Close to edging out Christmas, annual spending for Halloween is growing at an increasing rate. If people have money to buy fake blood and vampire teeth, couldn't they also cough up some cash for a nonprofit that they love? Absolutely.
I admit Halloween is my favorite holiday hands-down. It brings out the creativity in people like nothing else. It is also a spooktacular time to reach your audience with a soft ask. Here are some ways that nonprofits have shown a fang-tastic awareness of using current cultural conversations to spread their messages.
UNICEF
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF began 68 years ago as a way to help kids affected by World War II. Since then, millions of children across the United States have gone door to door on Halloween with UNICEF collection boxes, calling out, "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF!" The annual tradition of Kids Helping Kids® — involving donations big and small — has helped to raise nearly $177 million since 1950. Get a box
Blood Bank
This is a no brainer. With "Twilight", "Buffy" and countless other vampires in popular culture- you would be really missing out if you didn't figure out a way make a creative connection.
Humane Society
Combining pets and Halloween is a sure winner. After all there are already pet costumes at your local pet store. Do you have something cute you can dress up. I've run a costume contest for an organization's mascot which had surprising engagement on social media.
Fun Run
These have grown in popularity over the past few years. From regular fitness events with participants in costume, to more elaborate events where you have to outrun "real" zombies, this is a great way to activate your base with a peer-to-peer campaign and you could have the run any time in October.
If you are brave, maybe combine a few ideas and
create your own unique spin.
PS
If you are eeeek-er to give Halloween a try for your communications, I recommend you take a look at this great list of Halloween puns.