Fundraising is a fact of life in most school districts. In fact, in some communities, school budgets lack the funds for basic supplies. And, even when supply needs are met, there’s often little or no money for extracurricular activities, such as for field trips or sports team travel expenses.
Whether you’re a first-time organizer or an old hand, you’re probably always on the lookout for new ways to raise money for your kids’ school. You can try one of these three creative options below. For even more suggestions, check out these school fundraising ideas.
Three Fun Fundraising Ideas
- The Ducks Have It: Meet the superhero of school fundraising — the rubber duck. You won’t believe the amazing powers the rubber duck has. First is the “cuteness” factor. There’s just something about them that brings a smile to your face. And, the thought of a bunch of little yellow ducks racing down a waterway headed toward the finish line is nothing short of hilarious.
Here’s how it works:
- Purchase low-cost rubber ducks. Three thousand is typically a good starting point, but the number varies according to the expected number of participants. Look for a low-cost supplier.
- Give each duck a unique number. You can pull a team together to help you do this or purchase numbered ducks. If you do it yourself, remember to use waterproof markers. As each duck is numbered, put it in a large plastic bag until race day.
- Sell duck “adoptions” to members of the community. Typically, adoptions run from $5 to $10 each. Base prices on the prize offered to the winner and how much you need to pay expenses and still raise money. Use tickets or some kind of reference system to keep track of who adopts which duck.
- Plan other events around the race: Since the waterway you need for the race is most likely at a park, plan other events around the race. You could have a community picnic, flea market, or craft show to give people more reasons to attend.
- Race time: Place at least two officials at the finish line to declare the winner. At the starting line, empty the plastic bag(s) of ducks into the waterway and watch them go!
A duck race fundraiser is a family-oriented way to pull the community together and support the local school. That’s a fundraiser you can quack about.
- Winter Carnival: Maybe you don’t have a waterway fit for duck racing. Or, maybe you need to raise funds during the winter months. Or, maybe you just don’t like rubber ducks. Whatever the reason, a winter carnival is also a fun and creative way to raise funds for the school.
Ask for volunteer entertainers, auction donations, crafty prizes, and other contributions for a two-hour winter celebration. Charge admission or ask for donations at the door. Make the event a festive way to enjoy the season and raise money at the same time.
- Scavenger Hunt: Young and old alike enjoy a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt. The best school scavenger hunts relate to the curriculum or include a learning experience. For example, hold the scavenger hunt in a city park and include nature facts in the clues.
Or, if your scavenger hunt takes place inside the school, you can use historical facts in each clue to move scavenger hunters on to the next location.
Charge admission to participating or ask local businesses to sponsor the event and donate prizes.
Have other fundraising ideas to share? Please share with our readers in the comments box below.
p.s. Related posts:
Top 10: Fundraising Tips for Your School’s Auction
Tyson Project A+ for School Fundraising
Easy Fundraising for Schools Using Tyson’s Project A+ Labels
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Please don’t cheapen the sanctity of real children’s adoptions by reducing the concept to a fundraising strategy! It may seem “cute” but in reality, it makes anyone whose life has been impacted by the joy and sorrow of any actual adoption cringe.