8 Halloween fundraiser ideas for nonprofits to engage supporters

Halloween generates a lot of community excitement every year, making it a prime time for nonprofits to fundraise. And since October is often when a nonprofit organization begins preparing for end-of-year giving, this spooky season can also be a great time to test new event ideas.

With the right approach, Halloween fundraising can help you meet your fundraising goals, engage your community in fun ways, and set the stage for year-end success. To help inspire your next campaign, here are eight creative Halloween fundraising ideas, plus key takeaways for how to make each one work.

1. Have a pumpkin carving contest

A pumpkin carving competition is a seasonal classic that can double as a fundraising event. There are multiple ways to generate revenue through this event:

• Charge an entry fee to participate.
• Secure event sponsorships.
• Encourage attendees to vote for their favorite pumpkin by donating a dollar.
• Share the best designs across social media to boost visibility.

You can also create a fundraising page to allow participants who can’t attend in person to still cast their vote and donate. Plus, sharing the best designs across social media can help extend the fun, boost visibility, and inspire additional giving. This is an easy, festive way to bring supporters together while raising funds.

2. Host a Halloween party

A Halloween event is one of the most flexible fundraising opportunities of the season. With GoFundMe Pro’s Live Events features, you can manage everything from ticket sales and RSVPs to auctions, raffles, and donations in one place. The platform supports in-person, virtual, or hybrid events to help you reach supporters wherever they are. You’ll also have access to tools like mobile check-in, real-time leaderboards, and reporting dashboards that help keep your fundraising on track.

Make your party appealing to all age groups by including activities like a haunted house, costume contest, or a Halloween movie. Add fundraising elements—such as a raffle, bake sale, or themed cupcakes and baked goods—to generate even more support.

With the right setup, your Halloween event will create lasting memories, engage your community, and maximize your fundraising potential.

3. Let supporters fundraise while trick-or-treating

Families can turn their Halloween night into a chance to give back. Inspired by the long-standing “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” tradition, you can provide kids with collection boxes—or modernize the approach with a QR code that links directly to your donation page.

With GoFundMe Pro’s Campaign Studio, you can quickly build a branded fundraising page that tracks these fundraising efforts in real time. Studio makes it easy to set up donation options, customize messaging, and share the campaign link for neighbors and friends to contribute on the spot.

This family-friendly fundraising idea allows community members to weave generosity into their Halloween celebrations, inspiring a spirit of giving alongside candy collecting.

4. Activate impact creators and influencers

Influencers and content creators can bring your Halloween campaign to a much wider audience. Invite them to dress up and participate in a virtual costume contest, encouraging their followers to donate in support of their favorite look. The creator who raises the most wins bragging rights for having the best costume.

Influencers and content creators can bring your Halloween campaign to a much wider audience. Invite them to dress up and participate in a virtual costume contest, encouraging their followers to donate in support of their favorite look. The creator who raises the most wins bragging rights for having the best costume.

5. Create a spooktacular silent auction

A Halloween-themed silent auction is a fun and engaging way to bring your community together while raising funds. Encourage local businesses to donate items like gift baskets, unique experiences, restaurant vouchers, or other seasonal goodies that capture the spirit of the holiday. Displaying these items creatively, whether it’s an online or in-person event, can generate excitement and friendly competition among bidders.

GoFundMe Pro makes this online fundraising opportunity easy with live and silent auction tools. You can bulk import items, set starting bids or “Buy Now” prices, and let participants bid directly from their phones. Automated outbid notifications and a mobile-friendly checkout keep donors engaged and help maximize your fundraising potential.

This flexible, mobile-first setup allows you to reach more supporters, whether they’re attending in person, joining virtually, or browsing from home. It’s a festive, high-return way to engage your community while supporting your nonprofit’s mission.

6. Hold a Halloween-themed trivia night

For another interactive and fun Halloween fundraiser, host a trivia night. You can theme it around scary movies, folklore, or a murder mystery format.

Partner with local breweries, coffee shops, or restaurants to host the event. Many local businesses are always willing to donate space or proceeds from drinks to support a good cause. Charge teams a participation fee and give out small prizes to winners.

7. Partner with a local pumpkin patch

Fall is the perfect time of year to get creative with fundraising partnerships. Connect with local businesses like pumpkin patches to host fun, family-friendly fundraising activities that support your nonprofit’s mission. From ticketed hayrides and pumpkin picking to seasonal concessions or making jack-o-lanterns, a portion of the proceeds can go directly to your organization.

This type of partnership not only taps into the excitement of the season but also strengthens relationships with the community and local businesses.

8. Organize a Halloween season fun run

A seasonal fun run can quickly become a highly anticipated annual tradition in your community. Encourage participants to wear costumes and turn it into a Halloween costume contest as well.

Offer themed T-shirts for registrants and promote the event as a chance to get active while giving back to a good cause. With GoFundMe Pro, you can streamline registrations, donations, and team fundraising.

Engage supporters with Halloween fundraiser ideas this spooky season

Halloween is a great opportunity to connect with your audience and try new approaches. From family-friendly trick-or-treat campaigns to full-scale community events, the possibilities are endless.

Turn your fundraising ideas into reality with GoFundMe Pro. Request a custom demo today.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Photo Credits: kayugee, jasleen kaur