Looking for school fundraising ideas that are both fun and effective? You’re not alone! Whether you’re a PTO superstar, a dedicated teacher, or a school administrator juggling a thousand things—finding the right fundraiser can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with 25 fresh, exciting, and easy school fundraisers that actually work.
s
This list mixes proven favorites from Midland Fundraising with creative, no-sell ideas that get your school community engaged and excited. From cookie dough to digital bingo, every idea includes:
s
A clear description
Who it works best for
How to easily implement it
s
Let’s turn your next fundraiser into a fun and profitable success!
What it is: A classic favorite, students sell tubs of delicious cookie dough—ready to scoop, bake, and enjoy.
s
Best for: Schools of any size, especially with strong parent engagement.
s
How to implement: Partner with Midland Fundraising to run your campaign in person or online. We handle the details and provide all materials—easy!
s
What it is: Students sell gourmet popcorn and mouth-watering chocolates. Perfect for snack lovers!
s
Best for: Middle schools, sports teams, and groups that want quick sales.
s
How to implement: Choose a start date, hand out sales packets, or go digital. We pre-pack all orders for easy distribution.
s
What it is: A stylish, eco-friendly fundraiser where students sell reusable tote bags in trendy prints.
s
Best for: Schools focused on sustainability, art programs, or clubs.
s
How to implement: Select from our best-selling designs and promote them to families and staff. Great for bundling with other eco-themed events!
s
What it is: Sell high-quality candles that make great gifts for the holidays or teacher appreciation.
s
Best for: PTA/PTO-led groups, especially in fall and winter.
s
How to implement: Distribute order forms or run it 100% online. Perfect for fall festivals or holiday fundraising pushes.
s
What it is: Raise money through pledges as students read books, walk laps, or do acts of kindness.
s
Best for: Elementary schools, sports teams, and clubs.
s
How to implement: Choose your activity (reading, running, etc.), set a timeframe, and collect online pledges through Midland’s easy platform.
s
What it is: A classroom coin competition where pennies score points and silver coins sabotage other teams.
s
Best for: Elementary and middle schools with competitive spirit.
s
How to implement: Set up jars per classroom. Encourage friendly rivalry all week—winner gets a party or small prize!
s
What it is: Students create art to showcase in a gallery-style event. Parents bid on their child’s masterpiece.
s
Best for: Art programs, parent nights, or year-end events.
s
How to implement: Host the event in your school gym or virtually. Pair it with snacks, performances, or raffles to boost turnout.
s
What it is: Host a fun bingo game online using Zoom, Google Meet, or another virtual platform.
s
Best for: Remote/hybrid schools or evening family events.
s
How to implement: Sell digital bingo cards, play live on screen, and offer simple prizes like gift cards or school swag.
s
What it is: Motivate students with a schoolwide goal. If they hit it, the principal does something hilarious—think pie in the face or sleeping on the roof!
s
Best for: All grade levels with a fun-loving admin.
s
How to implement: Pick your challenge, set a clear goal, and build excitement schoolwide. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
s
What it is: Families bid on fun experiences like “Lunch with the Teacher” or “P.E. Coach for the Day.”
s
Best for: Elementary and middle schools.
s
How to implement: Have staff donate creative experiences. Host an auction during open house, virtually, or on a dedicated page.
s
What it is: Partner with a local restaurant that donates a percentage of sales from your school’s supporters.
s
Best for: Schools with strong parent networks.
s
How to implement: Pick a date, promote the event, and encourage families to dine out or order in. Easy and delicious!
s
What it is: A student-run car wash event—sunny day + soap + water = money!
s
Best for: High school teams or clubs.
s
How to implement: Pick a busy location, gather supplies, and set donation-based pricing. Pro tip: promote on social media with before/after photos.
s
What it is: A fun event with games, food, face painting, and entertainment. Families pay to attend or buy tickets for activities.
s
Best for: Elementary schools or multi-grade fundraisers.
s
How to implement: Start with 5–10 activity stations. Ask for volunteers and community sponsors to cover costs and boost profits.
s
What it is: Students donate their time to help with yardwork, tech setup, or babysitting in exchange for donations.
s
Best for: High schools or honor society groups.
s
How to implement: Create a sign-up sheet of tasks. Promote through newsletters and partner with community members who need a hand.
s
What it is: A large yard sale where families donate gently used items and your school keeps the profits.
s
Best for: PTO/PTAs or end-of-year cleanouts.
s
How to implement: Collect donations ahead of time. Use the school gym or parking lot for setup. Offer coffee or baked goods to increase foot traffic.
s
What it is: A direct ask for donations through email, text, or social media.
s
Best for: Schools with strong communication channels.
s
How to implement: Share a clear story, set a specific goal, and include easy ways to give (links, QR codes, etc.).
s
What it is: Donors text a keyword to a short number to instantly donate.
s
Best for: Assemblies, events, or concerts.
s
How to implement: Set up a service like Givebutter or Snowball. Promote it at events and on banners around campus.
s
What it is: Students read books and collect online pledges per minute or book read.
s
Best for: Elementary schools, libraries, and book lovers.
s
How to implement: Set a reading goal, track progress online, and celebrate with a themed dress-up day or reading party!
s
What it is: Create a compelling campaign for a specific school need—new playground, band uniforms, classroom tech, etc.
s
Best for: Classrooms, departments, or school-wide needs.
s
How to implement: Use GoFundMe or Givebutter. Include photos, testimonials, and clear reasons to donate.
s
What it is: Simple, scannable codes that link directly to a donation page.
s
Best for: Tech-savvy schools or events with lots of foot traffic.
s
How to implement: Post codes on flyers, school signs, or event banners. Scan and donate—easy as that!
s
What it is: Pay $1 (or more) to wear jeans, hats, or themed outfits.
s
Best for: Uniform schools or spirit weeks.
s
How to implement: Choose fun themes like Pajama Day or Twin Day. Students pay to participate—easy and fun!
s
What it is: A student (or staff!) talent show that families pay to attend.
s
Best for: All school levels.
s
How to implement: Charge admission, sell concessions, and consider livestreaming for extra reach!
s
What it is: Teachers or staff perform hilarious lip sync routines—crowd votes for a winner.
s
Best for: Middle and high schools.
s
How to implement: Record videos or do a live event. Let students “vote” by donating to their favorite act!
s
What it is: Fill a jar with candy, buttons, or marbles—students pay to guess the count.
s
Best for: Any age group.
s
How to implement: Keep it simple—set a price per guess and reward the closest answer with a fun prize or the whole jar.
s
What it is: Students submit photos based on monthly themes. Winning photos go in a printed calendar to sell.
s
Best for: Photography clubs, yearbook teams, or artsy classrooms.
s
How to implement: Host the contest, pick winners, and create the calendar using online tools. Sell to families, staff, and local businesses.
s
No matter your school’s size, budget, or schedule, these 25 unique school fundraising ideas are designed to help you raise money without the stress. From product sales to digital drives and everything in between, there’s a perfect fit waiting for your team.
s
💡 Want a fundraiser that’s fun, easy, and totally turnkey?
Start with Midland Fundraising—we’ll help you every step of the way!
© Midland Fundraising 2025. All rights reserved.