How to Organize a Halloween-Themed Community Fundraiser

A Halloween-themed community fundraiser is a fun and exciting way to bring people together, celebrate the spooky season, and raise money for a good cause. With the right entertainment and engaging activities, your Halloween event can be a memorable experience for all ages while helping to meet your fundraising goals. This guide will help you organize a successful Halloween fundraiser featuring entertainment as the main attraction.

What You’ll Need:

  • A venue that suits the audience size and spooky-themed decorations

  • Entertainment (e.g., a comedy hypnotist, magician, or costume contest)

  • Volunteers to assist with setup, ticket sales, and activities

  • Promotional materials to attract attendees

  • Fundraising activities to maximize donations

  • A timeline for planning (at least 2-3 months)

Choosing the Entertainment

The entertainment you choose will be the highlight of your Halloween fundraiser. Here are some ideas:

  • Spooky-Themed Entertainment: Select entertainment that fits the Halloween spirit, such as a comedy hypnosis show with spooky themes, a magician, or even a haunted storytelling session.

  • Costume Contest: Host a costume contest with prizes for different categories like “Best Costume,” “Funniest Costume,” and “Scariest Costume.” Audience participation is key to making the event fun.

  • Interactive Elements: Entertainment that involves the audience, like a comedy hypnosis show or spooky games, will keep attendees engaged and create a memorable experience.

Incorporating Fundraising Activities

Adding different fundraising activities throughout your Halloween event can help boost the total funds raised. Here are some ideas:

1. Ticket Sales and VIP Packages

  • General Admission: Set an appropriate ticket price that encourages families and individuals to attend. Offer early bird discounts to drive ticket sales.

  • VIP Packages: Sell VIP tickets that include perks like front-row seating, reserved parking, or exclusive refreshments. You could also include a Halloween-themed gift bag with treats and spooky items.

2. Raffles and Silent Auctions

  • Raffle Tickets: Sell raffle tickets for a chance to win Halloween-themed prizes, such as spooky decorations, gift baskets, or tickets to local attractions. Announce the raffle winners during the entertainment to keep excitement high.

  • Silent Auction: Hold a silent auction with items donated by local businesses, such as gift cards, spooky-themed baskets, or local services. Display the items and announce winners at the end of the event.

3. Concessions and Merchandise

  • Concessions: Sell Halloween-themed snacks and drinks, like caramel apples, popcorn, candy, and hot cider. The Gypsy Queen Food Truck could be a great addition, offering items like hot chocolate, mini donuts, and other treats, with a portion of sales going to the fundraiser.

  • Spooky Merchandise: Sell Halloween-themed merchandise such as glow sticks, spooky t-shirts, or themed accessories. If the entertainer has merchandise, offer it for sale with a percentage of the proceeds going to the cause.

4. Games and Activities

  • Haunted Games: Organize games like “Bobbing for Apples,” a “Pumpkin Toss,” or a “Witch Hat Ring Toss.” Charge a small fee to participate and offer fun prizes for winners.

  • Photo Booth: Set up a Halloween-themed photo booth with spooky props where attendees can take memorable photos. Charge a small fee for printed photos or offer digital versions for a donation.

Securing Sponsors

Sponsors can help offset costs and increase the overall amount raised at your Halloween event. Here’s how to attract sponsors:

  • Local Businesses: Approach local businesses for sponsorship opportunities. Offer recognition through banners, mentions during the event, and their logo on promotional materials.

  • Sponsored Activities: Allow businesses to sponsor specific activities, such as the costume contest or a haunted game. This provides additional exposure for the sponsor and helps cover costs.

Promoting the Event

Effective promotion is key to ensuring a successful turnout for your Halloween fundraiser. Here are some strategies:

  • Social Media: Use social media platforms to create an event page, share spooky-themed posts, and generate excitement. Include teasers about the entertainment and fundraising activities.

  • Community Groups: Promote through local community groups, schools, and businesses. Highlight the charitable aspect of the event and the entertainment to attract more attendees.

  • Flyers and Posters: Place flyers and posters in community centers, schools, local businesses, and other high-traffic areas. Use Halloween-themed visuals to grab attention and include all the key details like the date, time, and ticket information.

Event Timeline

Here’s a suggested timeline to help you stay organized while planning your Halloween fundraiser:

  • 3 Months Before: Secure the venue and book entertainment. Start reaching out to potential sponsors and planning additional fundraising activities.

  • 2 Months Before: Begin promoting the event through social media, community newsletters, and posters. Finalize the list of fundraising activities and gather decorations.

  • 1 Month Before: Assign volunteer roles, confirm sponsor commitments, and start selling tickets. Order any merchandise or concessions needed.

  • 1 Week Before: Confirm logistics with vendors, entertainers, and volunteers. Make sure all promotional materials have been distributed.

During the Event

On the day of the event, it’s important to keep everything running smoothly to maximize fundraising potential:

  • Set Up the Venue: Decorate the venue with Halloween-themed decorations. Arrange tables, chairs, raffle stations, concession stands, and merchandise stalls. Ensure everything is accessible and festive.

  • Engage the Audience: Have the entertainer or a host engage the audience and mention fundraising activities like raffles and auctions throughout the event.

  • Donation Appeal: Make a heartfelt appeal during a high point of the event, such as after an exciting entertainment act, to encourage additional donations.

After the Event

After the event, it’s important to follow up with everyone involved:

  • Thank Guests and Sponsors: Send thank-you notes to attendees, sponsors, and volunteers. Let them know how much their support means and how the funds raised will make a difference.

  • Share Results: Post event highlights on social media, including photos, videos, and the total amount raised. This helps build trust and encourages participation in future events.

  • Evaluate the Event: Meet with your team to evaluate what worked well and what could be improved for future Halloween fundraisers.


By incorporating spooky entertainment, a variety of fundraising activities, and effective promotion, you can create a Halloween-themed community fundraiser that is both successful and enjoyable for all. Use this guide to plan an event that brings out the Halloween spirit while making a positive impact on your community.