Finding the right school fundraiser can feel like a full-time job. Whether you’re a PTO leader, a busy teacher, or an administrator with a packed schedule, you want something that’s easy to run, fun for students, and actually profitable.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve pulled together 25 school fundraising ideas that truly work—a mix of proven favorites from Midland Fundraising and creative community-driven options. Each idea includes:
A clear description
Who it works best for
Simple steps to get started
From cookie dough sales to digital bingo nights, these ideas are designed to raise money while keeping your school community excited and engaged.
What it is: A timeless favorite—students sell tubs of ready-to-bake cookie dough that families love to stock up on.
s
Best for: Schools of any size, especially with strong parent involvement.
s
How to run it: Partner with Midland Fundraising to run your sale in person or online. We handle the order forms, online store, and pre-packed delivery—making it stress-free for you.
s
What it is: A crowd-pleaser featuring gourmet popcorn flavors and delicious chocolates. Easy sales because everyone loves snacks!
s
Best for: Middle schools, sports teams, and groups looking for quick wins.
s
How to run it: Choose a start date, hand out sales packets, or share your digital store link. Midland packs everything by seller, so distribution is a breeze.
s
What it is: Eco-friendly reusable totes in trendy patterns. Families can use them for shopping, sports gear, or everyday errands.
s
Best for: Schools with a green focus, clubs, or art programs.
s
How to run it: Pick from our best-selling tote designs and promote them at school and online. Works great alongside other eco-themed events or Earth Day.
s
What it is: High-quality candles that double as home décor and thoughtful gifts.
s
Best for: PTO/PTA groups, especially in the fall and holiday season.
s
How to run it: Offer them with paper forms or fully online. Candles make perfect add-ons for festivals or holiday drives.
s
What it is: Instead of selling products, students collect pledges for reading minutes, walking laps, or even acts of kindness.
s
Best for: Elementary schools, athletic programs, or clubs.
s
How to run it: Choose your activity, set a timeframe, and let Midland’s digital tools make pledge tracking and payments easy.
s
What it is: A lighthearted coin drive where pennies add points and silver coins subtract from other teams.
s
Best for: Elementary and middle schools with a competitive spirit.
s
How to run it: Set up jars for each classroom, encourage students to rally their coins all week, and crown the winner with a fun reward like a class pizza party.
s
What it is: Students create art to display in a gallery-style event where parents bid on their child’s work.
s
Best for: Art programs, year-end celebrations, or family nights.
s
How to run it: Use the gym or cafeteria as your “gallery.” Add snacks, student music performances, or a raffle to boost turnout and fun.
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: Students hit a fundraising goal, and the principal does something funny—like getting duct-taped to a wall or spending a night on the school roof.
s
Best for: All grade levels (if you’ve got a game-for-anything principal).
s
How to run it: Set a clear goal, announce the challenge, and let student excitement do the rest. It’s an instant buzz-builder.
s
What it is: Families bid on unique experiences with teachers—like lunch together, being “P.E. Coach for the Day,” or sitting in the teacher’s chair.
s
Best for: Elementary and middle schools.
s
How to run it: Ask staff to contribute fun experiences. Run the auction at an open house, a family night, or online so everyone can participate.
Want help planning your next fundraiser? Let Midland handle the details—explore our fundraiser options here.
s
What it is: Partner with a local restaurant that donates a percentage of sales from your supporters.
s
Best for: Schools with active parent networks and community ties.
s
How to run it: Pick a date, promote the event in newsletters and on social media, and encourage families to dine in or order takeout. It’s an easy win-win—restaurants love the business, and your school raises funds.
s
What it is: A student-run car wash—soap, water, and elbow grease turn into dollars.
s
Best for: High school sports teams, cheer squads, or clubs.
s
How to run it: Secure a busy parking lot, gather supplies, and accept donations instead of flat fees. Promote with posters, social media, and word-of-mouth for maximum turnout.
s
What it is: A family-friendly event with games, food, face painting, and entertainment.
s
Best for: Elementary schools or multi-grade events.
s
How to run it: Set up 5–10 activity booths to start, ask for volunteers, and get local businesses to sponsor or donate items. Sell tickets for activities to keep the fun flowing.
s
What it is: Students volunteer their time to help with tasks like yardwork, tech setup, or babysitting in exchange for donations.
s
Best for: High schools, honor societies, or service clubs.
s
How to run it: Create a sign-up sheet of tasks. Promote through newsletters, social media, and local community groups to find people who could use an extra hand.
s
What it is: Families donate gently used items, and the school sells them for profit.
s
Best for: PTO/PTAs or schools looking for an end-of-year push.
s
How to run it: Collect donations in advance, use the school gym or parking lot for setup, and add extras like a bake sale or coffee stand to increase traffic and sales.
s
What it is: A straightforward ask for donations using email, text, or social media.
s
Best for: Schools with strong communication channels or engaged parent groups.
s
How to run it: Share your school’s story, set a clear goal, and provide easy giving options (donation links or QR codes). Keep momentum with updates and progress trackers.
s
What it is: Donors text a keyword to a number to instantly contribute.
s
Best for: Assemblies, concerts, or community events with a live audience.
s
How to run it: Set up a service like Givebutter or Snowball, promote the code at events, and display it on banners, slideshows, or posters.
s
What it is: Students read books and collect pledges online per page, minute, or book.
s
Best for: Elementary schools, libraries, or literacy-focused programs.
s
How to run it: Establish reading goals, track progress digitally, and celebrate with a reading party or themed dress-up day.
s
What it is: Launch a fundraising page for a specific need—like new playground equipment, band uniforms, or classroom technology.
s
Best for: Classrooms, clubs, or whole-school projects.
s
How to run it: Use platforms like GoFundMe or Givebutter. Add photos, student testimonials, and a clear purpose to inspire donors.
s
What it is: Custom QR codes that link directly to your school’s donation page.
s
Best for: Tech-friendly schools, events with large crowds, or high-traffic areas.
s
How to run it: Print codes on flyers, posters, or event signage. Supporters scan and donate instantly—simple and effective.
s
What it is: Students pay a small fee to wear jeans, hats, or themed outfits instead of their usual attire.
s
Best for: Uniform schools or spirit weeks.
s
How to run it: Pick fun themes like Pajama Day, Twin Day, or Sports Jersey Day. Charge $1–$2 per student and keep the energy high with class competitions or photo contests.
s
What it is: A showcase of student (and teacher!) talents—music, comedy, dance, or magic tricks.
s
Best for: All grade levels and community audiences.
s
How to implement: Sell tickets, livestream for families who can’t attend, and boost revenue with concessions or a raffle during intermission.
s
What it is: Teachers perform lip sync routines for a fun, laughter-filled evening. Students “vote” with donations to support their favorite act.
s
Best for: Middle and high schools.
s
How to run it: Host it live or record performances in advance. Add prizes or crown a “Lip Sync Champion” to build excitement.
s
What it is: Fill a jar with candy, buttons, or marbles—students pay to guess the number. Closest answer wins.
s
Best for: Any grade level, especially for quick add-on fundraising.
s
How to run it: Charge per guess (like 25¢ or $1), display the jar in a common area, and announce winners at the end of the week.
s
What it is: Students submit themed photos for each month, and winners are featured in a printed school calendar.
s
Best for: Photography clubs, yearbook teams, or creative classrooms.
s
How to implement: Collect submissions, hold a vote, design the calendar with an online tool, and sell copies to families and local businesses.
s
Product fundraisers like cookie dough, popcorn, or seasonal catalogs usually deliver the highest returns. When schools partner with Midland Fundraising, groups often earn 50% or more on every sale—making it a reliable way to bring in big results.
s
Most schools succeed with 3–4 well-spaced fundraisers per year. That schedule keeps families engaged and avoids burnout while still raising the funds you need.
s
If you’re short on time or volunteers, go with low-effort options like online donation drives, read-a-thons, or simple catalog sales. These require minimal setup but can still bring in impressive results.
s
Make it simple and fun! Share digital links, set team or class goals, and celebrate progress along the way. Even small rewards—like extra recess or a class party—can motivate parents and students to pitch in.
s
Absolutely. Smaller groups often do well with easy-to-share options like online pledges, direct sales, or themed events. Midland provides tools and support designed to help schools of all sizes reach their goals.
s
No matter your school’s size, schedule, or fundraising experience, these 25 ideas give you a wide range of options to keep things fresh and profitable. From cookie dough and popcorn sales to community events, digital campaigns, and just-for-fun fundraisers, there’s a perfect fit waiting for your group.
s
Ready to take the stress out of planning?
Midland Fundraising makes it easy—we provide the catalogs, tools, and support you need from kickoff to final delivery. All you have to do is share with your school community and watch the results grow.
Start with Midland Fundraising—we’ll help you every step of the way!
© Midland Fundraising 2025. All rights reserved.