School Fundraising Ideas That Make The Most Money
Find Fundraisers for Schools
Table of Contents
Poppin Popcorn
Cookie Dough
Super Sock Hero Sale
Candle Sale
What Are the Best Fundraising Ideas for Schools?
- Some parents like to reinvent the wheel each year,
- Other parents love “tried and true”, done for you fundraiser programs that are easy to follow.
- Think about selling items people like to buy like cookie dough, popcorn, snacks and candles to raise more money for your school.
Elementary School Fundraising Ideas
Simple and Fun Events for Kids
Bake Sale
- Ask families to donate baked goods to raise funds for your school.
- Set up a table at a well-attended school event or outside a local business.
- Offer gluten-free or nut-free options to include everyone.
Tip: Bundle smaller items like cookies or brownies into packages for better sales. Use cheerful signs to attract customers.
Pajama Day
- Pick a date and promote this elementary school fundraiser through newsletters and social media.
- Charge a small fee for participation.
- Add activities like a movie screening or storytelling session to enhance the day.
Tip: Incorporate themed days (e.g., “Favorite Character Pajama Day”) to boost excitement.
Read-a-thon
- Create pledge forms for students to collect donations per book or chapter read.
- Organize a kickoff assembly to explain the rules and generate enthusiasm.
- Track progress with a leaderboard and recognize top readers.
Tip: Partner with local libraries or bookstores to sponsor prizes.
Scavenger Hunt
- Create age-appropriate clues and themes for the hunt.
- Charge an entry fee per participant or team.
- Provide small prizes for completing the hunt or reaching certain milestones.
Tip: Use the school grounds or a local park as your scavenger hunt venue.
Walkathon
- Set up a registration process where participants can collect pledges per lap or mile walked.
- Map out a safe course on school property or nearby.
- Provide water stations and encouragement signs along the route.
Tip: Offer incentives like medals or certificates for participants to increase motivation.
Movie Night
- Choose a family-friendly movie and get the proper license to show it.
- Sell tickets in advance and at the door.
- Offer popcorn and drinks for additional revenue.
Tip: Encourage kids to bring blankets and turn the event into a “pajama party.”
Used Book Sale
- Collect book donations from families and staff.
- Sort and price books by category (e.g., kids, young adult, adult).
- Hold the sale during a school event or parent-teacher meeting.
Carnival
- Organize simple games like ring toss, face painting, or sack races.
- Charge for game tickets or sell all-access wristbands.
- Include food booths with snacks and drinks for extra profit.
- Include larger attractions like bounce houses or dunk tanks for added excitement.
Action Tip: Use themes that kids love to create excitement. Think superheroes, animals, or space exploration.
How Can Middle Schools Benefit from a Fundraiser?
Effective Fundraising Ideas for Middle School Students
Escape Room challenges
Escape Rooms offer an exciting and interactive way for middle school students to raise funds while exercising teamwork and problem-solving skills. By creating themed puzzle rooms on campus, schools can charge entry fees and provide an engaging experience that appeals to students, parents, and teachers alike.
- Design age-appropriate puzzles and themes that challenge participants.
- Sell tickets for one room and offer a more expensive ticket for all the rooms.
- Set up multiple rooms with different difficulty levels
- Recruit student volunteers or teachers to help manage and monitor the rooms
Tip: Include a time limit for each escape room challenge and offer small prizes for teams that successfully complete the puzzles to increase excitement and participation.
Trivia Night
Trivia NightTrivia nights bring students, parents, and teachers together for some friendly competition. It’s a great way to engage the community while raising funds.
- Create categories that appeal to a variety of ages (e.g., pop culture, history, sports).
- Charge entry fees for teams.
- Offer prizes for the top three teams.
Tip: Include a lightning round for extra excitement.
Dance-a-thon
Dance-a-thons are a high-energy way to engage students and raise donations. Pledge systems make it easy to multiply earnings.
- Set up a pledge system where participants collect donations per hour danced.
- Choose a fun theme like ‘80s Night or Glow Dance.
- Provide refreshments and small prizes for participants.
Talent Show
A talent show lets middle schoolers shine while entertaining the community. It’s a great way to showcase their skills and raise funds through ticket sales.
- Recruit students and even staff to showcase their talents.
- Sell entry tickets to families and the community.
- Organize a panel of judges for fun awards like “Most Creative” or “Crowd Favorite.”
Candle Fundraiser
Selling candles is a simple and profitable fundraiser. Middle schoolers can easily get involved by collecting orders from friends and family.
- Partner with a reputable candle company.
- Provide students with order forms and samples to showcase to potential buyers.
- Set clear deadlines for order collection and delivery.
Tip: Choose seasonal scents or customizable options to appeal to buyers.
Shoe Drive Fundraiser
Shoe drives are an eco-friendly way to raise funds while supporting a good cause. Students collect gently used shoes, which are then recycled or resold.
- Place collection bins in high-traffic areas like school lobbies.
- Promote the event through flyers, emails, and social media.
- Partner with a shoe drive organization that pays for donated shoes.
Tip: Create a competition between classrooms or grades to encourage participation.
Cook-off
A cook-off is a fun way to involve the whole community. Parents, teachers, and students can showcase their culinary talents while raising funds through tasting fees.
- Choose a theme, such as chili, desserts, or international dishes.
- Charge admission for tasting and voting privileges.
- Offer prizes for winners in various categories.
Tip: Pair the event with live music or entertainment to enhance the atmosphere.
Parent Day
Parent Day is a great way to involve families while raising funds. Activities can range from workshops to games that parents and students can enjoy together.
- Plan games or activities that encourage collaboration between parents and kids.
- Sell entry tickets for admission or specific activities.
- Provide refreshments or snacks as an additional revenue stream.
Tip: Include a “thank you” session to recognize parent volunteers and sponsors.
Dog Wash
Charge a flat fee per wash or allow donations.
Tip: Offer complimentary dog treats or a photo station for added fun.
Action Tip: Include interactive fundraising components like raffles or mini-games at these events to increase engagement.
High School Fundraising Ideas That Work
High schoolers love a good challenge. Engage their creativity and leadership skills with student-led fundraisers that encourage friendly competition.
Creative Ideas for High School Students
Car Wash
A car wash is a tried-and-true way for high school students to raise fast money. The simple setup and high visibility make this high school fundraiser a community favorite.
- Choose a busy location like a parking lot.
- Provide all necessary supplies and advertise with bright signs.
- Offer add-ons like vacuuming for higher donations.
- Car Wash-a-Thon: Let students take charge of this classic fundraising initiative. Add unique elements like a “splash zone” for entertainment.
Text-to-Give Campaign
Text-to-give campaigns are perfect for tech-savvy teens who want to use modern tools to raise funds. They’re easy to set up and accessible to everyone.
- Set up a text-to-give platform and create a catchy keyword.
- Promote the campaign during events, on social media, and in newsletters.
- Share progress updates to keep donors engaged.
Tip: Combine this with a video campaign featuring students explaining why funds are needed.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding campaigns allow juniors and seniors to tell a compelling story and reach donors online. They’re especially effective for specific projects like field trips or sports equipment.
- Use platforms like GoFundMe to create a detailed campaign with images and videos.
- Share the campaign widely through email, social media, and parent networks.
- Thank donors publicly to encourage additional contributions.
Tip: Make your campaign specific and measurable (e.g., “Help us raise $5,000 for new band uniforms!”).
Food Fundraiser
Food fundraisers like pasta nights or bake-offs are always crowd-pleasers. Students can handle setup and serving, making them active participants.
- Choose a food theme and decide whether to cater or involve volunteers.
- Sell tickets in advance to gauge attendance.
- Include additional fundraising opportunities like raffles or auctions.
Tip: Partner with local restaurants or bakeries for donations or sponsorships.
Gift Card Fundraiser
- Partner with local or national businesses that offer fundraising programs.
- Provide students with order forms and promotional materials.
- Promote the fundraiser at school events and online.
Tip: Offer incentives for top sellers, like gift cards or recognition at school assemblies. This is great way to raise money for your school, cause or charity.
Fun Run
Fun RunA fun run is a healthy, high-energy event that’s easy to organize and appeals to students and families alike. Themes like color runs or obstacle courses make it even more exciting.
- Register participants and encourage them to collect pledges per mile or lap completed.
- Map out a course on school grounds or a nearby park.
- Provide water stations, music, and prizes for added energy.
Tip: Use an online registration platform to streamline sign-ups and collect donations.
School Picnic
- Organize traditional picnic games like sack races, tug-of-war, or a water balloon toss.
- Sell tickets for entry or specific activities.
- Offer food booths or food trucks for additional revenue.
Action Tip: Partner with local sponsors to offset costs and boost community involvement.
Unique School Fundraiser to Try
- Pop-Up Picnics: Host a community-building event with food trucks, games, and live music. Charge for admission and activities to raise funds.
- Glow Runs: Organize a nighttime event-based fundraiser with glow-in-the-dark accessories. Sell tickets and partner with local businesses for sponsorship.
- Flash band performances: You have seen these on facebook, haven’t you? Imagine your school band coming together at a local mall. Pass a hat around afterwards to collect donations.
Action Tip: Use social media marketing to promote your event. Share countdowns, sneak peeks, and progress updates to inspire participation
Easy School Fundraising Ideas for Everyone
- Spirit Wear Sales: You think you have the best school, right? So create and sell school spirit merchandise like T-shirts, hoodies, or water bottles featuring your school logo.
- Read-a-Thons: Encourage kids to read and collect pledges for every book or chapter completed. Use an online donation platform to make it easy for parents and families to contribute.
Action Tip: Collaborate with local print shops to design affordable merchandise for your campaign.
How Can Schools Raise Money Effectively?
Steps to Organize a School Fundraising Event
- Define your objectives. Decide how much money you need and which school programs will benefit.
- Assign roles. Create teams to handle logistics, marketing, and volunteer coordination.
- Use technology. Set up digital payment systems and leverage crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe or DonorsChoose to simplify giving.
Action Tip: Display a fundraising progress tracker prominently in the school. Watching the goal inch closer motivates students and families to participate.
Successful Fundraising Events for School Communities
Ideas That Build Connections
- Family Game Night: Charge admission and sell snacks to bring in funds. Add interactive elements like raffles for extra excitement.
- Craft Fairs: Let students and parents sell handmade items. These events encourage creativity and community involvement.
Action Tip: Include a silent auction or themed raffle to attract more donations during your event.
Ways to Encourage School Team Spirit Through Fundraising
Ideas That Inspire Pride
- Pep Rally Fundraisers: Sell tickets and merchandise during rallies. These events boost participation while promoting school pride.
- Wall of Fame: Offer personalized tiles or plaques for families to purchase. Display them in a dedicated school space.
Action Tip: Publicly celebrate milestones and top contributors to keep the enthusiasm alive.
How to Plan a Successful School Fundraiser
Tips for Selling Tickets and Raising Funds
- Offer early bird discounts to encourage early participation.
- Use bundled deals for families to boost ticket sales.
- Promote your events during the school year across digital platforms like Facebook and Instagram to maximize visibility.
Involving the Whole School in Fundraising Efforts
- Host a kickoff assembly to rally excitement.
- Recognize top fundraisers with prizes or public shoutouts during school announcements.
Involving Parents and the Community in Fundraising
- Use parent networks to spread the word about campaigns.
- Offer sponsorship perks like advertising on school spirit merchandise or at events.
- Share detailed reports showing how funds benefit school programs.
Action Tip: Host donor appreciation events to thank your supporters and encourage future participation.
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
Celebrate Small Wins
Action Tip: Create a visual tracker, like a thermometer or goal chart, to display progress in a prominent location at school. Watching the needle move inspires everyone to keep contributing.
Build Long-Term Relationships
Ways to Build Relationships
- Host appreciation events for donors and volunteers.
- Provide transparency by sharing exactly how the funds are used.
- Keep communication lines open with regular newsletters and updates.
Action Tip: Send personalized thank-you notes to top donors and sponsors. It’s an easy way to show gratitude and encourage future support.
Think Beyond the Usual
Creative Additions
- Educational Fairs: Charge admission to STEM or art fairs where students showcase their talents.
- Community Clean-Up Drives: Partner with businesses to sponsor eco-friendly initiatives while raising funds.
Action Tip: Incorporate school values and priorities into your events. For example, emphasize sustainability with eco-friendly product fundraisers.
Leverage Technology
- Create engaging crowdfunding campaigns with videos and testimonials.
- Set up mobile payment options for events to make transactions fast and easy.
- Use apps and software to organize volunteer schedules, track donations, and send updates.
Action Tip: Invest in tools like Canva to create professional-looking promotional materials for social media and email campaigns.
Engage Students as Leaders
Action Tip: Form a student fundraising committee to brainstorm and oversee projects. Give them opportunities to present their ideas to parents and staff.
Stay Flexible and Adapt
Action Tip: Gather feedback after every fundraiser. Ask participants and volunteers what they liked, what could improve, and what they want to see next.
Inspire the Next Generation
Action Tip: Involve students in deciding how funds will be used. When they see their efforts making a difference, it fuels their pride and motivation.
Wrapping It Up
Top Brochures that Make the Most Money
- Rapid, high-yielding results.
- Furthermore, our fundraisers are all risk-free. So, this means you don’t pay any up-front cost to get started.
- High quality products your volunteers, supporters, students and their families will be proud to purchase.
Some of the coolest gift wrap and presents are in this Christmas season fundraiser brochure. Cool, one-of-a-kind prints, and inexpensive gift items that can be difficult to find around holiday time. This can all be found in this one stop Christmas shop for everyone in the student’s family. This is a great way for the school to raise the funds they need during the holiday season.
TIP: Start planning as early as possible in the new school year!
This “best of all worlds” option excites people of all ages. It is highlighted by Mom’s Apple Pie Mix, which includes honey cinnamon peanuts, walnuts, raisins, and dried apple pieces. The diversity of flavors here make it a huge hit, and it also includes butter toffee peanuts, salsa-flavored trail mix, tropical fruit trail mix, and other traditional snacks. How much do you charge for this? It retails for only $8 for each of these classy snacks purchased.
The profit? Up to 50% for each sale your students make to their families and your supporters. So get your students inolved ASAP!
When Should I Host My School Fundraiser?
August, September, and October are peak months for schools to fundraise according to trade group Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers. Certain fundraisers are tailor made for specific times of the year. And that’s exactly what makes them huge hits with your potential sponsors. Additionally, there are other fundraisers that are great all year round. It’s a great idea to reach out to us so we can understand your needs and guide you in the right direction to reach your school fund raising goals.
FAQ
Our clients represent all kinds of schools and school groups, from extracurricular activity coordinators and teachers to coaches and parents themselves. We asked them to express some of their most frequent concerns with school fundraising, and we address them below.
Yes and most believe it is very reasonable too.
- 35% for selling 200-350 bags of popcorn
- 50% for selling over 500 which goes towards the school’s fundraising needs.
Simple delivery system
We deliver orders to your organization for you to distribute to your sponsors once shipments arrive. Our ordering forms make this simple to do. This is because we keep a field open for sponsors to write in their addresses and contact information.
We have a no-nonsense return policy.
This means that we will replace any items that are broken, damaged, or missing pieces, with no questions asked! We only ask that you adhere to our 14-day return policy. We want every volunteer and donor of yours to know we stand behind our products!
You pay absolutely nothing.
- You benefit from our 50 years of experience.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our fundraiser products.
- Finally we are always ready to help you execute a successful school fundraiser.
