Elementary school fundraising ideas
The best fundraising ideas for elementary schools offer fun for the whole family and bring in some major funds, too. Rally parents, students, staff members, and the surrounding community with these fresh and creative elementary fundraiser ideas.
Gift wrapping
Face painting
Make it easy for people to take part with scan-to-donate. All they need to do is scan the QR code and they’ll land on your donation page in seconds.
Date auction
Ask sponsoring restaurants to donate gift certificates to bring in more bids for these “items” and make for an easy, in-public location for each date.
Literary pub crawl
To take this fundraising event further, arrange to have each watering hole feature a special cocktail or brew (with some non-alcoholic beverages in the mix!) to match your theme.
Open mic night
Fitness class
Bail out the pastor
Create excitement by displaying a live goal bar on your fundraising page so supporters can watch the total rise in real time.
Give it up challenge
Create a fundraising page for your challenge, including a list of ideas and suggested donation amounts. Share campaign updates and donor shout-outs to keep momentum going toward your goal!
Dodgeball tournament
Invite participants to set up team fundraising pages so they can also compete to see who can raise the most funds for your cause.
Fitness challenge
Watch as donations come in through the leaderboard in real time and friends and family share words of encouragement on the supporter feed.
Count the jellybeans
Street painting competition
Ask a local business to donate painting supplies, and then invite the community to vote for the best-painted square by making a donation ($1 = 1 vote) with an easy scan-to-donate QR code.
Read-a-thon
Battle of the food trucks
Partnering with food trucks is a great way to reach your fundraising target. Discover how to secure corporate sponsorships.
Pet contest
Invite people to submit their pets via your supporter feed for an engaging way to send in photos alongside their donations.
Donut fundraiser
Create a fundraising page or donation form to promote your efforts and make it easier to sell your sweet treats with multiple payment options wherever you are.
Costumed car wash
Create a smooth experience for all with fundraising pages that include easy in-person payments and a range of giving options.
DIY gingerbread house kits
Church camp dessert bake-off
Chili cook-off
Video Game Tournament
Virtual bake sale
Comedy roast
No-talent show
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a fundraiser for my elementary school?
Starting a fundraiser for your elementary school usually begins with identifying a need, like new playground equipment or computers. Ideally, this is done in partnership with stakeholders like the PTA and school administrators. No one should take on a fundraising effort alone, so your next step is to assemble a team of volunteers to brainstorm ideas. A book sale? A fun run? A trivia night? The sky’s the limit!
What are the most popular elementary school fundraisers?
Great fundraising ideas for elementary schools that have stood the test of time include events like fall or spring carnivals, bake sales, and walkathons. These evergreen activities appeal to families, engage more community members, and provide fun for everyone.
Regardless of how you collect donations, the best school fundraising ideas for elementary schools get both students and parents involved and even bring local restaurants and businesses in on the action.
What is the most profitable elementary school fundraiser?
The profitability of any fundraiser can vary depending on resources, expenses, and community support, but large-scale events like galas and silent auctions tend to be the most profitable. Alternatively, crowdfunding campaigns that allow supporters to make small donations on a donation page are also effective for raising money sustainably throughout the school year.
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