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UP TO 45% profit
On The Go Totes Fundraiser
UP TO 50% profit
Holiday Wishes Fall Fundraiser
UP TO 50% profit
Popcorn and Chocolates Fundraiser
UP TO 50% profit
Sweets And Treats Fundraiser
UP TO 45% profit
Cookie Dough Fundraiser
UP TO 50% profit
Spring In Bloom Fundraiser
UP TO 45% profit
Candle Fundraiser
UP TO 50% profit
Popcorn & Peanuts Fundraiser
UP TO 45% profit
On The Go Totes Fundraiser
UP TO 50% profit
Holiday Wishes Fall Fundraiser
UP TO 50% profit
Popcorn and Chocolates Fundraiser
UP TO 50% profit
Sweets And Treats Fundraiser
UP TO 45% profit
Cookie Dough Fundraiser
UP TO 50% profit
Spring In Bloom Fundraiser
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10 Best Fundraisers for Busy Parents (Low Effort, High Profit!)

Let’s be real—parents are BUSY. Between school drop-offs, sports practices, dinner duty, and trying to remember what day it is, the last thing anyone needs is a complicated fundraiser. That’s why we’re big fans of keeping things simple, effective, and stress-free.

If you’re looking for easy fundraising ideas that don’t require hours of planning or constant follow-up (because who has time for that?!), we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re part of a PTO, booster club, daycare, or church group, these fundraisers are parent-approved, time-saving, and most importantly—highly profitable.

Let’s dive in!
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1. Cookie Dough Fundraiser

Cookie Dough Fundraising catalog cover 2024 | Presented by Midland Fundraising

Easy to sell. Delicious to eat. Our signature cookie dough fundraiser is a no-brainer. Parents love that there’s no need for high-pressure selling—this stuff practically sells itself!
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  • Pre-portioned and scoop & bake options
    Great for busy weeknights or holiday baking with the kids.
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  • Wide variety of flavors (hello, chocolate chunk!)
    There’s something for every taste—so no one’s left out.
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  • Midland handles all the sorting, shipping, and logistics
    No extra cost, no chaos. We make sure orders are packed by seller and ready for pickup.
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💡 Pro Tip: We even offer free promotional tools like social media graphics and digital brochures to help you spread the word.
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2. Donation Drive (Walk-a-thon, Read-a-thon & More)

Hands holding a red heart on a white wooden background, symbolizing support and generosity for a Midland Fundraising donation drive or pledge-a-thon fundraiser.

No selling. No product delivery. Just pure donations tied to participation. Whether you choose a walk-a-thon, read-a-thon, or custom pledge-a-thon, we’ll help you run the whole thing.
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  • Parents share one easy link—done!
    No printing, no collecting money, just copy-paste and go.
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  • Students track progress and earn fun prizes
    We make it fun for kids and motivating for families.
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  • You raise money without lifting more than a finger
    We provide the tech, tracking tools, and setup — no admin stress for you.
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3. Popcorn + Chocolate Fundraiser

Who doesn’t love a sweet and salty combo? This fundraiser is a hit year after year—and it’s so easy to promote.
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  • Ready-to-enjoy products (no freezer space needed!)
    Perfect for sports parents or on-the-go snacking.
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  • Great profit margins for your group
    You keep up to 40% of sales — that adds up fast!
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  • Parents just send out the link or take the brochure to work
    Low-effort, high return. No extra steps or time commitment.
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4. Online-Only Fundraiser

Online Virtual Fundraising catalog cover 2024 | Presented by Midland Fundraising

Skip the forms. Forget about cash collection. With our online-only fundraising option, parents can support the fundraiser in just a few taps.
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  • Share via text, email, or social
    Even grandma in another state can help out!
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  • Browse, shop, and support—100% online
    No need to hand out catalogs or chase down payments.
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  • Products ship directly to buyers (yes, really!)
    No sorting or distributing orders at school—huge time saver.
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5. Tote Bag Fundraiser

On the go totes Fundraising catalog cover 2024 | Presented by Midland Fundraising

Functional, eco-friendly, and cute? Yes, yes, and yes. Our tote fundraiser is an easy win.
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  • High-quality, reusable bags in fun designs
    Parents actually want to use them (and gift them too).
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  • Great for gift-giving seasons or back-to-school drives
    Makes it easy to tie your fundraiser to a calendar moment.
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  • No need to “sell” it—people love totes!
    Seriously—these fly off the virtual shelves with minimal effort.
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More Easy Fundraisers Parents Love (No Selling Required)

Want to keep things super simple? These no-sell, low-effort ideas are perfect for schools, churches, and community groups looking for fast wins with minimal planning.
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6. Restaurant Spirit Night

Restaurant Fundraiser | Presented by Midland Fundraising

Team up with a local restaurant, promote the night, and earn a percentage of the sales—no extra work required.
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  • Easy promo via social and flyers
    Parents just show up for dinner. No cooking. No dishes. Win-win.
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  • No collecting money or orders
    The restaurant tracks sales and sends you a check—easy peasy.
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  • Dinner plans? Check. Fundraiser? Double check.
    It’s fundraising disguised as family night out.
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7. No-Uniform or Pajama Day

Four students dressed in animal onesie pajamas lying on the floor under a bright “Pajama Day” sign, promoting a fun and easy school fundraiser.

This is a school favorite! Students pay $1 (or more!) to participate, and it takes zero effort to run.
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  • Great for elementary schools and daycares
    Younger students love dressing up, and families love the fun twist.
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  • No prep or supplies needed
    Just get approval from school leadership and spread the word.
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  • Gets kids excited to give back
    Fun + fundraising = a perfect combo.
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8. Coin Wars Challenge

Scattered coins with the text “Coin Wars Challenge,” representing a fun and competitive school fundraising activity.

Loose change adds up fast—and kids love the friendly competition of coin wars.
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  • Low-barrier, fun competition
    Each classroom competes to bring in the most change. Bonus points for sabotage with dollar bills!
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  • Teachers manage collection—no extra parent involvement
    Everything stays in the classroom—parents just send in the coins.
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  • Fun way to raise hundreds without leaving the building
    Seriously—it adds up quicker than you think.
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9. Text-to-Donate Campaign

Text to give campaign with phone screen capture of texting to donate

Perfect for churches, nonprofit groups, or sports teams! Share a custom giving link and let supporters donate from their phone.
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  • No product to sell or distribute
    Just a link and a message—simple as that.
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  • Easy to track progress and goals
    You’ll know exactly how much you’ve raised at any moment.
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  • Can be paired with an event or run solo
    Great as a stand-alone or as a quick add-on to an existing fundraiser.

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10. Online Silent Auction

Online Auction | individual fundraising ideas presented by midland fundraising

Collect a few donated items or experiences and host a virtual silent auction—no event space needed.
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  • Ask local businesses for gift cards, baskets, or services
    They get visibility, you raise funds—it’s a win-win for your community.
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  • Run it all online with tools like 32Auctions
    No tech skills required—just add photos and set your bid times.
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  • Parents just bid from their phones!
    It’s flexible, fun, and raises serious dollars for your cause.
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Why Busy Parents Choose Midland Fundraising

We get it—life moves fast. And when your to-do list already feels a mile long, fundraising can quickly drop to the bottom. That’s exactly why Midland Fundraising exists: to take the pressure off parents, teachers, and group leaders and help you hit your goals without the stress.
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Here’s what makes us different (and why thousands of groups trust us year after year):

  • We do the heavy lifting
    → From setup to delivery, we handle everything behind the scenes so your team doesn’t have to.
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  • Online tools = less hassle
    → With digital brochures, online ordering, and real-time tracking, promoting your fundraiser is as easy as hitting “send.”
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  • High-quality, high-profit products
    → Whether it’s our best-selling cookie dough or our fan-favorite totes, people want what you’re offering—and that means more funds for your group.
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  • No hidden fees or surprise costs
    → What you see is what you get. We’re here to help you earn more, not spend more.
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Support you can count on
→ Got a question? Need help mid-fundraiser? Our team is just a call or click away.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Fundraisers for Busy Parents

What are the best fundraisers for busy parents?

The best fundraisers for busy parents are those that require minimal time and effort. Options like online donation drives, catalog fundraisers (e.g., cookie dough or candles), and hybrid fundraisers that combine product sales with digital tools are perfect because they can be managed from home and involve minimal organization.
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How can I run a fundraiser without overwhelming parents?

To avoid overwhelming parents, choose fundraisers that are easy to manage with clear instructions. Spread them out over time and avoid overlapping multiple campaigns. Offering digital tools for sharing and tracking progress can also reduce stress. Additionally, make sure to keep communication simple and straightforward.
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Can small fundraising teams still be successful?

Absolutely! Even small teams or groups can run successful fundraisers by focusing on high-profit, low-effort options like online donation drives or simple catalog sales. The key is choosing the right fundraiser that fits your team’s schedule and capacity.
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How do I encourage busy parents to participate in fundraising?

Engage busy parents by making participation as easy as possible. Provide digital tools to share with friends and family, set up easy-to-use online payment systems, and consider offering small incentives or prizes for top participants. Make sure to communicate early and offer flexible timelines.
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What are no-sell fundraising ideas for busy parents?

No-sell fundraisers like donation drives or direct appeal campaigns can be highly effective for busy parents. These fundraisers don’t require parents to sell products but still help raise funds through generous contributions from the community.
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Ready to Fundraise the Easy Way?

If you’re tired of overcomplicated fundraisers and just want something that works—we’ve got you. Whether it’s product-based, pledge-driven, or fully online, Midland makes it simple, fun, and super rewarding.

👉 Start Your Fundraiser Today
Let’s make this the easiest (and most successful) fundraiser you’ve ever run.