By: Allison Basco

As the year draws to a close, the spirit of giving is at its peak. Nonprofits around the world are focused on getting through to people and companies when they’re especially inclined to listen.

Nonprofits meet the moment with compelling cause campaigns that highlight their partnership achievements, share the impact of past contributions, and inspire additional giving. As varied as the campaigns are, they tend to have four success factors in common.

 

What Sets Successful Holiday Campaigns Apart

1. Storytelling—Narratives that resonate emotionally with donors, highlighting the people impacted, success stories and tangible results
2. Transparency—Complete and correct details on how donations are used, fostering donor trust and confidence
3. Engagement—Interactive and engaging content that encourages participation, including live events, virtual experiences and social media campaigns
4. Matching gifts—Commitments from corporate partners and major donors driving extra incentive to donate and broaden campaign reach

 

Leading by Example

Take a look at the holiday campaigns we’re following for ideas and inspiration to energize you now and help you plan for next year.

Holiday Season Cause Campaigns

IKEA U.S. and UNICEF

IKEA U.S. and UNICEF have partnered since 1988 to support UNICEF’s global programs for vulnerable children. Each year during the holiday season, IKEA U.S. sells UNICEF holiday greeting cards, donating 100% of the proceeds to UNICEF USA.

 

Macy’s and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA)

Last year, Macy’s and BBBSA launched a multi-year partnership under Macy’s Mission Every One platform. Throughout November and December, Macy’s customers can donate and round up purchases online and in-store to expand the reach of BBBSA’s mentoring. Macy’s customers raised $4.8 million last year.

 

Chewy and Greater Good Charities

Chewy’s impact initiative, Chewy Gives Back, will run its annual Season of Giving campaign from November 1 through January 3. For every purchase, Chewy will donate up to $1 million per week in pet food and supplies to rescue pets in need through Greater Good Charities. Last year, Chewy donated $31 million in pet food and supplies, including 13.9 million pounds of food, 51.6 thousand beds and crates and five million pounds of litter.

 

The 7-Eleven Family of Brands and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN)

This holiday season, 7-Eleven is inviting its customers to support CMN Hospitals at participating locations across store brands:

• 7-Eleven
• Speedway
• Stripes

From November 7 through January 9,  customers can round up their purchase at the register or donate $1. Donations help support 107 member hospitals across the U.S., and customers have the option to select their local one.

Last year, 7-Eleven, its franchisees, customers and employees raised more than $19 million to support CMN Hospitals. The company has raised more than $170 million for CMN Hospitals since 1991.

 

No Kid Hungry Restaurant Partners

The No Kid Hungry campaign from Share Our Strength, a nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and poverty, will feature these restaurant partners this year:

• Arby’s Foundation
• Bar Louie
• DoorDash
• Marco’s Pizza
• Mendocino Farms
• Peet’s Coffee
• The Habit Burger
• Tropical Smoothie Café
• Viva Chicken
• Wicked Good Cupcakes

 

St. Jude Thanks and Giving Partners

Each year, select St. Jude partner brands participate in the organization’s Thanks and Giving holiday retail giving campaign. The brands donate from 5% to 100% of the purchase price of certain products from November 6 through December 31. Partner brands include:

• Pottery Barn
• Home Goods
• Tumi
• Rejuvenation
• Jared
• Denny’s
• Joann

 

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Annual Holiday Retail Campaign

MDA and many of its longtime partners are teaming up for MDA’s annual Holiday Retail Campaign. This year, participating brands include:

• Circle K
• Graham C-Stores
• Sam’s Mart

Their combined goal is to raise more than $750,000 for MDA in support of critical research and care for people living with muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neuromuscular diseases.

 

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