20 Exciting Fundraising Ideas to Boost Donations This Fall

As the leaves start to turn and pumpkin spice makes its triumphant return, it's time to shake things up in the world of fundraising. Fall isn't just about cozy sweaters and apple picking; it's also a golden opportunity to kick your fundraising efforts into high gear and boost those donations for your cause.

In this blog, we're diving headfirst into a cornucopia of innovative fundraising ideas that will have your supporters saying, "Take my money!" From virtual charity auctions to DIY fundraising challenges and everything in between, we've got a dozen exciting strategies guaranteed to make this fall your most successful fundraising season yet.

So why fall, you ask? Well, besides the obvious allure of pumpkin-flavored treats and scenic landscapes, autumn carries with it a sense of community and generosity. As the weather cools and the holidays approach, people are naturally inclined to come together and support causes they care about.

Fall isn't just about Instagram-worthy foliage and apple-picking adventures—it's a time for It's a time for gratitude, reflection, and giving back. So whether you're a latte-sipping pro or a leaf-crunching newbie, get ready to channel that autumnal spirit and ignite some serious generosity.

Let's jump into these 20 game-changing fundraising ideas that'll light up your fall season with warmth and goodwill!

1.       Virtual 5K Fun Run

Organize a virtual 5K where participants can run or walk in their own neighborhoods, tracking their progress through apps like Strava or MapMyRun. Offer prizes for top fundraisers or best costume. Take inspiration from organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Team in Training" program, which hosts virtual events alongside traditional ones, allowing for broader participation and increased donations.

2.       Pumpkin Carving Contest

Host a pumpkin carving contest and invite participants to submit photos of their creations for a small entry fee. Encourage voting through social media platforms and offer prizes for the most creative pumpkins. According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, over 179 million Americans celebrated Halloween in 2020, spending an estimated $8.05 billion on decorations, including pumpkin carving supplies. Hosting a pumpkin carving contest taps into this seasonal enthusiasm while providing a creative outlet for participants.

3.       Fall Harvest Festival

Partner with local farms or orchards to host a fall harvest festival with activities like apple picking, hayrides, and corn mazes. Charge admission or offer a percentage of sales to your organization. The Nature Conservancy often collaborates with local businesses and landowners to host events that not only raise funds but also raise awareness about the importance of conservation efforts.

4.       Online Auction

Collect donations from local businesses and supporters and host an online auction featuring items like gift baskets, experiences, or services. Use platforms like BetterWorld for Charity auctions to reach a broader audience. BetterWorld offers hassle-free fundraising software for hosting online auctions. With seamless setup, intuitive management tools, and secure payment processing, organizations can maximize their fundraising potential with ease. Request a demo today and revolutionize your fundraising efforts.

5.       Haunted House Fundraiser

Transform a local venue into a spooky haunted house attraction and charge admission. Recruit volunteers to act as monsters and guides, and offer themed snacks and drinks for sale. Look to organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation, which often hosts Halloween-themed fundraisers to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

6.       Fall-themed Bake Sale

Host a bake sale featuring seasonal treats like pumpkin spice cookies, apple pies, and caramel apples. Partner with local bakeries or enlist volunteers to contribute baked goods. Share stories of impact alongside the treats to remind donors of the difference their contributions make. Research by Nielsen indicates that seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon drive consumer purchasing decisions, with sales of pumpkin-flavored products increasing by 7% in 2020. Hosting a fall-themed bake sale taps into this consumer trend while providing a delicious way for supporters to contribute to fundraising efforts.

7.       DIY Craft Workshops

Organize DIY craft workshops where participants can learn to make fall-themed crafts like wreaths, candles, or centerpieces. Charge a fee for participation and provide all necessary materials. Hosting DIY craft workshops provides an opportunity to engage supporters in hands-on creative activities while raising funds for a cause.

8.       Football Tailgate Party

Capitalize on the excitement of football season by hosting a tailgate party before a local game. Sell tickets that include food, drinks, and entertainment, and consider organizing a 50/50 raffle or silent auction during the event. Look to local sports teams or booster clubs for collaboration opportunities. Many schools and youth organizations use sports events as fundraising opportunities, leveraging the enthusiasm of fans to support their programs.

9.       Fall Fashion Show

Partner with local boutiques or designers to host a fall fashion show showcasing the latest trends. Sell tickets to the event and offer VIP packages with perks like front-row seats or exclusive access to after-party events. Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that provides professional attire and career development tools for women, often hosts fashion shows as fundraising events to support their programs and services.

10.      Cornhole Tournament

Organize a cornhole tournament at a local park or venue and charge teams an entry fee to participate. Offer prizes for the winning team and encourage spectators to donate to support your cause. The American Heart Association often hosts similar recreational events, promoting physical activity while raising funds for heart disease research and prevention programs.

11.      Fall Foliage Photography Contest

Invite photographers of all skill levels to submit their best fall foliage photos for a contest. Charge an entry fee and invite the community to vote for their favorite images. Consider partnering with local businesses to offer prizes for the winners. Hosting a fall foliage photography contest provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with nature while raising funds for conservation efforts.

12.      Charity Gala Dinner

Host a formal charity gala dinner featuring live music, silent auctions, and guest speakers. Sell tickets at different price points to accommodate various budgets and offer sponsorship opportunities for businesses. Share success stories and testimonials from beneficiaries of your organization's programs to inspire generosity among attendees. The American Red Cross frequently hosts gala dinners as major fundraising events, bringing together supporters and stakeholders to celebrate their humanitarian mission while raising critical funds for disaster relief efforts.

13.      Fall-themed Trivia Night

Host a trivia night at a local venue or online, featuring autumn-themed questions and challenges. Charge teams an entry fee to participate and offer prizes for the winners. Consider partnering with local businesses to donate prizes or sponsor the event. Organize trivia nights as fundraising events, engaging supporters in a fun and interactive way while raising funds for research and support programs.

14.      DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Party

Invite supporters to join a DIY pumpkin spice latte party where they can learn to make their own delicious fall beverages. Charge a participation fee and provide all the ingredients and equipment needed. Share information about your organization's mission and impact during the event to inspire donations.

15.      Scarecrow Building Contest

Organize a scarecrow-building contest in a local park or community space. Charge individuals or teams an entry fee to participate and provide materials like hay, old clothes, and accessories. Invite the community to vote for their favorite scarecrows and offer prizes for the most creative designs. Look to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, which often hosts similar DIY events to engage volunteers and raise funds for affordable housing projects.

16.      Fall-themed Movie Night

Host a movie night featuring classic fall films like "Hocus Pocus" or "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Charge admission and offer snacks and drinks for sale, with proceeds going towards your fundraising goal. Consider partnering with local theaters or outdoor venues for a unique cinematic experience. The American Film Institute often hosts movie nights as fundraising events, showcasing iconic films while raising funds for film preservation and education programs.

17.      Apple Bobbing Contest

Set up an apple bobbing station at a fall festival or community event and charge participants a small fee to participate. Offer prizes for the fastest apple bobbers or the most apples retrieved within a certain time limit. Consider partnering with local orchards to donate apples for the event. The American Diabetes Association often incorporates fun activities like apple bobbing into their fundraising events, promoting healthy lifestyles while raising funds for diabetes research and advocacy.

18.      Fall-themed Pet Parade

Organize a pet parade where participants can dress up their furry friends in adorable fall costumes. Charge a registration fee for participants and invite spectators to donate to vote for their favorite pets. Offer prizes for categories like best costume, most creative, and best in show.

19.      Community Rake-a-Thon

Mobilize volunteers to participate in a community rake-a-thon where they help elderly or disabled neighbors with yard work like raking leaves. Encourage volunteers to collect donations from friends and family to sponsor their participation. Consider partnering with local landscaping companies to provide equipment and supplies.

20.      Fall-themed Cooking Class

Partner with local chefs or cooking schools to host a fall-themed cooking class featuring seasonal recipes like butternut squash soup, pumpkin risotto, or apple crisp. Charge a fee for participation and offer sponsorship opportunities for businesses. Share information about your organization's mission and impact during the class to inspire donations. The Food Bank for New York City often hosts cooking classes as fundraising events, promoting culinary education and nutrition while raising funds to fight hunger in the community.

These ideas offer a mix of fun, creativity, and community engagement to help boost donations for your fall fundraising campaigns. By leveraging the spirit of the season and tapping into the interests of your supporters, you can create memorable experiences that drive impact for your organization.