Why you should utilize fundraising platforms for your school fundraisers
Using a crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe alongside your school events can significantly boost your results. Here’s how schools across the country are embracing crowdfunding:
- Get more eyes on your fundraiser: Share your fundraiser on social media, via email, on flyers, or on your school website. In just a few clicks, parents, teachers, alumni, and community members can make online donations.
- Flexible funds: Take funds at any time, without penalties, even if you fall short of your original fundraising goals. This makes it easier to adapt as needs change.
- Recurring donations: Donors can make a one-time gift or sign up for monthly donations to help fund classroom, PTA, or extracurricular needs throughout the year.
- Built-in storytelling: Your fundraising page on GoFundMe provides you with a platform to tell your story, add photos, and updates when you reach milestones.
Tip: Print flyers with a QR code that directs to your GoFundMe, and post it on social media for easy access.
Try these 92 fundraising ideas for schools:
1. Late start / early dismissal day: Set a specific fundraising goal for your school’s GoFundMe page and let students help spread the word. When the goal is met, reward the entire school with a late start or early dismissal day. It’s a low-cost incentive that can drive big participation and excitement during the school day.
2. Bake sale: A timeless school fundraising event, bake sales continue to be a favorite. Set up tables at in-person events and sell homemade baked goods prepared by families and students. You can also take it digital by allowing pre-orders through your school website or social media pages. A well-promoted bake sale can become a top-performing fundraising event.
3. Penny drive: Place collection jars in classrooms and common areas where students can donate spare change over a set period. Make it a competition between classes to see who can raise the most.
4. Book sale: Collect gently used books from parents, teachers, and community members. Conduct a one-day pop-up book sale at a school event or an open house. Use your newsletters and social media to promote the event for maximum visibility.
5. Recycling drive: Hold a “green” fundraiser by collecting cans, bottles, and paper. Work with a local recycling center to exchange them for cash. It’s a win-win for your school and the environment.
6. Prize giveaway event: Make your next fundraising effort more exciting with a free entry prize giveaway. Offer community members a chance to win small prizes or items donated by local businesses just by attending school events, participating in activities, or making a donation—no ticket sales required.
7. Used uniform sale: Gather gently worn uniforms and create a low-cost sale at the beginning or end of each semester. Not only does this help families save money, but it also supports your fundraising efforts.
8. Box tops for education: Encourage families to collect and scan eligible Box Tops from everyday products. Promote the program to your school community through classroom newsletters and school social media. This passive but steady fundraising opportunity supports school programs and can complement your year-round fundraising.
9. Sticker sales: Design and sell school-themed stickers or decals that students can use to decorate their notebooks, lockers, or water bottles. Offer limited edition designs to increase demand.
10. Silent auction: Collaborate with local businesses, artists, and families to donate items for a silent auction. Holding the auction in your school allows you to do it live. Have it during a school talent show or concert, or have an online auction that lasts a few days. Feature key items in social media posts and in emails to community members.
11. Coupon book sales: Sell packs of coupons for discounts at local restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores. Join forces with several local businesses to develop a high-value product.
12. Car wash: Have students attend an in-person car wash fundraiser held in your school parking lot. Charge a set small donation price or a pay-what-you-can model. Advertise the event through posters, email blasts, and social media, and think about teaming up with a local business to donate supplies or refreshments for volunteers.
13. Popcorn sale: Sell freshly popped popcorn during lunch or at events, movie night, or the school play. Offer classic, caramel, or cheese flavors to increase appeal. A popcorn sale is a low-lift fundraising event that can generate quick donations, especially when paired with your online fundraiser.
14. Lemonade stand: Set up a lemonade stand at a school or community event, charging per cup. Offer different flavors to attract more customers.
15. Coin wars: Make fundraising fun with a competitive twist. Set up coin collection jars for each class and track progress daily. Offer a small reward to the class that raises the most. This school fundraising idea works great with middle school students and builds school spirit while raising money for your cause.
16. Create a signature food or drink item: Team up with a local restaurant or café to develop a school-branded menu item, such as a smoothie, pancake, or sandwich. A portion of the proceeds from every purchase can go back to the school. It’s a delicious way to raise money while building partnerships with local businesses.
17. Quick bake sale: Need a fast fundraiser? Organize a flash bake sale during recess or after school. Offer items like cookie dough made by students or parents and share GoFundMe donation links at the table.
18. Snack cart: Create a mobile snack cart that makes its rounds during breaks or at after-school programs. Offer healthy and fun snack options at affordable prices. Use signage with QR codes for people who prefer to donate digitally. This fundraiser is great for middle schoolers and high school students and helps fund ongoing school needs.
19. QR code flyers: Create flyers with QR codes that link directly to your GoFundMe page. Use these in high-traffic areas — particularly at local businesses, the school front office, and at functions like open houses or sporting events. This tiny integration can go a long way in boosting your fundraising efforts by providing folks with a quick, pressure-free way to donate on the spot or while on the run.
Fundraising ideas: school events that boost community and donations
20. Break a world record: Find a world record that your community could attempt. Invite the entire community to come help support the efforts. At the event, have your QR code flyers to your fundraiser available.
21. Read-a-thon: Engage students and supporters in a reading marathon. Participants can collect pledges per page or book read, and donors can give through your GoFundMe. Organize a read-a-thon in the school gym or library, complete with snacks and cozy corners. Get families and community members to join or sponsor students, making it a celebration of literacy and generosity.
22. Balloon pop: Fill balloons with small prizes—like gift cards, stickers, or homework passes—and charge a few dollars to pop one. You can make this a stand-alone fundraising event or add it to a larger celebration like a carnival or back-to-school night.
23. Field day giveaway: Host a Field Day packed with fun activities tailored to younger students. Plan classic games like sack races, tug-of-war, and obstacle courses to keep energy high and participation strong. As part of the event, offer small surprise giveaways throughout the day. Students can earn entries by joining in activities or helping classmates, with some prizes tied to an upcoming field trip or gear.
24. Food delivery night: Turn your culinary or home economics class into a one-night restaurant. Prepare take-home dinners for families to order and pick up. Ask a local restaurant to sponsor ingredients or provide matching donations to double the impact.
25. Masquerade Ball: Themed masquerade in the school gym, where community members dress up and dance the night away. Charge an entry fee or sell tickets online. Add attractions like a photo booth, snack station, and themed giveaways to increase participation. After the event, follow up with attendees via email or social media and include a link to your fundraiser.
26. Yard sale: Encourage families to donate gently used items to a communitywide yard sale on school grounds. Charge local businesses or families a small fee to rent tables and advertise the sale on social media, in school newsletters, and local bulletin boards. You can also feature a “special items” corner for big-ticket finds and collectibles.
27. Community fair: Host a family-friendly school fair complete with games, music, food stalls, and booths from local businesses. Charge an entry fee and sell tickets for activities. For added engagement, include prize giveaways and interactive experiences.
28. Farmers market booth: Team up with a nearby farmers market so students can sell crafts they made, baked goods, or produce from the school garden. Not only is this a fantastic way for students to engage with the community, it provides them with real-life exposure to business. Get your GoFundMe QR code in a place where it will be seen.
29. Talent show: A classic school fundraising idea that never gets old. Have students, teachers, and community members audition for a variety-style talent show. Sell tickets in advance and at the door. Boost engagement by streaming the event and collecting donations live online. Offer additional prizes sponsored by local businesses, and create an intermission activity for even more excitement.
30. Craft fair: Invite students and local crafters to showcase their handmade items at a school-hosted craft fair. Rent booths for a small fee and charge admission at the door. Host the event at a local business, like a café or bookstore, for greater exposure.
31. Community clean-up: Get pledges per bag of trash collected and organize teams to clean up parks, school grounds, or nearby trails. Offer incentives like gift cards donated by local businesses, and recognize top collectors via your school’s social media channels.
32. Dinner event: Host a themed dinner night at school with courses inspired by school subjects—like alphabet soup for Language Arts or beaker mocktails for Science. Sell tickets in advance and offer door prizes or trivia-based giveaways.
33. Concert: Collaborate with student musicians, bands, or choirs to host a community concert. Charge an entry fee, sell refreshments, and invite local businesses to sponsor performers in exchange for shout-outs or signage.
34. Walk-a-thon: Organize a walk-a-thon with pledge forms and online donations. Invite parents, teachers, and students to join and gather sponsorships from local businesses. This is a great opportunity to highlight health and wellness while encouraging community participation. Add some fun by incorporating concession stands or music along the walking route.
35. Pet parade: Allow pets to strut their stuff in a judged parade with prizes for categories such as “Best Dressed” and “Best Trick.” Of course, there’s an entry fee, and students can sell tickets to their friends and family.
36. Community picnic: Plan an afternoon picnic with lawn games, student performances, and food trucks or a grill station. Charge an admission fee and for food and activities.
37. Cook-off: Invite the PTA, staff, or students to enter a chili, mac & cheese, or dessert cook-off. Sell tasting tickets at the door and allow guests to vote on their favorites. Ask local businesses to provide prizes or sponsor tasting stations.
38. Outdoor movie night: Have a backyard movie night on the football field or school lawn. Pick a family-friendly movie and serve inexpensive snacks such as popcorn or hot chocolate. Ask guests to pay an admission fee or suggest a donation amount through your GoFundMe page.
39. Farm-to-table dinner: Highlight local agriculture with a dinner made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Partner with farmers and a nearby local restaurant for food donations or recipe ideas. Sell tickets in advance and highlight your school’s garden or sustainability programs during the meal. Include donation page info on the menu or centerpiece cards.
40. Art show: Turn the school halls into a gallery showcasing student work and community pieces. Charge an entry fee or offer VIP tickets for early access and refreshments. Sell artwork or prints and split the proceeds between artists and the school.
41. Haunted House: Create a haunted house experience for Halloween, charging for entry. Use GoFundMe to accept online donations.
42. Trivia night: Organize a themed trivia competition in the cafeteria or school gym. Teams can register in advance by paying an entry fee, and you can also sell tickets at the door. Offer prizes for the top three teams, and ask local businesses to sponsor question rounds or provide door prizes. Share the event widely on social media and offer a live stream for remote participants.
43. Game night: Set up stations with classic board games, video games, and even card tournaments. Charge a flat entry fee or per-game rate, and offer snacks to keep the fun going.
44. Science fair: Charge a small fee for project registration and welcome the public to view displays during a showcase night. Invite community scientists to judge and provide feedback. Raise extra funds by selling refreshments or adding donation cards near each display.
45. Poetry slam: Create a supportive stage where students and adults can share original poetry. Charge for performer sign-up and audience seating. Serve refreshments and record performances to post on social media. Encourage donations by sharing your GoFundMe page during the intermission and on promotional materials.
46. Escape room: Turn your school into a puzzle adventure. Design themed rooms for different age groups and charge teams an entry fee to solve their way out. Promote the event online and with posters around campus. Offer group discounts and ask local businesses to sponsor each room or donate prizes. This is a great activity for elementary school fundraising.
47. Lip sync battle: Organize a lip sync battle where students, teachers, and parents can perform their favorite songs. Charge an entry fee for participants and spectators. Offer prizes for the best performances, judged by a panel or audience vote. Sell tickets in advance and at the door, and provide snacks and drinks for sale. Promote the event through social media, school announcements, and local media to attract a large audience.
48. Mural project: Plan a community mural project where students and local artists can contribute to a large mural at the school. Sell sponsorships for sections of the mural, allowing donors to have their names or messages included in the artwork. Host an unveiling event with an entry fee and refreshments for sale. Engage the community through social media, local businesses, and school communications to gather support and participation.
49. Fashion show: Host a fashion show featuring clothes designed by students or provided by local stores. Charge an entry fee for models and spectators. Offer prizes for the best designs and performances. Include a silent auction or raffle during the event to raise additional funds. Promote the event through school newsletters, social media, and partnerships with local businesses and fashion organizations.
50. Comic book sale: Organize a comic book sale with donated comics or student-created comic books. Set up a booth at school events, local fairs, or community centers. Offer exclusive editions or bundles to attract collectors and fans. Promote the sale through social media, school newsletters, and local comic book shops to reach a wider audience.
Fundraising that builds excitement and community involvement
51. Virtual reality experience: Offer a unique, tech-savvy fundraising event with a VR experience. Organize a VR booth during a school fair or open house and charge a small entry fee for access to a variety of games and educational simulations. Think about all different ages and things that people enjoy. Sell snacks so that you can raise more money.
52. International fair: Celebrate cultural diversity by organizing an international fair. Set up booths with food, music, and experiences of each student club and cultural group that represent their heritage. Have an entry fee or provide a suggested donation for anyone who wants to taste dishes or participate in activities. Share flyers, post on social media, and contact local businesses to build support around this exciting fundraising event.
53. Subscription box: Create a monthly subscription box filled with school-made goods, such as crafts, baked goods, and school merchandise. Offer different subscription levels to attract a wider range of supporters. Promote the subscription service through school communications, social media, and community events. Ensure timely delivery and high-quality items to retain subscribers.
54. Birthday grams: Offer birthday grams that can be delivered during class. Packages can include balloons, cards, or small treats with optional upgrades. Parents can pre-order for their children, and the fundraiser can run all year.
55. After-school classes: Provide things like art, music, dance, or sports enrichment opportunities through paid after-school classes. Offer a per-session fee, with reduced pricing for families that register for multiple sessions. Recruit qualified volunteers, a sports team, or staff, and consider collaborating with local businesses or instructors to expand your offerings.
56. School garden produce: Make your school garden work for you by selling fresh produce at school events or farmers’ markets. You can also teach students and community members how to grow their own food by hosting gardening workshops. This in-person fundraiser really ties the school in with the community in a tried-and-true, educational way.
57. Membership program: Launch a school membership program offering supporters benefits, such as discounts to school events, gift cards, or public recognition. Implement tiered levels of membership to promote larger donations and recognize involvement.
58. Book club: Start a student or parent-led book club that includes a small membership fee. Provide regular meetings, author talks, and book sales to support the club’s fundraising goals. Advertise the club via newsletters, local bookstores, and social media sites so that avid readers from the larger school community can join.
59. Recycling program: Set up an ongoing collection of recyclables such as cans, bottles, and paper. Partner with a local recycling center to exchange them for cash. Promote the program through school communications, social media, and local community boards to encourage participation.
60. Monthly giveaway event: Run a monthly recurring giveaway of donated prizes from local businesses and/or parents. Forgo ticket sales and ask for “give-what-you-can” contributions, and enter those people into prize draws (e.g., a restaurant gift basket). Spotlight new prizes each month in your school newsletters, on social media, and with flyers.
61. School store: Create a school store to sell school supplies, branded gear, and snacks. To maximize funds, keep the store open during school hours and major school events. This in-person alternative allows students and families to contribute to your school year-round in a convenient way.
62. Alumni donations: Lean into your alumni network to help with long-term fundraising initiatives. Make periodic appeals through newsletters, email marketing, and social media. Hold alumni reunions or mixers to keep the community strong and keep your school’s mission top of mind. You can even create an alumni page or social group to enhance communication and share active initiatives to raise funds.
63. Online store: Create an online shop where families and members of the community can buy school merchandise, crafts, or digital downloads. This makes a great compliment to your in-person fundraising events. Use school emails and social media, and work with local businesses to promote new menu items or seasonal specials.
64. Gift wrapping service: During the holidays or around major celebrations, offer a gift-wrapping station at school events or local malls. Charge per item wrapped and provide themed wrapping paper or ribbon choices. This easy, low-cost service appeals to busy families. Partner with a local business or shopping center for booth space and advertise through local media channels.
65. Snack subscription: Launch a monthly snack pack delivery for students, each filled with tasty and healthy treats. Parents can sign up for a recurring subscription, creating a steady revenue stream to support your school. Use social media and school newsletters to share subscription details and highlight how proceeds will benefit school initiatives or events.
66. Service auctions: Host a service-based auction with offers like tutoring, lawn care, dog walking, or babysitting provided by parents, teachers, or older students. Sell each service to the highest bidder at an in-person event or through an online platform.
67. Movie night: Organize a movie night complete with ticket sales, concessions, and optional themed decorations. Offer a mix of classic family favorites and student-voted picks. This can be done indoors or, if you’re feeling adventurous, as an outdoor movie night under the stars — either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser. You can also sell blankets or themed merchandise for extra revenue.
68. Dance-a-thon: Show off your moves and help raise money at the same time. In a dance-a-thon, people solicit pledges or donations from friends and family ahead of time. Reward prizes for the longest dancers, most creative moves, or best costumes. Host in the school gym and maintain a high level of energy with music, snack stations, and hydration stations.
69. Fun run: Hold a fun run with a twist, like a color run, superhero sprint, or glow-in-the-dark dash. Participants raise pledges to cover the laps or time completed. Provide incentives such as medals, t-shirts, or gift cards from local businesses. It is an active, participatory money-making event that includes support from community members and families.
70. Carnival: Organize an authentic school carnival with rides, game booths, and food vendors. Collect a nominal entry fee and sell tickets for games and attractions. Offer early bird specials to encourage advance ticket purchases. Engage local businesses to sponsor the event and/or donate prizes.
71. Karaoke night: Get the school community involved with a karaoke night hosted in the school gym or cafeteria. Charge for admission and offer refreshments. Let students, parents, and staff sign up to perform. Give prizes for best performance, crowd favorite, or best duet.
72. Face painting booth: Set up a face painting booth at any school event, carnival, or sports game. Offer simple designs for a few dollars and more elaborate options at a higher price point. Recruit student artists or creative parents to help.
73. Scavenger hunt: Charge for participation in a school-wide scavenger hunt, offering prizes for the first teams to complete it. Create themed hunts to keep the event fresh and exciting. Promote the event through school announcements, social media, and local community boards.
74. Photo booth: Set up a themed photo booth at events, charging for photos. Provide fun props and backdrops to encourage students and families to participate. Set up the booth at school dances, sports games, or community events and promote it through school newsletters and social media.
75. Talent show: Host a talent show with interactive voting and concessions for extra fun. Charge for admission and offer prizes for the best performances. Recruit volunteers to help with setup and running the show. Promote the event through school communications, social media, and local media.
76. Board game tournament: Charge entry fees for a board game night, with different games and tournaments. Offer prizes for the winners and sell snacks and drinks to raise additional funds. Set up the event in the school gym or cafeteria and promote it through school announcements and social media.
77. Mini golf tournament: Create a mini golf course at school and charge for entry. Offer prizes for the best scores and sell refreshments to raise additional funds. Set up the event during a school fair or sports game and promote it through school newsletters and social media.
78. Obstacle course: Set up a challenge course with entry fees. Offer different levels of difficulty to attract a wide range of participants and provide prizes for the fastest times. Host the event during a school fair or sports game and promote it through school communications and social media.
79. Video game tournament: Charge entry fees for a video game tournament. Offer prizes for the winners and sell snacks and drinks to raise additional funds. Set up the event in the school gym or cafeteria and promote it through school announcements and social media.
80. Pie in the face: Pay to pie teachers or principals in the face during a school event. Charge per pie and offer multiple opportunities to increase fundraising. Host the event during a school assembly or sports game and promote it through school newsletters and social media.
81. Outdoor movie night: Screen a movie outdoors with snacks and drinks for sale. Charge for entry and offer blankets or chairs for rent to make the experience more comfortable. Set up the event on the school field or playground and promote it through social media, school newsletters, and local community boards.
82. Pumpkin patch: Sell pumpkins and fall-themed items during the autumn season. Set up a pumpkin patch at school or partner with a local farm to provide the pumpkins. Offer additional activities like hayrides, face painting, and a photo booth to attract more customers. Promote the event through school communications, social media, and local media.
83. Holiday gift shop: Sell gifts and decorations during the holidays. Set up a shop at school events and local markets, offering a variety of items to attract more customers. Partner with local artisans to provide unique products and promote the shop through school newsletters and social media.
84. Valentine’s day grams: Sell messages and treats delivered on Valentine’s Day. Offer different packages that include items like chocolates, flowers, and personalized cards. Encourage parents to pre-order for their children and promote the service through school newsletters and social media.
85. Spring fling: Host a spring-themed event with games, food, and activities. Charge for entry and offer different activities like a petting zoo, egg hunt, and craft stations to attract families. Set up the event on the school field or playground and promote it through school communications and social media.
86. Easter egg hunt: Charge for participation in an egg hunt, offering prizes for the most eggs found. Have students help set up all the eggs and hide them around the football field. Partner with local businesses to donate prizes and promote the event through school newsletters and social media.
87. Christmas ornament sale: Have students create wreaths or ornaments in class. Partner with a local tree farm or tree sale lot to help sell the ornaments. If you get the students’ permission, you might even have them include a personal bio with their ornament.
88. Winter carnival: Host a carnival with winter-themed games and activities. Charge for entry and offer hot chocolate, snacks, and crafts to raise additional funds. Set up the event in the school gym or cafeteria and promote it through school newsletters and social media. Don’t forget to print out QR codes to your GoFundMe fundraiser to accept additional donations for people who want to give.
89. Halloween costume contest: Charge an entry fee for a costume contest, offering prizes for the best costumes. Host the contest at a school event or local community center and provide refreshments for sale. Promote the event through school communications and social media.
90. Summer BBQ: Host a barbecue with games and activities during the summer. Charge for food and entry to activities like water balloon fights, sack races, and a dunk tank. Set up the event on the school field or playground and promote it through school newsletters and social media.
91. Fourth of July celebration: Sell food and host games at a community 4th of July event. Offer activities like face painting, fireworks, and a parade to attract more participants. Partner with local businesses to donate prizes and promote the event through school communications and social media.
92. Back-to-school bash: Host an event to kick off the school year with food, games, and merchandise sales. Charge for entry and offer different activities like a dunk tank, bouncy castle, and photo booth. Set up the event on the school field or playground and promote it through school newsletters and social media.
Raise money for your school on GoFundMe
Your next school fundraising event can set the stage for a new school year that’s more connected, resource-rich, and engaged. With a great blend of virtual and in-person events, local business partnerships, and social media exposure — you can take something as simple as a dinner party, a read-a-thon, or a car wash — and make them powerful tools for your entire school community.
Leverage in-person events alongside GoFundMe to supercharge your fundraising and make it easier for community members to donate. The platform enables you to broadcast your fundraiser link across social media, newsletters, or QR code flyers, meaning your reach extends far beyond the walls of your school.
GoFundMe provides flexibility that traditional fundraising platforms can’t: transferring funds at any time, sharing monthly updates, and even seeking recurring donations to fill ongoing classroom needs.
