Easy Fundraising Ideas for Schools (2024)

92 School Fundraising Ideas For the ’24 – ’25 School Year

School fundraising is super important because it helps schools get extra money for things like school supplies, field trips, new equipment, and special programs. It’s not just about the money; it’s also about bringing people together to support their local school and boost school spirit. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to raise money is by using GoFundMe. This platform makes it simple to start a fundraiser and share it with your community. There are so many creative school fundraising ideas, and we’re going to explore some great ones that you can try at your school this school year.

Utilize a fundraising platform to raise more money

Using a crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe in conjunction with the following event ideas can make fundraising even more successful. Set up a fundraiser pages with clear goals and detailed information about how the funds will be used. The flexibility of GoFundMe’s money transfer options and deadline flexibility is a big advantage for school fundraisers. Having a link to your fundraiser can be used for QR codes, flyers, websites, and more, allowing people to make additional donations during events or fundraising programs.

How can starting a GoFundMe help your school’s fundraising?

GoFundMe is an effective tool for school fundraising because it offers many benefits over traditional methods.

• First, crowdfunding allows you to reach a much larger audience through social media and email. By sharing your fundraiser on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Nextdoor you can get support from friends, family members, and even strangers who care about your cause. Moreover, adding your GoFundMe link or QR code to your school website can also help with online donations.
• Second, GoFundMe is flexible with transferring funds. You can transfer money you’ve raised at any time without any penalties, even if you don’t reach your initial fundraising goals. This flexibility means you can still make a difference with whatever amount you raise.
• Third, donors have the option support your classroom on a monthly basis by selecting recurring donations. Learn how to set up your fundraiser for recurring donations.

Try these 92 fundraising ideas for schools:

1. Late start/Early dismissal day: Set a fundraising goal for your GoFundMe fundraiser. Motivate your students to help you reach your fundraising goal by promoting it to their friends/family/businesses. Share with your students that if you reach your goal, they will earn a school-wide late start or early-release day.
2. Bake Sale: Set up tables at school events and sell baked goods made by students and parents. Consider offering pre-orders through a school website or social media for those who want to support but cannot attend.
3. Penny Drive: Place collection jars in classrooms and common areas where students can donate spare change over a set period. Make it a competition between classes to see who can raise the most.
4. Book Sale: Collect gently used books from families and community members to sell at a school event. Organize a special book fair day to draw in crowds.
5. Recycling Drive: Set up collection points for cans, bottles, and other recyclables, and partner with a local recycling center to exchange them for cash. Promote environmental responsibility alongside fundraising.
6. Raffle: Sell raffle tickets for donated items such as gift baskets, electronics, or services from local businesses. Draw the raffle at a school event for added excitement.
7. Used Uniform Sale: Organize a sale of outgrown or unused school uniforms, helping new students save money while raising funds. Make it a semi-annual event before the new school term starts.
8. Box Tops for Education: Encourage families to collect box tops from participating products and submit them to the school, earning money for each one. Use newsletters and social media to keep the school community engaged.
9. Sticker Sales: Design and sell school-themed stickers or decals that students can use to decorate their notebooks, lockers, or water bottles. Offer limited edition designs to increase demand.
10. Silent Auction: Display donated items at a school event where attendees can place bids, with the highest bidders winning the items. Use school events like parent-teacher nights to draw attention.
11. Coupon Book Sales: Sell books filled with discounts for local businesses, offering great value to buyers. Partner with local businesses to provide attractive deals.
12. Car Wash: Students wash cars in the school parking lot, charging a set fee per vehicle. Advertise through flyers and social media for maximum participation.
13. Popcorn Sale: Sell bags of popcorn at school events, during lunch breaks, or after school. Consider setting up a popcorn stand at a busy area in the school.
14. Lemonade Stand: Set up a lemonade stand at a school or community event, charging per cup. Offer different flavors to attract more customers.
15. Coin Wars: Classes compete to collect the most coins over a short period, with the winning class receiving a prize. Make it a fun and competitive event.
16. Create a signature food or dink item: Ask local businesses to consider creating a drink or food item that would donate a portion of proceeds to your school.
17. Quick Bake Sale: Hold a pop-up sale of baked goods during school breaks or after school. Promote through morning announcements and social media.
18. Snack Cart: Sell snacks from a cart during school breaks or after school. Rotate the selection to keep students interested.
19. QR code flyers: Place flyers with QR codes in local businesses that detail what needs your school has and how they can help by donating to your GoFundMe fundraiser.
20. Break a world record: Find a world record that your community could attempt. Invite the entire community to come help support the efforts. At the event, have your QR code flyers to your fundraiser available.
21. Read-a-thon: Not just for kids! Turn the school library or gym into a comfy, zen, reading zone. Charge a suggested donation and sell snacks to keep readers fueled. Ask if readers would consider starting their own GoFundMe or donating money per book they read for your cause.
22. Balloon Pop: Sell balloons with prizes inside, where participants pop them to reveal their winnings. Promote at school events and through social media. Ask student clubs to help stuff and blow up the balloons, with a portion of funds raised allocated to their club.
23. Instant Raffle: Conduct a quick raffle with small prizes during school events or breaks. Use GoFundMe to sell tickets and accept additional donations.
24. Food delivery night:Let the food come to the community. Offer special dinners catered by the home economics or culinary club. Charge for each meal and ask recipients to consider making a donation to your GoFundMe fundraiser as a tip.
25. Masquerade ball: Take advantage of the hype around popular TV shows and host a ball for the community in the school gym. Charge admission and be sure to encourage attendees to go all out! Take photos, offer themed snacks, make it a special night out that community members will always remember. After the event, email attendees with a link to photos and an ask to consider making an additional donation to the school.
26. Garage Sale: Organize a quick garage sale with donated items from the community. Or, allow families or businesses to sell for a small fee.
27. Community Fair: Host a fair with games, food, and entertainment, charging for entry and activities. Use GoFundMe to promote the event and gather sponsorships from local businesses.
28. Farmers Market Booth: Sell products at a local farmers market, such as student-made crafts, baked goods, or garden produce. Have students work the booth, giving them job/college application experience at the same time.
29. Talent Show: Showcase student and community talent, charging admission for attendees. This is especially fun for seniors, youth, and hidden talents throughout the community to show off their talent.
30. Craft Fair: Sell handmade crafts from students and local artisans, charging for booth space and entry. Host the event at a local business like a coffee shop or restaurant.
31. Community Clean-Up: Get sponsorships for cleaning up local areas, with donors pledging per bag of trash collected. .
32. Dinner Event: Host a community dinner with a school theme. Each “course” can represent a different class. You might serve alphabet soup for literature, a fancy drink in plastic beakers for science, etc.
33. Concert: Organize a concert with local bands or school groups, charging for tickets. Use a mix of local groups and student groups, giving community members a chance to join in the fun.
34. Walk-a-Thon: Community members pledge donations for each mile or lap walked by participants. Use GoFundMe to collect pledges and track progress.
35. Pet Parade: Charge an entry fee for a pet parade, with prizes for categories like “Best Dressed” and “Best Trick.” Have a student be the MC. Ask pet entries to consider making a $5 donation to your GoFundMe fundraiser.
36. Community Picnic: Host a picnic with games, food, and activities, charging for entry and food sales. Students can run activities like face painting or a dunk tank.
37. Cook-Off: Organize a cooking competition with entry fees and charge for tasting tickets. This is a great opportunity for students, teachers, and alumni to show off their secret family recipes.
38. Outdoor movie night: While weather permits, showcase a film outside for the community. Choose classics, newer movies may require special permission to show, and ask community members to make a suggested donation to your GoFundMe fundraiser as admission. You can also sell popcorn and hot chocolate throughout the movie.
39. Farm-to-Table Dinner: Host a dinner featuring local produce, charging for tickets. Use GoFundMe to promote the event and accept online donations.
40. Art Show: Display and sell student and community art, charging for entry and a percentage of sales. Use GoFundMe to promote the event and gather additional donations.
41. Haunted House: Create a haunted house experience for Halloween, charging for entry. Use GoFundMe to promote the event and accept online donations.
42. Trivia Night: Plan a trivia night with themed rounds such as pop culture, history, and science. Secure a venue, such as the school gym or cafeteria, and recruit volunteers to host and judge. Sell tickets in advance and at the door, and offer a grand prize for the winning team. Partner with local businesses to donate prizes for a raffle or silent auction during the event. Promote the event through social media, school newsletters, and community boards to maximize attendance.
43. Game Night: Organize a family-friendly game night featuring board games, card games, and video games. Charge an entry fee for participants, and offer unlimited play or charge per game. Set up different stations for various games and provide snacks and drinks for sale. Host tournaments with small entry fees and prizes for the winners. Promote the event through flyers, social media, and school announcements to ensure a good turnout.
44. Science Fair: Hold a science fair where students can showcase their projects. Charge an entry fee for participants and spectators. Offer prizes for the best projects in different categories. Invite local scientists or experts to judge the projects and provide feedback. Sell refreshments and set up booths with science-related activities and experiments to engage younger attendees. Promote the event through local media, school communications, and community partnerships.
45. Poetry Slam: Host a poetry slam night where students and community members can perform their original works. Charge an entry fee for performers and spectators. Offer prizes for the best performances, judged by a panel of teachers or local poets. Sell tickets in advance and at the door, and provide snacks and drinks for sale. Use social media, school newsletters, and local arts organizations to promote the event.
46. Escape Room: Create an escape room experience at the school with themed challenges and puzzles. Design different levels of difficulty to cater to various age groups. Charge an entry fee for each participant or group. Set up multiple sessions throughout the day or weekend to accommodate more participants. Offer refreshments for sale and promote the event through school communications, social media, and local community boards.
47. Lip Sync Battle: Organize a lip sync battle where students, teachers, and parents can perform their favorite songs. Charge an entry fee for participants and spectators. Offer prizes for the best performances, judged by a panel or audience vote. Sell tickets in advance and at the door, and provide snacks and drinks for sale. Promote the event through social media, school announcements, and local media to attract a large audience.
48. Mural Project: Plan a community mural project where students and local artists can contribute to a large mural at the school. Sell sponsorships for sections of the mural, allowing donors to have their names or messages included in the artwork. Host an unveiling event with an entry fee and refreshments for sale. Engage the community through social media, local businesses, and school communications to gather support and participation.
49. Fashion Show: Host a fashion show featuring clothes designed by students or provided by local stores. Charge an entry fee for models and spectators. Offer prizes for the best designs and performances. Include a silent auction or raffle during the event to raise additional funds. Promote the event through school newsletters, social media, and partnerships with local businesses and fashion organizations.
50. Comic Book Sale: Organize a comic book sale with donated comics or student-created comic books. Set up a booth at school events, local fairs, or community centers. Offer exclusive editions or bundles to attract collectors and fans. Promote the sale through social media, school newsletters, and local comic book shops to reach a wider audience.
51. Virtual Reality Experience: Set up a VR experience at the school, offering different games and educational simulations. Charge an entry fee for each session, and provide a variety of experiences to cater to different interests. Host the event during school fairs, open houses, or community events. Promote through school communications, social media, and local media to attract participants.
52. International fair: Showcase cuisines and experiences of different cultures. Ask the different clubs and cultures at your school showcase their heritage by putting on an “eat-around-the-world” event.
53. Subscription Box: Create a monthly subscription box filled with school-made goods, such as crafts, baked goods, and school merchandise. Offer different subscription levels to attract a wider range of supporters. Promote the subscription service through school communications, social media, and community events. Ensure timely delivery and high-quality items to retain subscribers.
54. Birthday Grams: Sell personalized birthday greetings delivered in class. Offer different packages that include items like balloons, cards, and small gifts. Encourage parents to pre-order birthday grams for their children, and promote the service through school newsletters and social media. Set up a delivery schedule and ensure timely delivery to maintain customer satisfaction.
55. After-School Classes: Offer paid after-school enrichment programs such as art, music, or sports. Charge a fee for each session and offer discounts for multi-session sign-ups. Promote the classes through school newsletters, social media, and local community boards. Recruit qualified instructors and ensure a variety of classes to attract more participants.
56. School Garden Produce: Sell produce from a school garden at local farmers markets or school events. Host gardening workshops to teach students and community members how to grow their own food. Promote the produce and workshops through school communications, social media, and local media to attract buyers and participants.
57. Membership Program: Offer memberships with benefits like discounts on school events, exclusive merchandise, and special recognition. Provide different levels of membership to appeal to various supporters. Promote the program through school newsletters, social media, and local community organizations to attract members.
58. Book Club: Charge for membership in a book club and sell books to participants. Host regular meetings to discuss the books and invite local authors to speak. Promote the book club through school newsletters, social media, and local bookstores to attract members.
59. Recycling Program: Set up an ongoing collection of recyclables such as cans, bottles, and paper. Partner with a local recycling center to exchange them for cash. Promote the program through school communications, social media, and local community boards to encourage participation.
60. Monthly Raffle: Hold regular raffles with donated prizes. Sell tickets throughout the month and draw the winner at a school event or online. Promote the raffle through school newsletters, social media, and local businesses to increase ticket sales.
61. School Store: Sell school supplies, merchandise, and snacks in a school store. Keep the store open during school hours and at events to maximize sales. Promote the store through school communications and social media to attract more customers.
62. Alumni Donations: Regularly appeal to alumni for donations through newsletters, emails, and social media. Host alumni events to maintain connections and encourage ongoing support. Create a dedicated alumni website or social media group to keep alumni engaged.
63. Online Store: Sell school merchandise and crafts online through a school website or social media. Promote the store through newsletters, school events, and community partnerships to reach a wider audience.
64. Gift Wrapping Service: Offer gift wrapping during holidays and special occasions. Set up a booth at local malls, school events, or community centers, charging per item wrapped. Promote the service through school communications and local media to attract more customers.
65. Snack Subscription: Offer monthly snack packs for students, filled with healthy and tasty treats. Create a subscription service where parents can sign up for regular deliveries. Promote the subscription through school newsletters, social media, and community events to attract subscribers.
66. Service Auctions: Auction services such as lawn care, tutoring, or babysitting provided by students and parents. Host the auction at a school event or online to attract more bidders. Promote the auction through school communications, social media, and local media to reach a wider audience.
67. Movie Night: Host a movie night with ticket sales and concessions. Choose popular or classic movies to attract a large audience. Set up an outdoor screen for a unique experience and sell blankets or chairs for added comfort. Promote the event through social media, school newsletters, and local community boards.
68. Dance-a-Thon: Students get sponsors to dance for hours, with prizes for those who dance the longest. Provide music, snacks, and drinks to keep participants energized and motivated. Host the event in the school gym or cafeteria and promote it through school announcements and social media.
69. Fun Run: Organize a themed run with sponsorships, such as a color run or costume run. Offer prizes for the best costumes and fastest runners to encourage participation. Set up a registration booth and promote the event through flyers, social media, and local businesses.
70. Carnival: Set up games, food stalls, and rides for a school carnival. Charge for entry and activities, and offer discounts for advance ticket purchases. Recruit volunteers to help with setup and running the booths. Promote the event through school communications, social media, and local community boards.
71. Karaoke Night: Charge for entry and sell refreshments. Offer prizes for the best performances and encourage students, parents, and teachers to participate. Set up a stage and sound system in the school gym or cafeteria and promote the event through social media, school newsletters, and local media.
72. Face Painting Booth: Set up a face painting booth at school events and fairs. Charge per design and offer a variety of themes to attract more customers. Recruit talented students or parents to help with the face painting. Promote the booth through school communications and social media.
73. Scavenger Hunt: Charge for participation in a school-wide scavenger hunt, offering prizes for the first teams to complete it. Create themed hunts to keep the event fresh and exciting. Promote the event through school announcements, social media, and local community boards.
74. Photo Booth: Set up a themed photo booth at events, charging for photos. Provide fun props and backdrops to encourage students and families to participate. Set up the booth at school dances, sports games, or community events and promote it through school newsletters and social media.
75. Talent Show: Host a talent show with interactive voting and concessions for extra fun. Charge for admission and offer prizes for the best performances. Recruit volunteers to help with setup and running the show. Promote the event through school communications, social media, and local media.
76. Board Game Tournament: Charge entry fees for a board game night, with different games and tournaments. Offer prizes for the winners and sell snacks and drinks to raise additional funds. Set up the event in the school gym or cafeteria and promote it through school announcements and social media.
77. Mini Golf Tournament: Create a mini golf course at school and charge for entry. Offer prizes for the best scores and sell refreshments to raise additional funds. Set up the event during a school fair or sports game and promote it through school newsletters and social media.
78. Obstacle Course: Set up a challenge course with entry fees. Offer different levels of difficulty to attract a wide range of participants and provide prizes for the fastest times. Host the event during a school fair or sports game and promote it through school communications and social media.
79. Video Game Tournament: Charge entry fees for a video game tournament. Offer prizes for the winners and sell snacks and drinks to raise additional funds. Set up the event in the school gym or cafeteria and promote it through school announcements and social media.
80. Pie in the Face: Pay to pie teachers or principals in the face during a school event. Charge per pie and offer multiple opportunities to increase fundraising. Host the event during a school assembly or sports game and promote it through school newsletters and social media.
81. Outdoor Movie Night: Screen a movie outdoors with snacks and drinks for sale. Charge for entry and offer blankets or chairs for rent to make the experience more comfortable. Set up the event on the school field or playground and promote it through social media, school newsletters, and local community boards.
82. Pumpkin Patch: Sell pumpkins and fall-themed items during the autumn season. Set up a pumpkin patch at school or partner with a local farm to provide the pumpkins. Offer additional activities like hayrides, face painting, and a photo booth to attract more customers. Promote the event through school communications, social media, and local media.
83. Holiday Gift Shop: Sell gifts and decorations during the holidays. Set up a shop at school events and local markets, offering a variety of items to attract more customers. Partner with local artisans to provide unique products and promote the shop through school newsletters and social media.
84. Valentine’s Day Grams: Sell messages and treats delivered on Valentine’s Day. Offer different packages that include items like chocolates, flowers, and personalized cards. Encourage parents to pre-order for their children and promote the service through school newsletters and social media.
85. Spring Fling: Host a spring-themed event with games, food, and activities. Charge for entry and offer different activities like a petting zoo, egg hunt, and craft stations to attract families. Set up the event on the school field or playground and promote it through school communications and social media.
86. Easter Egg Hunt: Charge for participation in an egg hunt, offering prizes for the most eggs found. Have students help set up all the eggs and hide them around the football field. Partner with local businesses to donate prizes and promote the event through school newsletters and social media.
87. Christmas Ornament Sale: Have students create wreaths or ornaments in class. Partner with a local tree farm or tree sale lot to help sell the ornaments. If you get the students’ permission, you might even have them include a personal bio with their ornament.
88. Winter Carnival: Host a carnival with winter-themed games and activities. Charge for entry and offer hot chocolate, snacks, and crafts to raise additional funds. Set up the event in the school gym or cafeteria and promote it through school newsletters and social media. Don’t forget to print out QR codes to your GoFundMe fundraiser to accept additional donations for people who want to give.
89. Halloween Costume Contest: Charge an entry fee for a costume contest, offering prizes for the best costumes. Host the contest at a school event or local community center and provide refreshments for sale. Promote the event through school communications and social media.
90. Summer BBQ: Host a barbecue with games and activities during the summer. Charge for food and entry to activities like water balloon fights, sack races, and a dunk tank. Set up the event on the school field or playground and promote it through school newsletters and social media.
91. Fourth of July Celebration: Sell food and host games at a community 4th of July event. Offer activities like face painting, fireworks, and a parade to attract more participants. Partner with local businesses to donate prizes and promote the event through school communications and social media.
92. Back-to-School Bash: Host an event to kick off the school year with food, games, and merchandise sales. Charge for entry and offer different activities like a dunk tank, bouncy castle, and photo booth. Set up the event on the school field or playground and promote it through school newsletters and social media.

Raise money for your school on GoFundMe

School fundraising is essential for supporting various programs and activities that enrich students’ lives. By using creative school fundraising ideas and leveraging tools like GoFundMe, you can make fundraising fun, engaging, and successful. Remember, the key is to get the whole school community involved and show them how their support makes a real difference. Start raising money for your school today.

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