Whether it’s for growth or simply upkeep, schools can never get enough funding. New computers, tablets, library books, sports or band uniforms, music supplies, club resources, classroom supplies, field trips, scholarships, building projects, and upgraded playground or gym equipment—the list of needs and wants seems to always be growing. A fundraising campaign, paired with effective advertising, may be the answer! Here are some options for you to consider.

The Classics

The rich tradition of school fundraising has evolved into the digital age, but some of the old tried-and-true techniques still endure.

1.) 5K Charity Runs, where students get sponsors or buy event T-shirts to participate

2.) Fundraising concerts or talent shows featuring church members, students, or families

3.) Carnivals, with tickets, games, and donated prizes like candy and stuffed animals

4.) Car washes for high school students to raise money (pairing well with a bake sale)

5.) Rummage sales for gently used items like clothes, toys, and household goods

 For the Love of Food

Few things bring people together quite like good food. Here are some fundraising ideas that involve selling goodies.

1.) Foodie fundraisers like the official Krispy Kreme and Chick-fil-A fundraisers, candy bar or cookie dough sales

2.) Bake sales (virtual or live) for families, faculty, and staff to donate their best baked goods

3.) Cooking contests where the audience pays an entrance fee and votes for the winners

4.) Pizza-by-the-slice from a local pizzeria for students, faculty, and staff to buy during lunch

Seasonal Celebrations

You can get very creative here, but here are two common ideas.

1.) Autumn pumpkin carving contests for families to enter, competing for prizes

2.) Valentines’ special delivery for students to preorder a flower and a box of chocolate to surprise other friends at school

School Spirit

Get ready to show school pride and don school colors! Go team!

1.) T-shirts and school spirit merch (like mugs, totes, baseball hats, and hoodies)

2.) Principal in the dunk tank, or getting head/beard shaved, or taking a pie to the face

3.) Dress code casual wristbands, where students can wear casual wear after purchasing the wristband (for example, baseball caps, shorts, or school sports shirts)

Through creative and collaborative fundraising, your school can provide opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. However, a good fundraiser serves more than the initial purpose, giving a time for students, faculty, staff, and families to invest and bond together for the good of the whole. Happy fundraising!