Thanksgiving is the perfect time for brands to show gratitude and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Between Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday, consumers are more open to participating in campaigns that celebrate generosity and community.
For marketers, it’s the ideal moment to launch sweepstakes and digital promotions that both engage and give back. Whether through social media giveaways, UGC contests, or instant-win sweepstakes, brands can turn gratitude into action and create measurable impact in the process.
At US Sweepstakes and Fulfillment Company, as a trusted sweepstakes administration company, we partner with marketing teams to plan, launch, and manage cause-based promotions that inspire participation and run seamlessly from start to finish.
Why “Giving Back” Campaigns Work
Today’s audiences value purpose as much as product. A Thanksgiving or Day of Giving promotion gives brands the opportunity to do both – express appreciation and strengthen customer relationships while supporting a cause that matters.
When executed thoughtfully, these campaigns can:
- Strengthen brand loyalty through shared values.
- Generate authentic engagement on social media.
- Drive participation through emotional storytelling.
- Deliver measurable goodwill along with first-party data.
It’s not just a seasonal gesture – it’s a strategy for long-term engagement.
5 Thanksgiving Promotion Ideas That Give Back
1. The Gratitude Giveaway (Social Media Sweepstakes)
Invite your audience to share what they’re thankful for using your branded hashtag and a photo or short message. Each post serves as an entry for a prize and can also trigger a donation to your nonprofit partner. This kind of user-generated content (UGC) sweepstakes drives authentic storytelling, strengthens community engagement, and connects your brand’s message of gratitude with real impact.
2. Nominate Someone You’re Thankful For (Referral Sweepstakes)
Invite participants to nominate someone who’s made a difference in their life – a mentor, colleague, or volunteer. Reward both the nominator and the nominee with prizes or charitable donations in their names. This nomination-style sweepstakes fosters connection and recognition, while showcasing your brand’s values in action.
3. Donate-to-Enter Sweepstakes
Combine giving with engagement. For every valid entry, your brand contributes a set amount to a charity or local cause. Be sure to include a free method of entry (AMOE) – an easy way to keep participation open and compliant. The result is a simple, scalable way to turn customer enthusiasm into collective impact.
4. Instant-Win for Good (Gamified Sweepstakes)
Instant-win promotions keep the energy high and the engagement frequent. Each play – whether it’s a spin, scratch, or click – can fund a meal, support a nonprofit, or plant a tree. These gamified campaigns build excitement while doing good.
See our article Gamification: Your Black Friday Superpower for examples of how instant-win promotions can drive daily participation and long-term loyalty.
5. Employee and Community Spotlights
Show your gratitude from within. Highlight employees or customers who embody your brand’s mission to give back. A simple internal sweepstakes or recognition giveaway can boost morale and amplify your brand’s spirit of generosity.
How to Build a Compliant Thanksgiving Sweepstakes Campaign
Behind every great campaign is a solid plan – from creative concept to winner fulfillment. At US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment, we help brands handle every part of the process, including:
- Strategic campaign planning and coordination.
- Official sweepstakes rules and sweepstakes administration.
- Winner selection and prize fulfillment.
- Secure data management and reporting.
Our team makes sure your brand’s promotion runs seamlessly, allowing your creative ideas and community impact to take center stage.
Pro Tip:
Ensure your holiday promotion runs smoothly and stays compliant. Learn more about our
sweepstakes administration services — from official rules and bonding to prize fulfillment and winner verification.
Amplifying Your Impact Through Social Media
Once your campaign is live, your social strategy will determine its reach.
To maximize participation:
- Use branded hashtags and encourage user tagging.
- Partner with influencers who align with your cause.
- Share participant stories or donation milestones.
- Promote across channels leading up to the Day of Giving to extend momentum.
A thoughtful amplification plan ensures your campaign connects with audiences across multiple touchpoints – turning awareness into action.
Work With a Sweepstakes Administration Company That Ensures Compliance
Thanksgiving promotions that give back are more than seasonal campaigns – they’re opportunities to show gratitude, inspire community, and build stronger customer relationships.
As a full-service sweepstakes management company, US Sweepstakes handles official rules, bonding and registration, winner verification, and prize fulfillment – ensuring your brand’s campaign is creative, compliant, and stress-free.
Ready to plan your next holiday campaign?
Talk to US Sweepstakes about creating a contest, giveaway, or sweepstakes that’s built to perform and built to give back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should brands run Thanksgiving sweepstakes?
Thanksgiving promotions offer brands a unique opportunity to connect with audiences on a personal level. They combine gratitude and engagement, helping marketers strengthen loyalty, generate first-party data, and create positive brand sentiment during one of the most emotionally resonant seasons of the year.
Can sweepstakes include charitable donations?
Yes. A sweepstakes can absolutely include a charitable component – such as a donation triggered by every valid entry or prize won – as long as participation remains free and transparent. US Sweepstakes ensures that all donation-based campaigns meet promotional compliance requirements while staying aligned with your brand’s purpose.
What makes a Thanksgiving sweepstakes successful?
The most successful promotions balance creativity and structure. A strong concept – like a UGC-driven Gratitude Challenge or Instant-Win for Good – engages audiences, while professional administration ensures entries, winners, and prize fulfillment are handled seamlessly and fairly.
How can US Sweepstakes help?
US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment provides end-to-end sweepstakes management. Our team supports campaign planning, legal administration, winner verification, and prize fulfillment – allowing your brand to focus on the creative and strategic impact of giving back.
