For many people, Valentine’s Day is a day for celebrating those they love. According to theNational Retail Federation’s annual survey, Valentine’s Day spending is on the rise—respondents planned to spend $25.9 billion this year, with 40% considering greeting cards as a top gift to send to loved ones.
Make the most of this special day by organizing your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts around it. Valentine’s Day provides a perfect opportunity for showing love to your donors and strengthening support for your cause. To help you create a fruitful fundraising strategy for this holiday, we’ll discuss these compelling fundraising ideas to inspire you:
- Virtual Valentine’s Day Fundraising Ideas
- Sweet and Tasty Valentine’s Day Fundraising Ideas
- Valentine’s Day Fundraising Event Ideas
- Competitive Valentine’s Day Fundraising Ideas
- Bonus Tips for Valentine’s Day Fundraising
This February, give your donors the chance to contribute to a cause that’s close to their hearts. Fromlovely eCardsto romantic fundraising events, there is an abundance of Valentine’s Day fundraising ideas for your nonprofit to implement. Let’s begin!
Virtual Valentine’s Day Fundraising Ideas
Build connections with near and distant supporters through virtual fundraising this Valentine’s Day. These engaging options can provide added convenience for your donors and reduce expenses for your organization.
1. Valentine’s Day eCards
As Valentine’s Day nears, cute and romantic greeting cards begin flooding stores, providing people with an easy way to bring smiles to their loved ones’ faces. Make it even easier for your donors to connect with their personal networks or make a difference in their community by creating Valentine’s Day fundraising eCards.
The process is simple and offers a lot of room for creativity. All you need is eCard software, like eCardWidget, to start. Then, with photos or graphics, design some Valentine eCards that are sweeter than candy, and embed them on your website. Donors can then send these eCards to their loved ones by making a gift to your organization.
One Tail at a Time, an animal rescue, successfully implemented “puppygram” eCards for Valentine’s Day, asking for a $25 donation in exchange for an adorable eCard that supporters could send to one or multiple recipients. This nonprofit took its eCard fundraising efforts to the next level by adding extra options in exchange for higher gift amounts, such as 15 minutes of snuggling with rescue puppies for a $500 donation.
To explore how your organization can run a Valentine’s Day eCard campaign with eCardWidget, check out the video below:
As you can see, eCardWidget makes it extremely simple for your team to set up customized eCard campaigns that are branded to your organization and festive for the occasion.
2. Valentine Raffles
While your nonprofit can host raffles in person, a virtual Valentine’s Day raffle ensures that you reach as many supporters as possible. Aim to secure prizes related to Valentine’s Day, from chocolates to wine to date night packages.
Reach out to local businesses that might be interested in sponsoring your Valentine’s Day fundraiser. Their sponsorship may include unique and appealing in-kind donations as raffle prizes, such as local vintage wine or boxes of artisan chocolate. Then, create a page on your website to sell raffle tickets, and promote them on your marketing channels leading up to February.
3. Matching Gifts
While matching gifts are crucial to your nonprofit’s success year-round, Valentine’s Day presents a chance for you to check in with donors and make sure they’re informed about this opportunity.360MatchPro notes that one in three donorsmake a larger gift if their donation will be matched, so encourage your donors to determine their matching gift eligibility this February to maximize their support.
If you don’t already have matching gift technology to guide your efforts, take this time to look into software solutions that will help you follow up with donors about their eligibility. The best matching gift software simplifies the matching gift process by providing information about a variety of corporate matching gift programs and offering tools like auto-submission that facilitate matching gift request forms.
4. Virtual Date Night Auction
Make this Valentine’s Day a memorable experience for your supporters byhosting a date night auctionbefore the occasion. This type of event is another opportunity to connect with local businesses that are willing to support your cause and provide date night packages for your nonprofit to auction off. Some popular options include dinner at a fancy restaurant, spa or massage treatments, and an overnight hotel stay.
A virtual auction offers much more flexibility for both your organization and your participants. With the right fundraising tools, you can garner support for your mission and set your supporters up with lovely Valentine’s Day dates with their partners.
5. Virtual Rom-Com Movie Night
End Valentine’s Day on a high note by hosting a virtual rom-commovie night fundraiser. This way, your supporters can lounge in the comforts of their own homes while enjoying a romantic movie for a good cause.
To raise funds, sell tickets on a designated page for your event. You can create a more appealing experience by selling them in the form of eCards, so your supporters can easily send tickets and invite their loved ones to watch the movie with them.
6. Win-a-Date Fundraiser
This event is similar to a virtual date night auction, but instead of auctioning off a date night package, you can arrange a “date” with a local celebrity. Pick someone in your community whom people admire and who is willing to help out your nonprofit.
Then, you can host a virtual raffle in which you auction off the date. Of course, this date will be strictly platonic, but it can be a great chance for your supporters to grab a coffee or a meal with a notable figure in your community and contribute to your organization in the process.
Sweet and Tasty Valentine’s Day Fundraising Ideas
On Valentine’s Day, sending a sweet treat or bottle of wine is a wonderful way to show someone that you love and appreciate them. Spread this love and raise funds for your mission with these food- and drink-related Valentine’s Day fundraising ideas.
7. Bake Sale
While bake sales are popular at any time of year, selling Valentine-themed treats can be especially appealing to donors in February. From heart-shaped cookies to red velvet cake, there are many ways to get creative with desserts for Valentine’s Day.
Enlist your staff and volunteers to put a Valentine’s Day twist on their favorite recipes to provide high-quality baked goods for your fundraiser. These will make for enticing options for supporters to purchase for themselves or as gifts for their Valentines.
8. Candy Grams
Give your supporters a sweet way to contribute to your organization’s mission and send short messages to their loved ones with Valentine’s Daycandy grams. In the spirit of the holiday, you can even give your fundraiser a catchy name like “Cupid’s Candy Grams.”
This Valentine’s Day fundraising idea is cost-effective, too, making it a popular choice for schools. All you need is some candy, messaging material, and ribbon to get started. Donors can then support your nonprofit by purchasing these candy grams to surprise their partners, friends, or family with a little treat.
9. Chocolate-Making Class
For a more interactive way to raise funds this February, consider organizing a chocolate-making class for your supporters. All they need to do is pay a small fee to become amateur chocolatiers for an hour or two.
Whether you have a chocolate-making expert amid your nonprofit staff or choose to partner with a guest confectioner to run the class, this Valentine’s Day fundraising idea is a win-win for your nonprofit and supporters, who get the chance to make their own Valentine’s Day gifts.
10. Wine-Tasting Fundraiser
Hosting a wine-tasting fundraiser for Valentine’s Day presents the perfect opportunity for supporters to gather with their loved ones in support of your organization’s cause. To set your event up for success, you’ll need to secure sponsorships from local wine companies.
Remember thatcorporate sponsorshipsare mutually beneficial partnerships—in exchange for businesses allowing you to host your wine-tasting event at their locations, you’ll provide them with extra marketing in your promotional materials. Don’t forget to thank them for their support to cultivate a long-lasting relationship that will benefit both you and the business moving forward.
11. Pancake Breakfast
Level up a traditional pancake breakfast fundraiser by hosting a Valentine’s Day-themed one in February. Send supporters flocking to your event by offering heart-shaped pancakes at the breakfast, along with popular morning drinks such as juice and coffee.
This Valentine’s Day fundraising idea is a low-cost way to gather your nonprofit’s supporters and strengthen their sense of shared community over a warm meal. Sell event tickets ahead of the event, and reach out to local businesses that may be interested in providing food and dining supplies to assist with your fundraising efforts.
12. Romantic Dinner
Many couples search far and wide for the perfect restaurant for their romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Make the choice easier and earn more for your cause with a Valentine’s Day dinner fundraiser.
Partner with local restaurants that are willing to give back to your organization. Those who are interested can create a special Valentine’s Day menu and donate a portion of the night’s earnings to your nonprofit.
In exchange for their partnership, promote the restaurant and special event on your social media, website, and newsletter. The restaurant owners will be glad to receive new customers and free advertising with the help of your organization.
Valentine’s Day Fundraising Event Ideas
For this Valentine’s Day, take the time to review your priorities and supporters’ interests to determine which fundraising event will work best for your nonprofit.
13. Couples’ Costume Party
Halloween doesn’t have to be the only holiday for dressing up in costumes! This Valentine’s Day, host a couples’ costume party, inviting your supporters to attend wearing the attire of their favorite duos. In addition to charging for admission, generate additional revenue by allowing guests to vote on the best costumes in exchange for a small fee donated to your nonprofit.
14. Flower Sale Fundraiser
Like greeting cards and candy, flowers are well-loved gifts for Valentine’s Day. This February, help donors share their love with their partners, friends, and family by hosting a flower sale fundraiser.
Our list of Mother’s Day fundraising ideas shares that you can partner with a local florist or purchase the bouquets wholesale. Then, create an online store to sell the flowers digitally and arrange pick-up times. You can also set up a physical booth in a populated area like a farmer’s market to attract supporters. In addition, consider selling flower bulbs for those who are interested in growing some themselves.
15. 5K Run
This Valentine’s Day fundraising idea will get your supporters’ hearts racing—in the name of a good cause. Empower your dedicated supporters to take up the fundraising mantle on your organization’s behalf with this peer-to-peer campaign. Your fundraising software should be capable of equipping participants with individual fundraising pages to which they can direct their personal networks for donations and pledges.
Make it easy for your peer fundraisers to engage their friends and family by offering eCards they can send alongside links to their fundraising pages. A well-designed message can make a significant difference in motivating recipients to support your nonprofit.
16. Parents’ Night Out Fundraiser
For Valentine’s Day, give supporters a chance to enjoy a stress-free night out with their partners by organizing a parents’ night out fundraiser. Parents will pay a fee for your volunteers to watch their children for the evening, allowing them to support your missionandenjoy some quality time together on this holiday.
Depending on your purpose and resources, there are many ways to tailor this Valentine’s Day fundraising idea to suit your nonprofit. Determine cost-effective ways for your volunteers to engage the children they’re watching, from arts and crafts related to your cause to sports activities.
17. Singles Event
Play Cupid this Valentine’s Day by organizing a singles event. Start by looking for a venue, such as a coffee shop, bar, or local restaurant. Then, promote the event on social media and sell tickets. Make sure it’s clear that all proceeds will go toward your cause.
When marketing the event to your supporters, establish a suitable age range to ensure attendees can mingle with people in their age group. Set an RSVP date so you have enough food and drinks for everyone, and don’t forget to provide name tags to facilitate introductions.
18. Valentine’s Day Carnival
Who said carnivals are just a summer thing? Bring your community together this Valentine’s Day with a themed carnival. Like a traditional carnival, you can offer rides, games, and food but with a Valentine’s Day twist.
For example, you may feature a ring toss game with heart-shaped rings, pink and red stuffed animal prizes, and sandwiches cut using a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Get creative, and remember to name your event something festive as well, such as “[Your Organization’s Name]’s Carnival for Cupid” or “[Your Organization Name]’s Day of Love and Laughs.”
19. Galentine’s Day Event
Galentine’s Day is a spin on Valentine’s Day in which women celebrate the holiday with their friends. Make this occasion fun for women in your community with a dedicated fundraising event. The possibilities are endless for Galentine’s Day, and the event you choose should cater to your supporter base.
For instance, you may partner with a local salon to provide spa services for your supporters and donate a portion of their proceeds to your nonprofit. Alternatively, an advocacy organization may host a discussion about access to women’s healthcare and allow attendees to make a donation of their choice for entry.
20. Singing Telegrams
To raise funds and help your donors express their affection to loved ones, sell singing telegrams for Valentine’s Day. Gather your most musically inclined staff members and volunteers to deliver personalized romantic or humorous ballads to a supporter’s chosen recipient. To extend your fundraising reach, consider offering a virtual or recorded option as well.
Add extra value to your virtual singing telegrams by allowing each donor to send their personalized video link in an eCard to their loved one. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating appealing Valentine’s Day designs—bonus points if you can relate them back to the heart of your organization’s purpose, likeTeremana’s animated eCards:
Check Out More Examples of Our eCards in Action!
Competitive Valentine’s Day Fundraising Ideas
A little incentive of branded merchandise or bragging rights can go a long way toward generating financial support for your organization. Stir up the competitive spirit in your supporters this February with these Valentine’s Day fundraising ideas.
21. Valentine’s Day Trivia Contest
Allow supporters to showcase their love-related knowledge and learn more about Valentine’s Day by hosting a trivia contest. Charge a fee for individual or team entries, and assemble questions of varying difficulty, such as “Who is the Greek goddess of love?” and “What are Cupid’s arrows made out of?”
Furthermore, your nonprofit can boost your fundraising results by adding raffles between trivia rounds, securing corporate sponsors, or selling snacks and refreshments at the event.
22. Valentine Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt fundraiser is a wonderful way to engage supporters looking to bond with their loved ones and make a positive contribution to their community. This event encourages individuals of all ages to follow clues and find Valentine’s Day objects designated by your nonprofit.
Get creative! You can either choose physical objects or landmarks for individuals in your local community to hunt for, or engage supporters remotely by having them take pictures of the listed items they find from wherever they’re located. Simply have them pay a small entry fee to take part in the fun.
23. Themed Photo Contest
Photos can serve as fantastic mementos for any cherished moment or event. This Valentine’s Day, encourage your supporters to get artistic by hosting a themed photo contest. You can hold this event completely online to maximize participation. To raise funds, you’ll either charge a small entry fee, ask for a small donation per vote, or both.
Additionally, with the winners’ permission, you can feature the top photos as eCards on your nonprofit’s website. That way, participants and supporters can purchase these Valentine’s Day-themed eCards to send to their loved ones.
24. Dance Contest
Host a Valentine’s Day dance contest and encourage singles, couples, and teams to pay an entry fee to compete. When you promote this entertaining opportunity, emphasize that no dance experience is necessary to do well and have fun at the contest. Similar to other fundraising contests, you can either enlist judges from the community to decide on winners or allow attendees to cast votes in exchange for a small donation.
If many of your nonprofit’s supporters are located outside of your local area, you can make the dance contest virtual to maximize participation. This way, anyone can participate regardless of location and time.
25. Cooking Contest
Take a basic cooking contest to the next level by making it Valentine’s Day-themed. Invite cooking enthusiasts from all over your local community to pay an entry fee to register and put together a themed meal for a prize. To add interest and excitement to the event, you can pre-determine the ingredients contestants are allowed to use and designate criteria such as presentation and creativity for judging.
For this contest and other fundraising events, make it easy for attendees to invite their friends and family to join in the fun by offering free eCards for them to send through your website.Vineyard Church North Phoenix, for example, used eCardWidget to design e-vites that people can share through email or social media.
Bonus Tips for Valentine’s Day Fundraising
With all of these ideas at your disposal, your nonprofit is ready to start planning a successful and memorable Valentine’s Day fundraiser. Make the most of the opportunity by keeping these essential tips in mind:
- Create a page on your website for Valentine’s Day fundraising.Make sure all of your supporters are aware of your upcoming fundraiser by adding a designated page to your website with details and registration links. Empower your attendees to spread the word by adding invitation eCards they can send to their friends and family.
- Personalize your Valentine’s Day communications.When you reach out to your existing donors, use segmentation to send messages tailored to the interests and preferences of each recipient. And don’t forget to wish them a happy Valentine’s Day!
- Promote your fundraiser on multiple channels.Reach as many current and prospective donors as possible by sharing your upcoming fundraiser through channels such as email, social media, and direct mail. Since Valentine’s Day has very recognizable visuals, include some themed images or graphics to catch people’s attention.
- Thank your donors after Valentine’s Day.In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, remember to show some love to your donors.Send a thank-you letterafter your fundraiser to share reports of their impact, clearly illustrating how each gift made a tangible difference.
Keep these tips in mind as you start planning to create a Valentine’s Day fundraising strategy that your whole team will fall in love with. And if you’ve missed the boat on Valentine’s fundraising this year, many of these ideas work well as Easter fundraisers, too. You can easily adapt many of these engaging Valentine’s Day fundraising ideas to other holidays like this, so feel free to get creative.
Make the most of your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts in February with these exciting ideas and continue cultivating close relationships with your supporters throughout the year. Remember to collect fundraising data and donor feedback to find insights for improving your Valentine’s Day fundraising year after year.
For more tips and best practices that are worthy of Cupid’s arrow, take a look at these additional resources:
- Birthday Fundraisers: How to Secure Year-Round Support.Your supporters’ birthdays are just as celebration-worthy as Valentine’s Day. Learn how to reach out about these special occasions in this guide.
- 25+ Festive Christmas Fundraising Ideas to Encourage Giving.Discover how to make the most of year-end giving with these 24 engaging Christmas fundraising ideas.
- Donation eCard Examples that Share the Joy of Giving.Get inspired with these effective donation eCard examples for nonprofits.
