Scare the Guts Out of IBD

Fundraising Toolkit

Below you will find resources and tips to help you reach your fundraising goal.

Click here for a printable version of the toolkit.  

Casting a Spell on a Crowd

Below are a few resources for best practices to increase your fundraising. 

  • Let your network know how you plan to Scare the Guts Out of IBD!    
  • Share pictures and your fundraising link and be sure to use #ScaretheGutsOutofIBD and tag the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation in all your posts.
  • For more tips view our Outreach and Social Media Toolkit, here.

Here are the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s social media handles: 

  • Facebook: @Crohns&ColitisFoundation
  • Instagram: @crohnscolitisfoundation
  • Twitter: @CrohnsColitisFn
  • LinkedIn: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
  • TikTok: @crohnscolitisfoundation

Professional Member Toolkit

As a Professional Member of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, you’re likely very familiar with these challenges; you’re a key part of helping patients and caregivers face these fears. Here's an even spookier opportunity t make a difference for your IBD patients, start fundraising this October to raise awareness and funds for IBD cures! Click here for our Professional Member Toolkit. 

General Fundraising Strategies

Don't be afraid to ask for support. You never know who may have a connection to IBD and an interest in supporting your efforts. You may get a few "no's" along the way, but know that won’t scare you!   

    Cast a spell on a crowd by sharing your personal connection to IBD and why you're fundraising. 

    • Fundraisers who personalize their page raise 4X more than those who don't! 

    Scare up a cauldron full of support!

    • Make a self-donation to get the ball rolling
    • Post you link on social and ask your network to match your donation  
    • Post a picture of how you’re fundraising and share your fundraising link
    • Text 5 people and ask them to donate
    • Schedule a post on Friday, October 13th and ask your network to donate $5
    • Email everyone who you have supported in the past and ask for a donation
    • Post a sign with a QR code linked to your fundraising page asking parents of trick-or-treaters to donate  

    Bewitching Fundraising Ideas

    IBD-Themed Costume or Decorations

    Create an IBD-themed costume (dress as your GI, Dr. Guts), or decorate a family of pumpkins with ostomy bags. Take a picture of your creation and share it online with your fundraising link to request donations.

    Pro Tip:  Create a QR code and display it on your creation to help ask for donations.

    Pumpkin Decorating

    Invite your network to a pumpkin decorating event. Request donations to attend using the DIY event feature fundraising dashboard.  Purchase pumpkins or get them donated. Provide the tools and supplies needed to decorate the pumpkins; if you’re carving pumpkins be sure to consider your guests’ ages and select the necessary safety tools. Paint and stickers are also great decorating options! 

    Pro Tip: You can find and print pumpkin carving patterns online for free.

    Ensure guests have a great time by offering snacks, games, and playing Halloween-themed music. Ask your guests to vote for their favorite pumpkin and offer a prize for the winner (e.g., a bag of treats, movie tickets, a car wash gift card, etc.).

    Guess the Amount

    Fill a jar with candy corn (count them first) and post a picture on your fundraising page. Ask friends to donate and guess the number of candies in the jar. Winners get the jar of candy or another fun prize

    Pro Tip: Ask a local business to display the jar and a sign featuring a link/QR code to your fundraising page.

    Trunk-or-Treat

    Partner with a local business or faith-based organization to host a trunk-or-treat event. Invite your network to donate and participate in different elements of the event. Have pre-set donation amounts for guests to easily register.

    ⮚     Trunk decorating

    ⮚     Trick-or-treating

    ⮚     Costume contest 

    ⮚     Crafts and games

    Pro Tip: During the event, put out a big jar or container to collect donations and display a QR code to you fundraising page so guests can donate online as well. 

    Zombie Walk

    Plan a zombie/mummy-themed fundraising walk utilizing our DIY Walk Toolkit. Dress up as a zombie, mummy, or whatever theme sounds fun. Invite your network to join in the walk by dressing up, registering, and asking for donations. Our DIY OneCause site has all the tools you need to collect donations and allow participants to RSVP.

    To make it even more interesting, consider hosting the run at night and ask volunteers to come out at certain times and scare the participants.

    Pro Tip: Go live on social media during the walk and be sure to post pictures with your donation link after the walk.

    Go All Out:

    ⮚     Award the best zombie costume/overall look

    ⮚     Host a zombie afterparty

    ⮚     Organize a zombie karaoke

    Spooky Trivia Night

    Choose questions that are Halloween-themed. Ask guests to sign up and charge a registration fee. Offer an award for the winner.

    When thinking of the theme and the questions, think of scary movies, Edgar Allan Poe stories and poems, and other scary themes. If you’re expecting teens or youth, consider Harry Potter!

    You can host at home with friends and family or open the event to the public. Ask a local restaurant or brewery if they’ll donate the space for your event.

    Encourage guests to wear a costume and be sure to offer spooky snacks and refreshments.

    Pro Tips: Hand out door prizes. Ask a local restaurant or shop to donate a gift card, or you can make a spooktacular trophy! 

    Go All Out: Award bonus points for each team member who is wearing a Halloween costume