Cheap Fundraising Ideas for Schools
Whether you are looking for school fundraising ideas to raise money for elementary, high school, or a college club, you want fundraising ideas that are quick and easy with proven results. It is difficult to launch a new fundraising idea that isn't proven when you need money fast. It takes money to make money, right? Cheap fundraising ideas for schools are a necessity. We've come up with a list of over three-hundred school fundraisers that are simple, proven, and often unique to you!
Remember, there is more than one way to plan a great school fundraising event. Take the old standby ideas and add a modern twist.
Events Inspire — Auctions Multiply
You’ve got great ideas for school events. Now make one of them your flagship fundraiser — launch your auction and let your community participate, bid, and support.
Launch Your School AuctionMobile Fundraising is a great way to reach millennials and give your donations a boost. Make your event fully interactive with social media and mobile bidding. Advertise the event on Facebook and then during the event have a student or volunteer in charge of tweeting out what's happening as it happens! Set up an Instagram account and post images and videos during the event to build hype. Get people excited, be sure to send emails or flyers home to let everyone know that your event will be live and interactive through social media. Whether your fundraiser is for college or elementary school, you can target the audience of your event by focusing on the best gifts your audience might bid on.
When you get items for the silent auction, get two of everything. Post one on an online silent auction for charity like Charity Auctions Today and offer the other one for live guests.
During the live event, share items via Instagram, FB or twitter and show the bidding list. Then, share a link to the online silent auction. It is easier than you think! Students are online all the time. They know what to do. Enlist a student helper to show you the ropes.
Exclusive Bonus: Auction Profit Blueprint™ – 4 keys to double your auction profits.
Some of our favorite ideas from the links for school event ideas below include, Raffle off a Teacher for Charity, Sell tickets to an Adult Spelling Bee and/or have the entrants pay a registration fee, Charge $1 for a chance to hit a Pinata full of prizes, and host a Parent's Night Out babysitting service at the school. We hope you find a special event idea that will help you raise money fast.
Ideas for School Events to Raise Money
School Event Ideas to Raise Money for Elementary
10 Quick School Fundraiser Events
College: 16 College Fundraising Ideas
Creative Fundraising Event Ideas
Do you have a unique or simple idea to raise money for your school event? Let us know in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of events work best to raise money for schools?
- Community events: carnivals, fun runs, color runs, field days.
- Showcase events: talent shows, concerts, art fairs, science nights.
- Sales/market events: book fairs, craft markets, plant sales.
- Auction & raffle nights (where permitted), classroom baskets.
- Restaurant spirit nights and sponsor-underwritten challenges.
How do we choose the right fundraiser for our school community?
- Match to school culture (sports, arts, STEM, outdoors).
- Assess volunteer capacity and time of year.
- Prefer ideas with low upfront cost and simple fulfillment.
- Confirm principal/district approvals and facility availability.
When should we schedule school fundraisers during the year?
Plan around natural peaks: back-to-school (Sep), fall festival (Oct), holiday season (Nov–Dec), spring carnival/read-a-thon (Mar–Apr). Avoid exam weeks and long breaks; publish dates at least 6–8 weeks ahead.
Which school fundraisers can we launch in under four weeks?
- Read-a-thon or math-a-thon with pledge pages.
- Spirit night with a local restaurant partner.
- Parking spot raffle or reserved seating (where allowed).
- Online mini-auction of donated gift cards/experiences.
How do we run a successful school carnival or fair?
- Create 8–12 simple games plus 1–2 big attractions.
- Sell wristbands online in advance; offer family bundles.
- Add sponsor booths and a teacher dunk tank or pie toss.
- Use QR codes for tickets/merch to go mostly cashless.
What are the essentials for a fun run or color run fundraiser?
- Pledge pages by class/grade with a public leaderboard.
- Lap counters or time windows per grade to ease crowding.
- Water station volunteers and clear route signage.
- Principal’s challenge if the goal is met (pep rally moment).
Can we host an auction night at school to raise more per family?
Yes—pair a short program with a mobile-first silent auction. Curate classroom baskets, teacher experiences (lunch with a teacher, librarian for a day), and local business gift cards. Enable outbid alerts and staggered closings.
What are good alternatives to product sales (cookie dough, candy)?
- Direct-donation “no-fuss fundraiser” with employer matching.
- Experience raffles (VIP pickup line, front-row concert seats) where permitted.
- Service-a-thon (cleanup day) with pledge per hour.
How do we structure a read-a-thon to be simple and effective?
- Set a 1–2 week window with minutes read goals.
- Create team pages by class and a schoolwide goal.
- Offer small literacy-themed prizes and a principal challenge.
How do restaurant or retail “spirit nights” work for schools?
A partner donates a percentage of sales during a set time. Promote with flyers, QR codes, and classroom competitions. Ask for an online code for takeout orders to boost participation.
How should we price tickets and bundles to maximize participation? (General information)
- Create family bundles and early-bird discounts.
- Offer add-ons: meal tickets, unlimited wristbands, VIP lines.
- Keep checkout fast with wallet pay and minimal fields.
General information, not financial advice.
What volunteer roles do we need and how do we keep it manageable?
- Break roles into 60–90 minute shifts with a captain per area.
- Use a shared signup link and text reminders.
- Give quick training sheets and a help desk contact.
How can local sponsors increase revenue without raising ticket prices?
- Underwrite big-ticket items (bounce house, stage, shirts).
- Offer booth spots and logo placement on signage.
- Run sponsor-funded match hours during online giving pushes.
What’s the easiest way to go cashless at school events?
Create a short link + QR code that leads to a mobile page for tickets, donations, and merch. Place QR posters at entrances and booths; accept wallet pay to speed lines.
What safety, permits, or district policies should we consider? (General information)
Check facility use forms, background checks for volunteers, food handling guidelines, and any restrictions on raffles/games. Coordinate with the principal and district. General information, not legal advice.
How can we make school fundraisers inclusive and accessible? (General information)
- Offer sliding-scale options and scholarships.
- Provide sensory-friendly hours and clear wayfinding.
- Use high-contrast signs, large buttons online, and multilingual basics.
General information, not legal advice.
What’s a simple promotion plan for a school event fundraiser?
- T-3 weeks: announcement flier, email, and social posts.
- T-10 days: volunteer signup push and early-bird deadline.
- Final week: daily reminders, top activity highlights, and QR posters.
Do classroom competitions actually increase participation?
Yes—offer simple prizes (extra recess, spirit day, trophy) for top participation or funds raised. Track with a public thermometer and celebrate progress in morning announcements.
Which KPIs show our school event is on track before the big day ends?
- Advance ticket sales and volunteer shifts filled.
- Onsite check-ins per hour and concession/booth revenue.
- Donor count, average gift, and sponsor activations.
What should we do after the event to keep momentum going?
- Share results and photos within 48 hours; thank sponsors and volunteers.
- Send receipts and matching-gift reminders.
- Survey families for ideas, then announce the next school goal.
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