Have you been asked to help with fundraising ideas at your kid’s school? From sprucing up the playground to raising money for a worthy cause it can feel like the pot is always empty, so donations are a great way to raise the extra cash.
But coming up with new and innovative ways to raise money every term can feel like a challenge. Don’t worry! We have 60 fun and easy school fundraising ideas to inspire you and get the ball rolling. They include fundraising ideas for kids, PTA fundraising ideas, funny ideas, fundraising ideas for teens and more!
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Why do schools fundraise for charity?
Schools often need help buying specialist equipment, but fundraising at school benefits the students too. Charity work provides a unique opportunity for children to learn about finances, teamwork, project management and important causes that affect the world. Add a dash of community spirit into the mix and class fundraising can be a fun activity for everyone!
What is the most profitable fundraising event?
Fun and interactive community events are often the best fundraiser ideas for school, so don’t be afraid to ask for help and get all the teachers and parents involved too.fundraiser ideas for high schools
That said, in the digital age you can raise a considerable amount of cash online too. Keep scrolling for top tips on how to raise money for charity at school plus crowdfunding ideas for students in the digital age…
1. Break the rules day
Rebellious kids (and a lot of the teachers most likely) will LOVE this great fundraising idea.
Pay 50p (or whatever amount the school decides) to break (pre-approved!) rules such as wearing football kit instead of uniform, allowing nail varnish, coloured hair spray, transfer tattoos, sneaky chocolate in lunchboxes, odd socks… the possibilities are endless!
2. Smarties tube challenge
Who doesn’t love Smarties? Kids are given tubes of Smarties, and once eaten, are required to do small jobs for 20p or £1, with the coins being put in the empty tube.
There ARE things to bear in mind though: Kids with dairy allergies or vegans won’t be able to eat Smarties. Not EVERYONE will be in a position to fill their tube with 20p pieces (which is the usual) let alone pound coins, so have some alternatives up your sleeve: plenty of empty tubes and suitable treats for the kids who can’t scoff the choc, and make it clear any coins can be put in.
And don’t do the count up in front of the class. No one needs know who filled with £1 coins, and who could only use fives.
3. Art exhibitons and sale
Buy a load of cheap frames from Ikea or the pound shop, have the kids do a self portrait or a family portrait, and hold an art exhibition where parents can buy the work.
This great fundraising idea translates well online too, as you can post the artwork on social media for everyone to enjoy or even purchase from afar. No one can resist their budding Picasso’s artistry when they see it online…
Buy a load of cheap frames from Ikea or the pound shop, have the kids do a self portrait or a family portrait, and hold an art exhibition where parents can buy the work.
This great fundraising idea translates well online too, as you can post the artwork on social media for everyone to enjoy or even purchase from afar. No one can resist their budding Picasso’s artistry when they see it online…
4. Coin trail
Another easy-peasy one – ask pupils and parents to bring in any spare coins/loose change they have, then organise a coin trail around the school on a chosen date – see how far the coins will stretch around the school, then bag up and bank!
If you’re struggling to raise funds because no one carries cash these days, consider investing in a card reader. This way, no one has an excuse not to chip in!
5. Take the step challenge
Most of us are guilty of failing to meet our 10,000 daily exercise targets, let alone walk our kids to school. Transform the school run into a charity event by asking friends and family to sponsor your daily steps. And if you hit your target? You’ll raise extra funds AND get fitter too, so it’s a win-win. Plus it ties in nicely with Walk to School Week held every May.