Pumpkins on every doorstep, changing colors in the trees and spooky decorations around every corner… It's that time of year again! October is often celebrated for its hayrack rides, pumpkin carvings and haunted houses, but what about its philanthropy opportunities?

How can you use this time to raise money for your favorite causes? Make October about more than just pumpkin spice lattes and costumes. Check out some of these ideas on how you can give back this month.

Have a bonfire.

Bonfires are always a blast, especially during the fall. There’s just something about that chilly night air in stark contrast to the warm fire. See about hosting a community bonfire and ask for sponsorship from local businesses willing to donate to the cause. Be sure to promote the event and the organization it supports beforehand and sell tickets to neighbors. The bonfire can be as big or small as you want it; no matter what, guests will have fun and know their money is going to a worthwhile cause!

Play in a football tournament.

Of course, what’s the most important part of fall? Football season! Get in the spirit by asking friends, family and neighbors to participate in a football tournament. Let players get teams together and pitch in a small amount of money to give to the organization in order to participate in the tournament. Who knows? If you get enough players you could even have multiple divisions, or get creative and host a Harry Potter quidditch tournament. Afterwards, everyone can enjoy drinks and snacks together while watching the real football players on TV.

Promote a pie eating contest.

Everybody loves pie, and everybody especially loves eating pie during fall! This October, try promoting a pie eating contest within your community. Ask for donated pies from local bakeries or even homemade pies. Participants can put in a small amount of money to participate, or viewers can bet on who they think is most likely to win by donating money. Afterwards, the winner can receive a small portion of the earnings, with the rest going towards a local nonprofit. Really want to get creative? Try hosting a pie baking contest beforehand to get even more participants and have the eaters enjoy the best tasting pies around.

Trick or treat for a cause.

Getting to dress up in funny costumes and getting free candy? Trick or treating is the best! This Halloween, your kids can have a great time trick or treating while still helping out for a cause in their community. Check with local nonprofits in your area for flyers or information beforehand, then hand them out during the trick or treating time. Ask for donations and see if neighbors are willing or able to donate. You get to enjoy Halloween while raising money for those in need.

Host a Halloween party.

And of course, the classic: host a Halloween party. Great Halloween parties tend to go down in history as legends, and yours can be a part of that by raising money for a cause at the same time. Host a party for friends and neighbors, and ask them to bring money, needs items or food for entry to give to a local charity project. Then, dance the spooky night away feeling confident in helping others in your community.

This October, make the month about more than just pumpkins and ghost stories. Give back to your community by trying out some of these spooky awesome fundraising ideas. You can help make someone else’s Halloween just a little bit better by practicing altruism this October. Because when we all help each other out, it’s scary how great things can be.