When school’s out, fundraising doesn’t have to be on hold. In fact, summer is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to raising money, building community spirit, and keeping your group active. Whether you’re leading a PTO, managing a sports team, helping your church, or supporting a nonprofit—summer fundraising can set you up for success before the new school year even begins.
So, why is summer fundraising so powerful? Because while most groups press pause, the ones who stay active enjoy less competition, more visibility, and eager supporters who are ready to give back.
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Summer may feel like “downtime,” but it’s actually packed with opportunities:
Less competition: Most schools and groups wait until fall, so your fundraiser gets more attention.
Built-in crowds: Outdoor events like farmers markets, festivals, and July 4th parades are the perfect place to connect with supporters.
Flexible family schedules: With fewer after-school activities, families are often more available to participate.
Perfect timing for fall prep: Start raising funds now for school supplies, uniforms, or sports gear before the back-to-school rush.
Quick Tip: Research from Classy.org shows that nearly one-third of annual giving happens between June and August. That’s a golden opportunity your group doesn’t want to miss.
The truth is, a summer fundraiser doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right setup, you can run something simple that still makes a big impact. Here are a few tips that groups we’ve worked with swear by:
Think about what people are already doing in the summer—traveling, going to games, hitting the beach. Fundraisers that match those routines are the easiest to sell. Online stores, tote bag sales, or donation drives with mobile payments work especially well because they’re quick, simple, and don’t require hauling boxes around.
If you can, launch in late May or early June. Families are still in “school mode” then, and you’ll catch them before calendars fill up with road trips, camps, and ball games.
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No one wants another big “to-do” during summer break. Use online tools, social media posts, and quick digital forms to make it effortless for parents and supporters. When a fundraiser feels easy, people are far more likely to participate.
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When the sun’s out, your fundraiser should feel just as bright and easy. These are a few ideas that groups we’ve seen have real success with:
Picture this: families heading to the beach, parents juggling groceries, or kids packing for summer camp. A reusable tote with your school or team logo becomes both useful and a walking advertisement for your cause. Plus, eco-friendly products always get extra love.
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You’d be surprised—candles aren’t just for the holidays. People grab them for backyard BBQs, hostess gifts, and cozy summer nights on the porch. One school group we worked with sold through two cases at a Fourth of July craft fair.
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Sometimes the easiest win is the most effective. Sharing a custom donation link means supporters can give in minutes—whether they’re sitting poolside, at a ball game, or even on vacation. Teams, PTOs, and church groups love this option because there’s zero setup and no inventory to manage.
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Last July, a PTO in a small Michigan town decided to test a tote bag fundraiser during their annual summer fair. Instead of overcomplicating things, they kept it simple: one table, a few friendly volunteers, and a stack of custom-printed bags.
The result? In just one Saturday afternoon, they raised over $2,000—and it wasn’t just about the money. Parents and teachers said the fair gave them a chance to talk about the upcoming school year, meet new families, and build excitement before fall even started.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest setups can create the biggest impact.s
The difference between a fundraiser that blends in and one that really takes off often comes down to the little details. Here are a few simple but effective ways to make yours shine this summer:
Use summer colors, bright graphics, and upbeat messaging. A flyer with beachy vibes or a social post that feels “vacation ready” will naturally grab attention.
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Don’t just launch and disappear. A quick reminder email halfway through your fundraiser can spark fresh participation—especially if families were on vacation when you first kicked off.
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Countdowns work. Whether it’s a “3 days left!” post on Facebook or a timer in your online store, a deadline encourages quicker action.
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Little incentives go a long way. Think pizza parties, raffle drawings, or public shout-outs for top sellers. It builds excitement and keeps momentum up.
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Encourage participants to snap a photo with their product or post about their donation link. Add a couple of hashtags and suddenly your fundraiser can reach beyond just your immediate community.
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Raising money is the obvious goal, but summer fundraising does much more than fill your group’s budget. Done right, it can:
When you look at it this way, a summer fundraiser isn’t just an event—it’s an investment in your group’s energy and success for the months ahead.
Yes! In fact, summer is one of the easiest times to connect with families and community members. From outdoor events to simple online donation links, supporters can give at their convenience—even while traveling.
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Absolutely. With lighter schedules and more community events happening, many families are more available. Plus, mobile-friendly tools make it simple for them to donate or shop no matter where they are.
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Keep it stress-free with tote bag sales or donation-based fundraisers. They’re simple to organize, fit naturally into summer activities, and don’t require a lot of setup time.
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Summer fundraising doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right plan, your group can raise money, stay connected, and build excitement for the months ahead—all while enjoying the season.
At Midland Fundraising, we give you everything you need: easy-to-run programs, built-in marketing tools, and support at every step. Whether you’re planning a tote bag sale, an online donation drive, or a summer event, we’ll help you make it both fun and profitable.
Start your fundraiser today and see how simple it can be to make this summer your most successful yet.
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