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Winter break is a fun time for students and families, but it can make fundraising tricky for groups trying to raise money. Practices pause, people travel, and normal routines slow down. If your team or club is used to meeting in person, planning a fundraiser during this season might feel like juggling socks in the snow.
We have seen a lot of groups in Michigan face this same challenge. That is why virtual fundraising in Michigan is helpful during the colder months. With Team Butter, groups sell premium products through personalized online stores and earn 50% profit on every sale, and we handle shipping directly to supporters. Whether you are in soccer, dance, cheer, or choir, the right plan can help things move along without adding stress. Winter does not have to freeze your progress. There are ways to make fundraising work, even when everyone is scattered.
Keep Everyone Connected, Even from Afar
When school pauses for winter break, so does the usual flow of updates and check-ins. Keeping your group on the same page helps everyone stay involved, even if they are out of town or taking a much-needed rest. Good communication does not have to be complicated.
Here are a few ways to keep the group in sync while everyone is away from school:
• Use team apps or group texts to send reminders, share links, and check in
• Make short video messages to thank supporters or tell kids how close you are to the goal
• Break the fundraiser into mini-goals each week so people feel like they are working toward something manageable
Nobody wants to feel like they are behind or out of the loop. Simple, steady communication keeps morale up and prevents people from falling off halfway through
Pick Fundraiser Options That Run Themselves
During winter, it is harder to get people to make deliveries, collect forms, or sell to neighbors. That is when virtual fundraisers really shine. Instead of depending on group meetups, they let people help from anywhere, including the couch.
Virtual fundraising in Michigan helps groups during snowy months by keeping the process simple and mobile. Michigan winters can be unpredictable. Schedules change because of snow days or last-minute travel, but a well-run online fundraiser keeps rolling. Grandparents across the state, or even across the country, can chip in without needing to be nearby. Our virtual platform runs 100% online with no order forms, payment collection, or inventory to manage, so families can participate from wherever they are.
Fundraising stores make the process smoother for everyone. Supporters shop for things they actually want, and participants do not have to collect or hand out products. It is all handled digitally, which means your group does not have to slow down just because it is cold outside.
Get Volunteers Involved Without Burning Them Out
One reason winter fundraisers stall is because the same few people are doing all the work. When everyone is trying to rest or catch up over break, it is easy to get burned out. Spreading the load helps volunteers stay active without feeling overwhelmed.
A few tactics can help people stay involved without asking for too much at once:
• Match jobs with each person’s schedule, some can post updates, others can make calls or respond to messages
• Ask for small roles, like sending a link or updating a group chat
• Celebrate small wins weekly, recognizing someone’s help or hitting a goal keeps energy up
A little thank-you or tag online can go a long way. Volunteers want to feel like what they are doing matters, even during the slower stretch of the year.
Make It Fun So Kids and Families Want to Join
Fundraising does not need to feel like extra homework. When it is fun and personal, more people want to help. The trick is making it feel like a part of your group’s culture, and letting kids have a say.
Here are a few simple ways to build that excitement:
• Host a friendly challenge between groups, like who can get the most shares or sales in a week
• Let students send messages or small thank-yous when someone supports them
• Use themes and visuals that match your group, cheer squads can use signs or GIFs, while band groups might post short clips playing music
Kids love helping, especially when they can see they are making a difference. Letting families join in makes it feel more like a shared goal instead of just another thing on the calendar.
Easy Ways to Track Progress and Say Thank You
The middle of winter break can feel slow and quiet. Sharing updates on how things are going boosts momentum and gives people a sense of progress. It also helps volunteers and supporters feel appreciated, which can keep them engaged over the long haul.
Make it easy for people to see and celebrate every win:
• Post short updates about how much has been raised, who has helped, or fun things people have done
• Keep a running list of contributors or families who pitched in so you can thank them later
• Send short thank-you notes, photos, or shoutouts throughout the fundraiser, not only at the end
Saying “thank you” does not have to wait until the campaign is over. The more people feel seen during the process, the more likely they will stay committed.
Keep the Momentum Going After Break Ends
Winter break can interrupt a lot of routines, but it does not have to stop your progress. With the right tools and a simple plan, your fundraiser can keep rolling, even if people are scattered or taking time off. Virtual options make things flexible, volunteers can still help without a big time demand, and families can stay in touch no matter where they are.
When break ends, picking things back up is easier if people never stopped entirely. Clear communication, achievable goals, and small ways to pitch in keep the group moving forward. Whether you are raising money for soccer, dance, or the next band trip, giving your fundraiser a strong plan helps it succeed no matter the season.
We know winter break can add a few challenges, but planning ahead with the right tools makes a big difference. Ready to keep things simple and stress-free, especially during the colder months? Learn more about how your team can succeed with virtual fundraising in Michigan using our easy, online setup. At Team Butter, we focus on helping teams do what they love without extra pressure. Send us a message and let us get your next fundraiser moving.
