School Fundraising     |     19 June 2024

70+ Unique Fundraising Ideas for Schools

Creative fundraising ideas to upgrade your school

20 minute read

Schools often rely on fundraising to support programs and resources that might otherwise go unfunded. However, organizing successful fundraisers is no small task, especially when those in charge are usually volunteers who might be coming up with fundraising ideas for school for the first time. 

The team at Silent Auction Pro has been around the fundraising block a time or two, so we put together this massive guide to help inject some fresh, creative ideas into your school fundraising efforts. If you’ve been asking yourself, “What are good fundraiser ideas for schools?” sit back and get ready to be inspired with over 70 fundraising ideas for schools. 

Understanding fundraising challenges

Fundraising can be a tough job, especially when you face the usual hurdles:

• Tight budgets
• A small pool of overworked volunteers
• A community that might feel overwhelmed by the constant flow of the same old sales pitches

This combination often leads to a sort of fundraising fatigue, both for organizers and supporters. Breaking out of the routine with some unique fundraising ideas can bring back the excitement and encourage more enthusiastic participation, ultimately making your efforts more successful.

What makes a great fundraiser for schools?

The best fundraisers share a few key traits: 

• Cost-effective
• Engaging
• Community-oriented
• Easy to manage

When planning a fundraiser, consider ideas that do not require a huge upfront investment and can easily draw in broad community support. Aligning the fundraiser with the school's values can also increase its appeal. For instance, if environmental stewardship is a celebrated value at your school, a recycling drive or a sale of eco-friendly products might connect well with your community. By choosing the right activities, you can meet your financial goals and strengthen the bonds within your school community.

There are 100 ways to skin the school fundraiser cat. Here are 70 of our best ideas. We know you'll find one you love that can help you and your school succeed.

Creative crafts and handmade goods

Themed baskets and holiday craft fair

Organizing a themed basket auction can be a delightful way to engage the school community. Each class or group can create a basket around a specific theme, such as "Gourmet Chef" or "Sports Enthusiast," with relevant items. These baskets can be auctioned off at a holiday craft fair, where you can also invite students, parents, and local artisans to sell their handmade crafts. This event raises funds while celebrating the artistic talents within the community.

Artwork showcase and class art project

An artwork showcase is a fantastic opportunity for students to display their creativity while supporting their school. Students can create individual pieces or collaborate on group projects displayed, sold, or auctioned at a special event. This initiative allows students to express themselves and involves the community appreciating and valuing their work.

Digital cookbook sale

Creating and selling a digital cookbook is a fun way to fundraise. Compile favorite recipes from students, parents, and staff into a beautifully designed digital book. This cookbook can be sold online, reaching local community members and extended family and friends who wish to support the school from afar.

Student-designed merchandise

Encourage students to design and sell merchandise such as buttons, stickers, and posters. This fundraiser can be linked to school events, themes, or seasons, giving students a real-world experience in product development and marketing. Sales can take place at school events or online.

DIY craft kits

Selling DIY craft kits is a creative and interactive fundraising idea. These kits can include all the materials needed to make jewelry, home decorations, or seasonal crafts. They provide a fun, hands-on way for the community to support the school.

Arts and Culture

Comedy night

Organize an evening of laughter with a comedy night featuring performances by students or local comedians. This event can be a great way to showcase the comedic talents within your school and community, charging a modest entry fee for attendees. 

Battle of the bands

Hold a music competition where student bands perform and compete. Charge bands an entry fee and let the audience vote on their favorites for a small fee. This event promotes musical talent and brings an electrifying atmosphere to the school, making it a memorable fundraiser.

Cultural costume day

Encourage students to celebrate diversity by wearing costumes that represent different cultures. Charge a participation fee and perhaps organize a parade or a small presentation where students can share something about the culture they are representing. This event educates while fostering respect and appreciation for global diversity.

DIY art market

Set up a market where students can sell their artwork, crafts, or homemade jewelry. This kind of event encourages creativity among students and gives young artists a platform to get a feel for entrepreneurship and the satisfaction of earning money through their own efforts.

Photography exhibit and sale

Host a photography exhibit featuring student work, where prints can be sold to the community. This showcase can be an inspiring event for young photographers to display their perspective of the world around them and a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to support their aspiring artists.

Literature day

Celebrate literature by selling books and hosting student readings or performances. This event can include poetry slams, dramatic readings, and discussions about favorite books, fostering a love of reading and literature in the school community.

Craft workshops

Offer workshops where participants can learn pottery, painting, or woodworking skills. Charging a fee for these classes can raise funds while providing participants with valuable artistic and practical skills.

Exciting Events and Engaging Experiences

Community yard sale

A community yard sale is a simple and effective way to raise funds. Families can donate items they no longer need, and the school can host the sale on its grounds. This event helps declutter homes and brings the community together for a common cause.

Pizza or snack sale fundraiser

A pizza or snack sale during school events can be a big hit. Partner with local businesses to secure snacks or pizza at a discounted rate, then sell these during recess, lunch, or special events. It's a great way to involve students in simple entrepreneurial activities while satisfying everyone's snack cravings.

Holiday gift-wrapping service

Offer a gift-wrapping service during the holiday season. Set up stations at schools or local malls where gifts can be wrapped for a fee or donation. This service can be unique by offering various paper designs, ribbons, and custom tags.

Bingo night

Bingo night is a timeless fundraising event that can draw a large crowd. To increase fundraising potential, charge a small entry fee and sell additional bingo cards. Prizes donated by local businesses can add to the excitement and encourage more participation.

VIP school tour and principal's challenge

Create an exclusive experience with a VIP tour of the school led by the principal or other staff members. Combine this with a fun challenge involving the principal, like a trivia contest or a sports challenge, where participants pay to see the principal perform or compete.

Carnival day

Host a school carnival complete with games, food stalls, and fun activities. This festival can be a huge event on the school calendar, drawing students, families, and community members. Charge for entry, games, and food, turning a fun day into a profitable endeavor.

Movie marathon

Organize a movie marathon in the school auditorium featuring films chosen by student vote. The lineup could be themed, like a Harry Potter night or a superhero marathon, with attendees paying for tickets. Offer popcorn and drinks for sale to enhance the movie-going experience. Just explore the rules and licenses for showing movies to the public at your school. 

Talent show

Host a talent show where students and teachers can showcase their singing, dancing, magic, or comedy abilities. Charge admission for the audience and consider having a small panel of local celebrities or teachers as judges to add a professional touch.

Family photo day

Set up a professional photo shoot at the school, where families can book a session with a photographer. This fun day offers a valuable service to families wanting quality family portraits and can be especially popular during the holidays or just before major school events like graduation.

Sports and Recreation

Fun run or walkathon

A fun run or walkathon is a fantastic way to combine fitness with fundraising. Participants can gather pledges from friends and family based on the distance they walk or run, generating funds while promoting health and wellness. This event can easily become an annual tradition involving students, parents, and community members.

Charity sports match

Imagine a sports match where the teachers compete against students. This event can be a big draw, creating a fun and competitive atmosphere that brings the whole school together. Ticket sales for the match and concessions can add to the fundraising total.

Dance-a-thon

A dance-a-thon encourages students to dance for as long as possible while sponsors pledge money for every hour they keep moving. This event is a great way for students to show off their endurance and dance moves and a fun way to raise money. It’s easy to organize in the school gym or auditorium and can include different music themes to keep the energy high.

Fitness challenges

Organizing fitness challenges like push-up contests or yoga classes can also be great fundraisers. Charge a small entry fee and offer prizes for the winners. These events promote healthy living and can be held with minimal setup, making them convenient for busy school schedules.

School Spirit and Merchandise Sales

School spirit gear sales

Selling school spirit gear such as t-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts featuring the school’s logo is a proven way to raise funds. It boosts school spirit, especially during key events like homecoming or sports matches. These items can be sold at school events or online to reach a wider audience.

Customized school accessories

Customized school accessories like water bottles, notebooks, or backpacks adorned with the school logo can be a hit among students and parents alike. These items serve a dual purpose—building school pride and providing a practical utility. Offering these products can contribute to fundraising efforts throughout the school year.

Seasonal pop-up stores

Seasonal pop-up stores can offer themed merchandise during holidays or special school events. Whether it's Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, or Valentine’s Day cards, these temporary shops can cater to the seasonal demands of the school community.

Alumni merchandise

Creating special merchandise for school alumni can help reconnect past students with their alma mater. Items like limited edition apparel or commemorative accessories can be appealing. Alumni are often eager to support their old schools, and this approach brings in funds and strengthens the alumni network.

Yearbook dedications & yearbook cover design

Offer parents the opportunity to bid on dedicating a page or section in the school yearbook to their child. Allow students to bid on designing the cover of the yearbook. This idea allows for a more personalized yearbook for everyone involved. 

Auctions and Large-Scale Fundraisers

Services auction and dining experiences

Hosting a services auction is a creative way to engage the community and raise funds. Local businesses and talented individuals can donate services such as landscaping, photography sessions, or gourmet dinner preparations. Dining experiences can be auctioned, offering meals from local chefs or popular restaurants. These events tend to attract major interest, as they offer unique experiences unavailable daily.

Vacation packages and sports memorabilia

Auctioning off vacation packages and sports memorabilia can generate high interest. Schools can contact travel agencies for package donations or local sports teams for signed memorabilia. These items often fetch higher bids and can add to your fundraising total, appealing especially to parents and community members looking for unique leisure experiences or collectibles.

Celebrity meet and greet

Auction off a meeting with a local celebrity or athlete to raise excitement and funds. This meet and greet could be a one-on-one lunch, a training session, or a backstage pass to a performance. Such highly prized experiences can drive your fundraising efforts, especially if the celebrity strongly connects to the community.

Digital and innovative fundraising

Calendar Day fundraiser

The Calendar Day fundraiser involves selling days of the year. Each day is priced according to its number, so January 1st would be $1, February 1st would be $32, and so on. Supporters can buy their birthdays, anniversaries, or any day they support the school, making it a personal and meaningful contribution.

Text-to-give campaigns

Text-to-give campaigns make it easy for supporters to donate with just a few taps on their smartphones. By promoting a specific number, donors can text to contribute set amounts, which are charged to their phone bill or processed through payment platforms. These campaigns help reach a broad audience quickly, especially during events or in response to specific funding needs.

Online competitions

Hosting online competitions such as trivia contests, fantasy sports, or video game tournaments can engage students and the wider community while raising funds. Participants pay an entry fee; winners can receive donated prizes or recognition awards. This approach taps into the competitive spirit and can appeal to a younger demographic.

Crowdfunding campaigns

Crowdfunding campaigns allow schools to fund specific projects or needs directly online. By setting up a campaign, schools can share their goals with a wide audience, including detailed explanations and visual content. Supporters can donate small to large amounts, making it a flexible option for everyone involved.

Virtual auction

Host an online auction where items donated by local businesses or handmade by students are up for bids. This digital approach allows the broader community to participate, potentially increasing the reach and success of the fundraising effort.

Podcast fundraiser

Create a school podcast featuring students discussing various educational or entertainment topics. Local businesses can sponsor episodes, and the podcast can be made available for a small subscription fee. This can raise funds to help students develop media and communication skills.

Online workshop series

Offer virtual workshops ranging from academic help to hobby classes like photography or coding. Charge a registration fee for access to these live or recorded sessions. This method provides a flexible learning opportunity for students and the community.

Virtual book club

Start a virtual book club where participants pay a registration fee to join monthly book discussions held over a video platform. This club could feature various genres and invite authors or experts to participate in discussions, adding to the experience for attendees.

Digital art sale

Sell digital artwork created by students, such as graphic designs or digital photography, through an online platform. This sale allows students to gain exposure to their work and engage with digital commerce while raising funds for school projects.

Community partnerships and external involvement

Local business sponsorships

Securing sponsorships from local businesses can provide a steady stream of support for school initiatives. In exchange for financial contributions or donated services, businesses receive advertising opportunities at school events, in newsletters, or on the school website, benefiting from exposure to the school community.

Community service days

Partner with local businesses for a community service day, where students, parents, and staff volunteer at various local organizations or public spaces. Participants can register for a fee, which goes towards the school's fundraising efforts while also meaningfully giving back to the community.

Sponsored classroom makeovers

Classroom makeovers sponsored by local businesses combine fundraising with practical improvements to the school environment. Businesses can contribute funds for new furniture, technology, or decorations, transforming the learning spaces and positively impacting student experiences and daily school life.

Fun with food

International food festival

Embrace the diverse cultures within your school community by hosting an international food festival. Students and parents can manage food stalls offering dishes from around the world. This event serves as a fundraiser and a cultural celebration, improving students' understanding and appreciation of different traditions and cuisines.

Cook-off competitions

Stir up some friendly competition with a cook-off event. Teachers and parents can compete in various culinary challenges, and attendees can pay a small fee to taste and vote for their favorite dishes. This competition raises funds and brings the community together for a delicious, engaging experience.

Bake sales

Bake sales are a tried-and-true fundraising method. Whether you opt for traditional treats or cater to specific dietary needs like gluten-free or vegan options, a theme like the holidays, or an in-season item, bake sales can attract a wide audience. Organizing them during school events or parent-teacher meeting days can increase participation and sales.

Breakfast fundraiser

Kickstart the day with a before-school breakfast event where students and parents can come together to enjoy a delicious start to their day. Offer a menu of easy-to-prepare items like pancakes, bagels, and fruit. This fundraiser can be a regular event, perhaps once a month, that raises funds and fosters a sense of community as families gather before the school day begins.

Food truck rally

Transform the school parking lot into a festival by inviting local food trucks for a day or evening. Each truck offers a variety of dining options, and a portion of its earnings is donated back to the school. This event attracts students, parents, and members of the surrounding community.

Smoothie bar

Set up a smoothie bar during sports events or as an after-school treat. Offer a range of flavors, including options for add-ins like protein or fresh fruit. This option provides a healthy snack and a fun way to cool down and enjoy something fresh, with proceeds supporting school projects or clubs.

Popcorn sale

Popcorn is a great snack that’s popular with all age groups. Sell flavored popcorn during school events or as a special Friday treat. Offer flavors from classic butter to caramel or cheese, and use this as an ongoing fundraiser that students and teachers look forward to each week.

Hot chocolate bar

During winter events, a customizable hot chocolate bar can warm everyone up. Provide options for various toppings, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. This delightful treat can be a hit at holiday concerts, plays, or any chilly outdoor event, providing a sweet way for the community to contribute to fundraising efforts.

Eco-friendly initiatives

Green carnivals

Host a carnival that focuses on eco-friendly games and products. This carnival can include activities like recycling races, eco-crafts, and booths selling sustainable goods. Engaging students and their families in sustainability efforts while raising funds is fun.

Plant sales

Selling plants or seeds, perhaps grown in the school garden, can be a green way to generate funds. This sale encourages the community to participate in gardening and serves as a practical lesson in botany and environmental stewardship for students.

Used book sale

Collect and sell used books donated by students, parents, and teachers. This sale generates funds but also promotes literacy and recycling. To maximize reach, set up the book sale during parent-teacher meetings or special school events.

E-waste collection

Partner with a recycling company to collect electronic waste like old computers, phones, and batteries. These companies often pay for the materials collected, turning potentially harmful waste into a profitable and environmentally friendly initiative.

Sustainable living workshop

Conduct workshops teaching skills such as making reusable shopping bags or beeswax wraps. Charge a materials fee and use this workshop to educate students and parents about sustainable living practices. This initiative can spark long-term changes in how the community approaches everyday living.

Bike-a-thon

Plan a sponsored bike ride focusing on promoting eco-friendly transportation. Participants can gather pledges based on distance or laps completed. This event raises funds and encourages physical fitness and environmental awareness.

Special days and themed events

Heritage day

Organize a day celebrating various cultures with costumes, food, and performances. This event can include a parade, traditional dances, and cultural exhibitions, making it a fun day of learning and fun.

Superhero day

Invite students and staff to dress as their favorite superheroes for a day, with a small participation fee. This dress-up day can be linked to charity drives or community service, embodying the heroic traits of helping and protecting others.

Retro day

Turn back the clock with a retro day, where everyone dresses in styles from a chosen era. Charge for entry and add to the atmosphere with period-appropriate music and decorations. This day creates a fun, immersive experience, and a memorable fundraising event.

Pajama day

Invite students to wear their pajamas to school for a day by paying a small participation fee. This fun and comfy dress code makes for an exciting break from the usual school attire and can be easily paired with activities like story reading or breakfast-themed snacks to match the day’s theme.

Decades day

Transform the school into a timeline, each class representing a different decade. Students can dress in styles from the 60s, 70s, 80s, or any chosen era, paying a fee to participate. This event makes for a colorful school day and offers an educational twist, exploring fashion, music, and major events of each decade.

Board game day

Set up various board games in the cafeteria or gym, where students and families can come and play. Charge a small admission or rental fee for gameplay. This event encourages strategic thinking and cooperation among students and provides a relaxed environment for community interaction.

Magic show

Invite a local magician to perform at the school and organize a magic show. Charge admission for a family-friendly evening that promises to dazzle and entertain. This event can draw large crowds and create a sense of wonder and excitement.

Escape room event

Set up a temporary escape room at school designed by creative students or teachers. Charge admission for students and parents to solve puzzles and "escape" within a set time limit. This interactive event is great for building teamwork and critical thinking skills.

Bringing it all together with Silent Auction Pro

In our journey through over 70 unique fundraising ideas, we've explored diverse activities that can bring new life into your school's fundraising efforts. Each idea holds the potential to raise vital funds and strengthen the bonds within your school community, celebrate creativity, and promote engagement.

Implementing these ideas, however, involves coordination, management, and sometimes complex logistics. This is where Silent Auction Pro can become your most valuable partner. With our powerful and intuitive event management solutions, Silent Auction Pro makes organizing, tracking, and executing any fundraising event simple. The platform is designed to reduce the workload on volunteers by streamlining the registration, ticketing, and bidding processes, ensuring that every fundraiser is as successful as it is stress-free.

By leveraging Silent Auction Pro’s features, your school can host these innovative fundraisers and improve the experience for everyone involved. Whether organizing a large-scale community yard sale, managing ticket sales for a comedy night, or coordinating bids for a silent auction, Silent Auction Pro provides the tools you need to maximize participation and profits. In doing so, you ensure that every dollar raised goes directly into improving school programs, facilities, and resources—truly making each event count towards a brighter future for your students.

As you consider these fundraising ideas, remember that with the right tools and creativity, there's no limit to what your school community can achieve. Silent Auction Pro is here to help you turn those creative ideas into successful realities, one fundraiser at a time. Request a free demo of this platform in action or explore our various webinars, blogs, and help pages to find other sources of inspiration. Start planning your school’s next fundraiser, and let Silent Auction Pro be by your side every step of the way.