What are some fundraising ideas for schools?
The best fundraising ideas for students and schools are low-cost and achieve maximum profits. Top student fundraising ideas should require minimal effort and time, and have safety in mind. Here are a few great ones:
1. Sell school merchandise
Many school clubs, teams and parent-teacher groups sell fundraiser products to collect money for their schools. Organizers can customize trendy school supplies with school mascots, mottos and inspirational quotes. The most popular school fundraising products in 2022 are hats, water bottles, drawstring bags, keychains, flying discs, lunch bags, rally towels and sunglasses. Click here to view our digital catalog with dozens of more product ideas!
2. Raffle tickets
Selling raffle tickets is a tried and true concept. Prizes can be promotional products or experiences such as hitting the principal with a pie!
3. Walk-A-Thon
Schedule an annual Walk-A-Thon at your school for teachers, students and community members. Ask each participant to collect money from donors for every mile they intend to walk. Lump-sum donations can also be accepted. T-shirts with the school logo can be sold for participants to wear during the event and later.
4. Local business discount cards
Raise funds for your club and help a local business by selling discount cards or certificates to their establishment. Families will enjoy the savings at area restaurants, game rooms, movie theaters and roller skating centers.
Partnering with a local store owner or vendor can be a win-win for everyone. In exchange for giving discounts such as BOGO offers, the business draws more customers, attracts new clients and increases branding. Your school collects funds and establishes a new business relationship that might help with financial needs in the future.
5. Manage concession stands at school events
Put your club members or athletes to work in the concession stand at events. Ask school officials if your group can man the concession stand during football games or volleyball tournaments in exchange for a percentage of the profits. Running a concession stand is a great way to teach students how to handle money and deal with customers. Teachers can use the fundraising experience as a class project!
6. PJ day fundraiser
Who wouldn’t want to wear pajamas to school? Encourage staff and students to pay a specific amount such as $2 for permission to wear comfy PJs to school for a day.
7. Movie night in the park
A large bedsheet, blackout fabric or inflatable movie screen and projector is all you need for a fun and profitable movie night. Grab the popcorn! Charge a reasonable admission price and encourage the community to bring blankets and lawn chairs. If you’re feeling ambitious, set up a concession stand to raise additional funds and a merch tent to sell t-shirts, blankets, folding camping chairs and picnic blankets.
8. Bingo!
Bingo night is always a big hit with people of all ages. Charge players for each bingo card they use or per game played. Low-cost bingo machines with cages and numbered balls can be purchased for under $30 at discount stores. You’ll find printable bingo card generators online if you need a DIY option. My Free Bingo Cards has several ideas to get you started. Instead of buying expensive daubers, use kernels of corn or purchase plastic game chips in bulk at dollar stores.
9. Read-A-Thon
This is a lot like the Walk-A-Thon listed above but without sweating! Students will ask donors to pledge a certain amount of money for each book they read in a set time period. The winter months are a perfect time to get some extra reading done!
10. Student and staff talent show
Talk about a low-budget fundraiser! A school talent show has the potential for raising a lot of funds since the budget is almost nonexistent. You can host the event in your own school gymnasium or commons area where microphone equipment and other props are typically available. Fundraising for talent shows can be handled in several ways: You can charge students and staff who wish to perform, or set an admission fee for attendees — or do both! Select judges from the community and decide how many winners to award. Since expenses are lower, you might consider dishing out cash prizes or gift certificates for area businesses.
Don’t forget to market your school fundraiser
Every successful fundraiser starts with spreading the word. Use every reasonable method possible to market your school fundraiser. Place the information in the school newsletter, on bulletin boards and on flyers sent home with students. Ask your local chamber of commerce and other community leaders to help you get the word out by using their communication networks. Hang banners at the school and in high-traffic areas within the district.
*Original article https://www.totallypromotional.com/blog/10-cheap-fundraising-ideas-for-schools/