High school fundraisers can cover everything from clubs and sports to prom, graduation, and extracurricular programs. The best fundraisers for this age group balance student participation with strong community involvement, ensuring that both teens and families are motivated to get involved.
While there are plenty of school fundraising ideas, these five options work especially well for high school groups looking to raise money in practical ways.
1. Plant or Flower Sales
Selling plants, hanging baskets, or flowers during spring is a simple, seasonal fundraiser that appeals to families and neighbors.
- Why it works: Plants are useful, decorative, and make easy gifts.
- Advantages: Ties in naturally with spring and Mother’s Day; strong community appeal.
- Considerations: Seasonal timing; requires pickup and distribution.
- Best for: High school clubs, sports teams, or music programs in the spring semester.
2. Talent Show Fundraiser
Students showcase music, dance, or comedy acts, with ticket sales and concessions generating revenue.
- Why it works: Engages the whole school while providing entertainment.
- Advantages: Builds school spirit; highlights student talent.
- Considerations: Requires planning, promotion, and volunteers to organize.
- Best for: Student councils or arts programs looking to raise funds while celebrating creativity.
3. Candle or Household Item Catalog
Fundraisers featuring candles, kitchenware, or household products give families practical items they can actually use.
- Why it works: Tangible items appeal to supporters beyond the school community.
- Advantages: Easy to run through fundraising partners; high-profit margins.
- Considerations: Delivery and distribution logistics must be coordinated.
- Best for: High schools with strong parent networks and extended family supporters.
4. Walk-a-Thon
Students collect pledges and then participate in a walk to support their cause.
- Why it works: Combines healthy activity with simple fundraising.
- Advantages: Low cost to organize; scalable for large or small groups.
- Considerations: Requires outdoor space and good promotion to maximize pledges.
- Best for: Sports teams, student councils, or clubs looking for a visible fundraiser.
5. Silent Auction or Raffle at School Events
Auctions or raffles held alongside concerts, games, or graduation events allow families to bid on donated items or enter prize drawings.
- Why it works: Leverages existing school events to generate additional revenue.
- Advantages: Can raise significant funds; strengthens community ties.
- Considerations: Requires donations and volunteers to secure prizes and manage the event.
- Best for: PTOs, booster clubs, or student councils running larger school-wide events.
Conclusion
High school fundraisers succeed when they combine student involvement with broad community appeal. Whether it’s selling plants, organizing a talent show, or hosting an auction, the best fundraising ideas are simple, memorable, and — most importantly — help your students reach their goals.
