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Middle school fundraising ideas

If you're tired of the same old fundraiser ideas for middle school, you’ve come to the right place. Find inspiration in our ultimate list of junior high fundraising ideas, from movie nights to pajama runs and everything in between.

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Obstacle course

Challenge supporters to complete a course of obstacles like walls, mud pits, and rope climbs. To amplify your impact, and spark some friendly competition, encourage team fundraising: all supporters can join an existing team or create their own to compete! 
Cost:
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Effort:
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Impact:
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Peer-to-peer

Take a pie to the face

Set up a booth and invite people to pay to throw a pie at willing participants like teachers, bosses, or coaches—the more authority, the more satisfying!

With scan-to-donate, pie throwers use your QR code to land on your donation page instantly—no waiting around.
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
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Donation forms

One for one pledge

Whether you’re offering branded merch, boxed lunches, or other appealing products, incentivize even more donations for your cause by pledging to give away one “reward” item for each one purchased. (For example, for every pair of cozy socks sold, you’ll donate a pair to a local shelter.)

Showcase this cycle of generosity on your donation forms using custom labels and donation amounts to make it clear you’ll be making an in-kind donation for every monetary donation received.
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Fundraising page

Virtual book club

Charge a registration fee or ask for donations to join your book club, and host regular discussions via Zoom or another video conferencing platform. 

Be sure to set up recurring donations as a simple way to collect membership fees for ongoing gatherings.
Cost:
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Raffle

Ask your sponsors and community members to donate items or experiences, then raffle them off! The sky is the limit when it comes to raffle ticket prizes: gift baskets, movie tickets, artwork—anything that will appeal to your community members. 

Just be sure to check your state laws regarding raffles before you start planning!
Cost:
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Impact:
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Fundraising page
Donation forms

Kids vs. grownups field day

Organize an afternoon of hilarious games and exciting dual-team events, such as tug-of-war, that are sure to get the competitive spirit going. 

Charge entrance fees for this fundraising event, offer for-sale hydration and snacks, and don’t forget prizes for the winners! 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
2
Inspiration
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Events

Used book sale

Reserve a space and have your community donate their used books for the cause. Set a price for each book and use scan-to-donate or Venmo to easily accept payments on the spot.
Cost:
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Impact:
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Donation forms

Movie night

Find a suitable indoor or outdoor space and host a ticketed screening of a fan-favorite movie (bonus if it’s related to your cause!). Sell popcorn, treats, and drinks, too. 

Use Givebutter’s fundraising event tools like online ticket sales, mobile app check-ins, and in-person payments to make it easier for you and your supporters. 
Cost:
2
Effort:
2
Impact:
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Inspiration
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Dance-a-thon

Using individual peer-to-peer fundraising pages connected to your central event page, participants gather donations and pledges based on how long they aim to dance—without taking a break! 

Supporters can donate, leave messages of support for the dancers, and purchase tickets to join in the fun all in one place. 
Cost:
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Effort:
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Impact:
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Peer-to-peer

Desk decorating contest

Choose a theme and invite all of your coworkers to pay a small entry fee to participate in beautifying their workspace. To determine the best “dressed” desk, ask colleagues to submit a $5 donation per vote on each decorator’s peer-to-peer fundraising page. Watch the leaderboard to see who’s in the lead in real time!
Cost:
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Impact:
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Peer-to-peer

Virtual gala

Showcase live or pre-recorded presentations and guest speakers, host an auction, and solicit donations—all livestreamed from your event registration page. 
Cost:
1
Effort:
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Impact:
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Inspiration
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Auctions

Walkathon

Ask supporters to lace up their shoes and gather pledges or donations for every mile they walk. 

Sell official charity gear, encourage supporters to share updates on their own personal donation pages, and award top fundraisers with exciting prizes.
Cost:
2
Effort:
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Impact:
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Inspiration
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Peer-to-peer

Bingo night

Sell bingo cards and offer exciting prizes to keep everyone engaged all night long, either virtually or in person! 

In the lead-up to your fundraising event, entice attendees with campaign updates featuring teasers of some of the prizes at stake. 
Cost:
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Impact:
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Inspiration
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Mini-golf tournament

Assemble teams, charge entry fees, and cheer everyone on as they compete for the best score. Encourage participants to make personal team fundraising pages and ask friends and family to support them and the cause. 
 
Cost:
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Impact:
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Peer-to-peer

Spa crawl

Sell tickets or auction off a grand schedule of manicures, pedicures, massages, and more at various spas in your city. Include lots of perks for participating local businesses—like free marketing and publicity—in your corporate sponsorship proposal. 
Cost:
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Impact:
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Auctions

24-hour relay race

Create the ultimate relay race for rival schools in your district and charge an entrance fee for spectators. Encourage each school to create a team fundraising page where friends and family can show their support with donations and  progress toward their goal in real time. 
Cost:
2
Effort:
3
Impact:
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Inspiration
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Peer-to-peer

Earth Day

Reserve an indoor or outdoor space and invite your community to come arrange flower bouquets and pot their own plants to celebrate Earth Day (April 22). 

Charge an entrance fee and make your fundraising event move smoothly with mobile app check-in and easy scan-to-donate payment options. 
Cost:
2
Effort:
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Impact:
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Donation forms

Mystery art show

Invite local artists, students, and other enthusiastic community members to contribute small paintings or other works for an anonymous community art sale.

Charge an entrance fee and invite supporters to purchase pieces all at the same price—without knowing who their artist is until the end of the event!
Cost:
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Effort:
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Impact:
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Donation forms

Local celebrities

Invite a local children’s book author or beloved mascot to an event. Guests will pay a fee to attend, ask questions, and take photos! 
Cost:
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Impact:
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Donation forms

Fantasy football draft festival

Turn a fantasy football draft into an exciting fundraising event! Sell tickets and offer tailgate games, food, and entertainment. 
Cost:
2
Effort:
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Impact:
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Inspiration
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Read-a-thon

Students pledge to read a certain number of minutes each day and collect donations for each minute read or a flat rate. To gamify your efforts, use peer-to-peer fundraising to encourage readers to compete to see who reads—and raises—the most. 
Cost:
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Peer-to-peer

School auction

Source quality school-related items, such as backpacks and shoes, and auction them off during a virtual, in-person, or hybrid event. 
Cost:
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Impact:
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Inspiration
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Auctions

Basketball bonanza

Challenge contestants to score as many points as they can within the time limit. Charge an entry fee and check attendees in as they line up. 
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Peer-to-peer
Events

Caroling

Embrace the holiday spirit and spread joy by going caroling around town or at an event. Pass the hat for cash donations AND hold a big QR code or text-to-donate number for easy mobile giving!
Cost:
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Donation forms
Events

The guessing game

At your next event, fill a jar with candy and, for a small fee, invite people to guess how many pieces are in the jar. The closest guess wins all the candy!

Use scan-to-donate to send guessers directly to your donation page for easy on-the-spot giving. Print the QR code onto a poster, or display it on a tablet or screen on your stand. 
Cost:
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Impact:
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Inspiration
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Donation forms
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Frequently asked questions

First, identify a cause or project to support, whether it’s a new program or necessary school supplies. Next, brainstorm fundraiser ideas for middle schoolers to find the right fit for your community, like a scavenger hunt, car wash, or walk-a-thon.

Get approval from school administrators, recruit volunteers to help with your fundraising efforts, and promote the campaign far and wide. Then, launch your event, collect donations, and thank everyone for their support!

Large-scale events like dances and competitions are among the most popular junior high fundraising ideas. These types of fundraisers actively involve the community in supporting your cause and create memorable experiences for students and their families. 

How much money your middle school fundraiser will make will vary based on your expenses, community support, and fundraising goal. However, fundraising ideas for middle school students—such as themed runs/walks or movie nights—can potentially bring in a hefty amount of funding. These events can often be hosted throughout the school year and only require a small donation from each supporter.

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