Looking for fundraising ideas that actually work for small groups? You’re in the right place.
Think fundraising is only for big groups? Think again!

Whether you’re a daycare with a few classrooms, a church youth group, or a small but mighty sports team, you absolutely have the power to raise serious funds—even with just a handful of people.

The trick? Picking the right fundraiser — the ones that don’t rely on massive crowds but instead focus on easy selling, community support, and creativity.

Today we’re sharing 10 small group fundraising ideas that are easy to pull off, highly profitable, and seriously fun.

Let’s dive in!

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Why Fundraising for Small Groups is Different (and Awesome)

Smaller groups actually have a big advantage when it comes to fundraising:
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• You know your audience well — it’s personal.
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• Communication is easier — fewer people = less chaos.
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• You can be nimble — switching gears if needed without a giant committee meeting.
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You don’t need hundreds of participants to make an impact. You just need the right strategy.
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5 Fundraisers Perfect for Small Groups

1. Cookie Dough Fundraiser

Why It Works:

Cookie dough is a universal crowd-pleaser that practically sells itself — perfect for a small group trying to maximize sales with minimal effort. 🍪
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How It Works:

• Share Midland’s order forms or set up an online shop — easy to email or post on social media.
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• Families and friends order their favorite flavors.
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• Midland handles sorting, shipping, and packaging — no stress on your end!
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• Bonus: Pre-portioned and scoop-and-bake options make it an even easier sell to busy families.
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Perfect for: Daycares, after-school programs, small PTO groups.
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2. Tote Bag Fundraiser

Why It Works:

Totes are stylish, eco-friendly, and something everyone can use — no matter the size of your group. 🛍️
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How It Works:

• Choose from popular designs (or customize if you’d like!)
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• Sell in person, online, or at a local event.
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• No minimums, no big upfront costs — and Midland ships directly to buyers if you want.
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Pro Tip:

Great around back-to-school season or holidays as reusable gift bags.
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Perfect for: Church groups, community centers, sports booster clubs.
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3. Read-a-thon or Pledge-a-thon
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Why It Works:

These pledge-based fundraisers are magic for small groups because success depends on individual effort, not the size of your team. 📚
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How It Works:

• Participants collect pledges from family and friends (example: $1 per book read or $5 per mile walked).
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• You track progress online through Midland’s easy-to-use donation portal.
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• Celebrate milestones along the way with small prizes or shoutouts!
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Pro Tip:

Create themes like Pajama Read Day or Walk-a-thon Costume Parade to boost participation.
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Perfect for: Elementary schools, daycare centers, youth groups.
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4. Donation Drive

Why It Works:

Short on time? Low volunteer count? Donation drives are the easiest way to raise funds without managing inventory or events. 💸
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How It Works:

• Set a clear, inspiring fundraising goal (like new classroom supplies or uniforms).
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• Share a direct donation link via text, email, or social media.
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• Track your progress in real-time with Midland’s donation tools.
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Pro Tip:

Offer small incentives like a pizza party for the top fundraising family.
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Perfect for: Churches, daycares, small sports teams.
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5. Restaurant Spirit Nights
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Why It Works:

Restaurant nights are low effort but deliver big rewards — especially for groups who don’t have a huge volunteer network.
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How It Works:

• Partner with a local restaurant willing to donate a portion of sales for a night.
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• Promote the event through flyers, Facebook groups, texts, and school apps.
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• Families simply show up and eat — fundraising doesn’t get easier than that. 🍔
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Pro Tip:

Pick family-friendly spots or popular takeout joints to boost turnout.
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Perfect for: PTO groups, sports teams, daycare parent groups.
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5 More Fundraising Ideas for Small Groups That Pack a Punch

6. Bake Sale

Why It Works:

You don’t need dozens of bakers to run a great bake sale. A few families contributing a few treats can still create a seriously tempting table! 🧁
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How It Works:

• Pick a high-traffic spot (school pickup line, church foyer, sports event).
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• Sell individual items or bundles (ex: $5 snack packs).
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• Include allergen-free options for extra brownie points.
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Pro Tip:

Offer pre-orders for cookie boxes or cupcake kits around holidays.

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Perfect for: Church groups, daycares, sports team boosters.
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7. Silent Auction (Online or In-Person)

Why It Works:

Auctions are high-reward and don’t require a large event if you get creative!
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How It Works:

• Gather donated items or services (gift cards, car washes, themed baskets).
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• Use an online platform like 32Auctions if you don’t want an in-person event.
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• Set a date, let people bid, and watch the funds roll in!
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Pro Tip:

Auction off “experiences” — like reserved seats at a school play or a “Coach for a Day” prize.
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Perfect for: School PTOs, sports teams, youth groups.
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8. Handmade Crafts Sale

Why It Works:

People love homemade gifts — and crafting fundraisers let your group’s creativity shine! 🎨
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How It Works:

• Have members create simple crafts (keychains, candles, friendship bracelets).
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• Sell them online, at church, or at community events.
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• Set up a “suggested donation” instead of a price to encourage generosity.
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Pro Tip:

Tie it into seasonal events like Mother’s Day, Christmas, or Back-to-School.
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Perfect for: Daycares, church youth groups, homeschool co-ops.
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9. Text-to-Donate Campaign

Why It Works:

If your group is tech-savvy, a text-to-donate campaign lets your supporters contribute instantly — no selling required. 📱
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How It Works:

• Set up your donation page through Midland Fundraising.
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• Share a short, catchy message and donation link.
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• Watch your total rise without needing to sell a thing!
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Pro Tip:

Pair it with a cute graphic or short video explaining your fundraiser goal.
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Perfect for: Nonprofits, church groups, PTA/PTO groups.
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10. Family Game Night or Movie Night

Why It Works:

Hosting a family night builds community and raises funds — it’s fun and profitable!
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How It Works:

• Pick a family-friendly movie or a set of board games.
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• Charge a small admission fee and sell concessions like popcorn and candy.
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• Host it in a gym, fellowship hall, or even someone’s backyard. 🎥
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Pro Tip:

Add a raffle drawing or 50/50 fundraiser to boost profits.
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Perfect for: Churches, school clubs, sports teams.
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Why Smaller Groups Can Raise Big

You don’t need hundreds of participants to make a difference.
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With the right fundraiser (and a little creativity), even the smallest teams can blow their goals out of the water.
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And with Midland Fundraising by your side?
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You’ll have the tools, support, and fundraising options that fit YOUR group’s size, budget, and goals.
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✅ No overwhelming paperwork
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✅ No complicated set-up
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✅ Just fun, simple fundraising that works
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Ready to Launch Your Small Group Fundraiser?

If you’re ready to take the stress out of fundraising and focus on what really matters—raising money for your amazing group—Midland Fundraising is ready to help.
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👉 Start Your Fundraiser Today
Let’s turn your small but mighty team into a fundraising powerhouse!