15 Best Fundraising Ideas For Schools
Fundraising is essential for schools “to provide students with the education and enriching experiences they need to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners.” A great fundraiser does more than just raise money, but also builds school spirit, strengthens community ties, and brings families together around a common cause. Here are 15 fundraising ideas that will energize students, parents, and staff alike. Here are 15 fundraising ideas that’ll get students, parents, and staff excited.
1. Bake Sale Competition
Everyone loves baked goods, but you can make your bake sale stand out by incorporating themes or competitions. For example, host a “Cupcake Wars” style event where parents and students compete for the most creative or delicious treats. Have the proceeds from sales go towards your fundraiser.
2. School Carnival
Transform the schoolyard into a fun carnival with games, face painting, food stands, and raffles. Students and their families can purchase tickets for activities, and you can reach out to local businesses to sponsor booths for additional funds.
3. Walk-A-Thon Or Jog-A-Thon
A walk-a-thon or jog-a-thon is a healthy and engaging way for schools to raise money while promoting physical activity and school spirit. Students collect pledges from family and friends based on the number of laps or distance they complete during the event. It’s easy to organize and can be held on the school track, playground, or local park. This event encourages participation from all age groups and fitness levels, making it a fun way to support school programs and initiatives.
4. Silent Auction
A silent auction is a great, interactive way to raise funds for your school while engaging the broader community. Families, local businesses, and staff can donate items, services, or unique experiences like travel packages and event tickets. Silent auctions can be held during school functions like open houses, carnivals, benefit dinners, or even hosted online for those that can’t attend in-person. Start marketing the silent auction early, highlighting big-ticket or unique items in advance to generate excitement about bidding.
5. Talent Show
A talent show is an entertaining way to raise funds for your school while celebrating the unique skills of students, teachers, and parents. The school can charge admission, sell concessions, and offer voting or raffle opportunities to boost fundraising.
6. DIY Art Night
Host a DIY art night in the school gym or cafeteria, and participants can choose from a variety of art projects like painting, pottery, or crafting. Have stations set up for each art project, and ask volunteers to manage the tables. People can sell their art with all or part of the proceeds going to the school. A good addition to this fundraiser would be a silent auction where people can walk around, place bids, and generate excitement to see who wins the auction items.
7. Community Garage Sale
Ask families, teachers, and local residents to donate gently used items like clothing, toys, books, and household goods that can be sold at a large, school-hosted sale. Proceeds go directly to support school programs, classroom needs, or extracurricular activities. With the option to add bake sales, coffee stands, or student-run booths, a community garage sale can become a vibrant, multi-purpose fundraiser that brings people together for a great cause.
8. Read-A-Thon
Students collect pledges from family and friends based on the number of minutes, pages, or books they read over a set period of time. Schools can add excitement with themed reading days, classroom challenges, or small prizes to motivate participation. Not only does a read-a-thon support academic growth, but it also engages families and the community in a fundraiser for students' education.
9. Movie Night Under The Stars
Movie night under the stars is a family-friendly event that brings the community together for a memorable outdoor fundraiser. Set up an outdoor screen on the school grounds or a local park, and invite families to bring blankets and lawn chairs for a cozy evening of movies. Charge a small admission fee and offer concessions like popcorn, drinks, and snacks.
10. Holiday Craft Fair
A holiday craft fair is a festive way to raise funds for your school while showcasing local creativity. Invite students, parents, and local artisans to sell handmade goods like ornaments, candles, jewelry, baked treats, and seasonal decor. Your school can earn money by charging vendor fees, selling concessions, or hosting raffles and gift basket drawings during the event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support small businesses and raise money.
11. Car Wash
A car wash is a hands-on fundraiser that’s easy to organize, and can be held in the school parking lot or in front of a local business. With minimal supplies and overhead costs, most of the money raised can go directly to school programs, field trips, or extracurricular activities. Add music, signs, and a few extra services like interior vacuuming or tire shining to increase profits.
12. School Cookbook Sale
A school cookbook sale is a creative fundraiser that brings the school community together while raising money for important programs. Families, students, and staff contribute their favorite recipes which are compiled into a professionally printed or digital cookbook. These personalized cookbooks make meaningful gifts and keepsakes, especially around the holidays. Schools can sell them at events and online𑁋making them an ongoing source for fundraising.
13. Game Night
A game night is a fun, family-friendly fundraiser that brings the school community together for an evening of laughter, connection, and friendly competition. Hosted in the school gym or cafeteria, the event can include board games, card tournaments and trivia challenges. Schools can charge admission, sell snacks, and offer raffle prizes or a silent auction to boost fundraising. With games for all ages and opportunities for parents and students to play together, hosting a game night is a low-cost event that everyone can enjoy.
14. Pet Photos
Hosting a pet photo day is a fun and heartwarming fundraiser that invites students, families, and community members to bring their beloved pets in for a photo session at the school. For a small donation or set fee, participants receive a memorable keepsake of their furry, feathered, or scaly friends.
15. Holiday Gift Wrapping Station
A holiday gift wrapping station is a festive way to raise funds for your school during the busy winter season. Set up a booth at school events, local shopping centers, or even in the school lobby during pickup hours, offering professionally wrapped gifts in exchange for donations. Students, parents, or volunteers can help wrap presents using donated supplies. This convenient service saves time for busy families while generating funds for school programs.
Silent Auction Items For School Fundraisers
BlueTree offers amazing trips, exclusive experiences, and unique memorabilia for school fundraisers—all on 100% consignment, so your school only pays if items sell. Check out our auction catalog and then contact us to see how we can help you host a successful silent auction!