Easiest Fundraisers for Elementary and Middle Schools

Easy fundraising for schools might sound too good to be true, but it’s already within your reach! Here is a comprehensive list of 20 easy fundraising ideas for elementary and middle schools.

Whether you are looking for one big fundraiser or a few smaller ones to incorporate on a recurring basis, the ideas in this article require a realistic amount of prep, planning, and volunteer support.

Easy Fundraising for Schools – Elementary Edition

Raffles

Raffles are great money makers that require minimal volunteer support. There are two main types:

• ​Item Raffle: Gather items for a gift bag or ask local businesses to donate gift cards or products.
• ​50/50 Raffle: The winner receives half the proceeds collected for the tickets, and the remaining amount goes to the school.

Pro Tip: Raffles are easy to implement at school events. Keep tickets, posters, and a collection box on hand for quick, last-minute fundraisers.

An All-School Sale

All-school sales, such as bake sales, garage sales, or used book sales, bring the school community together and raise funds. A few volunteers are needed for planning and organizing, while others can help by selling items.

School Spirit Gear

There are two ways to sell school spirit gear:

• ​Bulk Order: Order items beforehand and sell them at a table during school events.
• ​Online Store: Set up an online store where people can purchase items with the school logo, eliminating the need to handle orders and payments directly.

Fundraising Companies

Some companies, like Booster, offer diverse fundraising services, allowing you to choose how much work you want to take on.

Read-a-thon

A read-a-thon encourages literacy and is easy to manage with tools that track reading logs, gather pledges, and offer prize incentives.

Giving Holidays

Use giving days like Giving Tuesday or other holidays (e.g., Valentine’s Day, School’s Birthday) to ask for donations. Communication is key for success.

Single-Product Sale

Partner with companies to sell a single product (e.g., pizza, donuts, mulch, eco-laundry strips). Some companies offer a percentage of profits, while others require pre-purchasing products to sell.

Gift Wrapping Station

During the holidays, set up a gift wrapping station to help families with a time-consuming chore. Plan your event before all winter celebrations.

Pro Tip: Ask families to donate wrapping paper after Black Friday.

Amazon Wish List

If your school needs specific supplies, create an Amazon Wish List. This allows people to purchase needed items directly for the school.

Grants and Corporate Sponsorships

Organizations and corporations may provide grants or sponsorships. Clearly communicate what the funds will be used for, and seek help from parents with grant writing experience if needed.

Easy Fundraising for Schools – Middle School Edition

Raffles

Raffles are also effective for middle schools, especially at sporting events or other activities. A 50/50 raffle at each home game is simple to organize.

Car Wash

A car wash fundraiser is popular with middle schoolers. Plan ahead to find a good location and ensure enough parent volunteers are present to supervise.

Fundraising Companies

Some companies now offer fundraisers specifically designed for middle schoolers to get them involved and excited.

Penny War

A penny war adds friendly competition. Offer prizes for the best decorated jar or for top-earning classes, such as a pizza party or a week with no homework.

Teacher/Principal Challenges

Set a fundraising goal and get faculty involved in fun challenges (e.g., pie in the face, spending the night on the school roof) to motivate students.

Dance-a-thon

Host a dance-a-thon to take advantage of students’ love for dancing. Fundraising companies can help organize and manage these events.

Grants and Corporate Sponsorships

Grant writing can be a valuable skill. Involve students in the process and focus on specific project goals (e.g., building an outdoor garden) to make your application compelling.

And there you have it—a comprehensive list of easy fundraising ideas for your elementary or middle school. Now, go forth with ease and raise those funds!