Thinking of school fundraising ideas can prove challenging as you’ll need to cater to the diverse needs and interests of both students and their families. We have shortlisted over 50 engaging ideas to help your school find the best event for your next fundraising initiative.
Through the use of school communication software like ParentSquare, your school can bring together all school-home communications among family members, teachers, staff and even the community. ParentSquare can help your fundraising efforts by providing a simple and fast way to send invites, get volunteers to sign-up for the event, organize donation sign-ups, accept ticket or donation payments, and share photos and videos after the event – all through the platform!
1. Talent Show
A talent show can help students showcase their hidden talents, such as singing, dancing, and acting. It also builds confidence and can help students discover new things about themselves. When hosting a talent show, schools can use ParentSquare to:
- Sign up volunteers
- Sell tickets
- Manage performance spots
- Create a calendar event
Here’s an example of the ParentSquare volunteer sign-up feature:
Here’s a template for inviting families to your talent show fundraiser:
Dear [School Name] Parents and Guardians,
We are delighted to announce our upcoming fundraising talent show, which will be held on [Date] at [Location]. The event is organized by [Name of school or organization] and aims to raise funds for [Purpose of the fundraiser].
We would like to extend our warm invitation to you and your family to join us for this entertaining and meaningful event. Our talent show will feature a wide range of performances by our talented students, including singing, dancing, comedy, and musical instruments. We guarantee that you will be amazed and entertained by the skills and creativity of our young performers.
In addition to the talent show, there will be various activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as a photo booth, a face painting booth, and a bake sale. You can also meet and chat with other families in the community and show your support for our students.
Most importantly, your participation in this event will contribute to a good cause. All proceeds from the talent show will go towards [Purpose of the fundraiser], which will make a significant difference in the lives of [beneficiaries].
We hope that you will mark your calendar and join us for this event. Tickets are priced at [Ticket price] per person, and all proceeds will go towards the fundraiser. We encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance to secure your spot.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[School Name]
2. Student-Run Food Truck
Student-run food truck events can help raise funds while young entrepreneurs hone their skills in promoting their dishes.
3. Karaoke Event
Students, families, and staff can engage in a school-wide karaoke event with canteen-prepared small bites to complete the experience.
4. Car Wash
Combining attention-grabbing signage and dedicated volunteers makes car washes some of the most popular and practical fundraisers, especially during the summer.
5. School Fair
School fairs create a joy-filled atmosphere that promotes interactions, fun, and engagement that can have many donation opportunities through selling food and game tickets. A great example we’ve seen is an end-of-the-year fair named “The Best Party Ever.”
Here’s a template for inviting families to a school fair:
Dear [School Name] Parents and Guardians,
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming school fair, which will be held on [Date] from [Time] at [Location]. The event is organized by [Name of school or organization] and promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire family.
Our school fair will feature a wide range of activities and attractions, including games, face painting, a bouncy castle, and much more. We have also invited local food vendors to provide delicious treats for all attendees. The fair is an excellent opportunity for parents, guardians, and students to spend time together and have fun while supporting our school.
All proceeds from the school fair will go towards [Purpose of the fundraiser], which will benefit [beneficiaries]. By participating in this event, you will be supporting our school and helping us achieve our fundraising goals.
We invite you to spread the word and bring your friends and family members to the school fair. Admission is free, and we encourage you to bring cash or checks for purchases at the fair. This event promises to be a fantastic day, and we hope to see you there.
Please find attached a flyer with more information about the school fair. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact [contact person/department].
Thank you for your continued support of our school.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[School Name]
6. Craft Sales
Craft fundraisers can help raise the donations while promoting a passion for the arts.
7. Sports Tournament
Sports tournaments can unite students and their families through a shared love for their favorite game with donations being entry tickets, raffles, or food.
8. Bake Sale
Bake sales have also proven popular for many schools as students and their families can sell off their homemade goods, ideally with a theme (such as vegan snacks or festive cookies) to raise donations. When hosting a bake sale, schools can use ParentSquare to:
- Create wish list sign-up forms to ask for baked goods
- Create a calendar event
- Sign up volunteers
Here’s an example of the ParentSquare wish list sign-up feature:
Here’s a template for inviting families to a bake sale:
Dear [School Name] Parents and Guardians,
We are pleased to announce our upcoming bake sale fundraiser, which will be held on [Date] from [Time] at [Location]. The event is organized by [Name of school or organization] and aims to raise funds for [Purpose of the fundraiser].
We invite you and your family to come and indulge in our delicious treats, baked with love by our talented students, staff, and volunteers. From cupcakes to brownies, pies to cookies, we have a variety of baked goods that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
In addition to the delectable treats, we will have fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a cake walk, a photo booth, and a raffle. You can also meet and chat with other families in the community and show your support for our school.
All proceeds from the bake sale will go towards [Purpose of the fundraiser], which will make a significant difference in the lives of [beneficiaries]. We believe that by supporting this event, you will help us achieve our fundraising goals and enable us to provide better opportunities for our students.
We hope that you will mark your calendar and join us for this event. Please bring cash or checks to purchase your goodies. We encourage you to spread the word and invite your friends and family to join us too.
Thank you for your support and generosity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[School Name]
9. Standup Comedy Show
A standup comedy event can help participants reduce stress in a relaxing environment while showing support for the fundraising cause.
10. Concert Performance
Students can put together a concert that can raise donations through ticket sales and connect with students and families of all backgrounds.
11. Auction
A school auction can raise donations through items like travel packages, private skill-based lessons, and movie tickets.
12. Dance-a-Thon
You can raise donations through events like a dance-a-ton with a theme (for example, the sixties or disco fever) and a photo-taking booth commemorating the event.
13. Scratch-off Tickets
Scratch tickets can offer an innovative way for families to donate toward your school’s cause. Scratch cards present different values, where donors contribute based on the amount revealed.
14. Golf Tournament
Hosting a golf fundraising tournament allows parents and guardians to connect with schools while doing a fun activity. Schools can ask if the golf course would donate available times and then ask for donations to enter from parents and guardians.
15. Penny Drives
Organizing events like penny drives where donors can offload their pocket change or contribute the coins they have saved in their glass jar at home can help schools raise donations.
16. Art Exhibition
Your school can also try collecting entrance fees for a temporary art exhibition that curates student projects or the donated works of local artists.
Here’s a template for inviting families to your art exhibit fundraiser:
Dear [School Name] Parents and Guardians,
We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming school fundraising art exhibition. This event promises to be an exciting showcase of our students’ artistic talents, and we hope that you will join us for an evening of creativity and inspiration.
The exhibition will take place on [insert date] from [insert time] at [insert location]. Our students have been working hard to create a variety of unique and beautiful art pieces that will be on display. You will have the opportunity to view paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other forms of art that our students have created. We believe that this exhibition will be a wonderful opportunity for you to see the incredible talent that our students possess.
The funds raised from this exhibition will go towards [insert school project/program that the fundraiser is supporting]. We believe that this project/program will greatly benefit our students and enhance their learning experiences.
We encourage you to bring your friends and family members along to the exhibition to support our school and our students. Admission to the exhibition is free, and all donations are welcome. Additionally, some of the art pieces will be available for purchase through a silent auction, so please be sure to bring your checkbooks.
Please find attached a flyer with more information about the exhibition. We hope that you will be able to join us for this exciting event.
Thank you for your continued support of our school.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[School Name]
17. Virtual Trivia
Virtual trivia events allow fundraisers to show their support from the comfort of their homes.
18. Annual Raffles
Raffles are one of the top choices for school fundraising. You can organize a school-wide raffle or a targeted one that focuses on a specific cause (for instance, raising money for new classroom desks).
19. Fun Runs
Schools can organize fun runs as a less-competitive method of raising money from a race. Donations can be gathered through entry fees, collections, or gathering pledges for walking a specific distance.
20. School Photography Event
A well-placed photo booth can provide students and their families with unique photo-taking opportunities to help raise funds for the school.
21. Fashion Show
Fashion shows set the stage for artistic students to showcase their design masterpieces. Schools can collect donations from entry fees or local artists to feature their clothing.
22. School Fundraising Dinner
Fundraising dinners can provide games, food, and contests that create a highly immersive and engaging fundraising experience.
23. School Play
From Macbeth to Cats, The Sound of Music, and High School Musical, stage plays serve as enjoyable fundraising events that can draw in crowds while providing donations through ticket sales.
Here is a template for inviting families to a school play:
Dear [School Name] Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce our upcoming school play, [Play Title], which will be performed on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. The event is organized by [Name of school or organization] and aims to raise funds for [Purpose of the fundraiser].
We invite you and your family to come and experience the magic of theater as our talented students take to the stage and bring [Play Title] to life. This production promises to be a captivating and entertaining evening for all ages.
Our students have been working tirelessly to bring you a high-quality performance, complete with stunning sets, beautiful costumes, and impressive acting. We guarantee that you will be amazed and inspired by the skills and dedication of our young performers.
In addition to the play, there will be various activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as a photo booth, a concessions stand, and a silent auction. You can also meet and chat with other families in the community and show your support for our school.
All proceeds from the play will go towards [Purpose of the fundraiser], which will make a significant difference in the lives of [beneficiaries]. We believe that by supporting this event, you will help us achieve our fundraising goals and enable us to provide better opportunities for our students.
We hope that you will mark your calendar and join us for this event. Tickets are priced at [Ticket Price] per person, and we encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance to secure your spot. You can purchase tickets through [Website/Contact Person/Location]. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the play!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[School Name]
24. Pie-baking Contest
A pie-baking contest pits pastry lovers against each other in a friendly competition for a good cause that can also raise money for donations.
25. Plant Sales
Your school could sell plants donated by local landscaping businesses or grown by students or their families. Consider including a leaflet or tag that thanks donors for their contributions to give an extra touch.
Here’s a template for inviting families to your plant sale fundraiser:
Dear [School Name] Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce our upcoming fundraising plant sale, which will be held on [Date] at [Location]. The event is organized by [Name of organization or group] and aims to raise funds for [Purpose of the fundraiser].
We would like to extend our warm invitation to you and your family to join us for this fun and meaningful event. Our plant sale will feature a wide variety of plants, including flowers, vegetables, and herbs, all of which have been carefully selected and grown by our dedicated team of volunteers. We guarantee that you will find something to suit your gardening needs and preferences.
In addition to the plant sale, there will be various activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as face painting, a petting zoo, and a bake sale. You can also meet and chat with other garden enthusiasts in the community and learn some gardening tips from our experts.
Most importantly, your participation in this event will contribute to a good cause. All proceeds from the plant sale will go towards [Purpose of the fundraiser], which will make a significant difference in the lives of [beneficiaries].
We hope that you will mark your calendar and join us for this event. Admission is free, and all are welcome. We look forward to seeing you and your family at our fundraising plant sale.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[School Name]
26. Food Festival
A school food festival is a lively attraction that could feature some of the most popular dishes from around the world that parents and guardians donate to the festival. Schools could additionally raise funds by selling tickets to the food festival.
27. Yard Sales
Students can reach out to local households that plan to move or ask for unwanted items for a donation drive.
28. Text-to-Donate Campaigns
Text-to-donate is an effective online form-based method of receiving donations through mobile text messages with a secure link to a page where people can make an online contribution.
29. Escape Room
Students can build an escape room where participants need to find the exit by solving various puzzles by referring to clues hidden about the room. Your school can charge an admission fee for each participant.
30. DIY Workshops
Schools can organize DIY sessions which may include flower arrangements, 3D printing, and painting lessons that provide participants with a souvenir of their hard work at the end of the session.
31. E-commerce Store
Schools can start an e-commerce store dedicated to your fundraising campaign and selling various goods that could attract significant online support if you ask students and families to promote it on social media.
32. History Tour
Schools can organize a history tour fundraising event to provide a deeper understanding of your school’s mission, values, and vision, and history to add context to fundraising efforts.
33. Local Business Partnerships
Your school can raise funds through collaborations with local businesses that are willing to donate something. A partnership could lead to a deal where a percentage of each sale goes to your fundraising efforts.
34. Video Game Tournament
Schools can raise funds by organizing video game tournaments that showcase friendly matches between competing groups and individuals and charge entry fees.
35. Book Sales
Schools can collect books by distributing flyers about a donation drive throughout the neighborhood and public buildings such as hospitals and community clubs. Once the school gets the books, they can sell them at a book fair for donations.
Here’s a template for inviting families to your book sale fundraiser:
Dear [School Name] Families,
We hope this letter finds you well and that your school year has been going smoothly so far. As the school year progresses, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting a fundraising book sale to support our school’s library program.
The book sale will feature a wide variety of books for both children and adults. We have carefully selected books from various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, educational, and many more. Our aim is to provide a diverse collection of books that will cater to everyone’s interests and preferences.
We invite you and your family to come to our book sale and support our fundraising efforts. It’s an excellent opportunity to purchase new books, enrich your library at home, and contribute to our school’s library program. Additionally, you can make a difference by donating any gently used books you no longer need. Donations are greatly appreciated and will help us build a more extensive collection of books for our students.
The book sale will take place on [Date] from [Time] to [Time] in [Location]. We hope to see you and your family there. Thank you for your support and generosity towards our school’s library program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[School Name]
36. Science Experiment Demonstration
Your school could host a science fair that showcases student-made models and experiments. Your school can then charge entrance fees for the event.
37. Haunted House Event
Haunted house setups are well-liked among horror fans and a fundraiser school event during the spooky month of October could ride along on the Halloween trend. You can charge entrance fees for each visit to raise funds for your school.
38. Cooking Competition
Your fundraiser could take a page from famous reality programs like MasterChef and The Great American Baking Show to provide an exciting cooking competition with entry fees being donated to the school.
Here is a template you can use for your cooking competition:
Dear [School Name] Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce our upcoming cooking competition, which promises to be a fun and exciting event for our school community. The competition will take place on [Date] at [Location], and we encourage all families to participate.
The cooking competition is open to all ages and skill levels, and it provides a great opportunity for families to come together and showcase their cooking talents. Whether you are an experienced chef or a novice in the kitchen, we invite you to participate and have fun.
In addition to the cooking competition, there will be various activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as a photo booth, a face painting booth, and a bake sale. You can also meet and chat with other families in the community and show your support for our students.
Most importantly, your participation in this event will contribute to a good cause. All proceeds from the cooking competition will go towards [Purpose of the fundraiser], which will make a significant difference in the lives of [beneficiaries].
We hope that you will mark your calendar and join us for this exciting event. Registration for the cooking competition is priced at [Registration Fee], and all proceeds will go towards the fundraiser. We encourage you to register in advance to secure your spot.
Thank you for your support and participation. We look forward to seeing you at the cooking competition!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[School Name]
39. Cycling Race
Organizing a Tour de France-style fundraiser provides the opportunity for participants to put their cycling skills to the test as they enjoy the local landscape. Entry fees for the cycling race can help provide donations to the school.
40. TikTok Dance Challenge
Your school fundraiser can leverage TikTok trends with a dance challenge where tagged individuals must perform a routine and donate.
41. Teacher or Principal Challenge
Teachers or principals can attempt outrageous challenges, such as breakdancing or head shaving after raising a certain amount to get more donations for their novel appeal.
42. Selling Popcorn
Schools can sell popcorn as a fundraising method that provides two benefits: promoting a healthy snack while raising money for the school.
43. Obstacle Course Event
Schools can build an obstacle course that collects donations from viewers as they watch and support participants who brave through various physical elements.
44. Regatta
Schools with access to water can schedule a series of fundraising boat races, charging participants admission fees.
45. Recycling Drive
Your school can organize a collection drive where a partnering business can purchase the recycled goods for your fundraising initiative.
Here is a template that you can use for a recycling drive:
Dear [School Name] Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce our upcoming recycling drive, which will take place on [Date] from [Time] at [Location]. The event is organized by [Name of school or organization] and aims to promote environmental sustainability while raising funds for [Purpose of the fundraiser].
We invite you and your family to participate in this recycling drive by bringing in your recyclable items, such as paper, cardboard, plastics, and aluminum cans. We will have designated drop-off areas for each item, and our volunteers will be on hand to assist with unloading.
In addition to the recycling drive, we will have educational activities for children and adults to learn about the importance of recycling and how to reduce their environmental footprint. We will also have prizes for those who bring in the most items.
All proceeds from the recycling drive will go towards [Purpose of the fundraiser], which will benefit [beneficiaries]. By participating in this event, you will be supporting our school and helping us achieve our fundraising goals while making a positive impact on the environment.
We encourage you to spread the word and invite your friends and family members to participate in this recycling drive. Let’s work together to make a difference in our community and our planet. Please find attached a flyer with more information about the recycling drive. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact [contact person/department]. Thank you for your continued support of our school.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[School Name]
46. Set in Stone
Schools can offer to have the name of donors printed on a plaque or wall of fame that commemorates the fundraising contributions.
47. Donation Bins
Your fundraising team can consider reaching out to local shops and businesses for permission to display donation bins for your campaign. You can then arrange to collect the donations weekly or monthly.
48. Open-mic Night
Schools can organize open-mic sessions that are interactive singing sessions where students can perform original songs and engage with the audience.
49. Community Service Auction
Schools can organize chore auctions that help volunteer students with real-world experiences where winning bidders can request errands and tasks such as lawn-mowing or grocery shopping.
50. Movie Screening
Schools can organize an outdoor film screening on the school grounds that can raise money from ticket sales.
Here’s an example of the ParentSquare donation sign-up feature:
Here’s a template for inviting families to your movie screening fundraiser:
Dear [School Name] Families,
We are excited to invite you to a special fundraising movie screening that will be taking place at our school on [date]. This event has been organized to support [cause/program], and we hope that you can join us for a fun and enjoyable evening while supporting a good cause.
The movie that will be screened is [movie title], and we have chosen this movie because we believe it will be enjoyable for the whole family. There will be popcorn and refreshments available for purchase, and we encourage you to bring blankets and chairs to make yourselves comfortable.
The proceeds from this event will go towards [cause/program], and we hope to raise a significant amount to support our school’s ongoing efforts. We would be grateful if you could invite your family and friends to join us, as the more people we can get to attend, the greater the impact we can make.
The screening will take place at [time] in the [location], and we encourage you to arrive early to secure your spot. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door, and the cost is [price per person/family].
Thank you for your ongoing support of our school community, and we look forward to seeing you at the event.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[School Name]
51. Local Restaurant Fundraiser
Your school can collaborate with a local diner where participating community members can dine together and bond while a portion of the fees goes to your fundraising campaigns.
52. Magic Show
Your school could also have students organize a magic show that parents and guardians can attend and raise funds through ticket sales
Conclusion
Whenever your school is organizing a fundraiser or large event, it would be helpful to have a safe and secure platform that provides everything you need to communicate, involve and collaborate with families for student success.
The ParentSquare application offers parents and guardians a variety of communication methods. One example is private and secure school messaging software with text translation for families built on providing a safe school social network. ParentSquare allows parents and guardians to choose what method they receive notifications in, making it ideal for meeting the needs of busy family members.
Whether your school is looking to manage parent-teacher conferences or send out school surveys for parents, ParentSquare makes school-home communication simple, easy, and beneficial to all everyone involved.Click here to get a demo of ParentSquare software and see how a single platform can help engage all your students’ families.
