National Commander’s Virtual Red Kettle Challenge 2026
The Challenge
A National Challenge With Local Impact
The National Commander’s Virtual Red Kettle Challenge invites Advisory Organization members, Salvation Army personnel, volunteers, and supporters to use their networks to help raise funds for their local Salvation Army.
Virtual Red Kettles are organized locally, so participation may look different from one community to another. Contact your local Salvation Army to learn how its Virtual Red Kettle campaign is set up and how you can create, sponsor, support, or share a kettle.
Every gift helps support the work of The Salvation Army in the community connected to that Virtual Red Kettle.
Get Involved
How to Participate
1. Connect locally
Use the location finder to contact your local Salvation Army corps, division, or fundraising representative. Ask how you can participate in its 2026 Virtual Red Kettle campaign.
2. Get your Virtual Red Kettle link
Your local Salvation Army can help you identify the appropriate Virtual Red Kettle or peer-to-peer fundraising option for your community.
3. Share the challenge
Invite friends, family, colleagues, and community contacts to give. Share why supporting your local Salvation Army matters to you and encourage others to pass the invitation along.
4. Help your community
Funds raised through local Virtual Red Kettles help support Salvation Army programs and services in the communities they serve.
A Special Invitation to Advisory Organization Members
Your leadership and connections can introduce more people to The Salvation Army’s mission and expand support for work happening in your community.
Partner with your local Salvation Army to sponsor or support a Virtual Red Kettle, then invite your personal and professional networks to join you. A simple message, shared with the people who know and trust you, can help make a meaningful local difference this Christmas season.
Join The Challenge
Join the National Commander
The National Commander is participating with a Virtual Red Kettle and inviting others across the country to join the challenge. If you are not connected with a local Virtual Red Kettle, you may support the National Commander’s kettle directly.
Need To Know
Frequently Asked Questions
A Virtual Red Kettle is an online fundraising effort that allows supporters to invite others to give digitally in support of The Salvation Army.
Virtual Red Kettles are managed through local and territorial Salvation Army fundraising programs. Contact your local Salvation Army to learn what participation options are available in your community.
The challenge is national, but Virtual Red Kettle fundraising is primarily organized locally. The National Commander will also have a Virtual Red Kettle that supporters may choose to support directly.
Yes. Salvation Army personnel, volunteers, donors, and other supporters may contact their local Salvation Army to ask about participation or support an available Virtual Red Kettle.
Donations support the Salvation Army location or campaign connected to the Virtual Red Kettle selected by the donor. For details about local use of funds, contact the Salvation Army unit associated with that campaign.
The challenge is planned for the 2026 Red Kettle season. Campaign dates and the final reporting period will be shared when confirmed.
