Fall is one of the best seasons for fundraising. The cool weather, holiday spirit, and the rush to meet end-of-year goals create a perfect environment for individuals and nonprofits to raise money. With the excitement of upcoming holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, people are more willing to get involved in events that support causes they care about.

Autumn also provides a variety of fundraising options. You can organize outdoor fall fundraising events like fun runs and festivals or host cozy indoor activities like bake sales and auctions. These ideas can help drive donations and bring your community together for a good cause.

 

 

1. Host a Harvest Festival

A Harvest Festival is one of the perfect fall fundraising ideas that celebrate the autumn season with fun, family-friendly activities. It's a great way to engage the community members and raise money while enjoying everything fall has to offer.

Organize Seasonal Activities

To make your Harvest Festival stand out, include popular autumn activities like pumpkin patches, hayrides, and apple bobbing. These types of activities attract families, making it a fun day for all ages. Set up booths for local food vendors to sell seasonal treats, like apple cider donuts or caramel apples, which can boost participation and donations.

Offer Tiered Sponsorships

For additional fundraising, offer sponsorship packages to local businesses. This allows businesses to support your cause while gaining exposure to the community. You can have different levels of sponsorship, such as bronze, silver, and gold, with perks like prominent logos at the event, mentions in promotional materials, or even named events like “The [Sponsor Name] Hayride.”

Partner with Local Farms

Partnering with local farmers and businesses can help reduce costs. Farmers might donate pumpkins for the patch or offer a portion of their sales to support your cause. Local businesses can sponsor activities or donate goods and services in exchange for promotion at the festival. Make sure to reach out early to secure these partnerships.

 

2. Autumn Bake Sale with a Twist

A bake sale is a classic fundraiser, but giving it a seasonal twist can make it more exciting and appealing. In the fall, you can offer pumpkin-flavored treats, apple pies, and other autumn-inspired goodies. This modern take on a bake sale will draw in both traditional bake sale fans and those looking for something unique.

Offer Seasonal & Modern Treats

Create a fall-themed menu that includes pumpkin-spice items, gluten-free options, and even vegan treats. You can also host a “bake-off” where participants compete for the title of best autumn treat. Attendees can purchase samples and vote for their favorites. This adds a competitive edge and encourages more people to attend and participate.

Use Social Media for Engagement

To boost participation, use social media to promote the bake sale and involve the community in the planning process. Poll your followers to decide on popular fall flavors and ingredients for the sale. You can also run a photo contest during the event, where attendees share pictures of their purchases for a chance to win a small prize. This can help spread the word and create excitement around your event.

 

3. Halloween-Themed Fun Run

A Halloween-Themed Fun Run is a lively and engaging fall fundraiser that gets participants into the spooky spirit. Hosting this event in a local park or neighborhood brings the community together while promoting healthy activity and raising funds for your cause.

Host a Costumed Fun Run

Encourage participants to dress up in Halloween costumes for the race. Costumes add an element of fun and excitement, making the event stand out. Charge a registration fee, with proceeds directly supporting your nonprofit or fundraising goals. Make sure to plan the route in a safe area, such as a park or quiet streets in the community.

Offer Prizes for Best Costumes & Winners

To increase excitement and participation, offer prizes for various categories, like best costume, fastest runners by age group, and top fundraisers. You can also include prizes for the most creative costumes, which gives everyone a chance to be recognized regardless of their running speed. Local businesses might be willing to donate prizes, like gift cards or vouchers, in exchange for promotion.

 

4. Thanksgiving "Turkey Trot" or Virtual Challenge

A Turkey Trot is a traditional Thanksgiving Day run that encourages participants to stay active before enjoying their holiday meal. It's a popular fall fundraising idea that attracts both serious runners and families looking to start their holiday on a healthy note. You can also create a virtual option to include people who can’t attend in person.

Set Up a Traditional Turkey Trot

Organize an in-person race on Thanksgiving morning in your local area. Charge participants a registration fee, and offer the option to fundraise leading up to the event. This can add to the overall donations. Make sure to plan the route and provide refreshments for runners. Offer medals or small prizes for age group winners and top fall fundraisers.

Create a Virtual Run/Walk Challenge

If an in-person event isn’t possible or you want to reach a larger audience, offer a virtual run/walk challenge. Participants can register online, complete their run anytime during the week of Thanksgiving, and share their results on social media. This allows people from anywhere to support your cause. You can even create a custom hashtag for participants to post their race photos and results.

Utilize Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Utilize peer-to-peer fundraising platforms to encourage participants to raise funds individually. This can significantly increase the total amount raised, as friends and family can easily donate to support their loved ones’ efforts. Provide participants with easy-to-use fundraising tools, templates, and tips to help them maximize their impact.

Platform Recommendation: *spotfund

For an effective peer-to-peer fundraising platform, *spotfund is highly recommended. It’s free to use, has built-in social sharing features, and is designed to make it easy for participants to create their own campaigns. With no platform fees, every donation goes straight to your cause. It also offers recurring donation options, allowing long-term support, and it has earned a high 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot. Once participants meet their fundraising goals, the funds will be transferred directly to your bank account within one business day, ensuring quick access to the donations.

Create your campaign for free with *spotfund to maximize your fall fundraising event!

 

5. DIY Craft Fair Featuring Fall Decor

A DIY Craft Fair focused on fall decor is an excellent way to raise funds while celebrating the season. This event allows local artisans and craft enthusiasts to showcase their skills, with the proceeds supporting your cause.

Organize Fall-Themed Crafts

Set up booths featuring DIY fall crafts like wreaths, candles, knitted items, and pumpkin decorations. You can invite local crafters or have attendees create their own crafts in workshops. Charge an entry fee to raise funds and offer a percentage of the sales from each booth to your nonprofit. Craft fairs are popular because they cater to all ages, and fall-themed items add to the appeal during the season.

Ideas for Promotion

Promote the craft fair by partnering with local artisans and small businesses. Offer them a booth to showcase their products in exchange for a small percentage of sales going toward your nonprofit. You can also hold workshops where attendees learn how to make their own fall crafts. This added value can draw more people and create a fun, hands-on experience. Use social media to showcase some of the crafts that will be available to get people excited.

 

6. Autumn-Themed Silent Auction

A silent auction featuring fall-themed items can be a successful autumn fundraising idea. Pairing the auction with a wine-tasting event or other entertainment can create a more engaging atmosphere for attendees.

Host a Silent Auction with Fall-Themed Items

Collect items for the auction that align with the fall season, such as weekend getaways to scenic autumn locations, holiday decor, gourmet food baskets, and fall activities like apple picking or hayrides. Make the auction fun by including a variety of items at different price ranges, so everyone can participate regardless of their budget.

Pair with a Wine-Tasting Event

To elevate the event, pair the silent auction with a wine-tasting experience. This makes the evening feel more upscale and encourages people to linger and bid on items. You can charge an entry fee for the wine-tasting portion, adding to your fundraising totals. Make sure to offer a variety of wines that appeal to different tastes.

 

7. Bonfire Night & S'mores Bar

A Bonfire Night complete with a S'mores Bar is a cozy and enjoyable way to bring the community together while raising funds. This event is perfect for fall when the weather cools down, making a warm fire and sweet treats irresistible.

Organize a Community Bonfire

Set up a large bonfire in a safe, designated area like a local park or outdoor venue. Charge an entry fee that includes access to the s'mores bar, where attendees can toast marshmallows and build their own s'mores. Hot drinks like apple cider and hot chocolate can be sold as well to boost fundraising.

Engagement Ideas

To make the night even more special, partner with local musicians for live performances or invite storytellers to share spooky or fall-themed tales around the fire. Offering live entertainment adds value to the event, encouraging more people to attend and stay longer. You could even have games or contests, such as a "best s'mores creation" contest to add some fun competition.

Tips for Success

Make sure to secure the necessary permits for an outdoor bonfire, and advertise the event in advance on social media, local bulletin boards, and through email campaigns. Encourage families to attend, as this is a great all-ages event. Consider having a volunteer team to help manage the s'mores bar and keep things organized throughout the evening.

 

8. Host an Online “Leaf Pile” Raffle

An Online “Leaf Pile” Raffle is a virtual fundraising idea that lets participants engage from the comfort of their homes. Offering fall-themed prizes and conducting the raffle online can broaden your reach and make it easier to manage.

Create a Virtual Raffle with Fall-Themed Prizes

For the raffle, curate fall-inspired prizes such as cozy blankets, hot cocoa kits, or local experiences like tickets to a fall festival or a weekend cabin stay. By hosting the raffle online, you can sell tickets to a larger audience and reach people beyond your local community.

Tips for Ticket Sales

To drive ticket sales, create a sense of urgency by offering an early-bird discount or bundling raffle tickets with other virtual events. Engaging with your audience regularly during the raffle period by posting updates and reminders helps keep participation strong.

 

 

 

9. Fall Movie Night Under the Stars

A Fall Movie Night under the stars is a simple yet enjoyable way to bring the community together for a cozy evening while raising funds. This outdoor event can feature classic fall films that everyone can enjoy.

Host an Outdoor Movie Night

Set up a large screen in a park or outdoor venue, and choose classic fall-themed movies that will appeal to a wide audience. Charge admission and sell fall-inspired snacks like popcorn, hot cider, and candy apples. You can also rent blankets or provide seating to make the experience more comfortable for attendees as the evening gets chilly.

Added Value for Nonprofits

To reduce costs and increase funds, ask local businesses to sponsor the event. In return, you can offer them advertising space on flyers, banners, or during the movie. Businesses can also donate snacks, beverages, or raffle items. Offering a raffle during intermission can further increase fundraising efforts.

 

10. Thanksgiving Dinner Fundraiser

A Thanksgiving Dinner Fundraiser is a heartwarming way to bring the community together to enjoy a home-cooked meal while supporting a good cause. This event creates a sense of unity and helps raise funds before the holiday season.

Organize a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

Host a community dinner in a local hall or outdoor venue, offering a full Thanksgiving-style meal. Charge a ticket price that includes the meal, with proceeds going toward your cause. You can make the event more meaningful by sharing stories about how the funds will be used to support your nonprofit’s mission.

Involve Local Restaurants

Reach out to a local restaurant or caterer and ask them to donate dishes for the dinner. This partnership reduces costs and adds variety to the menu. Another great idea is to introduce a “pay it forward” system, where attendees can purchase a meal for someone in need. This encourages generosity and boosts both community engagement and donations.

 

11. Pumpkin Carving Contest

A Pumpkin Carving Contest is a fun and interactive fall fundraiser idea that appeals to all ages. It encourages creativity while raising funds for a good cause.

Host a Pumpkin Carving Contest

Participants can pay an entry fee to enter the contest, where they carve pumpkins into creative designs. Categories for judging could include funniest, scariest, and most creative carvings. Display the pumpkins in a public space, and award small prizes for the best designs, which can be sponsored by local businesses. This event is family-friendly and can draw a large crowd, boosting fundraising efforts.

Engagement Tip

To expand participation, offer a virtual option where participants submit photos of their carved pumpkins online. Create a voting system where your social media followers can vote for their favorites, helping to boost engagement and increase visibility for your cause. This allows people who can’t attend in person to still be part of the fun.

 

12. Autumn Nature Walk Fundraiser

An Autumn Nature Walk Fundraiser is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the fall season while educating participants about local wildlife and foliage. It combines outdoor activity with learning, making it a unique autumn fundraising idea.

Organize a Guided Nature Walk

Host a guided walk through a scenic fall landscape, such as a local park, forest, or nature reserve. Participants pay a fee to join the walk, and you can limit the group size to ensure a more intimate and educational experience. The walk can highlight the beautiful autumn colors, native plants, and wildlife that thrive in the fall.

Add Educational Value

To add extra value, partner with a local naturalist or park ranger to guide the walk and provide educational insights about the area’s ecosystem. This elevates the experience and makes it more appealing to attendees who are interested in learning about nature. Offering a hot drink like apple cider after the walk can enhance the experience as well.

Tips for Success

Promote the event through local nature organizations, schools, and social media. Consider offering different walk times or dates to accommodate more participants. You can also sell nature-themed items or set up a small donation booth at the event to raise additional funds.

 

 

 

13. Cozy Clothing Drive

A Cozy Clothing Drive is a meaningful fall fundraiser that helps those in need as temperatures drop. By collecting gently used clothing items, you can support the community while also encouraging participation with a small reward.

Collect Warm Clothing for Donation

Organize a drive where participants can donate gently used coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. In exchange for their donation, offer them a hot beverage like cocoa or cider, and a warm snack such as a pastry or cookie. This makes the event both practical and inviting, drawing more participants.

Set Up Donation Drop-off Points

Set up donation drop-off points in easily accessible locations like libraries or community centers. Have volunteers ready to collect and organize the donations, and make sure to advertise early to gather as many items as possible.

 

14. Autumn Art Show

An Autumn Art Show is a creative and engaging way to support your cause while showcasing local talent. Featuring fall-inspired works, this event brings the community together for an artistic celebration of the season.

Organize an Art Show with Local Artists

Invite local artists to display their fall-themed art, from paintings and sculptures to photography and crafts. Charge a ticket fee for admission, and offer artwork for sale, with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting your nonprofit. This type of event appeals to art lovers and those looking for unique, seasonal pieces to decorate their homes.

Increase Engagement

To foster community involvement, invite local schools to submit student artwork. This creates an opportunity for young artists to showcase their talents while bringing their families and friends to the event. The inclusion of student art can increase attendance and build a stronger connection between your nonprofit and the local community.

 

15. Scarecrow-Making Contest

A Scarecrow-Making Contest is a fun and interactive fall fundraiser that gets the community involved in a creative competition. Teams or individuals can pay to participate, with the proceeds supporting your cause.

Host a Scarecrow-Making Contest

Organize a contest where participants create scarecrows that are spooky, funny, or simply unique. Teams or individuals pay an entry fee to participate, and their scarecrows can be displayed at a local community event or around town. Categories for judging might include "most creative," "scariest," and "best overall design."

Engagement Idea

To maximize engagement, use social media to allow the public to vote for their favorite scarecrow. This adds an interactive element, and by promoting the voting process online, you can expand the reach of the event beyond those who attend in person. This also encourages participants to share the event and gather votes from their friends and family, boosting visibility for your nonprofit.

Tips for Success

Provide materials for scarecrow creation or ask participants to bring their own supplies. Make sure to have designated spaces for displaying the scarecrows and promote the event through local schools, businesses, and community groups. Consider offering small prizes for the winners to encourage more participation.

 

16. Online Crowdfunding Campaign

An Online Crowdfunding Campaign is a powerful and easy way to raise funds for your cause, especially during the fall season. By leveraging online platforms, you can reach a wider audience and attract donations from supporters who may not be able to attend in-person events.

Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign

Set up a campaign on a crowdfunding platform where you share your story and fundraising goal. Use compelling visuals, updates, and calls to action to encourage donations. You can link your campaign to autumn-themed fundraising ideas, such as preparing for winter needs or supporting a holiday initiative. Crowdfunding allows you to gather support from individuals across different regions, helping you reach a broader audience.

Platform Recommendation: *spotfund

For your online crowdfunding campaign, consider using *spotfund due to its many benefits:

• Free of platform fees: Every dollar you raise goes directly to your cause.

• Social sharing integration: Easily share your campaign across social media to reach a wider audience.

• Highly rated: *spotfund holds a 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot, trusted by fundraisers.

• Fast fund transfers: Once you hit your goal, funds are transferred to your bank account within one business day.

• Recurring donation option: Encourage long-term support from your donors with *spotfund’s recurring donation feature.

Fall is an ideal time to engage your community in meaningful fundraising efforts. The season’s festive spirit, paired with creative and engaging event ideas, provides plenty of opportunities to rally support for your cause. Whether you're planning in-person gatherings or virtual events, thoughtful preparation and a strong fundraising strategy will help you maximize your impact.

Utilizing the right tools and platforms can make all the difference in reaching your fundraising goals. From peer-to-peer fundraising to online crowdfunding, incorporating technology into your strategy allows you to connect with a larger audience and streamline the donation process.

Ready to take your fall fundraising to the next level? Start your campaign with *spotfund today! It’s free, easy to use, and offers the social sharing features you need to reach your goal faster.