Halloween is one of those perfect moments when everyone, from kids to adults, gets excited to come together, dress up, and have a little fun. For nonprofits, it’s also a great chance to raise money and connect with supporters in a lighthearted, memorable way.
Whether you’re throwing a costume contest or setting up a haunted trail, the real magic happens when your mission and the moment work hand-in-hand.
Now, let’s explore some Halloween fundraising ideas that are fun, doable, and actually work.
Why Halloween is perfect for fundraising
If you’ve ever hosted a fundraiser around a holiday, you know how much easier it is to get people involved when there’s already excitement in the air. Halloween is no different. It’s playful, a little spooky, and packed with opportunities to gather your community for a good cause.
People are already planning costumes, parties, and outings, so giving them a way to celebrate and support your mission at the same time? That’s a win-win. Plus, Halloween events often feel less formal than typical fundraisers, which makes them more approachable for new supporters and fun for your regulars.
This season is also a great time to test out peer-to-peer campaigns or recurring giving tools. When folks are engaged and in a festive mood, they’re more likely to share, donate, and come back again next year. We’ve seen it happen firsthand.
Top Halloween fundraiser ideas for nonprofits
Family-friendly halloween events
Family events are a solid choice because they’re fun, simple to organize, and welcome supporters of all ages. We’ve seen nonprofits have huge success with these because they’re approachable and easy to promote in schools, community centers, and through local businesses.
1. Pumpkin patch fundraiser
Set up a mini pumpkin patch where families can come pick their own pumpkins. Partner with a local farm or buy in bulk to keep costs low. Add in cider, simple games, and a photo booth and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser.
2. Trunk-or-treat
This one’s easy to pull off in a parking lot. Invite volunteers to decorate their car trunks and hand out candy. Ask for a small entry fee or sell tickets. It’s a fun, safe space for kids and an easy entry point for donors to get to know your mission.
3. Halloween carnival
Set up game booths like ring toss, bean bag throws, and bobbing for apples. Offer small prizes and charge per game or sell wristbands. Pro tip: get local sponsors to donate the prizes or snacks, it keeps costs down and builds community ties.
4. Costume parade
Invite kids (and pets!) to dress up and walk in a fun, low-stress parade. Sell tickets or encourage donations from participants and spectators. It’s a perfect photo-op and great way to bring your mission into a festive setting.
Creative contest-based halloween fundraiser ideas
Contests are a favorite because they’re easy to promote, get people excited, and don’t require a huge budget. Plus, you can run them in person or online, which makes them flexible and fun. We’ve worked with lots of nonprofits who’ve seen big turnout (and donations) with these simple but engaging events.
5. Pumpkin carving contest
Ask participants to bring their own pumpkins or carve on-site. Charge a small entry fee and let attendees vote with dollars, each vote is a donation. It’s a fun way to raise money and show off local creativity.
6. Costume contest
This one’s a classic. Make it kid-friendly, pet-friendly, or even host a staff or board edition. Offer small prizes for categories like “funniest,” “most original,” or “scariest.” You can run it in person or have people submit photos online and collect votes as donations.
7. Decorate-your-porch or office competition
Get your neighborhood or coworkers involved. People love to show off their holiday spirit. Participants donate to enter, and the winner could get a donated prize or local recognition. It builds buzz and spreads awareness of your cause.
8. Spooky trivia night
Host a trivia game focused on Halloween facts, horror movies, or local legends. Charge an entry fee and offer a prize for the winner. You can make it a live event or host it over Zoom. Either way, it’s easy to set up and a great way to gather supporters.
Halloween-themed food and craft ideas
Food and crafts are always a crowd-pleaser, and they give you something tangible to promote. These types of fundraisers work well for schools, churches, and community groups where people love hands-on activities. We’ve seen small teams raise thousands with just a few tables and some creative volunteers.
9. Halloween bake sale
Classic, simple, and always effective. Ask supporters to donate baked goods, think cookies, cupcakes, caramel apples, and sell them at events or in high-traffic areas. Add a decorating contest to boost engagement and drive more foot traffic.
10. DIY Halloween craft fair
Invite local artists or crafty supporters to host make-your-own stations. From spooky slime to paper lanterns, offer fun, affordable crafts kids can take home. Charge per activity or offer a flat-rate pass.
11. “Witch’s brew” tasting
Host a fun, fall-themed drink tasting with hot cider, spooky punch, or mocktails. You can even create a ticketed tasting event for adults with non-alcoholic or alcoholic options. Partner with local vendors to keep it easy and raise more.
12. Pumpkin spice workshop
This one’s perfect for your audience that loves fall flavors. Offer a baking class (virtual or in-person) where folks learn to make pumpkin spice treats. You can sell tickets, share the recipe, and even include a fundraiser bundle with ingredients.
Adventure and fitness fundraising events
If your supporters like to be active (or just like a little thrill), these ideas are perfect. They’re also great for getting local businesses involved as sponsors or prize donors. We’ve helped organizations turn simple outdoor events into major fundraisers with just a bit of planning and community buzz.
13. Zombie fun run
Host a 1K, 5K, or fun walk where participants dress up like zombies, or outrun them. You can charge an entry fee, offer custom t-shirts, and even add donation incentives along the route. It’s a blast for all ages and a great visual event for social media.
14. Haunted hike or night walk
Find a local trail or park and turn it into a haunted path. Volunteers can dress up and play the spooky parts. Sell tickets and offer hot drinks at the end. It’s affordable to set up and feels like a real Halloween adventure.
15. Obstacle race with a spooky twist
Use an open field, school gym, or local park and set up themed obstacles, think spider web crawls, pumpkin relays, and ghostly tunnels. This is great for families and school groups. Sell entries and keep the vibe light and silly.
16. Monsters and goblins 5K
Make it a themed run where everyone shows up in costume. Offer prizes for best-dressed runners, fastest zombies, or cutest monster kid. You can combine fitness, fun, and fundraising in one event.
Peer-to-peer and virtual halloween fundraiser ideas
Not every fundraiser needs a big venue or fancy setup. Some of the most successful events we’ve seen came from creative peer-to-peer campaigns or virtual gatherings that made it easy for anyone to join in, no matter where they were. These are perfect if your team is small or your supporters are spread out.
17. Murder mystery dinner (virtual or hybrid)
Invite guests to a spooky whodunnit where everyone plays a role. You can host it online with printable kits or in-person with a themed dinner. Sell tickets, offer extra clues as donation perks, and encourage guests to dress up. It’s fun, interactive, and perfect for storytelling around your mission.
18. Ghost story writing contest
Ask supporters to submit their best original ghost stories and charge a small entry fee. Share the top entries in a digital booklet or live reading night. This works especially well for libraries, schools, or literacy-focused organizations.
19. Halloween art contest
Invite kids or adults to create spooky artwork, paintings, digital designs, or crafts. Host an online gallery where visitors can “vote” by donating to their favorite pieces. It’s simple to set up and a creative way to raise awareness.
20. Online costume showcase or photo contest
Not everyone wants to attend in-person events, but they still want to be part of the fun. Ask supporters to submit costume photos and set up a gallery where votes = donations. Offer small prizes for categories like “best DIY,” “funniest,” or “most original.”
Bonus: quick-win fundraising campaigns
Sometimes, you need something fast, simple, and still effective. These bonus ideas are perfect for that. Whether you’ve got just a few days to plan or want to add something extra to a bigger event, these low-lift campaigns can help bring in extra support with minimal effort. We’ve seen small nonprofits use these ideas to hit surprise donation goals with little more than a few volunteers and a good story.
21. Halloween candy gram sales
Set up a table at school, church, or your office and sell small bags of candy with handwritten notes. Supporters can send them to friends, coworkers, or family. It’s a sweet way to raise money and spread the word about your mission.
22. Haunted house experience (low-budget tips)
You don’t need a mansion or special effects team. Use a classroom, garage, or community center and get creative with cardboard, dark sheets, and sound effects. Charge entry and offer skip-the-line passes for a donation bonus.
23. Peer-to-peer referral challenges
Ask your supporters to spread the word online. Give them a fundraising page and set a goal like “raise $100 by Halloween.” Offer fun shoutouts, themed swag, or a prize for the top fundraiser. It’s easy to set up with platforms like Harness and great for growing your donor list.
24. Flash donation drives with horror themes
Pick one day (maybe Oct 30 or 31) and launch a themed campaign, like “Save Our Skeletons” or “Treats for a Cause.” Use email and social media to build urgency. Offer matching gifts, giveaways, or just lean into the spooky vibes.
Visual guide: planning your Halloween fundraiser
Having a good idea is one thing, getting it off the ground is where the real work begins. That’s why a clear plan can make all the difference. We’ve helped lots of nonprofits go from “just an idea” to “best event ever” by breaking things down step-by-step. Here’s how to think through your Halloween fundraiser from start to finish.
Planning timeline checklist
- 5–6 weeks out: Choose your idea, set your budget, book your venue if needed
- 4 weeks out: Line up volunteers, gather supplies, start early promotion
- 2–3 weeks out: Launch registration or ticket sales, keep promoting, secure donations or prizes
- 1 week out: Confirm all logistics, prep your team, do a final promo push
- Day of: Have fun, capture photos, say thank you
- Next week: Share results, thank donors, follow up with attendees
Comparison table: which fundraiser fits your nonprofit?
You can also turn this into a visual flyer, share it with your board, or post it on social to show supporters how their involvement helps bring events to life.
Tips for successful Halloween fundraising
Having a fun idea is only half the battle, getting people to show up, donate, and share your event takes a little strategy. Over the years, we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to pulling off a great Halloween fundraiser. These tips can help you make the most of your time, team, and tools.
Start promoting early
Even small events need lead time. Give people at least 3–4 weeks to hear about your event, share it with friends, and fit it into their schedules. Use flyers, email, social posts, whatever channels your audience already checks.
Lean on your community
Ask local businesses to donate supplies, snacks, or prizes. Reach out to schools, churches, or clubs to help spread the word. Most folks love being part of something seasonal and fun, it’s just about asking.
Make it easy to give
Set up simple donation options: QR codes, text-to-give, or one-click donation forms. If your event is free, suggest a donation at the door. If it’s paid, offer small add-ons like raffle tickets or “skip the line” perks.
Follow up with impact
After the event, show your supporters what they helped make possible. Share photos, post thank-you notes, and highlight how the money raised will support your mission. It helps them feel proud, and more likely to come back next year.
Use your tools
With a platform like Harness, you can automate messages, track giving, and even create personalized donation pages. We’ve seen partners cut down their admin work and raise more, just by using the right tools.
More than costumes and candy
Halloween is more than just costumes and candy, it’s a real chance to connect with your community and raise meaningful support for your mission. Whether you're working with a big team or just a few volunteers, there’s a fundraising idea that can work for you. From haunted hikes to bake sales, the goal is to keep it simple, make it fun, and always tie it back to your cause.
And if you need help bringing it all together? That’s what we’re here for. At Harness, we make it easier to plan, launch, and manage fundraisers that feel good and perform even better. With the right tools and support, your Halloween fundraiser can do more than just raise money, it can grow your impact and bring your community closer.
