How to Keep Kids Engaged in Virtual Holiday Fundraising

The holidays are a great time for giving, which makes it the perfect season for school teams, clubs, and activity groups to plan virtual fundraisers. However, when everything is online and kids are already out of their regular routines, it can be challenging to keep them engaged. Whether you’re coaching a youth basketball team or leading a middle school choir, getting kids to stay excited all the way through a fundraising campaign takes a bit of creativity.

We’ve found that products like artisanal popcorn for fundraising are a great way to make the process more fun for everyone. It’s a treat that kids feel proud selling, and it adds a tasty twist to how they share their story. The key is to make them feel like more than just participants. When they’re truly connected to what they’re helping raise money for, they care more, and that keeps the energy up, even during the busy weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break.

Make the Fundraiser Feel Like a Team Effort

Kids are more likely to stay involved when they feel they’re doing something meaningful together. Fundraisers shouldn’t feel like homework or another task to check off. Instead, we want kids to see their part in the big picture.

Tie their contribution to a real moment, like new uniforms, a trip they want to take, or extra gear they need. When they understand what the money helps pay for, the fundraiser becomes personal.
Set group goals, then share the progress during practices or group chats. Maybe your volleyball team wants to hit a certain number of orders so they can buy team warm-up jackets. That kind of shared goal builds a sense of pride.
Use short Zoom calls or fun video check-ins so kids can hear encouragement from their coaches or directors. A few minutes of face time goes a long way in keeping spirits up.

Let every kid take on a clear role that matches their strengths. One might want to handle digital shout-outs, another might jump at the chance to decorate the thank-you notes. When they feel useful, they stay motivated.

Keep the Tasks Short, Fun, and Age-Appropriate

Big fundraising goals can feel overwhelming to young kids. That’s why we like to keep everything broken into smaller, easy-to-complete steps based on age group. What a high school soccer player can handle might look different from what’s fun for a junior choir student.

Give younger kids simple weekly jobs like making a list of who to share their store link with or planning a sticker they can attach to a thank-you message.
For older kids, shake things up by changing themes every week. One week it could be “share with five family members,” the next might focus on writing a short sentence about why they love their group.
Ask students to come up with a team popcorn slogan or image for their fundraising page. A little creativity can turn the same old task into something they’re excited to work on.

A short task that fits into their day will always be more effective than something that feels like another assignment. Keeping it fun helps kids want to come back and keep building on their effort.

Let Kids Share Their Story

Fundraisers work best when they feel personal. We believe kids deserve the chance to speak up about why their activity matters and what they love most about it. This helps supporters connect and feel like they’re helping something real.

Let kids share a short message on video or in writing. They can explain who they are, what group they’re part of, and what they’re hoping to do with the funds.
Encourage them to post friendly reminders on social media or put their own spin on thanking people who ordered.
This works for band members, cheer squads, dance troupes, and travel softball players alike. When people see the effort coming from the kids themselves, they’re more likely to support and stay involved.

Kids feel proud when they get to tell their story. It’s not just about selling. It’s about making sure their voices are part of the experience.

Use Incentives That Actually Motivate

We’ve learned that people do best when they feel noticed and appreciated, and that goes double for kids. A few simple rewards or fun challenges can keep the fundraiser upbeat, even as the holiday season starts to get hectic.

Reward effort, not just results. Give a shout-out to someone who shared their link every day or who had the most creative thank-you message that week.
Unlock group milestones that feel fun, not fancy. Something like “if we reach our goal by Friday, we get to wear wacky hats during warmups” can make a big difference.
Give kids some say in the reward ideas. Let the team vote on what they’d like to earn. That gets them involved in the whole process and adds more excitement.

We’re not talking about big prizes. Often, it’s the small stuff that keeps kids moving forward. Recognition matters, and it helps build a team feeling that keeps momentum going.

Celebrate Every Win, Big or Small

During the rush of the holidays, it’s easy for kids to lose focus or feel like their effort doesn’t matter. That’s why celebrating progress out loud is so important. It shows them they’re making a difference, even if the goal isn’t reached just yet.

Weekly updates posted in the group chat or shared during rehearsals help kids stay tuned in. Highlight what went well and remind them how far they’ve come.
Celebrate the first sale, the halfway point, or hitting a silly group goal. When they see others recognized, they’re more willing to join in.
Remind them that selling artisanal popcorn for fundraising isn’t just about snacks. It’s about helping their whole group show up, travel, compete, or perform without worrying about money holding them back.

Every step they take is a win. And when we make time to notice that, the kids feel good about how they’ve helped.

Fundraising That Connects Kids Across the Country

We make our virtual platform mobile-friendly and let groups engage supporters nationwide through easy-to-use online stores. Orders ship directly anywhere in the United States, so friends and family can support kids from afar without added steps. With 50% profit from every sale and no inventory or cash handling required, fundraisers are designed to be stress-free for organizers and participants alike.

When we look at what makes a fundraiser work, it all comes down to feeling connected. Kids will care more when they feel like real members of the team, when they have choices, and when we acknowledge their work along the way. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to feel real.

Whether you’re leading a middle school dance team or supporting the school band, keeping kids involved in virtual holiday fundraising isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about making it personal, sharing the purpose, and finding little ways to keep momentum going. When that happens, the fundraiser becomes something kids enjoy being part of, and that means better results for everyone.

At Team Butter, we make fundraising easier and more enjoyable for groups looking to engage kids in a fun, stress-free way. Kids stay motivated when they can share something exciting, like our popular artisanal popcorn for fundraising option, with friends and family nationwide. Every child deserves the chance to participate, no matter their family’s budget. Ready to get started or have questions about your fundraising plans? Contact us today.