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Once December winds down and the trees come down, it’s easy for a fundraiser to slip off everyone’s radar. In Michigan, winter weather can make it even harder to rally a team and keep people connected. Snowy roads, dark evenings, and packed school calendars don’t help either.
Still, now is exactly when groups need to stay focused. Virtual fundraising in Michigan lets teams stay active without having to meet in person or go door to door. With Team Butter, we sell premium products through personalized online fundraising stores and keep 50% profit from every sale. Whether we’re helping dancers get to nationals or raising funds for new choir uniforms, it’s possible to keep things moving, even when the energy dips after the holidays.
Keep the Team Engaged Through Winter
Right after the holidays, attention can start drifting away from fundraising. People are tired, and getting back to school and practice routines can feel like enough work. That’s where friendly reminders and clear goals matter.
Start by resetting your fundraiser’s purpose. Remind your team what you’re working toward. Whether it’s new jerseys for the volleyball team or travel costs for band competitions, people respond better when they feel like they’re part of something specific.
Keep motivation going with small check-ins. These can be fast updates during team huddles, short posts in a group chat, or quick shoutouts in emails. Here are some ideas to help:
• Revisit team goals together and keep them front and center
• Celebrate little wins as they happen, like top sellers of the week or the first 25 orders
• Offer simple rewards or public recognition that keeps participants of all ages excited
Use Simple Tools That Make Fundraising Easy From Home
The colder months are a good time to take advantage of your fundraising platform’s digital tools. Teams need something easy to use, especially now. We provide an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly app so organizers can set up campaigns, share links, and monitor results right from their smartphones without keeping track of order forms or payments. Between homework, practice, and parents’ busy schedules, no one wants something that feels like extra work.
One of the best ways to keep momentum going is to make sharing super simple. With a good mobile-friendly platform, families can promote your fundraiser using their phones or home computers. No printing flyers or knocking on doors.
Make everything about your fundraiser quick to access and easy to share. Below are steps that work:
• Share your team’s fundraising store or donation link through group emails and chats
• Encourage families to post donation or product links on X, Facebook, or Instagram
• Ask each team member to text the link to a few trusted people they know will want to help
Get Creative With Fresh Themes and Winter-Friendly Product Ideas
Fundraisers feel better when they match the season. After the holidays, people might be looking for comforting snacks or easy ways to support causes that feel meaningful. This is a great chance to try something that fits cold weather and shows off your team’s mission.
You can freshen things up by switching to seasonal items like cookie dough or hometown popcorn that people can enjoy inside while staying cozy. We feature artisanal small-batch popcorn in flavors like caramel, cheddar, and kettle corn, scrumptious cookie dough, all-natural pet treats, and the Luv Michael service-based fundraiser that supports the autism community and gives participants a way to earn service hours. For groups who like bringing attention to more than their own needs, donation-based fundraisers can offer something extra. Some of these options let teams raise money while supporting adults with autism or helping participants log service hours.
Below are a few ways to mix it up:
• Start a winter-themed sale, like “Warm Snacks, Warm Hearts,” tied to popcorn or treats
• Offer a fundraiser where the products support a second purpose, like creating jobs or donating food
• Run a donation drive alongside product fundraising so people can choose how they want to help
Keep Volunteers Involved Without Wearing Them Out
This time of year, volunteer energy can run low. Parents are juggling winter school events, sports practices, and maybe planning for spring. To keep things going, simplify the roles people are asked to take on. Spread tasks out in smaller pieces so helpers can say yes without worrying about overcommitting.
Families want to be involved, but many can’t give hours of time every week. Make it easier by being clear about what needs to get done and offering choices. Below are some suggestions:
• Break up large jobs into quick wins, like making one weekly post or sending a reminder message
• Let volunteers pick what fits their skill or interest, like social media, scheduling, or texting updates
• Give everyone tools that do the work for them, like pre-written messages or quick-share graphics
Reach Beyond Your Town With Direct Shipping
Sometimes a fundraiser slows down because teams focus only on their local circles. But with direct shipping, it’s possible to invite support from across the country. Grandparents in Florida, cousins in California, and old friends who moved out of state can all take part.
This is one big reason virtual fundraising in Michigan stays strong even after winter break. The more families understand that distance doesn’t matter, the more likely they’ll be to keep sharing links and reaching out.
Below are some ways to remind your group to go beyond local:
• Give parents and participants a short message to text to out-of-state family or friends
• Make a team goal to get one order from each different state
• Share reminders that orders ship directly to supporters, no hand delivery needed
Stay Strong After the Holiday Buzz
January can feel like a slump. Kids are back in school, the holidays are done, and a fundraiser might slip into the background. But when a team takes small steps to keep things easy and clear, they’ll keep going.
Keep the energy steady by checking in, using smart fundraiser tools, and celebrating those little wins along the way. A mix of winter-friendly product options and meaningful donation paths helps too. When both the fundraiser and the message feel fresh, it’s easier for people to stay involved.
Starting strong in the new year sets everyone up for a smoother season. All it takes is a bit of planning and a willingness to keep showing up, even when it’s cold out.
As your team gets back into the swing of activities after the holiday break, we’re here to help you keep things running smoothly. We understand how important it is for cheer, band, and sports to stay strong while minimizing stress for families during winter. Teams across Michigan are finding success with simple, flexible options for virtual fundraising in Michigan, and we’re proud to be part of that journey. Whether you’re starting fresh or picking up momentum, reach out to Team Butter and let’s make this season your best yet.
