17 amazing Low-Cost Halloween Fundraisers You Can Plan in Under a Week

Looking for fast and cheap Halloween fundraising ideas? Short on time, tight on budget, and still need something fun and crowd-pleasing? Are you scrambling to plan an event just days before Halloween? You’re not alone. Schools, churches, and small groups often need low-cost Halloween fundraisers you can plan in under a week, without a big team or expensive supplies. If you’re stuck with no ideas and even less time, this article is exactly what you need.

This isn’t your average list. These ideas are simple, actionable, and designed to raise real money fast. You won’t need fancy decor, big spaces, or pro-level planning. Everything here works with minimal prep, basic materials, and low costs, and most can be launched in just a few hours. Whether you’re hosting indoors or outside, for little kids or families, these fundraisers get the job done.

Inside this guide, you’ll find 17 smart, fun, and tested Halloween fundraising ideas that are easy to set up and big on impact. From spooky games to creative contests, each idea includes a short, clear setup process so you can take action fast. This is your go-to toolkit for pulling off a successful Halloween event—even last-minute.

17 Best Low-Cost Halloween Fundraisers You Can Plan in Under a Week

You don’t need weeks of planning or a big budget to run a successful Halloween fundraiser. With the right mix of fun and speed, you can pull off something exciting in just a few days—and still raise real money.

The best part? Every idea below is fast, easy, and low-cost. Whether you’re working with kids, families, or the whole community, these fundraisers are built to move quickly, need minimal setup, and still pack in tons of Halloween fun.

Here’s exactly what you can launch this week.

1. Pumpkin Penny Toss

This is one of the fastest and cheapest Halloween fundraisers you can pull off. All you need are a few mini pumpkins or plastic cups, a bag of pennies, and a table. Set the pumpkins in a row and label each one with a number or prize. Players pay $1 to get five pennies and try to toss them into the pumpkins. If they land a penny in, they win candy or a small prize. It’s fun, fast-paced, and great for younger kids. You can decorate the pumpkins with paint or stickers to make the setup more festive. Keep it simple. Use a single volunteer to run the table, play music to keep the energy high, and let kids play again if they want more chances. This game takes about 30 minutes to set up and works well indoors or outside. It pulls in steady donations without needing big prep or cleanup. Want to boost it? Add a prize wheel for anyone who scores high.

Process:

• Place mini pumpkins or cups on a table or the ground
• Mark each with a number or prize using stickers or tape
• Set up a small container with pennies (5 per player)
• Charge $1 per round (5 tosses)
• Let kids toss the pennies one at a time
• Give out candy or prizes when they score
• Let them pay again if they want to replay

2. Costume Contest

A Halloween costume contest is a guaranteed crowd-puller. It’s fun, visual, and costs almost nothing to set up. You don’t need a stage or fancy setup—just a space where people can show off their costumes and get cheered on. Charge a small entry fee like $2 or $5. Offer donated prizes for winners in fun categories like “Funniest Costume,” “Scariest Look,” “Best DIY,” or “Cutest Group.” Keep it light and engaging. You don’t need judges if you don’t want them—just let the crowd vote by cheering, clapping, or using scorecards. If you’re short on time, you can run it during a school lunch break, at recess, or in a church hall after service. You’ll get kids, teens, and even adults excited to join. The best part? It creates free entertainment and fills your fundraiser with photo moments that boost your event’s vibe.

Process:

• Pick a space—classroom, gym, church hall, or playground
• Set 3–5 prize categories (use easy labels like funniest, scariest, most creative)
• Charge a small entry fee ($2–$5 per person or group)
• Have participants line up or walk in front of a small crowd
• Let the crowd cheer or vote to pick winners
• Hand out donated prizes or certificates
• Take photos and post them to boost your event’s reach

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3. Spooky Cake Walk

This is a Halloween twist on the classic cake walk, and it’s always a hit with families. It’s simple to set up, easy to explain, and works well indoors or outdoors. Ask parents or local bakers to donate cupcakes, cookies, or small cakes. Tape numbers on the floor in a big circle. Play Halloween music while participants walk from number to number. When the music stops, pull a random number from a bowl. Whoever is standing on that number wins a treat. Charge $1 per round. Run as many rounds as you want—the more people, the more chances to raise money. Add spooky music, dim lighting, or fake cobwebs to give it a haunted twist. It’s quick to set up and can run for an hour or all day.

Process:

• Ask for baked goods donations (cupcakes, cookies, mini cakes)
• Place number cards or tape circles on the floor in a large circle
• Set up a speaker with Halloween music
• Charge $1 per round to join the walk
• When music stops, pull a number from a hat
• The person standing on that number wins a treat
• Repeat as long as the line keeps moving

4. Haunted Hallway (or Room)

Turn any hallway, classroom, or storage space into a haunted experience with just cardboard, sheets, fake spiders, and a few spooky volunteers. Use dim lights, creepy sound effects, and cheap props like hanging skeletons or talking pumpkins. Ask volunteers to dress up as ghosts, witches, or zombies. Kids pay a small fee—$1 to $3—to walk through the “haunted” space. Make it age-appropriate: scary for older kids, silly for younger ones. You can guide small groups every few minutes. This one needs a bit more prep, but the cost stays low if you use stuff you already have or ask for donations. It works great in schools, churches, or community centers with empty rooms.

Process:

• Pick a hallway, classroom, or tented area
• Cover the walls with black sheets or cardboard
• Set up props: cobwebs, flickering lights, hanging decorations
• Add sound effects or Halloween music to a speaker
• Ask volunteers to dress up and act spooky
• Charge $1–$3 per entry
• Guide small groups through in 1–2 minute shifts
• Adjust the scare level depending on the age group

5. Scary Movie Night

You don’t need a theater to host a Halloween movie night. Just a projector, a blank wall or screen, and some spooky snacks. Pick a family-friendly Halloween movie—something short and fun like Hotel Transylvania, Hocus Pocus, or Casper. Sell entry tickets for $2–$5 and offer popcorn, candy, and juice for extra. Use your school gym, church hall, or even set it up outside if the weather allows. Keep the lights low, play a spooky intro soundtrack, and give out glow sticks for extra fun. It’s low-cost and creates a great community vibe.

Process:

• Choose a family-friendly Halloween movie
• Set up a projector and screen or a blank wall
• Arrange chairs, blankets, or floor seating
• Charge $2–$5 per ticket
• Sell snacks: popcorn, candy, drinks
• Give glow sticks or stickers to kids
• Play Halloween music before the movie starts
• Optional: add a short costume parade before showtime

Here’s a Netflix curated list of horror movies that are perfect for Halloween.

6. Zombie Freeze Dance

Everyone loves music, movement, and silly games. Zombie Freeze Dance is all three. Use a speaker to play Halloween music—Monster Mash, Ghostbusters, or Thriller. Players dance like zombies while the music plays. When it stops, everyone freezes. Anyone caught moving is out. The last one standing wins a prize. Charge $1 to join. This is great for school gyms, classrooms, or outdoor areas. You don’t need decorations, just space and sound. Run multiple rounds to keep the energy going and the money coming in.

Process:

• Create a clear dance space
• Use a speaker and play Halloween-themed songs
• Charge $1 per person to enter
• Start the music and let the kids dance like zombies
• Pause the music randomly players freeze
• Anyone caught moving is out
• The last one standing wins a prize
• Run multiple rounds as long as interest lasts

7. Witch Hat Ring Toss

This is a quick-to-set-up game booth that works well indoors or outside. Set up cones or tall objects and cover them with cheap witch hats. Use glow rings, plastic bracelets, or even rope loops for tossing. Label each hat with a prize or point value. Kids pay $1 per round (3 tosses) and try to land a ring on the hat. If they score, they win candy or a small toy. You can build this in under 15 minutes and run it with just one volunteer. Add a glow-in-the-dark version for evening events.

Process:

• Place cones on a table or floor and cover with witch hats
• Use glow rings or plastic rings for tossing
• Mark each hat with a prize or score using stickers
• Charge $1 for 3 tosses
• Give out candy or small prizes for successful tosses
• Optional: decorate with lights or run a glow-in-the-dark version

8. Mummy Wrap Race

This game always draws laughs—and it’s super cheap to run. Teams of two or three race to wrap one person like a mummy using toilet paper. The first team to fully wrap their mummy wins. You only need rolls of toilet paper and a space to play. Charge a small entry fee per team, like $2 or $3. Offer candy or dollar-store prizes. Keep rounds short to move the game quickly. It’s messy, silly, and perfect for kids of all ages.

Process:

• Split players into teams of 2–3
• Give each team 1–2 rolls of toilet paper
• Set a timer or say “go” to start
• Teams race to wrap one person like a mummy
• First fully-wrapped mummy wins a prize
• Charge $2–$3 per team to enter
• Clean up after each round and run again

9. Face Painting Booth

This booth always pulls a crowd and costs next to nothing. All you need are basic face paints, brushes, and a volunteer who can paint simple Halloween designs—think pumpkins, ghosts, cats, or spider webs. Set up a small table and mirror. Offer quick, fun designs for $1–$3 per face. Kids love it, and parents are happy to support a fun, low-cost fundraiser. This works best at larger events where people are walking around and waiting for other activities.

Process:

• Set up a small table, chair, and mirror
• Use safe, washable face paints and clean brushes
• Offer a choice of 3–5 simple Halloween designs
• Charge $1–$3 per face
• Keep designs quick to paint (2–3 minutes max)
• Rotate painters or give breaks if needed
• Wipe down brushes between kids for safety

10. DIY Photo Booth

People love taking photos, especially when they’re in costume. A DIY photo booth adds fun and brings in donations fast. Set up a Halloween-themed backdrop using a black sheet, balloons, or cardboard props. Add props like masks, hats, or signs. Use a phone camera, tablet, or Polaroid to take the photos. Charge $2 per photo or offer digital pics via email or QR download. You don’t need a pro camera—just good lighting and fun vibes.

Process:

• Hang a simple Halloween backdrop (sheet, banner, etc.)
• Add props: witch hats, skeleton masks, speech bubbles
• Use a smartphone, tablet, or camera for photos
• Charge $2 per photo (printed or digital)
• Have someone take the pictures, or let guests use a selfie stick
• Offer group shots or solo poses
• Optional: print pics on the spot if you have a Polaroid

11. Boo Grams

Boo Grams are cheap, fast, and easy. They’re mini Halloween messages that kids send to friends with a small treat attached—candy, stickers, or pencils. You print simple cards that say things like “You’ve been Boo’d!” and sell each gram for $1. Students write their names and classrooms on the cards. Volunteers deliver them on Halloween or the day before. These work best in schools or small groups and can be sold during lunch or at pickup.

Process:

• Design and print simple Boo Gram cards
• Attach each card to a small treat (candy, sticker, toy)
• Sell them for $1 each
• Kids write their friend’s name and class on the card
• Collect them and sort by classroom
• Deliver all Boo Grams before or on Halloween
• Use volunteers or older students for delivery

12. Pumpkin Painting Station

Skip the carving mess—let kids paint pumpkins instead. Set up a painting booth with washable paints, brushes, and decorating supplies like stickers and googly eyes. Ask for donated mini pumpkins or buy them in bulk. Charge $3–$5 per pumpkin, depending on size. This station keeps kids busy and happy while parents donate. Works great at school fairs, trunk-or-treats, or church events.

Process:

• Get small pumpkins (donated or bought in bulk)
• Set up a table with brushes, paints, and paper towels
• Add extras: stickers, markers, pipe cleaners
• Charge $3–$5 per pumpkin
• Let kids decorate their pumpkins and take them home
• Have wipes nearby for cleanup
• Offer aprons or old t-shirts to protect clothes

13. Guess the Eyeballs (or Candy Corns) in a Jar

This classic guessing game is always a hit—and it’s almost free. Fill a clear jar with Halloween candy or plastic eyeballs. Let kids guess how many are inside for $1 per guess. Closest guess wins the whole jar or a small prize. This works well at any booth or check-in table. Keep a clipboard nearby to record names and guesses.

Process:

• Fill a large, clear jar with candy or plastic eyeballs
• Count and record the total privately
• Set the jar on a table with a sign anda guess sheet
• Charge $1 per guess
• Let people write their names and guess on the sheet
• Announce the winner at the end of the event
• Give the jar or prize to the closest guess

14. Trick-or-Treat Trail

This is perfect for schools, churches, or community centers with a little space. Set up a short walking trail with decorated tables or doors. At each stop, volunteers in costume hand out candy or small prizes. You don’t need anything fancy—just buckets of treats and Halloween spirit. Charge $3–$5 for kids to go through the trail once. Keep it friendly and fun, not scary. Add signs or music to make it festive. Great for younger kids and safe trick-or-treating indoors.

Process:

• Set up a small path or hallway with 5–10 treat stations
• Decorate each station with Halloween props or posters
• Ask volunteers to dress up and hand out treats
• Charge $3–$5 per kid to walk the trail
• Give each kid a treat bag at the entrance
• Keep the trail moving smoothly, one group at a time
• Optional: create a punch card for each stop

15. Halloween Bingo

Easy to organize, low cost, and great for all ages. Make or print Halloween-themed bingo cards with icons like ghosts, bats, candy, and witches. Use candy corn or small tokens as markers. Charge $1–$2 per bingo card. Offer small prizes for winners like stickers, snacks, or Halloween toys. Run several rounds with quick breaks. Works great in classrooms, church halls, or rec rooms. It keeps kids seated and engaged while raising money with little effort.

Process:

• Print or buy Halloween-themed bingo cards
• Set up a caller with a mic or speaker
• Use candy, coins, or plastic chips as markers
• Charge $1–$2 per card
• Hand out small prizes for winners after each round
• Keep rounds short (5–7 minutes)
• Run as many rounds as people want to play

16. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe

Turn a simple game into a fun, festive fundraiser. Use a painted board (or tape on a table) and mini pumpkins as Xs and Os. Paint half the pumpkins white and half orange. Kids pay $1 to play. The winner gets candy or a sticker. It’s fast, easy to set up, and great for all ages. You can run this as a booth with one volunteer and rotate players quickly. Add Halloween decorations or sound effects to draw attention.

Process:

• Make a large tic-tac-toe board using tape, cardboard, or cloth
• Paint mini pumpkins into two colors: X and O
• Set up a table or board on the ground
• Charge $1 per game
• Let kids take turns playing
• Winner gets a small prize
• Reset and keep the line moving

17. Monster Pop Balloon Game

This one is loud, fun, and gets kids excited fast. Blow up balloons and tape them to a board or wall. Slip in paper notes or tiny prizes inside some balloons before inflating. Each note says “Prize” or “Try Again.” Kids pay $1 to pop a balloon with a dart or pin. If their balloon has a prize inside, they win. Use bright colors and monster faces to make it eye-catching. This game works indoors or outdoors and resets fast.

Process:

• Blow up balloons and place a few with prize slips inside
• Tape balloons to a large board or cardboard wall
• Decorate with monster eyes or Halloween designs
• Charge $1 to pop a balloon
• Let kids use darts, skewers, or tacks with adult help
• If they pop a prize balloon, give them a reward
• Keep refilling balloons during the event