Champions of the Fall 2025

Welcome to Champions of the Fall! This is an exciting new fundraising and awareness campaign from NF Midwest, running from October 1st to November 30th. Through various events and creative ideas, crews have the chance to raise funds and share NF stories throughout the season, from the falling leaves of autumn to the season of giving. 

By nominating someone for Champions of the Fall, you’ll be helping to spark a movement for those affected by NF. Now in its second year, this growing campaign is a chance to lift up community members who are ready to lead, inspire, and fundraise for a cause that matters. Your nomination could help build a powerful and lasting source of awareness and support for NF Midwest.

Here’s the nomination form! Nominate someone worthy today! Nominations are due by September 1st.

How Champions of the Fall Works 

If you are selected to participate, here’s what to expect: each participating team, or “crew,” will set up a page to share their story, promote awareness, and raise funds. Your crew will have access to upcoming events, campaign phases, and creative fundraising ideas, all designed to help you make a meaningful impact while having fun. 

Key Events and Campaign Phases 

1. Windfall Wednesday (November 26): 

One fundraising event, Windfall Wednesday, takes place the day before Thanksgiving. Donors can enter for a chance to win up to $500 in Visa gift cards (two $250 cards) by making a donation. If they select your crew, you’ll receive credit for those donations! For each donation entry, donors can earn multiple entries, increasing their chances to win both cards. 

2. Your Own Creative Ideas: 

If you have unique fundraising or awareness-raising ideas, we encourage you to make them part of your Champions of the Fall campaign! Whether it’s a themed event, a personal challenge, or another creative approach, we’re here to help promote your efforts and share them with our community. You’re welcome to use the ideas provided or create something entirely your own! 

Fundraising Ideas 

To help you brainstorm ways to raise funds and awareness, here are some fun, festive ideas. Feel free to get creative, and don’t hesitate to let us know your ideas—we’d love to support you by sharing your events and activities with the community. 

Classic and Creative Fundraising Ideas: 
🍁 Fall Fundraising Swaps (Oct 1 – Nov 30)
These reimagined ideas keep the fun and fundraising alive—perfect for your crew’s challenge window and community involvement:

📦 Wrapping Station for a Cause
Instead of holiday gifts, offer wrapping services for birthdays, baby showers, or fall weddings. Set up at a local store or farmers market. Ask for donations, and include info about NF Midwest with every beautifully wrapped package.
🍪 Cookies & Cocoa Community Pop-Up
Swap Santa for a fall-themed treat event—think cider, cocoa, pumpkin cookies, and community vibes. Host it at a local park or partner with a small business. Provide NF Midwest materials and invite supporters to donate while they enjoy the goodies.
🍷 Wine & Cheese Night In
Host a cozy wine tasting or charcuterie night at home or virtually with your friends and supporters. You can source local wines or DIY the tasting. Ask for a suggested donation to join and share stories or videos about why NF Midwest matters to you.
🍂 Cheers to the Cause Fall Social
Instead of a New Year’s bash, plan a mid-November “Cheers to the Cause” gathering. It could be a backyard bonfire, potluck, or local brewery meet-up. Entry is a donation to NF Midwest, and you can toast to gratitude and giving before the holiday season starts.

More Unique and Festive Ideas: 

🍂 Fall Fundraising Challenge (Oct 1 – Nov 30)

Rally your team and make the most of the season with these creative, community-driven ideas. Each one is designed to engage supporters and raise vital funds for NF Midwest—no holiday gimmicks required!

• 🧁 Bake Sale or Chili Cook-OffHost a classic fall bake sale or cook-off—pumpkin bread, apple pie, chili, you name it. Whether in-person or virtual (with voting online!), charge an entry fee or collect donations to sample and vote.
• 🧦 “Dedicate a Day” ChallengeEach team member picks a day and a challenge—10,000 steps, no coffee, funky socks all day—and asks for donations to follow through. It’s simple, social, and fun to share online.
• 🏃‍♀️ Fall Fitness ChallengeLaunch a walking, biking, or yoga challenge. Supporters pledge a donation per mile or goal reached. Keep track as a team and post your progress to keep momentum going.
• 🎨 Pumpkin Painting or Fall Craft NightHost a painting party or craft night for families or friends. Charge a donation to join, and offer supplies or ideas for fall-themed projects. This works great virtually or in person.
• 📚 Book Club with a CauseChoose a short book or podcast series and invite supporters to join for a donation. Meet weekly or biweekly to discuss—bonus if the theme ties into resilience, kindness, or storytelling.
• 🐾 Pet Costume Contest (Not Just for Halloween!)Pets in costume are great anytime in the fall! Host an online photo contest where people donate to enter and vote. Award a prize for funniest, cutest, or most original look.
• 🧘 Mindfulness or Wellness WorkshopOffer a virtual class on meditation, journaling, stretching, or stress relief—perfect for cozy fall evenings. Participants donate to attend, and you can even bundle with a self-care kit.
• 📦 “Fall Clean-Out” Yard SaleHave each team member collect unused items and host a community or virtual yard sale. Proceeds go to NF Midwest—and it’s a great excuse to clear out closets before winter.
• 🎬 Movie Night Under the StarsOrganize a fall-themed outdoor movie night. Blankets, popcorn, and donations as tickets. Choose a family-friendly movie and invite your neighborhood or friend group.
• 🦃 Friendsgiving FundraiserHost a potluck-style gathering in November with friends, coworkers, or neighbors. Ask guests to bring a dish and a donation. It’s a celebration of gratitude and giving back.

If you’re planning a specific event and need a dedicated page to share event details and collect donations, let us know! We’re happy to set up a special page for you if needed. 

How to Share Your Story 

Sharing your personal NF story is one of the most impactful ways to connect with supporters. We encourage you to add your story to your Champions of the Fall page, but if you’d like help crafting it, we’re here to support you. Sharing your story on social media, through email, and in person can help people understand the importance of your cause and inspire them to give. 

Thank you for being among the very first to participate in Champions of the Fall! Your support and creativity are essential to making this campaign a memorable and meaningful success. With your help, we’re building a powerful new stream of funding and awareness that we hope will continue to grow for years to come. 

Let’s make Champions of the Fall unforgettable!