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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Crowdfunding campaign
Collect online donations from friends, family, and community members by creating a fundraising page that lays out your needs and the impact that you will make with the money you raise. Use photos and videos to make your story more engaging, and use a goal bar to showcase your progress.
Be sure to follow crowdfunding best practices in order to make your campaign an even bigger success!









One-day giving event
Take part in Giving Tuesday or create your own giving day in which you mobilize your community to reach your fundraising goal in one day.
Keep your supporters invested in your progress with a goal bar and campaign updates that highlight milestones, matching gifts, and special shout-outs throughout the day.









Face painting
Set up a booth where passersby can get their face painted by volunteers from your group in exchange for a small donation.
Make it easy for people to give with scan-to-donate. All they need to do is scan the QR code and they’ll land on your donation page in seconds.









Petting zoo
Partner with a local farm or petting zoo to bring animals on-site for a day of fun. Charge an entry fee and optional donations for extra activities like pony rides.
Make sure attendees can make quick payments from their phones, using methods like Venmo or Tap to Pay, so they don't have to return to their cars for cash.









Pajama day









Online garage sale
Collect new and used goods from your community and sell items on a first-come, first-served basis—virtually. To introduce some fun competition and bring in more funds, turn the sale into an auction with buy-now pricing options!









Family dance
Give the classic “father-daughter” or “mother-son” dance an inclusive update. Invite families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy a fun night of cutting a rug together for a good cause.
Choose a theme, sell tickets for your fundraising event online, and raise even more by setting up a photo booth with silly props!









Discount cards









“Celebrity” breakfast









Family photo day









Trike-a-thon
Set up a mini racecourse and encourage family and friends to sponsor your little big-wheel racers by making a donation on their behalf through your fundraising page. Don’t forget to award prizes!









Kids’ art calendar
Turn kids’ finger paintings and drawings into custom calendars—or transform them into keepsakes like photo books, mugs, or t-shirts. Sell the merch using a fun, eye-catching auction or fundraising page.









Community potluck dinner
Invite each person to contribute a dish and invite at least two people to join your dinner. To keep everything organized, customize your fundraising page or donation form so participants can note what dish they’re bringing when they RSVP—and make a contribution to your campaign.









Easter egg hunt
Host an epic Easter egg hunt and set up a fundraising event page so families can register with a sliding-scale donation.
Add an Easter Bunny photo booth or bake sale and accept donations with scan-to-donate or Venmo on the day of the hunt.









Teddy bear picnic
Host a picnic where participants can bring along their favorite stuffed animals and enjoy simple brown-bag lunches or treats from a mini bake sale. This fundraising event is a sweet and family-friendly way to bring in needed funds.









Local celebrities









Maze for a cause
Charge an entrance fee to walk the maze and make transactions simple with scan-to-donate and Tap to Pay options.









Student art auction
Auction off student art projects online, in person, or both! Add photos and descriptions of each masterpiece using auction software for easy bidding and sharing.









Superhero run
Charge an entry fee to participate in a costumed fundraising run. Encourage runners to raise even more for your cause through their own peer-to-peer fundraising pages, and award prizes for race winners, best super hero costumes, and most donations raised!









Parents’ night out
This fundraising event can be a fun gathering for parents—or a chance for grownups to drop off their kids for a few hours in exchange for a donation to your cause. Charge an hourly rate or flat “entrance fee” and give caregivers some priceless peace and quiet.









Peer-to-peer fundraising
Multiply your reach with a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign in which individuals reach out to their own networks of family, friends, and coworkers to solicit donations for your cause.
Create teams to add some fun competition into the mix—and bring in more donations!









Mother’s Day brunch
Charge a small ticket fee for this fundraising event and offer a selection of refreshments, sandwiches, and sweet treats.









Used book sale
Reserve a space and ask your community to donate their gently used books for a cause. Set a price for each book and use scan-to-donate or Venmo to easily accept payments on the spot.









Online bake sale









Virtual auction
Use auction software that makes the bidding process smooth and simple for you and your donors.









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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