Autumn is a fantastic time for fundraising. The nights are drawing in, the weather is turning crisp, and you have two major calendar events to capitalise on: Halloween and Bonfire Night. People are actively looking for themed entertainment during these months.
Here are some of the best autumnal fundraising ideas to boost your expedition pot.
1. The Zombie Run
Put a spooky twist on the classic 5k fun run. Organise a "Zombie Run" in a local park or woodland (with permission). Runners pay an entry fee to complete the course, while volunteers dress up as zombies and hide along the route to jump out and scare them. It's incredibly popular with teenagers and young adults.
2. Ready-Carved Pumpkin Sale
Carving pumpkins is messy and time-consuming, and many parents hate doing it. Buy pumpkins in bulk from a local farm or wholesaler. Spend a weekend carving them with fantastic designs, and sell the ready-carved pumpkins to local families or cafes for a premium.
3. Hot Halloween Soup Delivery
On Halloween night, parents are busy taking kids trick-or-treating and often don't have time to cook. Offer a pre-ordered soup delivery service. Make huge batches of spiced pumpkin soup or hearty minestrone, and deliver them hot to local houses along with some crusty bread.
💡 TOP TIP: The "Spooky Stand-Up" Night
Hire a local venue and host a comedy or open-mic night with a Halloween theme. Encourage attendees to come in fancy dress (offer a prize for the best costume) and sell themed cocktails/mocktails and spooky snacks at the bar.
4. Bonfire Night Glow-Stall
If your local village, town, or school hosts a large public fireworks display, ask the organisers if you can have a pitch. Buy glow-sticks, flashing wands, and LED accessories in bulk online (they are incredibly cheap wholesale) and sell them at a massive markup to families watching the fireworks.
5. The Autumn Foraging Walk
If you live near woodland and know an expert (or can hire one), organise a guided autumn foraging walk. Charge a ticket fee for people to come and learn how to identify edible mushrooms, berries, and nuts safely. Finish the walk with a hot drink and homemade blackberry crumble.
6. "Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin"
A simple, classic, and highly profitable idea. Find the largest, heaviest pumpkin you can. Set up a stall at school or a local event and charge 50p or £1 a guess. The closest guess wins the pumpkin (or a cash prize/hamper).
Ready to Start Fundraising?
Explore hundreds of fundraising ideas, step-by-step how-to guides, and free tools — all built for teenagers raising money for expeditions and adventures.
Browse the Fundraising Library →