Looking for creative student council ideas to improve your school in 2025? Whether you’re planning a spirit week, launching a fundraiser, or brainstorming long-term improvements, your student council has the power to make a real difference.
At Midland Fundraising, we’ve worked with schools across the country and seen firsthand how the right ideas—big or small—can transform school culture. From boosting spirit weeks to funding lasting upgrades, the key is choosing projects that spark excitement, build pride, and bring students together.
Here are 25 fun, effective student council ideas your school can start using right away to make 2025 your best year yet.
Get everyone involved with fun dress-up days like Decades Day, Twin Day, Pajama Day, or School Colors Day. Spirit weeks are simple to organize and instantly build community and excitement.
Midland Insight: We’ve seen schools pair Theme Day Weeks with popcorn or candy bar sales during lunch. Not only does it boost participation, but the added snack fundraiser helps cover event costs.
Encourage random acts of kindness, post uplifting notes on lockers, or create a kindness challenge across grade levels.
Pro Tip: Create a Kindness Wall where students can add sticky notes or cards. Student councils that add a donation jar nearby often see families contribute spare change to support future projects.
Highlight leadership, improvement, or acts of service. Recognize winners with a certificate, shout-out, or small prize.
Midland Insight: Some councils fund these prizes through cookie dough sales, which can raise thousands in just a few weeks. That way, you’re funding recognition while teaching students how fundraising supports school spirit.
Build school spirit with performances, games, and competitions that get the whole school cheering.
Feature student bands, athletes, or dance teams
Add a teacher vs. student game for laughs
Sell concessions (popcorn, pretzels, or lollipops) for added profit
Case Example: One school raised $800 in a single night by pairing their talent show with a Midland Holiday Catalog Fundraiser, letting parents shop before and after the event.
Invite families to share food, traditions, and stories from around the world. Celebrate the cultures represented in your school while building inclusion and awareness.
Pro Tip: Multicultural events are the perfect time to sell Midland candles or tote bags as take-home items. They make meaningful souvenirs while boosting fundraising revenue.
Brighten your school with murals or posters featuring student artwork, positive messages, or inspiring quotes.
Midland Insight: Some councils raise mural-painting funds through smaller product sales like Smencils or lollipops—low-cost, high-profit items that make art projects possible.
Promote sustainability by creating recycling bins, posters, and fun challenges to reduce waste around school.
Pro Tip: Kick it off with a fundraiser that fits the theme—like reusable tote sales. Students and families love eco-friendly items, and it reinforces your green message while raising money.
Encourage responsibility and pride with a school-wide clean-up. Focus on lockers, hallways, classrooms, or outdoor spaces.
Case Example: A middle school funded gloves, bags, and supplies for their clean-up day by selling Midland popcorn and peanuts at lunchtime the week before. Quick sales, quick cash, and an even cleaner school!
Give students a voice by setting up an anonymous suggestion box in the cafeteria or media center. Review and respond regularly to build trust.
Pro Tip: Add a digital version through a Google Form so everyone feels included—even those who may not drop a paper slip. Use your student council newsletter or morning announcements to share updates on which suggestions were implemented.
Upgrade common spaces with beanbags, reading corners, or phone charging stations. These upgrades make school feel more welcoming and student-friendly.
Midland Insight: Councils often fund these improvements with cookie dough or holiday catalog sales. One Michigan high school raised $3,500 in two weeks—enough to buy charging hubs for the library.
Classic and high-profit, cookie dough and popcorn sales are an easy way to raise funds for student council goals.
Pro Tip: At Midland, we provide everything you need—from order forms to online shop links—so students can sell in-person and online. That’s why schools consistently see up to 50% profit on these fundraisers.
Encourage literacy or fitness while raising funds through pledge-based events.
Students collect pledges per page read or per mile walked
Offer small prizes for participation and top fundraisers
Celebrate with an all-school assembly at the end
Case Example: A Michigan elementary school raised $6,200 with a Midland read-a-thon—proving educational events can be big earners, too.
Simple, fun, and effective—host a car wash with student council members, teachers, and families.
Pro Tip: Boost profits by pairing the car wash with candy bar or lollipop sales while drivers wait. Supporters love the combo of a clean car and a sweet treat.
Coordinate with local restaurants, coffee shops, or retailers who will donate a percentage of sales from a special day.
Midland Insight: Councils often boost attendance by combining Giveback Nights with popcorn sales or candle orders that can be picked up at the event.
Create spirit wear like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or water bottles. Let students help design items for extra buy-in.
Pro Tip: Pair merch sales with Midland tote bags so families can bundle purchases. Councils that promote limited-edition designs often see faster sellouts.
Support student well-being by hosting a week focused on mental health.
Bring in guest speakers
Create calming corners or “relaxation stations”
Share daily tips and mindfulness activities
Case Example: One high school raised funds for their wellness initiative with a candle fundraiser, using soothing scents as a tie-in to the week’s theme.
Create pledge banners, host educational assemblies, or design posters that promote kindness and inclusion.
Pro Tip: Pair the campaign with a “Kindness Gram” fundraiser where students send notes, lollipops, or Smencils to friends. Councils often raise funds while reinforcing the campaign message.
Offer short, guided stretching or mindfulness sessions to help students relax and refocus before big exams.
Midland Insight: One school funded yoga mats by selling Midland candles—the calming scents tied perfectly into their wellness theme.
Pair older students with younger ones to offer support, especially at the beginning of the school year.
Pro Tip: Kick off the program with a welcome breakfast or pizza night funded by a cookie dough or popcorn fundraiser. It makes the launch fun and memorable.
Create groups for LGBTQ+ students, newcomers, or shared interests. These clubs foster inclusion and belonging in your school.
Case Example: A high school in Ohio launched a “Newcomer Friends Club,” raising startup funds through a tote fundraiser that doubled as their club merch.
Keep your student body informed and engaged with regular updates on events, fundraisers, and school news.
Pro Tip: Add a “Support Student Council” section in every edition with a QR code that links directly to your online fundraiser. It’s free marketing for cookie dough, popcorn, or catalog sales.
Invite alumni, community leaders, or teachers to speak on leadership, resilience, and career paths.
Midland Insight: Councils that pair speaker nights with a silent auction or raffle often see higher turnout and bigger fundraising results.
Bring well-researched proposals to administrators—ideas like healthier lunch menus, recycling policies, or schedule changes.
Pro Tip: Fundraise for survey tools or research materials with candy bar sales—a quick way to cover costs while engaging students in the process.
Have each graduating class leave behind a mural, bench, or lasting gift for the school.
Case Example: One senior class funded a new water fountain through a Midland Holiday Wishes Catalog Fundraiser. Their legacy lives on every time students refill bottles.
Create a dedicated fund for upgrades, equipment, or projects that benefit everyone—like new seating, sports gear, or technology.
Pro Tip: Make it ongoing by running 2–3 fundraisers a year. Cookie Dough in fall, candles before the holidays, and a spring popcorn sale can keep the fund replenished without overwhelming supporters.
Your student council has the power to make school more fun, inclusive, and impactful. Whether you start with one project or five, the most important step is getting your whole community involved.
Need funds to support your next big idea? Midland Fundraising makes it easy. With high-profit options like cookie dough, popcorn, totes, and ship-to-home programs, your council can raise money quickly and stress-free.
👉 Start your fundraiser today or reach out for ideas—we’re here to help every step of the way.
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