Fundraising plays a vital role in supporting schools. From classroom supplies and field trips to sports programs and extracurricular activities, the best fundraising ideas help fill budget gaps while building community spirit.
The challenge? With so many options available, it can be hard to know which ideas will work best for your group. The good news is that there are proven strategies for every age level — from simple, family-friendly options in elementary school to larger-scale events and campaigns at the high school and college level.
In this guide, we’ll explore 35 of the best school fundraising ideas, organized by age group and type of organization. Whether you’re part of a PTO, booster club, or student council, you’ll find creative, practical ways to raise money.
Table of Contents
- Elementary School Fundraising Ideas
- Middle School Fundraising Ideas
- High School Fundraising Ideas
- Classroom Fundraising Ideas
- PTO/PTA Fundraising Ideas
- School Sports Fundraising Ideas
- College Fundraising Ideas
- Which Fundraising Idea Is Right for Your School?
Elementary School Fundraising Ideas
Elementary school fundraising ideas work best when they’re simple, fun, and family-friendly. Younger students get excited about fundraisers that are easy to understand and involve hands-on participation, while parents and relatives typically make the actual purchases.
The most effective ideas balance engagement for kids with practicality for families, creating a positive experience that can be repeated year after year.
- Cookie Dough or Popcorn Sales: Reliable classics with broad family and community appeal.
- Read-a-Thon with Pledges: Combines learning with fundraising by encouraging students to read.
- Custom T-Shirts or Tote Bags: Builds school spirit while raising money through apparel sales.
- Smencils & Smens Sales: Affordable scented pencils and pens that kids love to collect and use.
- Holiday Shop: A seasonal tradition that lets kids buy small gifts for family members.
Middle School Fundraising Ideas
Middle school fundraising is all about balance. Students are old enough to take on a bigger role in promoting and running fundraisers, but parents are still heavily involved in making purchases and supporting events.
The best fundraisers at this stage give kids ownership while keeping things manageable for families and staff. They also work well when they bring the wider school community together.
- Snacks & Chocolate Fundraiser: Affordable, easy-to-sell items with wide appeal among students and families.
- Dine to Donate: Partner with local restaurants that give back a percentage of sales on designated nights.
- Game Night: A fun, low-key evening where students or families come together for games, with the potential for t-shirt and concessions sales.
- Color Run: A high-energy twist on the traditional fun run, with pledges collected for participation.
- Art Show: Showcase student artwork and raise funds through donations, ticket sales, or art purchases.
High School Fundraising Ideas
High school fundraisers often need to raise more money than elementary or middle school efforts, since costs for sports, clubs, prom, and graduation events can be significant. At this stage, students can take on a leadership role in planning and running fundraisers, with parents and the community providing essential support. The most successful ideas balance student energy with broad appeal, making them engaging for teens and effective for fundraising goals.
- Plant or Flower Sales: Seasonal sales that work well in spring, especially around holidays like Mother’s Day.
- Talent Show Fundraiser: Students showcase their skills while ticket sales and concessions raise funds.
- Candle or Household Item Catalog: Practical items appeal to families and extended relatives, offering strong sales potential.
- Walk-a-Thon: Students collect pledges and walk together, combining fitness with fundraising.
- Silent Auction or Raffle at School Events: Boosts revenue at existing gatherings like concerts, games, or graduation events.
Classroom Fundraising Ideas
Classroom fundraisers are smaller in scale but can have a big impact. They’re designed to support a single class or grade level with supplies, field trips, or special projects. The best classroom fundraisers are simple, easy to manage, and meaningful for students and families — offering a way to contribute without requiring a major school-wide effort.
- Student Store: A small shop run by students that sells pencils, erasers, and other inexpensive items.
- Class T-Shirt: Personalized shirts with the class year, mascot, or slogan that create pride and unity.
- Class Cookbook: A collection of student and family recipes compiled into a book to sell within the community.
- Recycling Drive: Collect cans, bottles, or ink cartridges and redeem them for cash while teaching sustainability.
- Box Tops: Families scan or collect product labels, with earnings going directly to the classroom fund.
PTO/PTA Fundraising Ideas
Parent-teacher organizations play a key role in filling budget gaps, funding school improvements, and creating experiences that benefit students and families alike. PTO and PTA fundraisers work best when they engage parents, leverage community partnerships, and provide practical value for families. The strongest options tend to be repeatable year after year, creating traditions that the school community looks forward to.
- Brochure Fundraisers: Families order from catalogs featuring items like candles, home goods, or seasonal gifts, with the PTO/PTA earning a share of each sale.
- Auction or Gala Night: A social event where parents and community members bid on donated items or experiences, raising significant funds in one evening.
- School-Wide Spiritwear Store: An ongoing fundraiser that builds pride and identity through sales of custom shirts, hoodies, and accessories.
- Gift Card Fundraising (Scrip Fundraising): Families purchase gift cards for everyday shopping, with a percentage of each sale going back to the school.
- Holiday Shop Tradition: A festive annual event where children buy small gifts for family members, managed by parent volunteers.
School Sports Fundraising Ideas
Athletic programs often rely on fundraising to cover uniforms, travel costs, equipment, and tournament fees. The best fundraisers for school sports teams connect directly with the excitement of athletics, giving families and the community simple ways to show their support. Successful ideas not only raise money but also build pride and strengthen the bond between players, parents, and fans.
- Concession Stand Sales: A reliable source of income at games and tournaments, offering snacks and drinks to spectators.
- Team Spiritwear (Jerseys, Hats, Hoodies): Custom apparel that allows players, families, and fans to show team pride while supporting the program.
- Training Camps for Younger Athletes: Older players or teams host clinics for younger kids, teaching skills while raising money for their program.
- Sponsorships: Local businesses contribute funds or resources in exchange for advertising on uniforms, banners, or event programs.
- Car Wash: A hands-on, student-led fundraiser that’s visible in the community and easy to organize.
College Fundraising Ideas
University organizations, clubs, and athletic teams often need to raise money for events, travel, or projects. The most effective college fundraisers are social, creative, and easy for busy students to participate in. They also work well when they extend beyond campus — reaching alumni, family, and the surrounding community.
- Club Merch: Selling custom shirts, water bottles, or other accessories helps students show pride while supporting their organizations.
- Crowdfunding: Online campaigns let students tap into networks of alumni, friends, and family to fund specific projects or causes.
- Food Truck Events: Partnering with food trucks on campus draws crowds, with a portion of sales benefiting the club or team.
- Comedy Show: An affordable entertainment option that sells tickets while bringing the campus community together.
- Grants & University Donation Requests: Applying for grants or requesting university funds provides access to larger-scale support for student-led initiatives.
Which Fundraising Idea Is Right for Your School?
The truth is, there’s no single fundraiser that works best for every school. The best fundraising ideas for you depend on the size of your community, as well as the level of involvement you can expect from parents and students. In many cases, the most successful approach is to combine multiple strategies — mixing reliable product sales with memorable events or seasonal traditions.
If you’re ready to get started, fill out this form and we’ll connect you with a trusted fundraising partner. They offer a wide range of school fundraisers — including many of the ideas covered in this article — and can help your group choose the options that fit your needs best.
