School fundraising doesn’t have to be a stressful, high-effort event that yields modest returns. With the right strategies, it can be efficient, exciting, and most importantly—profitable. Whether you’re planning a campaign for your PTA, a sports team, a band trip, or a new playground, this guide delivers 100 tested and trusted fundraising ideas.
We’ve organized them into key categories that reflect what school communities actually need: ease, creativity, remote accessibility, and low costs. Plus, we’ve included tools and services to help make your next fundraiser a success, every step of the way.
These ideas are all about keeping things simple while maximizing your revenue. No stress, just success.
1. Cookie Dough Sales
2. Katydids Chocolate Bars
3. Sweet & Salty Pretzel Rods
4. Popcorn Tubs
5. Online Catalog Orders
6. Lollipop Stands
7. Modballs Healthy Snacks
8. $1 or $2 Snack Fundraisers
9. Smencils Sales (scented pencils)
10. Cotton Candy Kits
11. Albanese Gummi Bears
12. Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Sales
13. Coffee Fundraisers (3-19 Coffee)
14. Tumblers & Drinkware
15. Famous Fortune Cookies
16. Holiday Gift Wrap Sales
17. DIY Baking Kits
18. Personal Care Product Bundles
19. Quick Ship Fundraisers
20. Ship-to-Home Programs
21. Chocolate Fundraisers
22. Spirit Gear Packs
23. Ready-Made Gift Baskets
24. School Supply Kits
25. Mascot Apparel Sales
Make fundraising something the whole school community looks forward to with these creative ideas.
26. Trivia Night
27. Talent Show Fundraiser
28. Pajama Day Passes
29. Dress-Down Days
30. Superhero Costume Days
31. Art Auction of Student Work
32. “Principal for a Day” Raffle
33. Silly String the Teacher
34. Pie in the Face Challenge
35. Dunk Tank Donations
36. Movie Night on the Lawn
37. Silent Disco Event
38. Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
39. Ice Cream Social
40. Teacher Karaoke Night
41. Pumpkin Decorating Contest
42. Candy Grams for Holidays
43. Valentines Day Flower Grams
44. “Rent a Parking Spot” Auctions
45. Parent-Teacher Trivia Faceoff
46. Carnival Booths
47. School Spirit Week Kits
48. Battle of the Bands (Student Edition)
49. Eco-Drive (Bottle/Can Return with Donations)
50. Scavenger Hunt Fundraisers
For schools embracing virtual options or simply needing flexibility, these ideas keep the fundraising going—anywhere.
51. Virtual 5K Run/Walk
52. Online Silent Auction
53. Text-to-Give Campaigns
54. Digital Gift Card Sales
55. Virtual Trivia Challenge
56. E-Card Campaigns
57. Zoom Talent Show
58. Online Bingo Night
59. Virtual Art Gallery Fundraiser
60. Fund Duel Challenge Pages
61. Crowdfunding Platforms
62. Social Media Photo
Contests
63. Donation Matching Campaigns
64. Monthly Giving Programs
65. DIY Craft Workshop via Zoom
66. Reading Challenges (sponsored by donors)
67. Virtual Yoga or Fitness Classes
68. Online Game Night
69. “Principal Live Roast” on Facebook Live
70. Online Storytime for Kids (Pay-per-View)
71. Etsy-Style Online Student Store
72. Create-and-Sell Digital Downloads
73. YouTube Fundraising Livestreams
74. Virtual Pet Parade Fundraiser
75. Online Bake-Off Voting Challenge
Smart fundraising starts with keeping startup costs low. These options allow you to raise serious funds without financial risk.
76. Scratch & Help Cards
77. Sponsor-a-Student Programs
78. Corporate Matching Gift Programs
79. Local Business Sponsorships
80. Peer-to-Peer Donation Challenges
81. Bake Sales (Ingredient Donated)
82. Used Book Sales
83. Donation Jars in Local Shops
84. Parking Lot Car Wash
85. Donation-Based School Dance
86. Recycle Drives
87. Sell Advertising in School Programs
88. Amazon Smile Setup
89. Restaurant Night Fundraisers
90. Bottle Deposit Collection
91. Teacher Service Raffles (e.g., “Lunch with a Teacher”)
92. Class Change Coin War
93. Handmade Card Fundraisers
94. Yard Sale Day
95. School Mural Sponsorship Bricks
96. Community Clean-Up Event with Sponsors
97. Paperless Pledge Drive
98. Holiday Gift Wrapping Station
99. Birthday Gram Sales
100. Volunteer-for-Donations Campaign
Behind every great fundraiser is a reliable, experienced partner. That’s where we come in.
At Fundraising.com, we offer a complete toolkit to help schools across the U.S. raise more with less. From print-and-sell materials to digital-first campaigns, we adapt to your community’s needs.
What makes us different?
Getting started is simple.
Visit fundraising.com or call us at 1.800.443.5353 to learn more about launching your perfect school fundraiser.
