Choosing the right fundraiser can make a big difference in how much money your group earns. Some ideas are simple but low-return, while others consistently bring in thousands of dollars. To help you plan ahead, here are five of the best fundraising ideas for 2025 — practical, proven, and designed to help schools, teams, and nonprofits raise more.
1. Food Sale Fundraising
Food fundraisers remain one of the most popular ways to raise money because they’re easy to run and always in demand. Groups sell items like cookie dough, popcorn, pizza kits, or baked goods through catalogs or online stores. Supporters place orders, and your organization keeps a percentage of the sales.
- Why it works: Everyone eats, and food fundraisers give families something they would buy anyway. High-quality products also encourage repeat participation year after year.
- Best for: Schools, sports teams, and youth groups looking for reliable sales with broad appeal.
2. Brochure/Product Sale Fundraising
Brochure fundraisers cover a wide range of non-food products — from candles and kitchenware to gift wrap and home items. Supporters browse a catalog (print or online), place their orders, and your organization earns a portion of each sale.
- Why it works: Product variety makes it easy to appeal to different supporters. It also gives people tangible items in return for their support, which can feel more engaging than a simple donation ask.
- Best for: Larger groups like schools and community organizations that can reach many families and neighbors.
3. Spiritwear Fundraising
Spiritwear fundraisers allow your group to design and sell custom apparel — t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more. Most spiritwear fundraisers run online, so supporters order directly from a store, and items ship to them without your group handling inventory.
- Why it works: Spiritwear builds identity and pride while raising money. Students, athletes, and families love showing off their school or team colors, making it both a fundraiser and a way to strengthen community spirit.
- Best for: Schools, sports teams, clubs, and booster programs that want to promote pride and visibility.
4. Fun Runs & Color Runs
A Fun Run or Color Run combines community, activity, and fundraising into one big event. Participants collect pledges or donations leading up to the event, then run or walk on the scheduled day.
- Why it works: These events are highly visible, bring families together, and often generate significant donations. They also create lasting memories, which encourages repeat participation year after year.
- Best for: Schools or youth organizations that want to host a large-scale event and have families willing to support pledges.
5. Holiday Shops
Holiday shops are seasonal fundraisers that let children purchase small, inexpensive gifts for family and friends. A temporary “shop” is set up at school, often stocked and managed by a fundraising partner, and proceeds benefit the hosting organization.
- Why it works: Holiday shops are more than a fundraiser — they create an experience. Students enjoy the independence of shopping on their own, while schools raise funds in a way that feels meaningful and festive.
- Best for: Elementary schools, PTOs, and PTAs looking for a family-friendly holiday tradition.
Choosing the Best Fundraiser for 2025
Each of these fundraising ideas works well, but the best option depends on your group’s goals and community. Food and product sales are reliable, spiritwear builds pride, and events like Fun Runs or holiday shops create memorable experiences while raising significant funds.
If you’d like to explore these fundraiser types for your school, team, or nonprofit, fill out this form and we’ll connect you with trusted partners who can help you get started.
