Festive Fundraising: Creative Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season

1. Festive Raffle

Host a raffle with seasonal prizes like Christmas hampers, festive treats, or gift vouchers. Sell tickets to friends, family, and colleagues.

Hosting a raffle is a fantastic way to raise funds, but there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. To keep things simple, we suggest holding your raffle on the same day as ticket sales—this way, you won’t need to apply for a licence. For full details and guidelines, check out the Gambling Commission’s website.

2. Visit our Christmas Shop

Our Christmas cards are a great way to spread your warm wishes during the festive season and help support people living with Crohn’s and Colitis. All our cards are 100% recyclable. Browse the full range of cards, gift tags, Christmas crackers and more!

3. Christmas Jumper or dress up Day

Invite colleagues, friends, and family to wear their silliest Christmas jumper or anything festive themed in exchange for a small donation. A great way to add some fun in the office, school or wider community while raising funds. Prizes can be given for the most creative person!

💜 £10 could provide patient information packs to 6 people newly diagnosed with Crohn’s or Colitis.

4. Mini Christmas Tree Decoration Contest

Hold a Mini Christmas tree decorating contest where individuals, families, or businesses compete to decorate the best tree. Participants can pay an entry fee, and the community can vote for their favourite tree with donations. Tip! Purchase a mini tree that has roots, so you can re-plant it afterward.

5. Merry Quiz-mas

Host a quiz and ask teams to contribute a small donation to play. Time to test everyone’s knowledge with a chance to win a great prize! Why not make it Crohn’s and Colitis themed, to help bust myths and stigma around the conditions. Check out some of our top facts here.

💜 £25 could keep our online symptom checker running for one week.

6. Carolling

Gather a group of friends, family, or local choir members and go carolling in your local community. Take along a donation tin and ask for contributions as you sing holiday classics. This is a fantastic way to bring festive cheer while collecting donations. If you’re planning to use a local community space, make sure you get permission from the venue, and if it’s in a public space from the relevant council/local authority.

💜 £36 could help fund a life-changing enquiry to our helpline.

7. Craft it at Christmas

Choose your own festive crafting activity, whether you make something to sell, bake up a storm or host a Christmas 'upcycled' jumper day. Set your own target for how much to raise throughout the festive season.

Not quite set on your festive fundraising idea? Don't worry! Check out our list of ideas here along with digital resources to set you on your crafty way!

8. Gift-Wrapping service

Offer a gift-wrapping service in exchange for donations. Set up a wrapping station at your workplace, in your local community, or partner with a local store or shopping centre.

9. Craft fair

Feeling extra creative? Join a Christmas craft fair and sell handmade decorations, wreaths, and gifts. Charge a set price or ask for a suggestion donation amount. You could even run workshops on creating your own holiday crafts, such as ornaments or wreath-making, for an additional fundraising boost.

10. Fundraising at work

Your workplace can make a real difference by supporting Crohn's & Colitis UK. Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Donate a portion of your end-of-year budget: Allocate some of your leftover funds to help us continue our work supporting those affected by Crohn's and colitis.
• Hold a raffle/ auction at your Christmas Party: Christmas parties are a great way to get everyone in one room and do a bit of fundraising at the same time.
• Donations in lieu of staff/corporate presents: Normally send a bottle of wine or a Christmas card to your top clients? How about a donation to us instead on their behalf.
• Choose us as your Charity of the Year: Nominating Crohn’s & Colitis UK as your charity partner can build lasting change and engagement throughout the year. Our partners are a crucial part of what comes next. With your help, we can change people’s lives for the better. The condition is life-changing, but so are you.

Let us know your plans and explore more ideas here.