November might be the best-kept secret in fundraising. The air gets cooler, people slow down a little, and the season naturally brings out a sense of community and giving. It’s a time when folks are looking for connection, whether that’s through warm food, football games, or fall festivals.
That makes it the perfect window for nonprofits to tap into generosity, while still offering something fun and meaningful in return.
Over the years, we’ve worked with a lot of nonprofits that have made November their strongest fundraising month, just by keeping it simple, seasonal, and community-centered. You don’t need a huge team or fancy setup to make these ideas work. The right strategy (plus the right tools) can help you turn a chili cook-off or a movie night into a lasting supporter connection.
If you’re ready to try something new, or just make your fall fundraising easier, Harness can help. From building donor-friendly forms to automating your follow-ups and setting up peer-to-peer campaigns, we’ll be the extra hands on your team when you need them most.
Fall fundraising ideas that bring your community together
1. Host a fall festival with local businesses
Fall festivals are a classic for a reason, they bring people together around food, music, and fun. The best part? You don’t have to do it alone. Partnering with local businesses or restaurants not only adds variety to your event, it also helps boost attendance. Think food trucks, handmade goods, games for kids, or a local band playing live music.
We’ve seen partners pull this off with just a parking lot, a few tents, and some committed volunteers. Add a small entry fee or suggest a donation at the door, and you’re already raising money. Local businesses often love the visibility too, so it’s a win-win.
2. Organize a chili cook-off with friends and family
Nothing says fall like a big pot of chili. Invite community members to compete or vote on their favorite recipes. Local restaurants may even donate ingredients or serve as judges. Charge a small fee to enter, taste, or vote, and don’t forget to tell your story along the way. People want to know where their money’s going, and a chili cook-off gives you a warm, casual space to share that.
3. Celebrate the season with a fall-themed movie night
Grab a projector, some blankets, and set up a simple outdoor movie night, or go virtual if needed. Classic fall films or family-friendly Halloween favorites work well. Sell popcorn, cider, or entry tickets to raise funds. Add a short announcement before the movie to thank supporters and share a few words about your mission. It’s a cozy, low-cost way to raise money and stay connected.
4. Bring the community together with a pumpkin carving contest
This is a great one for kids and families. All you need are pumpkins, some carving tools, and a place to gather. Charge a small entry fee and give out fun awards (scariest, funniest, most creative). You can even turn this into a social media event by asking people to vote online. It’s a fun way to reach more people, even if they can’t attend in person.
Football season fundraising ideas
5. Host a game day tailgate fundraiser
Fall means football, and football means tailgates. Invite supporters to gather before a big game, pro or local, and enjoy some good food, music, and fun. You can charge for entry, offer food plates for a donation, or set up simple games like cornhole or a raffle. It’s a relaxed way to raise money while people do what they already love: eat, hang out, and cheer on their team.
6. Organize a friendly local football game
This one brings out the playful side of your supporters. Set up a flag football match between local businesses, schools, or departments within your organization. Sell tickets or set up donation pledges per point scored. It’s a fun way to get everyone moving, laughing, and supporting your cause, plus, it’s easy to involve both players and spectators.
7. Set up a fantasy football league fundraiser
This is a low-lift option with big potential. Invite people to join a fantasy league for a donation-based entry fee. You can offer a prize for the winner, or just play for fun and fundraising. Throughout the season, use updates as a way to stay in touch, sharing standings, highlights, and even quick stories from your nonprofit’s work. It’s another creative way to build community while collecting donations.
Fundraising during the holiday season kickoff
8. Launch a Giving Tuesday campaign
Giving Tuesday falls right after Thanksgiving, and it's one of the biggest donation days of the year. But it only works if you plan ahead. Start early by telling stories, why your mission matters, who it helps, and what a gift can do. Use email and social media to remind people leading up to the day. And when the day comes, make it easy to give with donation links and mobile-friendly forms. A short thank-you video or message goes a long way, too.
9. Offer a holiday wreath or ornament-making workshop
This one is both fun and festive. You can do it in person or send out kits for a virtual version. Charge a flat fee that covers supplies and includes a donation to your nonprofit. People love handmade touches for the holidays, and they’ll feel good knowing their gift supports a cause. Make it even more engaging by spotlighting a volunteer or staff member during the workshop.
10. Partner with a local business for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner event
A local café or restaurant may love the chance to host a “dine for a cause” night. You promote the event, they handle the food, and a portion of every meal supports your nonprofit. It’s a win-win: you raise money and they get new customers. Just be sure to thank the business publicly and keep the event relaxed. Even a simple buffet or themed night can be a big hit.
Peer to peer fundraising ideas for friends and family
11. Start a gratitude challenge
This one’s simple, powerful, and perfect for November. Ask supporters to share one thing they’re thankful for each day for a week or two, and invite friends and family to donate in honor of each post. It’s a feel-good way to stay visible on social media while raising money. Add a branded hashtag to tie it all together and encourage people to tag your nonprofit.
12. Launch a November birthday fundraiser
Have a birthday in November? Know someone who does? This is a great month to ask people to swap gifts for donations. Provide a simple guide for setting up a peer to peer page and sharing it with friends. You can even offer digital badges or small thank-you shoutouts to people who reach their fundraising goal.
13. Organize a themed walkathon with social media goals
Pick a fall theme, like flannel walks, turkey trots, or thankful miles, and ask participants to walk a certain number of steps or miles during the month. They raise money by asking friends and family to sponsor their goal. Along the way, participants can post updates, photos, or videos to help spread the word and bring in more donations.
Low-effort ideas to collect donations in November
14. “Round up” campaign at a local restaurant
This one’s low effort but high impact. Team up with a local restaurant and ask if they’ll let customers “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar as a donation to your nonprofit. Most folks won’t miss the extra change, and it adds up quickly. It’s also a good chance to introduce your cause to new people in the community.
15. Set up donation jars at fall markets and fairs
Lots of towns have holiday craft fairs or farmers markets in November. Ask if you can set up a table or leave a donation jar with a short sign about your cause. You could even bring a few volunteers to share what you do and give out flyers or small treats. It's simple, but face-to-face moments like this build trust fast.
16. Organize a community yard cleanup (Rake-A-Thon)
This one's great for volunteers of all ages. Ask for donations in exchange for leaf-raking services. Neighbors can “sponsor” a yard, or donate per bag of leaves collected. It’s a great way to help people out, raise funds, and get your nonprofit’s name out in the neighborhood, all while making the streets look better.
Creative school or youth-oriented November ideas
17. Thanksgiving-themed classroom crawl
If you work with schools, or have strong ties to one, this is a fun and flexible option. Set up themed stations in different classrooms or areas of a building: think crafts, games, or trivia tied to Thanksgiving or fall. Students can buy a “passport” to join in, and each completed station earns them a sticker or stamp. It’s a fun way to raise money while keeping kids engaged.
18. Costume swap or cozy clothing exchange
Kids grow fast, and parents are always looking for a budget-friendly way to update wardrobes. Host a cozy clothing swap where families bring gently used items and take what they need. Charge a small entry fee or suggested donation. For added fun, you can add a “coziest sweater” contest or a cocoa station to warm things up.
Virtual November fundraisers for reach and convenience
19. Host a virtual trivia night with fall-themed questions
Trivia nights are easy to set up online, and people love a little friendly competition. Choose categories like fall holidays, classic movies, or Thanksgiving food. Charge a team entry fee and offer a small prize or just bragging rights. Make it interactive with polls, music, and short breaks to talk about your nonprofit’s work.
20. Launch a November photo challenge on social media
Ask your supporters to post themed photos every day or week, like fall leaves, cozy meals, or something they’re thankful for. Include a simple ask: every post helps raise awareness, and each tag or share can help bring in donations. You can also tie the challenge to a giving goal or offer a small prize for the most creative post.
21. Run a virtual auction featuring local business gift cards
Ask local businesses to donate gift cards, services, or gift baskets, then host an online silent auction. Use free tools or platforms to keep it simple. This is a great way to support local partners and raise money at the same time. Share updates on your progress and highlight how every bid supports your mission.
Building more than just donations
You don’t need a massive budget or a big team to make November a powerful month for fundraising. All it takes is a few thoughtful ideas, a little planning, and a clear way to connect with your community. Whether you’re hosting a chili cook-off, setting up a Giving Tuesday campaign, or asking your supporters to share what they’re thankful for, you’re building more than just donations. You’re building momentum and deeper relationships.
We’ve seen firsthand how these simple, seasonal ideas can lead to long-term support. And with the right tools in place, you don’t have to do it alone.
Harness is here to help, with smart technology, personalized support, and proven strategies to make fundraising feel easier, not heavier. Whether you need help building a campaign, collecting donations, or following up with your community, we’ve got your back.
