38 school fundraiser ideas, for back-to-school and beyond

Fundraising is a powerful way to help support the programs that matter most at your school, and it doesn’t need to be stressful to be successful. Whether you’re launching the school year or looking for new school fundraiser ideas mid-semester, this guide offers creative, doable events for every age group, from elementary to college. A well-run fundraiser brings in money to support school programs, student activities, and classroom resources. And these 38 fundraiser ideas for schools—plus fully customizable invitations and planning tools from Paperless Post—will have you set up to run a smooth, successful, and fun event from start to finish.

Back-to-school fundraiser ideas

The start of the school year is full of energy, excitement, and fresh opportunities to bring your community together. Back-to-school fundraisers and events are a wonderful way to celebrate new beginnings, welcome families, and build school spirit—all while raising money for your school’s needs. These events are easy to organize, fun for all ages, and create a positive atmosphere that sets the tone for a successful year. 

1. Back-to-school picnic

Host a laid-back picnic at a local park or on school grounds to celebrate the new year. Encourage families to bring their own blankets and favorite potluck dishes to keep the event casual and cost-effective, and add simple activities like lawn games or a scavenger hunt to keep kids entertained. Charge a small entry fee or request donations to raise funds while everyone mingles, eats, and enjoys the easygoing vibe.

2. Back-to-school barbecue

A classic back-to-school barbecue is a perfect way to savor the final days of summer and kick off the academic year with delicious food and good company. Partner with a local barbecue restaurant to cater, or host the event at a nearby park where you can set up grills and cook burgers, hot dogs, and other favorites. Add a Links Block to your Paperless Post invitation to send a link to purchase meal tickets in advance to help plan for attendance and meet your fundraising goals. 

3. Back-to-school pool party

What better way to celebrate the start of a new school year than with a refreshing pool party? Organize parties for each grade hosted at student homes with pools, turning it into a fun social event for both students and parents. This relaxed environment gives families a chance to meet, make new friends, and build connections before classes begin. Consider collecting a small donation per attendee or asking for sponsorship from local businesses to boost funds.

4. Back-to-school ice cream social

 

Sweeten the start of the year with an ice cream social that appeals to kids and adults alike. Set up a DIY sundae bar featuring various ice cream flavors and a wide assortment of toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, fresh fruit, and sauces. This event works well indoors or out and encourages families to linger, chat, and enjoy a treat together. Charge an entry fee or sell sundae tickets, with proceeds supporting your school’s needs. Add fun extras like music or themed decorations to create a festive atmosphere.

5. Back-to-school food truck social

Bring excitement and convenience to your next campus event by partnering with local food trucks. Invite one or multiple trucks to park in your school lot during dismissal time or a sporting event to provide food, drinks, and treats to students and families. Food trucks are typically willing to donate a percentage of sales to your cause, making this a delicious and low-effort way to raise funds. It’s also a great way to spotlight local businesses and encourage community support.

6. Teacher wish list drive

Help teachers equip their classrooms with much-needed supplies by compiling a wish list of items like markers, paper, binders, and craft materials. Send the list home with students or distribute it digitally to families, encouraging them to purchase items directly from an online registry—such as Amazon or another dedicated platform—to avoid duplicates. This practical fundraiser addresses real classroom needs while making it easy for families to contribute. 

7. Back-to-school breakfast

 

Start the first day of school off right by hosting a breakfast for students, parents, and staff. Serve crowd-pleasers like pancakes, breakfast burritos, fresh pastries, fruit, coffee, and juice to give everyone a healthy, filling meal before classes begin. Send your Paperless Post nvitation to parents in advance via email, text, or a Shareable Link you can embed or paste anywhere. Raise funds by charging admission or securing sponsorships and food donations from local businesses to support your event, and add a Sponsors Block to your invitation event page to thank any corporate sponsors or local businesses participating while spotlighting their logos. 

Elementary school fundraiser ideas

Elementary school fundraisers are all about engaging young students with activities that are fun, interactive, and family-friendly. These ideas encourage participation from kids and parents alike, building a sense of community while raising funds for important school needs. Events that combine play, creativity, and learning tend to be the biggest hits with this age group. Here are some tried-and-true year-round and fall fundraiser ideas for schools that everyone will love.

8. Scavenger hunt

Organize an on-campus scavenger hunt to help students explore their school and classrooms, which will be especially helpful for younger kids or those new to the building. Encourage teamwork and create a list of clues or items for them to find around the campus. Each student or group can check off tasks as they complete them, turning the hunt into a fun and educational adventure. Charge a small participation fee or request donations from families to fundraise.

9. Family fun night

Host a lively family fun night at school to bring everyone together outside of class time. Set up a variety of games indoors and outdoors, including classic field day activities like sack races and relay games. Offer a delicious meal in the cafeteria or through a food vendor to keep everyone fueled and socializing. Inquire about any dietary restrictions by enabling multiple-choice, checkbox-style, or open-ended Guest Questions on your invitation to collect helpful information with your RSVPs, and plan around any allergies or other special requirements. This event is perfect for parents, siblings, and extended family to enjoy quality time while supporting the school. Charge admission or sell tickets for games and food to generate funds.

10. Penny drive

Turn loose change into a big win with a penny drive fundraiser. Place collection jars in each classroom and invite students to bring in loose change from home. To spark friendly competition, track which class collects the most money over a set period and reward them with a fun prize, such as a pizza party or extra recess time. Promote the drive with colorful posters and regular announcements to keep the momentum going.

11. Read-a-thon

 

Promote literacy and raise funds at the same time with a read-a-thon event. Have students gather pledges from family and friends based on the number of pages or books they read during a designated period, and create reading logs for kids to track their progress. Offer incentives like certificates, bookmarks, or a class pizza or popcorn party to motivate participation. 

12. Field day

Organize a spirited field day on school grounds with classic outdoor games that get everyone moving and cheering. Charge an entry fee for participants and spectators, and plan activities like tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, three-legged races, water balloon fights, and dodgeball. Recruit parent volunteers and teachers to run the game stations and offer water and snacks. 

13. Talent show

Showcase the amazing talents of your students by organizing a talent show that includes singing, dancing, comedy, magic, and more. Charge admission for the event and invite families, friends, and community members to cheer on the performers. Hold the show in the school auditorium or gymnasium to keep costs low, and open a concession stand selling drinks and snacks to increase fundraising potential. 

14. Pajama day

Bring cozy fun to the school day with a pajama day fundraiser. Have students contribute a small donation and encourage them to wear their favorite pajamas to school for the day—a comfy and playful break from the usual dress code. To make the event even more special, offer treats like hot cocoa, popcorn, or a movie viewing during recess or after school. 

Middle school fundraiser ideas

Middle school fundraisers should tap into students’ growing independence and energy, with events that encourage leadership, collaboration, and fun. Here are some engaging, age-appropriate middle school fundraiser ideas that balance entertainment with school spirit.

15. Bake sale

 

A classic school fundraiser idea, bake sales bring sweet success by inviting students and families to donate homemade treats to sell. You can add excitement by hosting a bake-off competition where students or classes compete to create the best cookies, cupcakes, or brownies. Bake sales can be scheduled before or after school, at sports games, or during special school events to maximize visibility and sales.

16. Board game night

Host a board game night filled with classics like chess, Monopoly, Twister, and Boggle. Charge an entry fee per participant and organize friendly competitions, awarding winners in each game category with small prizes or certificates. Consider offering snacks and drinks for sale to boost fundraising, and invite families and staff to join in the fun. 

17. Car wash

Organize a car wash fundraiser where students volunteer to wash cars for donations. Choose a visible, busy location near the school or a community hub to attract plenty of traffic. Encourage students to participate by offering incentives like homework passes or extra credit. Set up stations for washing, drying, and taking payments—both cash and digital apps like Venmo work well. Boost revenue by selling cold drinks and snacks to waiting customers.

18. School dance tickets

Take advantage of students’ excitement for dances by selling tickets as a fundraiser. Set up ticket booths in the cafeteria during lunch or at after-school events. Offer early-bird discounts or group rates to encourage advance purchases. Use the ticket sales to offset dance costs or to fund other school projects. 

19. Holiday candygrams

Candygrams make fundraising sweet and simple. Set up a table during lunch or after school where students can buy festive treats—like candy canes or heart-shaped lollipops—to send to friends and crushes with a personalized note for Valentine’s Day or winter holidays. 

20. School lock-in

Host an unforgettable school sleepover or lock-in, giving students a safe place to hang out and have fun after hours. Invite parents and teachers to volunteer as chaperones and plan a schedule full of activities like pizza parties, games, movie screenings, and crafts, which you can share via a Schedule Block on your invitation event page. Charge an entry fee to cover snacks and supplies and to raise funds. 

21. Bingo or trivia night

Organize a bingo or trivia night in the gym or cafeteria, open to students, families, teachers, and community members. Charge an entry fee and ask local businesses to donate prizes for winners. Use our RSVP tracking to properly plan for attendance and ensure you have enough supplies for participants. Tailor trivia questions to school subjects, pop culture, or local history to engage participants of all ages, and offer snacks and beverages for sale to boost fundraising. 

22. Locker decorating contest

Kick off the school year with a locker decorating contest that lets students express their creativity. Charge an entry fee and encourage students to decorate the inside or outside of their lockers. Have students and staff vote for their favorite locker, with winners receiving fun prizes like gift cards or school swag. 

High school fundraiser ideas

High school fundraisers are at their best when they mix fun, school spirit, and a chance to get involved. Teens want to do something that feels meaningful, while also hanging out with friends and teachers in a relaxed setting. These high school fundraiser ideas bring energy, creativity, and a sense of purpose all in one.

23. Students vs. teachers sporting event

 

Organize a friendly students vs. teachers game of baseball, kickball, or pickleball. Charge admission for tickets and invite families, friends, and community members to attend. Use your school’s athletic facilities and offer concessions like snacks and drinks to raise additional funds. 

24. School spirit party

Host a school spirit party similar to a pep rally, but with fundraising goals. Feature performances by cheerleaders, the school band, and the dance team. Charge an entry fee for students, parents, and community members, and sell school merchandise like t-shirts, hats, water bottles, backpacks, and blankets. This event energizes the student body, builds pride, and supports fundraising all at the same time. Customize your invitation for the spirited event by adding your school’s logo or emblem, and editing the text and background to match your school’s colors. 

25. Dine-to-donate night

Partner with local restaurants or national chains to host a dine-to-donate night. Here’s how it works: on a designated day, a percentage of all sales made by diners who mention your school will be donated back to your cause. Promote the event heavily through social media and school newsletters to maximize turnout and donations.

26. Pancake dinner

Invite students, families, and staff to a hearty pancake dinner held in the school cafeteria or gym. Have teachers and administrators volunteer to serve pancakes with all the fixings—syrup, fruit, whipped cream, and more. Charge admission to cover costs and raise funds. Use our handy RSVP tracking to ensure you purchase the right amount of ingredients and supplies. 

27. Prom dress drive

Help students prepare for prom and raise funds by organizing a prom dress and formalwear drive. Invite students, families, and the community to donate gently used dresses, suits, ties, and accessories, and consider partnering with local thrift stores or boutiques for additional donations or sponsorship. Host a sale event a few weeks before prom, and use proceeds to help cover prom costs or fund other school activities.

28. Movie screening

Host a movie screening at a local theater, or in the school gym or athletic fields using a projector. Charge admission and sell popcorn, drinks, and snacks to increase fundraising. Let students vote on the movie selection beforehand via a multiple-choice Guest Question you can send with your invitations, to ensure maximum turnout and excitement. This event is perfect for a relaxed, social evening that brings students, families, and staff together. 

29. Alumni meal

Bring former students back to campus for a special alumni lunch or dinner. Sell tickets for admission and recruit current students as volunteers to help set up, serve, and clean up. Use this event to foster connections between past and present students, share school updates, and raise funds for current programs. 

30. 10K run

 

Start a yearly run or walk that brings together students, families, and the local community. Charge a registration fee, and get local businesses to sponsor the event to help cover costs in exchange for logo placement on shirts or signs. With the right promotion, it can turn into a fun, active tradition everyone looks forward to each year.

College and university fundraiser ideas

College and university fundraisers are a great way to bring together students, faculty, alumni, and local supporters around a shared cause. These events can be fun, creative, and tailored to campus culture, whether you’re supporting a specific program or funding a big initiative. Here are some fresh ideas to help your school raise money and build community along the way.

31. Sports fantasy league

Create a fantasy sports league where students, alumni, faculty, and community members can join for a fee that supports your fundraising goals. Choose a popular sport like football, baseball, or basketball, and keep the league running throughout the season. Offer prizes for winners to encourage ongoing participation. You can use an online platform to easily manage teams and track scores, making it a convenient and interactive experience for everyone involved.

32. Art show and auction

 

Host an art show featuring pieces created by art students, faculty, or local artists. Promote the event as a night to celebrate creativity and support the arts with wine, hors d’oeuvres, or even a partnership with a local brewery offering drinks. Set up an auction where attendees can bid on original artwork, with proceeds benefiting the department or a specific cause. 

33. Open mic night

Bring your campus community together for a lively open mic night featuring student performers, comedians, poets, and musicians. Charge a small cover fee for admission and encourage participation by allowing anyone to sign up to perform. Set up a stand with snacks and a cash bar to increase fundraising opportunities. 

34. Fashion show

Showcase the creativity and skills of your fashion students and faculty by hosting a campus fashion show. Charge an entry fee to cover costs and raise funds, and build excitement by sharing sneak peeks of unique pieces with a Photo Gallery Block in your invitation. To raise even more, auction off the one-of-a-kind garments after the show. 

35. Gala

Host an elegant gala as an annual fundraising event for your campus. Offer tiered ticket pricing and giving levels to engage a wide range of donors, and consider optional dinner packages, table buyouts, or themed entertainment like dancing, live music, or a costume ball. Partner with corporate sponsors to help cover costs and boost proceeds. 

36. Benefit concert

 

Draw a large crowd and generate substantial funds by hosting a benefit concert on campus. Whether you book popular local bands, emerging student talent, or a well-known act, concerts energize the community and create memorable experiences. Use campus venues like auditoriums, arenas, or outdoor spaces to reduce costs and maximize ticket sales, and sell concessions and merchandise for additional revenue. 

37. Casino night

Host a casino night fundraiser to create a lively, upscale event that draws a crowd. Hire professional dealers to run tables featuring games like roulette, blackjack, and poker. Charge admission and provide guests with play money to use at the tables, with all proceeds going toward your cause.

38. Speaker series

Leverage your professors and campus experts by hosting a speaker series to raise funds for specific departments or causes. Organize a set of related talks or standalone events featuring engaging topics that’ll appeal to students, alumni, and the community, and share information on the various event speakers and experts by adding a Speakers Block to your Paperless Post invitations. Hold the events on campus to save on costs, charge admission, and consider partnering with local wineries or breweries to offer drinks and create a welcoming atmosphere. 

Start planning your fundraiser with Paperless Post

These school fundraiser ideas are designed to inspire events that not only meet your school’s financial goals but also bring your community together. Whether you’re planning a one-time event or building an ongoing tradition, these ideas offer practical, creative ways to engage students, families, and alumni. And with careful planning and the right tools—such as beautifully designed fundraiser invitations and helpful event management features—you’ll be well-equipped to pull off your event with success.