Preschool fundraising ideas
Raising money is critical for keeping preschool programs going and purchasing needed supplies, but the effort it takes to raise funds is no joke. With this list of easy fundraising ideas for preschools, including art sales, dress-up days, and read-a-thons, you’ll find the inspiration you need to reach your goals in no time.
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Jump-a-thon
Organize a jump-a-thon where participants collect pledges for every jump—or every minute they keep jumping. It’s a fun, high-energy way to raise money while fostering community and a little friendly competition.









Take a stroll
Host an inclusive fun run event that’s a little more leisurely. Set a time window for participants to complete their stroll and encourage them to collect donations through peer-to-peer fundraising pages. Be sure to showcase their achievements on social media!









Themed run
Make your peer-to-peer fundraising run truly memorable with a standout theme! Ask participants to dress up and choose a route relevant to the theme. Encourage participants to create teams to build community and boost the competitive spirit!









Trash-a-thon









Grants
Research grants that you can apply for to fund your nonprofit organization or project. Be sure to create a stand-out grant proposal in order to impress grantmakers!









Pajama party
Raise money for a good cause and create an unforgettable, cozy experience by turning any fundraising event into a pajama party.









Costume contest
Throw a themed costume party to match the season or holiday and award prizes for the best costumes! Sell tickets to your fundraising event online and partner with local sponsors to offset costs and spread the word.









Family fun run









Pajama run
Ask participants to don their favorite PJs while tackling a walk, jog, roll, or run for the cause. Encourage everyone to set a donation goal and spread the word about the fundraiser through peer-to-peer fundraising. Don’t forget to award prizes to the coziest runners!









Raffle
Ask your sponsors and community members to donate items or experiences, then raffle them off! The sky’s the limit when it comes to raffle ticket prizes: gift baskets, movie tickets, artwork—anything your community members will love.
Just be sure to check your state laws regarding raffles before you start planning!









Virtual fun run









Walkathon









Halloween costume run
Ask supporters to wear their silliest or spookiest Halloween costumes during this fun run. Use team or peer-to-peer fundraising to help participants set a donation goal and spread the word. At the end, award special prizes to the race winners, the teams or individuals who raised the most, and the best costumes!









Storybook Character Dress-Up Day









Crafts night
Charge an entrance fee and check in attendees as they arrive for an evening of creativity and fun. Ask volunteers to bring craft supplies or request donations from local art stores.









School auction









Virtual movie night
Host a virtual family movie night using Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) on your favorite streaming platform. Collect donations before or during your fundraising event, and make it more interactive and fun with movie trivia questions throughout the evening.









Grow-your-own garden kit
Ask local nurseries to donate herbs, seeds, and soil you can use to assemble gardening kits. Bring volunteers together to assemble everything and sell them on a custom fundraising page or donation form.









Swag sale
Raise some extra funds for your organization or club and spread the word about your cause by selling branded swag like totes, stickers, and t-shirts.
With advanced ticketing features, you can offer each item on a mobile-friendly platform and add an image and available amount so supporters can easily purchase and share their sizing info, too!









Grab bags
To attract more partnerships from businesses, create a sponsorship proposal that emphasizes the benefits for them, like free publicity and marketing opportunities.









Community cookbook
Create and sell a custom cookbook featuring favorite recipes from your community members and families. To drum up excitement and spread the word, share sneak peek photos on your custom fundraising page.









Restaurant takeover









Bake sale
Everyone loves sweet treats! Whip up some cookies, cakes, or donuts and host a bake sale to raise funds for your good cause.
Supporters don’t have cash? No problem! With Givebutter, you can accept mobile payments through a range of modern methods, including Venmo.









High five booth
Brighten up someone’s day and raise money for a good cause. Set up a booth where passersby can make a donation and receive a high-five in return.
Make the giving process as quick and easy as the high-five itself with scan-to-donate.









Recycling drive
Ask supporters to collect recyclable materials like cans, bottles, or even old tech, then use a local service to turn these items into funds.
Recycling drives work great for long-term fundraising. Keep your supporters engaged and remind them when and where they can drop off materials via your email marketing software.









Frequently asked questions
How do I start a fundraiser for my preschool?
When starting a preschool fundraiser, your first step may be to speak with teachers, parents, and administrators to determine a specific need. Then, you can set your fundraising goal accordingly. Recruit other stakeholders to help you with planning, and be sure to choose a theme and activity that matches your school community’s interests as well as the resources and skill set of your team.
Check out our guide on how to start a fundraiser for more steps and tips.
What are the most popular preschool fundraisers?
The best preschool fundraising ideas are those that get kids involved. Some family-friendly activities include organizing a bake sale, selling tickets to a movie night, or hosting your very own petting zoo. Don’t forget to ask local businesses to sponsor your events!
What is the most profitable preschool fundraiser?
The profitability of a preschool fundraiser can vary depending on factors like participation, expenses, and community support. In general, larger-scale events will pack a bigger punch for your fundraising efforts.
Certain preschool art fundraiser ideas can be quite successful, like a silent auction. Charge a small fee for entry, and then community members can bid on the children’s masterpieces on display around the room. Sell food or tasty treats from local restaurants to create an even more enjoyable experience.
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