30+ Years of Fundraising Excellence!

Struggling to Find Fundraising Ideas That Actually Excite Kids?

Table of Contents

This guide shares fun, hands-on activities that kids love—and that actually raise money.

Big Hearts, Small Hands—How Kids Can Make a Difference

Kids are natural givers. They’re full of energy, curiosity, and creativity—everything you need for a successful fundraiser. The real challenge? Finding age-appropriate, fun, and effective fundraising ideas that actually engage them while making a real impact.

At Fundraising.com, we believe fundraising should empower kids—not overwhelm the adults helping them. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve helped schools, churches, youth groups, and families raise millions through simple, proven programs. This guide gives you the tools to inspire young fundraisers with ideas that are fun to run and easy to manage.

Fundraising Ideas

Why Fundraising for Kids Needs to Be Different

Kids bring heart and enthusiasm to every project—but they also need structure, safety, and support. That’s why the best fundraising ideas for children are:

  • Hands-on and interactive

  • Simple to understand and run

  • Safe, supervised, and scalable

  • Designed to build confidence—not stress

     

Whether you’re planning for a classroom, a scout troop, a youth group, or just your family, the ideas below are tailored to meet kids where they are—with minimal adult stress and maximum smiles per dollar raised.

1. Low-Stress, High-Excitement Product Fundraisers

Kids love sharing things they enjoy, and product-based fundraisers let them do just that. With the right product, it becomes less of a “sales pitch” and more of a fun challenge they’re proud to participate in.

Top Kid-Approved Fundraising Products from Fundraising.com

  • Tessa Lollipops: Colorful, fun flavors kids love to sell—and eat.

  • Katydids Chocolates: A premium treat that’s easy to pitch to family and neighbors.

  • Sweet CHAOS Popcorn: Bright packaging and bold flavors, perfect for kids to promote.

  • Smencils: Scented pencils and pens that are collectible, usable, and school-safe.

2. Event Fundraisers That Let Kids Lead

Events get kids moving, working together, and feeling like they’re part of something meaningful. These ideas are great for groups and encourage responsibility and fun.

A. Talent Show or Art Showcase

Let kids perform or display their creative work in front of a community audience. Sell tickets, snacks, or merch featuring their art.

  • Pro Tip: Make it a hybrid event with livestream access and donation buttons for extended reach.

B. Themed Fun Run

Host a mini race or walk-a-thon with a kid-friendly theme: superheroes, cartoon characters, or animals. Let kids collect pledges per lap or raise funds with entry fees.

  • Bonus: Combine with branded T-shirts and lollipops to increase fundraising potential.

C. Schoolyard Carnival

Set up activity booths like ring toss, face painting, and cupcake decorating. Kids can help run the stations and invite their friends.

Tip: Use product fundraisers like candy and snacks as prizes or concessions.

Fundraising Ideas

3. Simple, Home-Based Fundraisers for Families

Sometimes, parents and teachers need fundraisers that don’t require public events or volunteers. These at-home options are easy for kids to manage and still feel connected to the cause.

A. Cookie Dough Catalogs

Kids hand out order forms or links, collect pre orders from family and friends, and deliver with help from an adult. No upfront cost, and cookies sell themselves.

B. Online Product Store

We provide your group with a customized online store. Kids (and parents) share the link via email or social media. Products ship directly to buyers, making it one of the easiest and safest ways to raise funds.

  • Best For: Virtual classrooms, hybrid groups, and families who want to support from home.

C. Coloring Page Sponsorships

Great for younger kids: They color printable pages themed around the fundraiser (e.g., saving the playground), and adults sponsor each finished page.

Creative Add-on: Feature their art on mugs or T-shirts through our custom merchandise program.

4. Creative Campaigns That Build Life Skills

When kids are part of the entire fundraising process—from planning to promotion—they build more than money. They gain confidence, communication skills, and a sense of ownership.

A. “Wall of Giving” Mini Version

Adapt the popular adult version: 50 envelopes, numbered $1 to $50. Let kids decorate the display and explain the cause to visitors or online.

B. Letters for a Cause

Have kids write heartfelt letters or draw pictures explaining why they’re raising money. Mail or hand them out with donation envelopes. It’s personal, sincere, and effective.

C. Sponsor-a-Chore Program

Kids commit to doing chores in exchange for donations. Supporters pledge $1–$10 per chore completed during a set timeframe.

Add structure: Use our free fundraising tracker sheet to log progress.

What Makes Fundraising.com Ideal for Kid-Focused Fundraisers?

We’ve worked with thousands of schools, PTAs, youth groups, and families across the U.S., and we know what works when kids are involved. Here’s what sets us apart:

Kid-Friendly Products

All our product lines are curated with young fundraisers in mind—fun to sell, easy to carry, and safe for schools and youth settings.

Zero-Risk, High-Return Programs

Many of our programs require no upfront cost, and we offer high profit margins, so you earn more for every dollar raised.

Safe, Hands-Off Options

Online stores, order takers, and ship-to-home programs mean you can run a successful campaign without handling products or cash.

Support From Start to Finish

We offer dedicated fundraising specialists, free guides, and resources to walk you through every step of your campaign.

“The cookie dough fundraiser was great! It was so easy to sell. Some members took the order forms to work and left it in the lunchroom. When they came back, the form was already filled!”
Mark, South Jersey Mass Choir, NJ

“We raised enough money to pay for all 75 students and chaperones, plus lunch, buses, and spending money. All the selling was done before and after school!”
Ralph W., Elementary School, OH

Fundraising Ideas

How to Start Your Kid-Friendly Fundraiser Today

  1. Pick a Product or Program
    Choose from lollipops, cookie dough, popcorn, Smencils, and more—or go digital with our online stores.

  2. Set Your Goal
    Decide what you’re raising funds for and how much you need to reach your goal.

  3. Customize Your Campaign
    Get a custom toolkit with posters, order forms, online links, and promotion tips.

  4. Involve the Kids
    Assign age-appropriate roles: decorating, promoting, selling, or delivering.

  5. Celebrate Your Success
    Share your results with your community and make it fun for the kids to see their impact.

Let’s Make Fundraising Fun Again

With the right tools and ideas, fundraising with kids can be more than just a way to raise money—it can be a meaningful experience that teaches generosity, teamwork, and creativity.

Whether you’re a teacher planning a school event, a parent leading a troop, or a youth group organizer, Fundraising.com is here to help you make it happen.

Ready to raise money with smiles, not stress?

Download our Free Guide to Fundraising Ideas for Kids and start planning your next big (or little) success.

Visit: https://fundraising.com
Email: [email protected]
Call: 1.800.443.5353
Address: 11320 State Route 9 #701065, Champlain, NY, 12919

Request a Free Guide