30+ Unique Fall Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

As autumn approaches, don’t let your fundraising efforts fall like the leaves! Just as the leaves change color but don’t disappear, your fundraising strategy can evolve to keep your donations rolling in. This blog offers a plethora of unique and effective fall fundraising ideas to help you keep the momentum going even as the weather cools down.

1. Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser

A Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser is exactly what it sounds like—transform a local park, school, or farm into a pop-up patch filled with pumpkins ready to be picked, purchased, and carved into spooky or silly designs. People come in, pick their perfect pumpkin, and the money they spend goes straight to your cause. 

Everyone loves carving and decorating with pumpkins this time of year. Let this fall pastime be your part of your fundraising genius! 

2. Fall Foliage Guided Hike

Organize a hike through a local trail, park, or nature reserve during peak  fall foliage season,, when the leaves are turning those vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Charge a small fee for participants to enjoy a tour through vibrant autumn scenery, while learning about local flora and fauna. This is a magical way for outdoor enthusiasts and families to appreciate nature and support your cause.

3. Apple Picking Event

Turn this all time classic fall activity into a fundraiser. Partner with a local apple farm to host a special day where people can pick their own apples. For a small fee, participants can fill their baskets with fresh, crisp apples, and a portion of the proceeds goes to your nonprofit. 

This event is ideal for  pretty much anyone who loves fall and fresh apples! It’s perfect for families with kids, couples and anyone who enjoys a crisp fall day in an orchard.

4. Harvest Festival

Host a harvest festival to celebrate the bounty of the season. People can host it in a variety of places—a community center, school grounds, a local park, or even on a farm..

With BetterWorld’s online tools, you can streamline ticketing, registration, auctions, and even set up virtual fundraising to reach supporters beyond the event.

You can also use their donation pages to collect funds before, during, and after the event, making it simple for supporters to contribute even if they can’t make it in person.

5. Corn Maze Challenge

In this challenge, participants must find their way out of a corn maze, all while encountering fun surprises and challenges along the way. 

Charge an entry fee for individuals or teams and consider adding sponsorships from local businesses for different sections of the maze. . Challenge participants with a “fastest time” leaderboard and lean into the competitive spirit by soliciting a donation to see if they can beat the best time! 

6. Thanksgiving Dinner Auction

Here’s a yummy one.  Auction off fully prepared Thanksgiving dinners, specialty dishes or desserts donated by local chefs, restaurants, or talented home cooks.   The  highest bidders get to enjoy a stress-free holiday meal while supporting a great cause. 

To reach a broader audience, the auction can be held in person, online, or even as a hybrid event.

BetterWorld provides everything you need to run a smooth and successful auction. You can set up an online auction page where bidders can view the available dinners, place their bids, and track their progress—all from home.

7. Haunted House Experience

Want to add some spine tingling to your fall fundraising?  Turn a local space into a haunted house! Charge an entry fee, sell tickets online, and offer “fast passes” for those who want to skip the line. During the Haunted House event, you can incorporate donor stewardship  in fun and creative ways. For example, you could have a special “Donor Lounge” area where your top supporters can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks away from the frights. 

8. Fall-Themed Bake Sale

Sugar and spice and everything nice, a bake sale is tried and true. Picture tables loaded with pumpkin pies, apple crisps, cinnamon rolls, and spiced cookies—everything that makes fall taste so good. Host the bake sale at a local school or community center. 

Add excitement with a “Best Fall Dessert” contest to engage attendees and draw in crowds. Participants pay a small fee to enter their delicacies. Attendees can then vote on their favorites, and the winner gets a prize (maybe a gift card to a local bakery or a special autumn-themed basket). You can also hold it as part of a larger fall festival with the potential to be one of the best peer-to-peer fundraisers of the season.

9. Bonfire Night Fundraiser

Fan the flames at your cozy bonfire night outfitted with hay bales, blankets, and camp chairs. Offer classic bonfire snacks like s’mores kits, hot dogs, and  hot cocoa or cider to keep everyone warm. 

Use this unique opportunity to  give a brief, informal speech or presentation, sharing updates on your nonprofit’s work and recognizing key donors or volunteers. 

10. Scarecrow Decorating Contest

The idea for this easy fundraiser is simple: participants create their own scarecrows using provided materials or their own supplies. Display the scarecrows for a festive community showcase. Schools might participate as part of a class activity, and local businesses could even get involved by sponsoring their own scarecrow to show off their brand in a quirky way.

11. Chili Cook-Off

It’s a friendly competition in which local chefs, amateur cooks and  community members can can compete for prizes and titles  like “Best Overall Chili,” “Spiciest Chili,” and “Most Unique Chili,”.  BetterWorld’s platform can streamline the registration process for both contestants and attendees. You can manage ticket sales and collect donations if you want to open up the competition to a wider audience.

12. Hayride Fundraiser

It is a classic fall event that brings out the kid in everyone. Offer hayrides for  a small entry fee. Create different experiences, like daytime rides for families and spooky evening rides for teenagers and thrill seekers,  making it an event for a wide demographic. l.

Don’t forget the snacks—offer hot cider, donuts, and other seasonal treats for sale to keep everyone warm and happy.

13. Fall Photo Contest

Participants of all ages can submit  their best fall-themed photos for an entry fee Categories might include “Best Fall Landscape” or “Cutest Pet in Fall. ” Display entries online or at a local event, where people can vote for their favorites and win prizes. 

 Offer prizes for the winners, such as gift cards, photography equipment, or a feature in a local publication.

14. Oktoberfest Celebration

Oktoberfest is a lively celebration offering traditional German food, drinks, and music in a festive atmosphere. Attendees can pay an entry fee that includes a meal, or you can sell food and drink tickets separately.

BetterWorld can assist in organizing ticket sales, collecting donations, and promoting the event through social media and email campaigns. 

15. Fall Craft Fair

Host a craft fair for local artisans to sell their work. To expand the fair’s offering, advertise to a broad network of makers and artists. Charge a small entry fee or ask vendors to donate a portion of their sales to your cause. . Enhance the fair’s engagement  with craft workshops or a kids’ craft corner.

16. Soup and Cider Social

In the mood for comfort food and good company? Host a cozy  soup and cider social with a twist- a “Soup Swap” where attendees bring homemade soups to share and exchange recipes. Attendees can buy tasting tickets and vote for their favorite, adding a competitive element to the event.

17. Leaf Raking Service

Offer a leaf raking service to help community members prepare for fall while raising funds. It is a tried and true  fall fundraiser that not only helps raise money for your cause but also provides a real  service to the community. 

Reach  out through flyers, social media, or even local businesses that might help spread the word. Set up a sign-up system where residents can request the service for a donation amount they choose, or you can suggest a flat fee per yard. 

Use  BetterWorld’s online fundraising platform to handle online registrations, giveaways, and track donations. 

18. Fall Carnival

Enjoy  the sights, sounds, and tastes of autumn with a fall themed festival for a cause.

Fill the event with classic carnival games like ring toss, bean bag toss, and a dunk tank, where participants pay a small fee to play and win prizes. Be sure to have a variety of fall foods and treats available. 

BetterWorld can assist with managing ticket sales, track donations, and even set up an online auction or raffle to complement the event. 

19. Autumn Wreath Workshop

For a hands-on fundraiser that celebrates the beauty of the season, host an Autumn Wreath Workshop. 

This event is ideal for DIY enthusiasts and can be led by a local florist or crafty volunteer. Offer additional perks like gardening tools or seasonal plants for sale. 

20. Fall-Themed Fun Run

A fun run or walk-a-thon is an easy fall fundraiser that gets people moving while they enjoy the crisp autumn air and colorful scenery. 

For the fall theme, encourage participants to dress in autumn colors or Halloween costumes. 

Manage your event with BetterWorld’s Athon fundraising software with useful features like automated acknowledgments, interactive thermometers, and pledging.

21. Pumpkin Carving Contest

Host a pumpkin carving contest in a location where everyone can spread out, get messy, and work on their creations. Charge an entry fee that includes a pumpkin and carving tools, or you can allow participants to bring their own. 

After the carving is complete, display all the pumpkins for everyone to admire or turn it into a community event by lighting the pumpkins at dusk and having a small celebration with hot chocolate, cider, and treats.

22. Cozy Blanket Drive

Collect and distribute new or gently used blankets  to those in need, such as shelters, senior centers, or families facing financial hardships. At the same time, you can raise funds to support your cause.

You can  set up donation bins in convenient locations around town or host a “Blanket Drop-Off Day” where donors can bring their contributions and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or cider as a thank-you for their generosity. 

Partner with local businesses—such as home goods stores or fabric shops—who might be willing to donate blankets or offer discounts to customers who purchase blankets to donate.

For those who make monetary donations, consider offering a small thank-you gift, like a fall-themed candle or a handmade thank-you card from your organization.

23. Pumpkin Spice Latte Sale

This list wouldn’t be complete without “pumpkin spice” something!  Set up a latte stand or partner with a local coffee shop to sell homemade or professionally crafted pumpkin spice lattes. All or a portion of the proceeds will support your nonprofit.

Offer different sizes, add-ons like whipped cream or cinnamon, and even non-dairy options. To make it extra special, consider selling other fall-themed treats like pumpkin muffins, apple cider donuts, or spiced cookies alongside the lattes.

If partnering with a coffee shop, they may create a special “charity latte” with proceeds benefiting your organization.

24. Thanksgiving Pie Sale

It is a sweet and savory way to raise funds while helping your community prepare for one of the biggest meals of the year! 

Whether it’s classic pumpkin, apple, pecan, or something a little more unique, homemade pies are always a hit 

Once the pies are ready, sell them in advance through pre-orders or set up a pop-up sale a few days before Thanksgiving, making it convenient for people to pick up their holiday dessert.

25. S’mores Night Fundraiser

Let’s get nostalgic around a fire with s’mores. Provide all the essentials: graham crackers, chocolate bars, marshmallows, roasting sticks, and plenty of napkins. You can charge a small entry fee that includes a s’mores kit or sell the kits separately once guests arrive. You could also set up an option for those who can’t attend to donate or purchase a “virtual s’mores kit” to be delivered to a local shelter or youth group.

26. Fall-Themed Silent Auction

Gather donations from local businesses, artisans, and your community for a Silent Auction. Items could include fall-themed goods like hand-knit scarves, pumpkin spice gift baskets, or a weekend getaway to a rustic cabin. 

The auction can be hosted in person at a local venue decorated with warm autumn colors, hay bales, and seasonal flowers. However, if you're looking to reach a broader audience, consider hosting it online using BetterWorld’s auction tools. BetterWorld’s platform allows you to create a stunning online auction page where supporters can browse items, place bids, and track their progress in person or at home. . 

27. Spooky Scavenger Hunt

Boo? Create a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt with spooky  props like fake spiders, skeletons, and eerie lighting.  Charge an entry fee to participate, with all proceeds going to your cause. The hunt can be customized with different difficulty levels, making it accessible for all ages.

Clues  lead participants from one spooky spot to the next, incorporating fun Halloween trivia or themed puzzles. Include some interactive challenges, like a mini-pumpkin toss or a k costume contest.

To encourage more people to join, consider offering early bird pricing or family/team discounts. You can also offer premium packages that include extras like themed t-shirts, flashlights, or a map with hints to give teams an edge.

28. Fall Gardening Workshop

Preparing your garden for winter doesn’t just involve raking leaves. Learn how to put your garden to bed to maximize its health for next year's plants. This event is perfect for gardening enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in learning more about preparing their garden for the colder months. 

Start by charging a participation fee for attendees, offer tiered pricing, with higher tiers including additional perks like gardening tools, seasonal plants, or a take-home kit with seeds and soil specifically for fall gardening.

To make the workshop more interactive and valuable for participants, consider including a mini plant sale or a raffle featuring fall-themed gardening items. 

29. Tailgate Party Fundraiser

Are you ready for a tailgate? Gather your sports fans, families, and anyone who enjoys a good time with great food for a good cause. .

You could offer different ticket tiers, with higher tiers including perks like reserved parking spots, access to VIP areas, or a complimentary food and drink package. Host a cook-off, where attendees pay to enter their best chili, BBQ, or other tailgate-worthy dish, with prizes awarded to the winners.

Set up games like cornhole or a football toss, where participants pay to play and win small prizes.

30. Fall Farmers Market Fundraiser

A fall farmers market Fundraiser sounds like a straightforward and charming event—vendors selling produce, people strolling with their pumpkin spice lattes, and everyone feeling good about supporting a local cause. 

Instead of a booth fee, consider a sliding scale or pay-what-you-can model tied to their day’s success. This approach might attract a diverse range of vendors and make the market more appealing knowing their contribution scales with their success. 

Conclusion

Fall doesn’t have to signal a slowdown in your fundraising efforts. Embrace the season’s unique opportunities to invigorate your fundraising strategy. Don’t let the common narrative dictate your strategy.

Looking for an easy way to boost your nonprofit’s impact? Join over 85,000 nonprofits already using BetterWorld’s free tools. They’re simple to use, with zero fees, so every dollar goes further. 

Sign up today and see how BetterWorld can help you make an even bigger difference!