensitivity and understanding can go a long way, and may just be the thing that encourages donors to give to your campaign when they're in a better position to do so.

9. Make it Easy

Convenience is key all year long, and especially around Christmas when potential donors likely already have over-loaded to-do lists. If donating to your campaign requires too many steps, people may not have the time, and your efforts will quickly lose traction.

You can streamline the process by using a user-friendly platform, like ASF, which allows for stress-free and seamless transactions.

The holidays are a time of joy, reflection and giving. By following these tips, you can ensure your fundraising campaign captures the true spirit of Christmas, bringing hope and support to your cause. Fundraising with ASF couldn't be easier, so sign up today to get started!