30+ Unique Fall Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

It’s that time of year again! Autumn is fast approaching, and it’s a great time to start considering fall fundraising ideas for your organization.

Fall evokes feelings of coziness and generosity! As a nonprofit organization, it’s the perfect time to start the giving season with all the positive feelings of the season by organizing a fundraiser. With school back in session and many nonprofits gearing up for the holidays, you’re going to need some unique fall fundraising ideas to set you apart from the competition.

Why host a fall fundraiser?

Fall fundraisers are a great way to tap into the festive spirit and get a head start on the year-end giving season. Hosting a fall fundraiser gives your community a chance to gather, have fun, and contribute to a cause they care about. You can also use these fundraisers to help you raise awareness and attract new supporters for your organization. 

Check out these fall fundraising ideas for some seasonal inspiration: 

• Outdoor fall fundraising ideas
• Holiday-themed fundraising events
• Other fall fundraising ideas
• Fall fundraising tips to remember this fall

Outdoor fall fundraising ideas

As the temperatures drop and the leaves change color, people flock to the outdoors for fresh air and breathtaking views. Organizing an outdoor fundraising event is a great way to encourage your community to take part in your cause as they enjoy the changing season. There are several outdoor fundraising events you can organize to attract the nature-lovers in your area.

1. Costume walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon

Marathons are in full swing in the autumn months so why not set yourself apart by organizing a costume walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon? These events are popular with fitness enthusiasts but are low-impact enough that anyone can participate while showing off their cool costumes. Make sure to advertise well in advance and try to schedule your event on a day it won’t have to compete with similar fundraisers this fall from other organizations.

If you really want to play up the fall theme, check your local area and see if there are any hiking or biking trails that will offer exciting views of the changing leaves. You’ll need to check with your local authorities to verify what areas are available for this kind of event. You can ask around town for local sponsors to keep your costs low and earn donations for your organization through participant registration fees.

2. Outdoor movie

Outdoor movies can be fun for the whole family. All you need is a grassy area, a projector, a large white background, and a movie you know people will love. This event gives you the opportunity to speak to the crowd before the movie begins and let them know a little about what your organization does. When planning your movie night, make sure to find out what time the sun will set that day and plan your event accordingly.

On the night of your event, you can charge admission or simply ask for donations from viewers. Increase the amount of money you bring in by selling movie refreshments like popcorn and candy. You can even offer fun items for the kids, like glow-sticks, to help keep them occupied if the movie doesn’t hold their attention.

3. Community bonfire event

When the temperatures start to dip, everyone loves the feeling of sitting around an outdoor fire pit. Increase the scale by collecting discarded wood and old pallets to create a community bonfire event. Make sure you choose a safe location and coordinate with your local fire department. You can raise money by selling tickets, concessions, or asking for donations.

To add a fun element, sell food items that can be cooked over a fire. Hot dogs, marshmallows, s’mores, and even popcorn can all be prepared around the bonfire. If you have some wire hangers, wire cutters, and decorative tape, you can create roasting sticks to sell to your guests.

4. Pumpkin smash raffle

These fundraisers are tons of fun! Purchase several pumpkins or see if a local pumpkin patch will donate any pumpkins they can’t sell. Hollow them all out and place prizes of varying value inside. In the days or weeks leading up to your event, you can sell raffle tickets that offer a chance to choose a pumpkin. On the day of your event, select the winning raffle tickets and let the winners smash the pumpkin of their choice and discover their prize.

If you want to add a little mess to your event, limit the prizes to paper items such as gift certificates. Roll them up tightly and place them in something waterproof such as a Ziploc bag. Drill a small hole in the bottom or side of the pumpkin and slide the prize inside. Winners will have to dig through the slime and seeds of the smashed pumpkin to find out what they’ve won.

5. Corn maze

A corn maze is a classic fall activity that everyone loves! Charge an entry fee for participants to enjoy the challenge of navigating through the maze and give out prizes for who can finish the maze the fastest. You can also set up a concession booth with fall-themed snacks and drinks, such as apple cider and pumpkin doughnuts. 

This fundraising idea also provides you the chance to partner with local businesses for sponsorship opportunities and prizes. These businesses can provide financial support and help promote your event, which can significantly increase attendance and donations. By involving the community, you create a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that benefits everyone involved. Leveraging these partnerships not only helps with funding but also enhances the visibility and success of your event.

6. Scavenger hunt

Adventure awaits for your supporters in a local park or neighborhood if you organize a fall-themed scavenger hunt. Teams can pay to register for the hunt and embark on a quest to find hidden items or complete tasks related to the season or to your cause. This activity encourages teamwork amongst community members, as well as immerses them in the beauty and spirit of fall.

To keep your event interactive and fun, incorporate elements like photo challenges, trivia questions, and physical activities. These additions will keep your participants engaged and entertained throughout the hunt. Offer prizes for the first teams to complete the hunt or for the most creative team names and costumes to help encourage more people to join in!

7. Flag football game

Host a flag football game to bring out the competitive spirit in your community. Charge a registration fee for teams and sell tickets to spectators. Consider organizing different age brackets or co-ed teams to encourage widespread participation among all ages. This ensures that everyone can join in on the fun and experience the thrill of flag football!

You can also include a half-time show featuring local talent, cheerleaders, or a performance by a school band. This adds entertainment to your fundraiser and draws more attendees. With competitive sports and live entertainment, you create a memorable experience that appeals to a broad audience and encourages greater community involvement in your mission.

8. Fall festival

If you have a few fall fundraising ideas but aren’t sure which to choose, why not roll them all together into a charitable fall festival? Select a few fundraising activities to focus your efforts on and add in some free activities for families to enjoy together. You could set up a free corn maze, hay rides, and live music to get members of the community to your event and expose them to your fundraisers.

Bonfires, chili cook-offs, pumpkin smash raffles, and basket auctions are all great ideas to incorporate. Hosting many fundraising activities at once allows you to keep donation requirements low and make participation accessible for families at all income levels. If they feel they are receiving something of value to better their experience, most will be happy to contribute donations to your organization.

9. Leaf-peeping

Organize a leaf-peeping tour to showcase the stunning fall foliage in your area! You can offer tickets for guided tours or provide maps for self-guided adventures. This is a wonderful way to attract nature enthusiasts and highlight the beauty of your local environment. Include information about the types of trees and leaves, along with the environmental benefits of preserving natural landscapes. 

Encourage participants to capture the breathtaking scenery by taking photos and sharing them on social media with a specific hashtag. This can help you spread the word about your organization and attract more supporters. This fall fundraising idea is fun for your whole community and allows them to support a great cause. 

10. Leaf pile jumping

This classic fall activity is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Ask your community to drop off their bagged up leaves, set up large leaf piles in a park or open space, and charge a small fee for your community to jump and play. You can also offer additional activities such as face painting, sack races, and pumpkin decorating. 

Remember to have a few supervisors in the area at all times to help guarantee a fun and safe experience for all. Prioritizing safety will help build trust with your attendees and encourage repeat visits to future events. By focusing on simple joys and a family-friendly environment, you can create a memorable and delightful fall event that brings the community together.

11. Football tailgate

Football season is in full swing during the fall, making it the perfect time to host a tailgate party. Charge an entry fee and provide food, drinks, and entertainment to turn game day into an exciting event. Tailgating is a fantastic activity that brings people together and fosters camaraderie within your community. The atmosphere of a tailgate party offers a chance for people to connect and enjoy the spirit of the game together.

To add another layer of fundraising to your event, incorporate a raffle with exciting prizes or sell branded merchandise, such as t-shirts and hats to help you raise more funds for your cause.. By combining the thrill of football, the joy of socializing, and the spirit of giving, your tailgate party can make a significant impact.

Holiday-themed fundraising events

Halloween and Thanksgiving are two popular holidays associated with the fall season. Incorporating some holiday fun into your event is a great way to show your appreciation to the community. People are more likely to give to your cause if they feel they are receiving something in return.

12. Haunted house

Haunted houses are staples for the Halloween season. Choose an easily accessible location and decide whether your haunted house is going to be scary or family-friendly. You can ask the community to donate or lend Halloween props to create extra spooky effects. If you plan far enough in advance, you could even make your own props from PVC pipe and monster mud by following online tutorials.

Organizing a haunted house can be a lucrative fundraising experience because you aren’t limited to a single date. If you set it up earlier in the season, you can continue to run it until Halloween. If your organization lacks the volunteers to staff your haunted house, check with school theater groups or drama clubs. Teenagers might enjoy the opportunity to scare their friends!

13. Pumpkin carving contest

This one can be fun for the whole family. You can either have participants bring their own pumpkins and pay a registration fee, or you can charge for pumpkins at your event. Set up different age categories so the competition is fair and create a variety of overall categories for contestants to compete in. See if your local newspaper would be willing to feature the finalists in one of their issues and ask well-known community figures, such as the town mayor, to participate in judging your event.

Depending on the type of organization you run, try to come up with a category that relates to your cause. For example, if your organization helps children in need, tell contestants that whoever has the best cartoon character carved into their pumpkin wins a prize. For animal groups, you could have an animal-themed category.

14. Turkey raffle

Turkey raffles are the perfect fundraisers for the month of November. Almost every household in your community will want a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, which gives you a large prospective donor pool to work with. Charge a few dollars for each raffle ticket and draw the winners a few days before Thanksgiving.

Make sure to purchase more than one turkey for the raffle so people feel their odds are better. When choosing your turkeys, bigger is better. A 40-pound turkey sounds much more exciting than a 15-pound turkey. Include some traditional Thanksgiving sides with the largest turkey to create a complete dinner. You can advertise this as a grand prize and it may justify charging a little more for your raffle tickets.

15. Horror movie trivia night

Host a horror movie trivia night to test participants’ knowledge of their favorite spooky films. Charge an entry fee and offer prizes for the winning teams. Create a spooky atmosphere with themed decorations, costumes, and eerie music. This can make it a more memorable experience by allowing participants to feel like they’re stepping into their favorite horror movies, adding a fun and immersive layer to the trivia challenge.

In addition to the trivia and décor, you can sell themed snacks and drinks to keep attendees refreshed throughout the night. Offer classic treats like popcorn and candy, but also get creative with “bloody” mocktails and finger food to fit the theme. These concessions provide additional revenue while also contributing to the overall spooky experience to ensure that everyone has a frightfully good time from start to finish.

16. Harvest dinner

Feature seasonal dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients at a harvest dinner. Attendees can purchase tickets for a memorable dining experience filled with autumnal food. You can also invite guest speakers to discuss sustainable farming, local produce, and the importance of supporting local farmers, adding an educational element. 

You can also ask farmers and local businesses to set up booths and sell local produce and handmade items. This element offers attendees the opportunity to support the local economy and your cause in one go. This creates a multifaceted event that celebrates local produce, educates the community, and generates financial support for your organization. 

17. Oktoberfest

Bring the spirit of Oktoberfest to your community and showcase German food, music, and activities. By charging an entry fee and selling food and drink tickets, you can create a festive atmosphere while generating funds. Feature traditional Bavarian games such as stein-holding contests, sack races, and yodeling competitions to keep your attendees entertained and engaged throughout the day. These activities not only add an authentic touch to the festival but also provide fun and excitement for people of all ages.

To add a local touch to your event, partner with local breweries to offer a selection of craft beers. This collaboration supports local businesses and attracts more attendees who are eager to sample unique and locally-produced beverages. 

18. Fall basket auction

Silent auctions are a popular fundraising choice for many nonprofits. Create fall-themed baskets that focus on the best parts of the season. You can put together a basket for making s’mores and hot cocoa, a movie night basket, or anything else you think people might enjoy. 

On the night of your event, your guests will have a limited amount of time to write their offers for the baskets they want. When the time is up, whoever offered the most gets to purchase the basket for their stated price. To really drive up the donations, have guests write their offers on the same sheet for each basket. This can start bidding wars and ensure each basket brings a maximized donation.

19. Halloween party

A Halloween party with costumes, music, and themed decorations is a great way to celebrate the season while having fun. Charge an entry fee and provide activities for all ages, such as dancing and ghost stories to make it a memorable occasion for the entire community. 

You can also organize a costume contest with categories such as “Best Overall Costume,” “Most Creative,” and “Best Group Costume,” and offer prizes to the winners to encourage participation. These contests can make your celebration more exciting and leave your participants with lasting memories.

20. Trunk-or-treat

Host a trunk-or-treat event where volunteers can decorate their car trunks and hand out candy to children. Allow participants to register online and encourage creativity in their decorations. This creates a safe and fun environment for families and children to enjoy Halloween festivities and foster engagement in your community.

To keep attendees entertained throughout your event, include additional activities such as face painting, hayrides, and a photo booth. These added attractions provide something enjoyable for everyone, making your event more vibrant and memorable. The combination of trunk or treating and festive activities create a festive atmosphere that families will look forward to each year.

21. Pumpkin pie contest

Find the best pumpkin pie in your community with a pumpkin pie contest! Charge an entry fee for contestants and sell tickets to attendees to taste the pies. As your event unfolds, allow attendees to taste and vote on their favorite pies. Voting keeps everyone engaged and excited about the competition, fostering a sense of community and collective enthusiasm.

To conclude your event, offer prizes for the best pies and recognize the winners with certificates or trophies. This adds prestige to your event and encourages more participants to showcase their baking skills in the future. With friendly competition, community involvement, and the chance for recognition, you can make your pumpkin pie contest a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

22. Apple Bobbing

Organize an apple bobbing competition for children and adults, charging a small fee to participate and offering prizes for the winners. This classic activity brings joy to participants of all ages and adds an element of nostalgia and excitement to your event. Alongside apple bobbing, incorporate other traditional fall games such as sack races, three-legged races, and tug-of-war to create a lively and festive atmosphere that encourages friendly competition and community engagement.

You can also provide seasonal refreshments like apple cider, doughnuts, and caramel apples for sale. These treats not only enhance the fall experience but also serve as a means to raise additional funds. Including engaging games and delicious refreshments guarantees your attendees have a memorable time, making your event both enjoyable and successful in achieving its goals.

Other fall fundraising ideas

If being outdoors isn’t your thing and you aren’t interested in holiday-themed fundraisers, there are many other fall fundraising ideas that are simple and fun. You can add fall elements to some traditional fundraising activities or come up with something totally unique.

23. “Checkout charity” campaign

Checkout charity campaigns are growing in popularity as a low-maintenance fundraising option. Simply find a local business, preferably retail, and ask if they will collect donations from their customers. 

To incorporate some fall season elements, have donor cards printed in fall colors in the shape of leaves. When someone adds a donation to their transaction, the business can hang their signed donor card on a wall for recognition. If you need more information about running a successful checkout charity campaign, Qgiv has you covered.

24. Rake-a-thon

Rake-a-thons are a great way to get people involved who would like to help your organization but lack the money for a donation. Solicit volunteers to rake yards in your community on the day of your event. Anyone who needs leaves raked can take advantage of your event by donating to your cause. 

You can decide if you will charge a flat fee or let your donors decide the amount they want to give. It’s a win-win–you’re raising money for your organization and giving back to the community.

25. Chili cook-off

There are few things more satisfying on a cool autumn night than a hot bowl of chili. Many families have a favorite chili recipe and you can set up an event that gives them the opportunity to show off their culinary skills. There are a few opportunities to raise funds for your organization at an event like this. 

You can charge a registration fee to contestants, sell complimentary concessions, or charge a door fee to the public. For additional drama, instead of bringing in a panel of judges, have the contestants offer samples to guests and let the community choose their favorites.

26. Back-to-school raffle

Host a back-to-school raffle featuring exciting prizes such as school supplies, gift cards, and electronics. This event can generate significant interest by providing your community a fun way to celebrate the new school year. Plus, the anticipation of winning attractive prizes can drive ticket sales and contribute to a successful fundraising event for your cause.

Partner with local businesses to donate prizes for the raffle while promoting their businesses within your community to foster a sense of unity and mutual support. Additionally, your raffle provides a platform to emphasize the importance of education and the need to support students. 

27. Candle fundraising

Create a cozy ambiance in people’s homes by selling fall-scented candles. You can partner with a local candle company to offer a variety of scents and sizes that evoke the warmth and comfort of the season. Or you can create an event for your community to make their own! 

Additionally, adding a personal touch can make these candles even more appealing to buyers. Offer customized labels featuring your organization’s logo or a special message to add an extra layer of sentiment and exclusivity. You can also sell your candles online to boost your fundraising.

28. Craft fair

Organize a craft fair featuring local artisans and crafters, charging a booth fee for vendors and an entry fee for attendees. Promote unique, handmade products available at the fair to motivate  attendees to shop for holiday gifts and support local artists. 

You can also offer craft workshops where attendees can learn new skills and create their own handmade items. These workshops provide hands-on experiences for your attendees while providing them a chance to hand make their gifts for the holiday season.  

29. Back-to-school supply drive

You can support students by hosting a back-to-school supply drive to collect essential items for those in need. Set up collection points at local businesses, schools, and community centers to make it easy for people to donate. By gathering supplies like notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and other essentials, your community can help keep students equipped with the tools they need to thrive academically. 

Community involvement is crucial for the success of this fundraising idea. Encourage community members to donate supplies or make monetary contributions, emphasizing the positive impact their donations will have on local students and schools. Once the supplies are collected, organize a distribution event where families can pick up the donated items. 

30. Fantasy football league

Start a fantasy football league and invite participants to join for a fee, using the funds raised to support your organization. Keep participants engaged with weekly updates, standings, and prizes for high-scoring teams. A fantasy football league helps maintain interest and involvement with your organization throughout the season which keeps supporters invested in your cause. 

Offer a grand prize for the league champion, such as a trophy or a gift card to encourage participants to stay active and competitive until the end of the season. With the fun of fantasy football and the incentive of a significant reward, you can create a memorable and engaging experience that benefits both the participants and your organization.

31. Masquerade gala

Host an elegant evening by organizing a masquerade gala featuring formal attire, masks, and a night filled with entertainment. Charge attendees for entry and offer drink tickets for themed beverages. 

For entertainment, provide live entertainment such as a band, DJ, or dance performance. Live entertainment keeps attendees engaged throughout the evening and adds a dynamic element to your event. Between the masquerade theme and live performances, you can create a sophisticated and enjoyable experience that attendees will remember and look forward to each year.

32. Themed competitive eating

Organize a competitive eating contest featuring fall-themed foods such as pumpkin pie, caramel apples, and candy corn for your community. Charge an entry fee for contestants and sell tickets to spectators to raise funds. Offer attractive prizes for the winners and recognize their achievements with certificates or trophies. This not only encourages more participants but also adds a sense of accomplishment for those who excel.

You can also explore sponsorship opportunities with local businesses. Partnering with these businesses can provide financial support and valuable prizes, which can help defray costs and attract more attendees. The involvement of local sponsors can also increase your event’s visibility, making your competitive eating contest a highly anticipated local tradition.

33. Pub crawl

Stop at local bars and restaurants for a fall-themed pub crawl! Charge a registration fee and provide participants with a map and schedule. You can also include themed activities at each stop, such as trivia, games, and photo challenges. 

Partnering with the participating venues can help you offer exclusive deals and discounts for pub crawl participants. These special offers will add value to your event and encourage more people to join. By collaborating with local businesses, you can create a win-win situation, driving traffic to the venues while providing pub crawl attendees with extra incentives. 

34. Fall photoshoot

Organize a fall-themed photo shoot with a professional photographer to capture lasting memories. By charging a fee for individual or family photo sessions, you can create a memorable experience for participants while generating revenue. Select picturesque locations adorned with vibrant fall foliage and seasonal decorations to boost the visual appeal of your photoshoot.

To maximize the experience, offer various packages and print options for participants to choose from. This increases potential revenue while also allowing your attendees to cherish their memories for years to come. By providing a range of options, you can cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring that each participant leaves with a tangible reminder of the beautiful moments captured during the fall-themed photo shoot.

Fundraising tips to remember this fall

As with any fundraising event, there are a few tips you should remember to make it a success for your organization and enjoyable for your donors:

• Value your donors’ time. It’s good to educate the public about your organization but keep it brief. People show up to enjoy your event, so don’t hijack that time unless you’ve advertised an educational demonstration or speech beforehand.
• Don’t be too pushy. If potential donors feel too pressured into giving, there is a good chance they’ll close their wallets and go home. Even those that donate under pressure may choose to skip your next event. You want to make sure anyone who donates feels good about their decision instead of regretting it later.
• Start planning early. The more time you have to plan, the less likely anything important will get missed. For some guests, your event is an introduction to your organization. Make sure their first impression is a good one.
• Say “thank you” to everyone. It’s so important for donors to feel their contribution matters. No matter how big or how small, say thank you in a way that truly shows your appreciation. In fact, thank each guest for coming whether they donate or not. Guests who can’t afford donations now may be able to donate at a future event, so you want to make sure they return.
• Be open about donation purposes. If a donor asks what your organization is going to do with their money, tell them. People donate money because they want to feel like they are contributing to a cause they care about. If you avoid this question or answer generically, it might make them think twice about donating again. If donations don’t have a specific purpose but will go to the overall operations of your organization, answer with any of the activities your organization does best for your cause.

These are just a few important tips to get you started but there are many others to consider. If you want to learn more about developing a strong relationship with donors at your next fundraising event, Qgiv is here to help.

Final thoughts

There are so many things to love about this time of year that it isn’t hard to come up with great fall fundraising ideas to celebrate the season with your donors. With a little imagination and creativity, you can put together a fundraising event that brings in the donations you need and shows appreciation to the community that supports your organization.

Donors are the lifeblood of any nonprofit and fundraisers this fall are a great way to bring them together for some fun and social interaction. As the fall season begins, many communities are preparing for the upcoming holidays and are already in the spirit of charitable giving. Holding your fundraising event at this time puts your organization in front of people when many of them are at their most generous. If you’re ready to start planning your next fall fundraiser, Qgiv has the tools you need to keep you organized and make sure your next event is a success.

Additional resources

Looking for more information on hosting events? Checkout these additional resources:

• Event Management Software for Nonprofits: Top Tools for 2024. Find the right event management software with this list!
• Building Sustainable Revenue With Fundraising Events – Key Takeaways from Qgiv’s Sustainable Giving Report. Learn how you can make fundraising more sustainable with fundraising events.
• Hybrid Events: The Best of Both Worlds for Nonprofits. Use this guide to decide if a hybrid event is right for you.