100 Top School Fundraising Ideas - Part 3

Check out Part 3 of our Top 100 Fundraising ideas. These fun, easy and unique ideas to jump start your fundraisers! School and sports fundraising isn’t going away anytime soon but even though most school systems are underfunded, the solutions to fundraiser ideas don’t have to be outdated! Check out some of the tried successful fundraising ideas we have had experience with and see what your parent group, booster, pto or pta think!
Written By:
Fundraiser Blankets
Published On:
August 20, 2024

51. Board Game Nights

Board game nights are engaging fundraising events that bring people together for friendly competition and community support.

  • Social Entertainment: Board game nights offer participants a chance to socialize and enjoy classic or new board games in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
  • Interactive Fundraising: By charging a fee to play, board game nights become a fun and engaging fundraising activity that appeals to a wide range of participants.

Board game nights provide a fun and social atmosphere for participants to enjoy classic and new board games while supporting community fundraising efforts through interactive and engaging activities.

52. DIY Home Repair Services

DIY home repair services can be a unique and practical fundraising initiative where volunteers or professionals offer their expertise to assist community members with basic home repairs or maintenance tasks. Participants can pay for these services, with the proceeds going directly to the fundraising cause.

  • Handy Support: Offering home repair services such as painting, plumbing, or electrical work for a donation provides practical assistance to community members while supporting the school fundraiser.
  • Skilled Fundraising: Utilizing the skills of volunteers or professionals in home repair services allows the fundraiser to generate revenue while addressing the needs of homeowners.

DIY home repair services offer practical help to community members while fundraising for the school. By utilizing volunteers or professionals, these services generate funds while addressing essential home maintenance needs.

53. Environmental Cleanup Events

Environmental cleanup events are impactful fundraising initiatives that mobilize community members to improve and protect local ecosystems. Environmental cleanup events appeal to environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts, and community members committed to preserving the environment.

  • Community Engagement: Organizing environmental cleanup events encourages community members to come together to beautify their surroundings and promote environmental stewardship.
  • Impactful Fundraising: Participants gather sponsors for each bag of trash collected, turning the cleanup efforts into a meaningful fundraising activity that benefits both the community and the school.

Environmental cleanup events unite community members in beautifying and preserving local ecosystems while raising funds through sponsorships for each bag of trash collected. These initiatives foster community engagement and promote environmental stewardship, making a significant impact on both the environment and the school's fundraising goals.

54. Deck the Locker Fundraiser

The Deck the Locker Fundraiser is a creative and festive event that invites participants to decorate lockers or designated spaces in support of a charitable cause. This fundraising initiative combines artistic expression with community spirit, creating a visually captivating and meaningful fundraising experience.

  • Artistic Expression: Participants, whether students, staff, or community members, decorate lockers or assigned spaces according to a chosen theme or their creative vision. They use decorations such as garlands, lights, posters, and personalized artwork to transform lockers into festive displays.
  • Fundraising through Creativity: Funds are raised through registration fees for participants, donations from sponsors, and proceeds from voting or judging events. Supporters can vote for their favorite decorated lockers or contribute directly to the fundraiser's mission, generating financial support for charitable initiatives.
  • Celebrating Generosity: The Deck the Locker Fundraiser not only showcases artistic talents and creativity but also raises awareness about the cause it supports. It inspires participants and supporters to come together, celebrate generosity, and make a positive impact in their community through their contributions.

The Deck the Locker Fundraiser transforms ordinary lockers into extraordinary expressions of support and creativity, uniting participants in a shared commitment to philanthropy and community involvement. This festive event celebrates artistic expression, teamwork, and the spirit of giving, leaving a lasting impression on participants and supporters alike.

55. Holiday Caroling

Holiday caroling is a festive and heartwarming fundraising activity where groups of singers visit homes, businesses, or public places to spread holiday cheer through song.

  • Festive Tradition: Holiday caroling events spread joy and festive spirit throughout the community, bringing people together to celebrate the season.
  • Musical Fundraising: Collecting donations for each performance adds a charitable aspect to the holiday tradition, supporting the school fundraiser while spreading holiday cheer.

Holiday caroling blends festive cheer with community support, bringing joy through song while raising funds for the school.

56. Rubber Duck Derby

The Rubber Duck Derby is a unique fundraising event where participants sponsor rubber ducks that race down a waterway, with proceeds supporting a charitable cause. This fun-filled event engages the community, raises funds through duck sponsorships, and promotes awareness about the cause it supports.

  • Quack-tacular Fundraiser: The Rubber Duck Derby invites participants to sponsor rubber ducks, each representing a donation towards the fundraiser's mission. Ducks race down a designated waterway, creating excitement and competition among participants.
  • Duck Sponsorship: Individuals and businesses can sponsor ducks for a nominal fee, which contributes directly to the fundraising goal. Sponsors can choose from various sponsorship levels, each offering unique benefits such as publicity or recognition at the event.
  • Quacking Good Time: The Rubber Duck Derby not only raises funds but also educates the community about the cause it supports. It provides an opportunity for families and friends to enjoy a memorable day out while making a meaningful contribution.

Rubber Duck Derby makes fundraising fun and interactive, bringing people together for a day of excitement while supporting a worthy cause. This engaging event encourages community involvement and generosity, making a positive impact that extends beyond the day of the derby.

57. Penny Wars

Penny Wars is an exhilarating fundraising competition where participants donate coins to support their chosen cause. This friendly rivalry encourages creativity, teamwork, and community spirit while raising funds through playful competition.

  • Coin Battle for a Cause: In Penny Wars, teams or individuals compete by collecting coins (pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters) in designated containers. The twist lies in sabotage — competitors can strategically place bills or higher-value coins in rival containers to deduct points.
  • Fundraising Fun: Penny Wars transforms spare change into significant contributions for the fundraiser's mission. Participants engage in spirited activities like themed dress days, challenges, or prize incentives, enhancing the fundraising experience and enthusiasm.
  • Change for Impact: Every penny counts in Penny Wars, symbolizing collective efforts to make a difference. The event not only raises funds but also educates participants about the power of small donations and community involvement in creating positive change.

Penny Wars turns loose change into a catalyst for community engagement and charitable giving, transforming ordinary coins into extraordinary impact. This innovative fundraising concept inspires generosity and teamwork, leaving a lasting impression on participants and supporters alike.

58. DIY Home Cooking Classes

By promoting culinary education and creativity in cooking, DIY home cooking classes not only raise funds through participant fees but also foster community engagement and support for the fundraiser's mission. They provide a platform for individuals to learn new cooking skills, share delicious meals, and contribute to charitable initiatives within the community through the joy of cooking and shared meals.

  • Culinary Exploration: Home cooking classes provide participants with the opportunity to learn new recipes and cooking techniques in a supportive and interactive environment.
  • Delicious Fundraising: Participants pay to learn cooking skills, enjoying tasty homemade meals while supporting the school's fundraising efforts.

DIY home cooking classes enrich culinary skills while supporting community fundraisers. Participants enjoy learning new recipes and techniques, contributing to a delicious and meaningful fundraising effort through shared meals and culinary exploration.

59. Online Merchandise & Spirit Sales

Online merchandise sales appeal to a wide audience, including supporters of the cause, online shoppers, and individuals looking to contribute while receiving tangible goods. They offer convenience and accessibility for supporters to participate in fundraising efforts from anywhere with an Internet connection.

  • Digital Reach: Selling school-branded merchandise online expands the reach of the fundraiser to a broader audience beyond the local community.
  • Convenient Fundraising: Offering merchandise for sale through a dedicated website or social media platform provides supporters with a convenient way to contribute to the school fundraiser.

Online merchandise sales provide a convenient way for supporters to contribute to school fundraisers. By offering school-branded items online, these sales extend the fundraiser's reach globally, making it easy for anyone to participate and support the cause from anywhere with internet access. Utilizing social media for maximum reach is key with students modeling the swag and gear.

60. Gardening Workshops

Gardening workshops are interactive fundraising events where participants learn gardening techniques, plant care, and sustainable practices. By promoting hands-on learning and environmental stewardship, DIY gardening workshops not only raise funds through participant fees but also foster community engagement and support for the fundraiser's mission.

  • Green Thumb Guidance: Gardening workshops offer participants practical skills in planting, pruning, or composting, empowering them to create and maintain beautiful gardens.
  • Blooming Fundraising: Participants pay to attend workshops, gaining valuable gardening knowledge and skills while supporting the school's fundraising efforts.

Gardening workshops cultivate both green thumbs and community support. Participants learn essential gardening skills while contributing to the fundraiser, promoting sustainability and community engagement.

61. Cow Pie Bingo Fundraiser

Cow Pie Bingo is a unique and entertaining fundraising event that combines chance, community participation, and a touch of rural charm to support a charitable cause. This lighthearted event engages participants in a fun and memorable way while raising funds through a playful game of chance.

  • Field of Opportunity: Participants purchase numbered squares on a large grid marked in a designated field. A cow, or sometimes another animal, is released onto the grid, and participants wait in anticipation for the animal to do its business, marking the winning square.
  • Fundraising with Farm Flair: Funds are raised through the sale of numbered squares, with proceeds directly benefiting the fundraiser's mission or charitable programs. Additional revenue can be generated through event ticket sales, concessions, or sponsorships from local businesses.
  • Country Fun for a Cause: Cow Pie Bingo not only raises funds but also raises awareness about the cause it supports. It provides an opportunity for laughter, good-natured competition, and community bonding, showcasing the power of creativity and fun in fundraising efforts.

Cow Pie Bingo Fundraiser transforms a rural tradition into a meaningful fundraising opportunity, uniting participants in laughter, excitement, and support for a charitable cause. This whimsical event celebrates community spirit, creativity, and the joy of giving, leaving a lasting impact on participants and supporters alike.

62. Art Therapy Workshops

Art therapy workshops are therapeutic fundraising events that empower participants to explore creativity. They provide a safe and nurturing space for individuals to explore emotions, build resilience, and contribute to charitable initiatives that promote well-being and healing within the community.

  • Therapeutic Expression: Art therapy workshops offer participants a creative outlet for self-expression and emotional healing through activities like painting, drawing, or collage-making.
  • Healing Fundraising: Participants pay to participate in workshops, benefiting from the therapeutic benefits of art while contributing to the school's fundraising efforts.

Art therapy workshops provide a healing space for participants to express themselves creatively while supporting the school's fundraising goals.

63. Online Art Auctions

Online art auctions are dynamic fundraising events where artwork is auctioned off to the highest bidder through virtual platforms. Participants bid on a variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and mixed media pieces, all donated by artists or collectors to support a charitable cause.

  • Digital Showcase: Hosting online art auctions featuring donated artwork allows the fundraiser to reach a wider audience and attract art enthusiasts from around the world.
  • Global Fundraising: Bidders from anywhere can participate in the auction, making it a convenient and accessible way to support the school fundraiser while acquiring unique artwork.

Online art auctions leverage digital platforms to engage global audiences, making art accessible and supporting charitable causes worldwide.

64. Personalized Brick Campaign

The Personalized Brick Campaign offers donors the opportunity to leave a lasting mark by purchasing engraved bricks that will be prominently displayed in a designated area. This creative fundraising initiative not only raises funds but also celebrates donors and strengthens community bonds.

  • Building a Legacy: Supporters can personalize bricks with their names, messages, or dedications, creating a lasting tribute or memorial. These bricks are then integrated into a pathway, wall, or plaza, symbolizing the collective support for the campaign's cause or organization.
  • Community Tribute: The campaign engages the community by offering individuals, families, and businesses a chance to contribute and be recognized for their generosity. It fosters a sense of belonging and pride as donors see their personalized bricks become a part of a meaningful community project.
  • Fundraising through Memorabilia: Donors purchase bricks at various sponsorship levels, with each level offering unique benefits such as different brick sizes or placements. The funds raised support the campaign's goals while providing donors with a tangible way to leave a lasting legacy.

The Personalized Brick Campaign transforms donations into enduring tributes, creating a meaningful connection between donors and the cause. This innovative fundraising approach builds community spirit and financial support, ensuring a legacy of generosity and unity for generations to come.

65. Language Classes

Language classes offer participants the opportunity to learn, practice and speak a new language. They provide a fun and educational platform for individuals to develop language skills, connect with others from diverse backgrounds, and contribute to charitable initiatives.

  • Linguistic Exploration: Language classes provide participants with the opportunity to learn new languages or improve their conversational skills, cultural understanding and communication.
  • Multicultural Fundraising: Participants pay to learn language skills, gaining valuable linguistic knowledge and cultural insights while contributing to the school's fundraising efforts.

Language classes offer participants the chance to learn new languages or improve conversational skills, and support school fundraising efforts through interactive educational experiences.

66. Glow Run

The Glow Run is a thrilling nighttime fundraising event where participants light up the night in support of a charitable cause. This energetic event combines fun and community spirit under the glow of neon lights, attracting participants of all ages to run or walk for a good cause.

  • Illuminated Fundraising: Participants register for the Glow Run, receiving glow accessories such as glow sticks, bracelets, or neon clothing to wear during the event. The course is lit with neon lights and decorations, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
  • Fundraising through Fitness: Registration fees and sponsorships from local businesses contribute to the fundraising goal. Participants may also raise additional funds through pledges or donations, amplifying the impact of their participation beyond the event itself.
  • Shining a Light on Charity: The Glow Run not only raises funds but also raises awareness about the cause it supports. It serves as a platform to educate the community about important issues while promoting active lifestyles and community involvement.

The Glow Run illuminates the path to charitable giving in a memorable and impactful way. This electrifying event inspires participants to shine brightly for their community, making a meaningful difference through their support and participation.

67. Online Tutoring Services

Online tutoring services as a fundraising initiative involve offering educational support and tutoring sessions to students, typically on subjects like math, science, languages, or test preparation.

  • Academic Support: Offering online tutoring services in various subjects provides students with personalized academic assistance and support.
  • Educational Fundraising: Utilizing the skills of teachers, students, or volunteers to offer tutoring services generates revenue for the fundraiser while helping students succeed academically.

Online tutoring services provide personalized academic support while generating funds through educational initiatives, benefiting students and fundraising efforts alike.

68. Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser

The Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser is an interactive and adventurous fundraising event that engages participants in a quest to discover clues and complete challenges while supporting a charitable cause. This exciting activity encourages teamwork, creativity, and community involvement in a fun and meaningful way.

  • Quest for a Cause: Participants form teams and receive a list of clues or challenges that lead them to various locations or tasks throughout the community. Each clue solved or challenge completed earns points, contributing to the team's overall score and fundraising efforts.
  • Fundraising through Adventure: Teams register for the Scavenger Hunt by paying a participation fee or gathering sponsorships from friends, family, or businesses. Funds raised through registration fees, sponsorships, and optional donations directly support the fundraiser's mission and charitable activities.
  • Fun with Purpose: Beyond the thrill of the hunt, the Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser raises awareness about the cause it supports. Participants learn about the organization's mission and impact while enjoying a day filled with laughter, challenges, and community spirit.

The Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser transforms exploration into empowerment, uniting participants in a quest for positive change. This engaging event not only raises vital funds but also builds connections, inspires teamwork, and leaves a lasting impact on participants and the community alike.

69. Virtual Cooking Classes

This fundraising idea provides an interactive and educational experience for individuals to improve their cooking skills, connect with others, and contribute to charitable initiatives that promote community well-being and culinary arts education.

  • Culinary Instruction: Virtual cooking classes allow participants to learn new recipes and cooking techniques from professional chefs or culinary experts.
  • Tasty Fundraising: A portion of the proceeds from virtual cooking classes supports the school fundraiser while providing participants with a fun and educational culinary experience.

Virtual cooking classes offer participants a fun, educational culinary experience while supporting community well-being through charitable fundraising initiatives.

70. Science Experiment Kits

Science experiment kits provide participants with materials and instructions to conduct hands-on experiments at home.

  • Hands-On Learning: DIY science experiment kits provide families with materials and instructions for conducting fun and educational experiments at home.
  • Scientific Fundraising: Sales of DIY science kits generate revenue for the fundraiser while promoting hands-on learning and STEM education.

Science experiment kits promote hands-on learning and STEM education while supporting fundraising efforts through interactive and educational initiatives.

71. Online Music Concerts

Online music concerts have emerged as a compelling way to bring live performances directly to audiences worldwide via digital platforms.

  • Digital Performance: Online music concerts featuring student, teacher, or local musician performances entertain viewers and provide a platform for showcasing musical talent.
  • Musical Fundraising: Donations collected during online music concerts support the school fundraiser while celebrating the arts and supporting musical education.

Online music concerts showcase talent and entertain global audiences while raising funds to support musical education and school initiatives.

72. Charity Raffle

The Charity Raffle is a time-honored fundraising activity where participants purchase tickets for a chance to win prizes generously donated by individuals, businesses, or organizations. This straightforward yet effective fundraising method generates excitement, community support, and crucial funds for the beneficiary.

  • Prize-Packed Fundraiser: Participants buy raffle tickets, each ticket representing a chance to win a variety of prizes donated by sponsors. Prizes can range from gift baskets and electronics to exclusive experiences or services, enticing participants to support the cause.
  • Fundraising Efficiency: Funds are raised through ticket sales, with proceeds directly benefiting the fundraiser's mission or charitable activities. Additional revenue can be generated through sponsorships, advertising opportunities, or complementary fundraising activities held in conjunction with the raffle.
  • Impactful Giving: The Charity Raffle not only raises essential funds but also raises awareness about the cause it supports. Participants and sponsors alike contribute to making a positive difference in their community, demonstrating the collective power of philanthropy and community involvement.

The Charity Raffle turns generosity into prizes and prizes into support, uniting participants in a shared commitment to making a difference. This classic fundraising approach not only rewards lucky winners but also strengthens community connections and empowers positive change through charitable giving.

73. Assembly Fundraiser at School

The assembly fundraiser at school offers a unique opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to come together, collaborate on assembling items, and raise funds through sales to support school initiatives, building a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

  • Supports School Activities: Funds raised can support extracurricular programs, field trips, or school improvements.
  • Educational Opportunity: Teaches students about fundraising, teamwork, and community involvement.

The assembly fundraiser at school fosters community spirit and supports school activities, providing educational opportunities in fundraising, teamwork, and community involvement for students, teachers, and parents alike.

74. Pet Parade Fundraiser

The Pet Parade Fundraiser is a delightful community event that celebrates furry friends while raising funds for a charitable cause. This lighthearted and pet-friendly activity brings together pet owners, animal lovers, and families for a day of fun, creativity, and philanthropy.

  • Pawsome Fundraising: Participants register their pets to strut their stuff in the parade, showcasing costumes, tricks, or themed attire. Each pet entry contributes to the fundraising effort through registration fees or optional donations, directly supporting the cause.
  • Fundraising with Flair: Funds are raised through various avenues such as participant registration fees, sponsorships from local businesses, or merchandise sales related to the event. Proceeds go towards the fundraiser's mission, whether it's supporting animal welfare, community programs, or other charitable initiatives.
  • Pet-tacular Impact: The Pet Parade not only raises funds but also raises awareness about animal welfare or the cause it supports. It promotes responsible pet ownership and highlights the importance of caring for animals while showcasing the love and bond between pets and their owners.

The Pet Parade Fundraiser transforms furry companions into fundraising champions, creating a wag-worthy event that brings joy and support to the community. This heartwarming gathering not only celebrates pets but also makes a meaningful impact through charitable giving and community engagement.

75. Virtual Painting Parties

Virtual painting parties are lively fundraising events where participants create artwork together under the guidance of an instructor.

  • Creative Gathering: Virtual painting parties allow participants to follow along with an instructor to create beautiful artworks from the comfort of their own homes.
  • Artistic Fundraising: A portion of the proceeds from virtual painting parties supports the school fundraiser while providing participants with a fun and creative outlet.

Virtual painting parties foster creativity and community connection through interactive art sessions, supporting school fundraisers by offering participants a fun and artistic experience from home.