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.
Home decor workshop
Fourth of July party
Mascot showdown
Raffle
Just be sure to check your state laws regarding raffles before you start planning!
Flag football tournament
Pumpkin carving contest
Make it easy as pumpkin pie for participants to vote for the winners with a small donation using text-to-donate.
Craft sale
Want to make an even bigger impact? Auction off some larger or more in-demand items.
Virtual gala
“Celebrity” breakfast
Staff vs. students
Family fun run
Use peer-to-peer fundraising to encourage participants to set a donation goal and spread the word about the cause.
Scratch card fundraiser
Collect cash or accept virtual payments on the spot with Tap-to-Pay, Venmo, and more convenient options.
Donate or dare
Share regular campaign updates and add a goal bar to your fundraising page to keep the momentum going and encourage more donations.
Back-to-school sale
Customize online tickets with the name and image of each product, so your supporters can easily choose between the items on sale.
Photo contest
Raise even more by turning the top photos into a deck of cards or a calendar.
Virtual bike-a-thon
Grants
Networking night
Family photo day
Auction your time or skills
Streamline the whole experience with the help of free auction software. Add and categorize items, manage bids, and your bidders can get real-time updates on what’s happening.
Valet parking
All you can eat buffet
A free event ticketing platform can help you organize and manage your evening and check people in from your mobile device without any stress.
Pride-themed merch sale
T-shirt design contest
Family and friends game night
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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