School fundraising ideas
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or student leader, we’ll help you say goodbye to boring and hello to the best fundraising ideas for schools. Kick off the school year on a high note with these creative campaigns and events guaranteed to boost school spirit—and your fundraising efforts.
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Kiss the pig
Invite supporters to donate for your good cause with a creative twist—the top fundraiser earns the honor of kissing a pig!









Feast of ideas
Celebrate the knowledge and passion of your school or learning community with a gala or dinner event centered on sharing ideas, insights, and wisdom.









Pottery or clay experiences
Encourage your community to try clay sculpting or pottery painting—or host a clay shooting experience to raise funds for your cause. Perfect for those who enjoy hands-on activities or the great outdoors.









Shamrock festival
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a shamrock-themed live event or auction in support of a good cause. Go all out with a green color scheme, traditional live music, and Irish-inspired activities.









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.









Food fight
This isn’t your typical cafeteria food fight. This cleverly named event raises awareness and funds to fight food insecurity and help keep your community fed.









Charity golf day









Jog-a-thon
Host a family friendly jog-a-thon at your local running track. Participants can collect pledges for the number of laps they jog, walk, or run. Recruit volunteers to tally the number of laps each participant completes.









Day at the zoo
Rally your supporters for an unforgettable fundraising field trip to the zoo. Partner with a local zoo to offer discounted admission that includes a donation to your organization.









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!









Dance challenge









Books and bubbly event
Host a literary-themed silent auction or raffle—think signed books, gift cards, and book-related tech. Perfect for libraries and community projects.









Holiday performance









Pet portraits
Pet owners love having portraits of their pets—even if they’re not made by professionals! Host a fun pet portrait fundraiser where volunteers draw or paint pictures of supporters’ furry friends. Ask donors to bring a photo of their pet or upload one when they make a donation online.









Camp experience auction
Auction off camp spots, exclusive experiences, or premium camp gear to the highest bidders. This event builds excitement and encourages friendly competition while raising funds for beloved camp programs.









Creative design workshop
Host a paid workshop that teaches hands-on skills like painting, design thinking, or advanced crafting. Ask instructors to volunteer their time, and keep supply costs low by partnering with local business sponsors to maximize profit margins.









Movement challenge
Go solo or form a team to complete a chosen movement challenge in support of your cause. Great for health-related organizations or any group that wants to raise funds through physical activity.









DIY workshop
Host a DIY workshop where attendees pay to learn new skills—like crafting, home repair, or cooking—while supporting your cause. Charge an entry fee for each class, and use donated materials and volunteer instructors to lower costs and boost revenue.









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!









Studio showcase









Marathon
A marathon is a classic fun run fundraising event—perfect for your most ambitious supporters! You can host your own fundraising event, or give supporters the resources they need to raise money for your organization by running in an existing race.









Outdoor education class
Invite your community to explore the world around you with an outdoor education experience. Determine your target age group(s) and create an out-of-classroom adventure they’ll treasure.









Silent disco









Trash-a-thon









Taco-Making Contest
Put your culinary skills to the test! Charge an entry fee per team, and provide everyone with the same ingredients. The winner is the team with the tastiest tacos. Ready, set, cook!









Frequently asked questions
How do I start a fundraiser for my school?
Begin by identifying a specific need or cause, such as upgrading facilities or starting new clubs or programs. Next, brainstorm easy fundraising ideas for schools, such as bake sales, car washes, or themed events geared toward your community's interests.
Obtain approval from school administrators, rally volunteers, and promote your fundraising campaign far and wide. Don’t forget to thank all of your donors and attendees for their support!
What are the most popular school fundraisers?
The most popular fundraisers for school ideas appeal to both students and their families. Setting up concession stands and selling baked goods at sports games and at field days are always appealing fundraising ideas for students, and they can bring in an impressive amount of money for your school.
What is the most profitable school fundraiser?
Finding good fundraising ideas for schools that make a big impact can depend on your budget and resources. However, large-scale ideas for school fundraisers like dances or festivals are usually a solid way to raise funds. Because these events engage students of all ages, families, and local communities, they tend to help causes reach their fundraising goals faster.
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