If you get kids in on the fundraising fun, you have a great opportunity to teach them important values like leadership, responsibility, goal setting, team building, and community engagement. It\u2019s vital to explain why their fundraising participation matters and how their volunteer work and donations will go towards making a positive difference in their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing context for your kids\u2019 fundraising efforts will make their experience much more meaningful and begin paving their path towards becoming knowledgeable and involved citizens of their communities. <\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Bloomerang](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Giving_platform_digital_ads_728x90.jpg\")
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What do fundraisers teach kids?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few key benefits of having kids fundraise:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Financial literacy.<\/strong> By collecting and keeping track of donations, kids learn the basics of finances when they fundraise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Empathy and social awareness. <\/strong>Fundraising helps kids develop empathy and social awareness as they learn about various causes and their impact on the community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Problem-solving skills<\/strong>. Whether it\u2019s reaching their fundraising goal or planning their fundraiser, kids have to use their critical thinking skills and creativity to problem solve while they fundraise. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Building responsibility<\/strong>. Fundraisers require kids to get involved with planning and executing tasks on their own.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enhancing communication skills<\/strong>. As they talk to potential donors and thank their supporters, kids increase their communication skills with the practice fundraising provides them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Encouraging teamwork.<\/strong> Fundraising helps kids develop teamwork and collaboration skills by listening to others, sharing responsibilities, and working towards a common goal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Planning fundraisers for kids comes with its own set of unique challenges. Coming up with a fundraiser that kids will be excited to participate in without placing any additional burdens on exhausted parents can be a tricky balancing act. Turning a fundraiser into a positive educational opportunity for young ones can also be a difficult task. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re struggling to come up with fresh and unique fundraising ideas for your next youth fundraiser, we\u2019re here to help. Read on for a comprehensive list of fundraising ideas for kids that\u2019ll fill your cash boxes and set your young ones up for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Easy fundraising ideas for kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Simple fundraising ideas for kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Affordable fundraising ideas for kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Free fundraising ideas for kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Unique fundraising ideas for kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digital fundraising ideas for kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peer-to-peer fundraisers<\/a> for kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fundraising ideas for kids\u2019 sports teams<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fundraising events for kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fundraising ideas for individual kids<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"four](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/youth-car-wash-fundraiser-1024x572.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Easy fundraising ideas for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Car wash <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hosting a car wash is a classic fundraising event that\u2019ll keep your community\u2019s cars sparkling clean. The young ones will love the opportunity to splash around with their friends in the hot summer months, and as a bonus, they\u2019ll learn a skill they can take home to their own family\u2019s cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make things easier for your supporters, set up an online registration form where they can pay ahead of time. Then, ask them to bring their digital confirmation receipt to receive a car wash instead of making them carry cash to your fundraiser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a fun twist the kids are sure to appreciate, turn your car wash into a dog wash for the furry friends in your community! Just don\u2019t forget to have parents sign a waiver<\/a> before having their kids participate in any fundraising activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Christmas tree\/wreath sales <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the holidays roll around, many people will be in search of the perfect Christmas tree or holiday wreaths to adorn their homes. To meet this demand, consider partnering with a local tree farm or nursery to host a Christmas tree or Christmas wreath fundraiser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One option for your fundraiser is to find a lot to rent out where you can display your selection of trees and wreaths for potential buyers to pick from. Have your kids get in on the festivities by decorating the lot and a few trees with colorful holiday lights and ornaments to attract buyers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you aren\u2019t able to find a lot to sell from, put together an online store so your supporters can purchase trees and wreaths from their home. Offer a one-day pick-up event<\/a> or a delivery service to get your holiday greenery to their new homes. If you partner with a tree farm or nursery, they may be able to arrange some delivery or pick-up services, so your job will mainly be marketing and selling trees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Shoe drive fundraiser <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You know those old shoes lying around your house? The sneakers your kids have grown out of or the boots that have been collecting dust at the back of your closet for years? With a shoe drive fundraiser, you can help your gently used, never worn shoes find new, loving homes while raising money for your cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simply promote your fundraiser<\/a> in your community and place cardboard boxes in high-traffic areas to collect shoes. Once your boxes have been filled, collect the shoes and mail them off to a shoe drive fundraising organization where they\u2019ll weigh and process the shoes you\u2019ve collected, distribute them to micro-businesses around the world, and write your organization a check according to the number of shoes you sent in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Balloon raffle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take your average raffle fundraiser<\/a> up a notch with a balloon raffle fundraiser. As you prepare for your fundraiser, canvas your local businesses and donors for items, coupons, or vouchers. Grab your balloons and start stuffing them with slips of paper your supporters can redeem for the prizes you\u2019ve collected before filling them with helium. Sell the balloons at your event, and towards the end of the night, have people pop them at the same time to see what they\u2019ve won. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Straw Draw <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Similar to a balloon raffle, this fundraiser is an effective way to raise money for your organization. Attach slips of paper with prizes on them to a bunch of straws, and have your supporters pay a small fee to draw a straw during your event to see what they\u2019ve won. To make your event more eco-friendly, charge more and purchase reusable straws people can take home with them and use over and over again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Candygrams <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Selling candygrams is a fun way for kids to send their friends a sweet treat while also raising money for your organization or school. Purchase some small cards and inexpensive, simple candies in bulk, like boxes of conversation hearts for Valentine\u2019s Day or candy canes around the winter holidays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, advertise your event with fliers and handouts. Set up a table where people can stop by and pay to send a candygram to their friends. Have them write a short message on your candygram cards, and then your team of kids will deliver the candygrams to their destinations on a specific day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep a list of students or your group members on hand to make sure everyone gets a candygram, and add a sign to your table giving people an option to order extra candygrams to cover the cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro tip:<\/em> Keep it inclusive by including fun, allergy-safe options<\/a> for the 8% of U.S. kids that have food allergies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Restaurant night <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Partner with a local restaurant for a family dinner night out for a delicious meal that also raises money for your organization. Find a restaurant that would be willing to donate a set percentage of their sales on a specific day to your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re having difficulty finding a small business that would be willing to partner with you, there are plenty of national chain restaurants that offer a rewarding restaurant fundraising program, from Chipotle to Panera. After you\u2019ve organized the fundraiser, create fliers and advertise your restaurant night on social media<\/a>, encouraging people to dine out at your chosen restaurant to support your organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Guessing games <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you have some candy corn leftover from this year\u2019s Halloween festivities<\/a> or stale jellybeans you don\u2019t plan on eating? Grab a jar and fill it up for a simple guessing game fundraiser! Display the jar somewhere prominent and ask participants to make a guess for how many pieces of candy are in the jar. Charge a certain amount per guess, and whoever is closest to the correct number gets a prize. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Pajama Day <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As a kid, there\u2019s almost nothing more exciting than getting the opportunity to wear your pajamas to school, especially if the dress code usually doesn\u2019t allow it. Get kids excited about a fundraiser by hosting a pajama day at school. Pick a day and ask for donations to wear PJs and slippers to classes all day. For a fun addition, ask students to bring sleeping bags and blankets to school with them. End classes a little early, pass out bowls of cereal, and put some classic Saturday morning cartoons on the projector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Teacher or Principal Challenge <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students love seeing their teachers and principals outside of their comfort zone. During a school event like a carnival or back-to-school celebration, run a booth where students can pay to have the opportunity to pie the principal in the face or dunk their teachers in a dunk tank. For an even more involved challenge, get a teacher to commit to shaving their head when you\u2019ve reached a fundraising goal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Pictures with Santa <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the holidays roll around, little ones will love the opportunity to tell Santa their wish lists and grab a quick photo. If you\u2019re holding this fundraiser in the spring, photos with the Easter Bunny will be just as cute, or host a short photoshoot with kids and their furry friends. Charge a small fee if parents want a copy or two of the photos for their photo albums. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/lemonade-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simple fundraising ideas for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
12. Lemonade stand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Setting up a lemonade stand is a timeless fundraising idea! Kids can make fresh lemonade and sell it to passersby in their neighborhood or during school lunch. Create colorful signs to attract customers and offer different flavors or snacks to help boost sales. This fundraiser not only helps raise funds but also teaches kids about entrepreneurship and customer service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
13. Recycling drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Set up a recycling drive where kids collect recyclable materials like cans, bottles, and paper from their community. They can collect the recyclables from home and from neighbors and then bring them in. Once the materials are gathered, they can be taken to a local recycling center to collect the proceeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
14. Art auction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Allow kids to create and donate their artwork, such as drawings, paintings, or sculptures to sell at an auction. Display the pieces online and invite friends, family, and community members to bid on the artworks to raise money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
15. Pet wash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A pet wash event is a fun way for kids to raise money while spending time with animals. Offer simple pet washing and grooming services in a safe location, like a community center parking lot or school yard. Have students create fliers and posters to advertise the event and teach them how to take inventory to make sure you have all necessary supplies ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
16. Toy drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Organize a toy drive where kids collect new and gently used toys from their homes and neighborhoods. Once the toys are collected, host a sale where other kids can buy the gently used toys, giving them a new life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
17. Puzzle tournament<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Host a puzzle tournament where participants solve puzzles in a timed competition. Set up categories based on age groups and offer different types of puzzles, such as jigsaw, crossword, or logic puzzles. Charge an entry fee and offer small prizes for the winners. You can even offer an adult group for parents who want to participate!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"change](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/penny-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Affordable fundraising ideas for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
18. Penny drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A penny drive is a simple and cost-effective way to raise money. Kids can collect spare change from family, friends, and community members over a set period of time and then take the change to a coin collection. To increase excitement, you can set up collection jars in local businesses or classrooms and create a friendly competition among groups to see who can collect the most change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
19. DIY workshop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A DIY workshop is a great fundraising idea where kids can teach others how to create simple handmade items, such as jewelry, greeting cards, or holiday decorations. Charge a small fee for participation and provide all necessary materials. This allows kids to share their skills and teach others a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
20. Gardening sale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you have access to a garden or potted plants, let the kids grow different types of flowers, herbs, and other plants for sale. Set up a small garden sale where the community can purchase these plants. Additionally, you can offer small gardening workshops to teach others how to care for their new plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
21. Fashion show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Organize a fashion show where kids create looks using donated clothes and show off their fashion creations. Set up an organized system where participants can bring their items, display them, and even bid to take home the creations. Charge a small entry fee or accept donations for participation and donate any remaining clothing to a local charity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
22. Storytelling night<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Host a storytelling night where children can share their favorite stories or create their own to perform in front of an audience. You can charge a small admission fee and encourage families to attend. To add more excitement, consider having a theme for the night and offering small prizes for the most creative and engaging stories. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"have](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/social-media-1024x811.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Free fundraising ideas for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
23. Social media campaign<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For older, tech-savvy kids, use social media to raise funds. Kids can create and share engaging posts, videos, and stories to inspire their friends and family and encourage donations. Guide them on how to craft donation appeals to motivate their networks to donate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
24. Letter writing campaign<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Every nonprofit knows the power of a good donation letter. Encourage kids to write heartfelt letters to friends and family explaining their cause and asking for donations. Provide templates and examples to help them get started on their letters. This personal touch can be very effective in garnering support, and receiving a handwritten letter can make a lasting impression on potential donors for future fundraisers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
25. Garage sale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Set up a garage sale where kids can donate items their family no longer need. Kids can organize, price, and sell these items to raise money while also promoting recycling and community engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
26. Fitness challenge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Plan a fitness challenge where kids can set physical activity goals, such as running a certain distance, completing a number of jumping jacks, or doing yoga for a set duration. They can seek pledges for each milestone they achieve and provide their donors with updates about their goals to promote communication skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
27. Volunteer auction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Host an auction where families or teachers can bid on kids volunteering to help clean up classrooms, help with household chores, or tutor younger kids. This can help raise money while also teaching kids about helping others in their community.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Used](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/pexels-element-digital-1370295-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unique fundraising ideas for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
28. Rubber ducky races <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your supporters are game for a bit of friendly competition, host a rubber ducky or matchbox car race. Charge participants a small fee to purchase a ducky or toy car that will be entered into the race. The buyer of the toy that reaches the finish line first will receive a prize. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
29. Singing telegrams <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A perfect fundraiser for a choir, sell singing telegrams to students who want to surprise their friends with a song during class. Once the school administration signs off, set up a table where students can purchase a singing telegram for a person of their choice. Pick a day where choir members can walk from class to class serenading unsuspecting recipients with a fun song. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
30. Flamingo flocking <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Flamingo flocking is a fundraising event<\/a> perfect for communities that enjoy a little bit of harmless practical prankery. With this fundraiser, members of your organization can pay to have kids place a flock of plastic yard flamingos in the yard of a family member, friend, or fellow organization member. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After planting the flock, you\u2019ll need to leave a flier at every flamingo victim\u2019s home explaining how they can donate money to have the flamingoes removed and planted in someone else\u2019s front yard of their choosing. Alternatively, if anyone wants to avoid a yard full of pink birds, they can donate money as \u201cflamingo insurance\u201d to be placed on a \u201cno flock\u201d list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While this requires a bit of preparation and organization, kids will love this opportunity to have some fun with their friends and family. Just make sure to properly advertise and spread the word so people aren\u2019t confused when they wake up or come home to a front yard covered in birds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out this flamingo flocking fundraiser from Saint Francis Medical Center<\/a> for inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Flamingo](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/flamingo-flocking.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n31. Used book sale <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you have outdated textbooks or slightly worn library books that can no longer be used or checked out? Host a used book sale to find these old paper companions a new home while raising money for your school<\/a> or organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
32. Craft day <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Turn playing hooky into a fundraiser with a craft day. Kids can pay to skip a class or two and participate in a creative project or a field day. Turn the fundraiser into a competition between classes for who can raise the most money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
33. Water balloon or \u201csnowball\u201d fight <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Looking for a fun activity to take your kids\u2019 minds off the insufferable summer heat or bitter winter cold? Turn classic summer and winter activities into a fundraising opportunity by organizing the ultimate water balloon or snowball fight. Charge for admission to join in on the fun, divide kids into teams, set up a few forts to add to the experience, and let the fun commence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
34. Obstacle course <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rent an inflatable obstacle course or DIY your own for a fundraiser with a little friendly competition. Charge a fee to participate and watch as kids race their friends to the finish line for a small prize. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
35. Handmade holiday card sales <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The holidays are a time to connect with friends and family near and far, and how better than with a thoughtful card. Wrangle all of your creative kids together and ask them to put their art skills to work creating one-of-a-kind holiday cards. Sell the cards in an online store on your website or set up a table in a highly-trafficked area to display the cards for sale. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"kids](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/gaming-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital fundraising ideas for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
36. Online gaming tournament <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Video games are a fun way to get kids excited about fundraising. By setting up a fun and engaging competition, you can invite friends, family, and gaming enthusiasts to participate in an online gaming tournament for an entry fee. You can also livestream the tournament to your supporters to donate as they watch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
37. Virtual cooking class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Let kids showcase their culinary skills to family and friends with a virtual cooking class. By charging a small fee for participation or encouraging donations on a livestream, you can raise funds while everyone enjoys the experience of cooking together virtually. This engaging fundraiser teaches valuable skills to everyone involved and promotes teamwork among the kids leading the class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
38. Digital book club<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can organize a digital book club led by the children to raise money for your cause as well. Kids can sign up for the book club for a small fee to discuss and recommend new books that excite them, and you can partner with local authors to raise money through book sales. You can also host book events online for the club members to present their favorite books to virtual guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
39. Virtual escape room<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Escape rooms can drum up a lot of excitement, so help the kids set up a virtual escape room where friends and family can purchase tickets too. Let them pick a theme, design challenges, and create riddles to lead participants out of the digital room. This fundraiser encourages teamwork and motivates kids to think outside the box.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Clean-up](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/pexels-thirdman-7656742-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peer-to-peer fundraisers for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
40. Furry Best Friend 5K <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Anything is more fun when your furry best friends can come along, and a fundraiser 5K<\/a> is no different. Ask participants to solicit their friends and family for donations on a personal fundraising page leading up to the big race. When the day comes, lace up your running shoes and leash up your athletic dogs for a family fun run for the books. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
41. Costume contest <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If it\u2019s getting close to Halloween, take costumes to the next level with a peer-to-peer costume contest. Have your supporters submit photos of themselves to be posted on your fundraising website and then ask for donations from their family and friends as a \u201cvote\u201d toward
s<\/s> whoever has the best costume. Designate prizes for different categories like \u201cBest Kids\u2019 Costume\u201d or \u201cMost Creative Family Costume.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n42. Talent show <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Let your kids shine with a peer-to-peer<\/a> talent show. Encourage your kids to get on stage or display their masterpieces and have people \u201cvote\u201d for their favorite talent by donating to individual fundraising pages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
43. Cookie-decorating contest <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Show off your family\u2019s creative baking skills with a cookie-decorating contest. Set a theme for your contest, whether you\u2019re making cookies for Santa or a few spooky treats. Host a bake sale or have people submit photos of their sweet treats for an online photo collection. People can \u201cvote\u201d for their favorite sugary confections with donations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
44. Read-a-thon <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get your kids away from screens and encourage them to get lost in fictional worlds with a peer-to-peer<\/a> read-a-thon. Ask supporters to share their kid\u2019s fundraising page with family and friends and swap out the tablet for books for a week. Encourage them to ask for donations based on the number of minutes kids spend reading or pages they\u2019ve read. Have them log their stats on their individual fundraising pages to keep donors updated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
45. Dodgeball tournament <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Encourage some teamwork with a dodgeball tournament. Have kids sign up on your fundraising website to be on a team with their best friends and go head-to-head, not only to be crowned dodgeball champions, but also to raise the most money together as a team. Check out Junior Achievement\u2019s Adults Dodgeball Tournament<\/a> if you need inspiration for your own dodgeball event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dodgeball](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/screencapture-secure-qgiv-for-athdt-2021-11-08-16_02_10-1-1024x699.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n46. Clean-up challenge <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Clean up your parks and community areas while raising money for a good cause with a clean-up challenge. Have participants set up individual and team fundraising<\/a> pages and ask for donations based on the number of trash bags they fill as they pick up litter around their neighborhoods. Plan an event as a culmination of all your clean-up efforts where you gather at a specific area that could really use some sprucing up and duke it out to be crowned clean-up champion. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fundraising ideas for kids\u2019 sports teams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
47. Concession stand <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The next time your sports team has a game against another school or club team, set up a concession stand to sell treats to your loyal spectators. Have parents volunteer<\/a> to bake goodies as menu items or donate snacks they\u2019ve picked up in bulk. When it\u2019s getting cold out, add hot chocolate and hand warmers to your menu so your loyal team supporters can stay warm as they cheer from the stands. In hotter climates, handheld fans are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and will sell out quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
48. T-shirts, calendars, and other team merch sales <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do your sports team supporters need some merch to rep your team at your games? Consider selling team t-shirts, hats, jerseys, and other merch items so your fans can take their support to the next level. If the new year is coming up, plan a fun photoshoot with your team to turn into a calendar so your most loyal supporters can take their support home with them and display it on their wall. Don\u2019t have the space or manpower to run a physical merchandise stand at your games? Set up an online store<\/a> instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
49. Host a sports camp <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
High school athletes can keep the little ones active with a sports camp and raise money for their own teams at the same time. Pick a week or two in the summer where your team athletes can host a camp for the kids, teaching them valuable skills in the sport of their choice. Then, charge parents a small fee to sign their kids up for the camp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
50. T-shirt and banner ad sales <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Every sports team has a few sponsors, so why not ask the small businesses in your area if they\u2019re willing to show their support with a few donations. In exchange, print your sponsors\u2019 logos on the backs of your team jerseys and t-shirts and on banners you can hang around the field your team plays on to advertise their support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
51. Bake sale <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ask each of your athletes to bake a tray of sweet treats, then set up a table at school or in a popular area in your neighborhood or community to sell the treats to supporters. For a digital alternative, collect pre-orders via an online shop for a selection of pre-determined treats and get your athletes together for a night of sweet team bonding, baking treats, and delivering them to buyers\u2019 homes together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
52. Equipment supply drive <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Need new equipment for your team? Take a page out of The Sharing Center\u2019s book and use a virtual supply drive<\/a> to get everything from new baseballs and bats to sanitizing wipes. Simply set up an online store where your supporters can browse and shop for your team, \u201cpurchasing\u201d equipment items your team needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
53. Kids vs. coaches <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pit your team against your coaches with a kids vs. coaches game day. Set up a number of challenges, sports-related and non-sports-related, and have people donate online to the team they think will win each challenge. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Mini](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/pexels-anna-tarazevich-6370078-1024x683.jpg\")
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Fundraising events for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
54. Field day <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get your kids out of the classroom for a field day where they can work on their team-building skills and strengthen their minds and muscles along the way. Set up obstacle courses and fun physical challenges for a day of fun in the sun, away from the textbooks and homework assignments. Charge a small participation fee or turn your field day into a schoolwide peer-to-peer challenge<\/a> where classes compete to raise the most money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
55. School carnival <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Perfect for a back-to-school fundraiser, host a school carnival in your gymnasium or out on the playground. Ask families to sponsor or volunteer to run a booth, and sell tickets your carnival participants can exchange to try their hand at a few classic games like balloon pop and bean bag toss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Offer a few small prizes at some of the more difficult games to encourage participation and host a raffle to raise even more money. For an adults-only option, check out this Cocktails & Carnival<\/a> event SPARK! Dallas hosted to raise money for creative learning programs for youth.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"SPARK!](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/screencapture-secure-qgiv-event-cnc2021-2021-11-08-16_04_12-1-1024x785.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n56. Family-friendly movie night <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Put the event planning in your kiddos\u2019 hands for a fun, family-friendly movie night. Set up a ticket booth where your supporters can purchase admissions into the movie. Have your kids run the concession stand so they can learn how to handle money and work on their customer service skills. Allowing your kids to take control of an event is a great opportunity for them to work as a team and learn some responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
57. Craft camp <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Encourage your kids\u2019 creativity to bloom by hosting a crafts camp. For this perfect after-school event, set up tables with crafty activities like finger-painting and paper lantern-making and let your kids\u2019 imaginations run wild. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
58 Scavenger Hunt <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A scavenger hunt is a fun, interactive way to raise money for your school or organization. Charge a participation fee, hide small prizes around your school or a local park and have your kids team up to solve clues to find them. As a less labor-intensive alternative, print out a sheet of clues and have kids participate by solving them and taking photos of the answers. Need scavenger hunt inspiration? Check out this scavenger hunt<\/a> hosted by Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Scavenger](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/screencapture-secure-qgiv-event-bdoscavenger-2021-11-08-16_06_35-1-1011x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n59. Mini-golf-a-thon <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Team up with your local mini-golf venue for a fun night of family-friendly golfing<\/a>. Sell event tickets, ask local businesses to sponsor a few holes, and run a raffle for an additional way to raise some money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
60. Awards gala + auction <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An awards gala and auction can be fun for every member of the family if done right. Solicit auction baskets<\/a> and items from local businesses or sponsors and sell tickets for a fun night out for the parents. Provide childcare with a separate supervised area for games and kid-friendly activities while the auction runs to keep kids occupied and having fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
61. Bowl-a-thon <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Partner with a nearby bowling alley for a fun night to take the family out and knock over some bowling pins. Sell tickets for your event<\/a>, run a few competitions, or see if your bowling alley would be willing to donate a portion of the proceeds from the night to your school or organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
62. Game-a-thon <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your supporters play lots of video games, a game-a-thon is a great way to raise money while your kids get to do what they love. Set up a sign-up sheet for kids to play, and create private livestreams for them to go head-to-head with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Share the links with family and friends so they can watch and cheer their little ones on no matter where they are in the world. Build a fundraising page, and direct donors to your page while the gaming happens. For ideas while you\u2019re planning your own game-a-thon event, check out this \u201cGivers & Gamers\u201d event<\/a> that Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass<\/a> organized.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Givers](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Givers-Gamers-Fundraising-Participant-Page-1024x912-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n63. Pizza party <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Partner with your local pizzeria and reserve a special night for a pizza party fundraiser. Encourage your families to come out and gather for a few slices and arcade games. A school-friendly alternative is to host a fundraising competition between classes, and whichever class raises the most money wins a pizza party! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
64. Student art exhibit, recital, or play <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Show off your students\u2019 talents with an event the community can buy tickets to. Whether it\u2019s an art exhibit, music recital, or theater performance, set up a booth where people can buy tickets in the weeks leading up to the event. The night of, don\u2019t forget a concessions stand and a place to buy merchandise before, after, and during intermission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cookie](\"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/pexels-nicole-michalou-6061573-1024x683.jpg\")
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Fundraising ideas for individual kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
65. Discount card fundraisers <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Team up with local businesses to offer discounts to those who support your school. Collect these discounts and put together a coupon book parents can buy. For younger kids, get them involved in the planning by asking them which local restaurants and businesses they\u2019d like to see on the discount card. Use this opportunity with older kids to teach them about marketing and business communications by having them create proposals and reach out to local businesses themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
66. Cookie dough fundraisers <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the cold weather rolls around, sweet treats seem to proliferate out of everyone\u2019s ovens, and the smell of baked treats becomes a permanent part of the air. Take advantage of this sweet time of year with a cookie dough fundraiser. Have the kids distribute catalogs of cookie dough options and ask supporters to place orders. When the cookie dough comes in, go from house to house delivering every order. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
67. Lip-sync competition <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A lip-sync competition is a perfect way to raise money with a bit of goofy fun. Have kids and families sign up to participate with their favorite songs, and sell tickets by advertising a night of song and dance. Audience members can \u201cvote\u201d for their favorite acts by donating to personal fundraising pages, or charge a small flat fee to submit a vote. Livestream the event to expand your fundraiser\u2019s reach and let family and friends participate from afar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
68. Scratch card fundraiser <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Order special fundraising scratch cards in bulk from a scratch card provider<\/a> or local printer and distribute them to your supporters. Simply request that they scratch off at least two scratcher areas to reveal donation amounts they can pledge to your school and organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
69. Chores fundraising <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hire out your small helping hands for a chores fundraiser that\u2019ll keep your kids busy while helping your community out. Have kids offer to do chores for parents, grandparents, neighbors, or anyone that needs help in your community in return for donations. These chores can be anything from mowing the lawn or weeding, to cleaning windows or dusting. Turn it into a family affair by having everyone show up and participate, delegating tasks and getting the job done faster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
70. Personalized art commission fundraiser<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Children who love to make art can offer personalized art commissions to friends, family, and neighbors in exchange for donations. Whether it\u2019s custom portraits, pet portraits, or personalized greeting cards, kids can use their creativity to raise funds while honing their artistic skills and fulfilling special requests!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final thoughts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Involving children in fundraising endeavors not only cultivates a sense of community and compassion but also nurtures essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and empathy. With a plethora of creative fundraising ideas tailored to their interests and abilities, kids have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while discovering their potential as changemakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By empowering them to take action for causes they believe in, we\u2019re not just raising funds, but also nurturing a generation of compassionate and socially-conscious individuals poised to make a difference in the world. So, whether it\u2019s hosting a lemonade stand, organizing a talent show, or embarking on a recycling drive, let\u2019s inspire and support young philanthropists as they embark on their journey to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Fundraising Software for Education: 9 Platforms for Schools.<\/a> Fundraising software for schools makes online fundraising easier so you can spend more time making connections with the people that are more likely to donate to your cause. Find the perfect software for your school with this guide!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 4 Ways Education Nonprofits Can Fundraise More Equitably.<\/a> What does fundraising look like from a perspective of equity? Here are 4 ways that nonprofits in education can change their fundraising practices to be more equitable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 72+ Fundraising Ideas That Will Rock Your Next Campaign.<\/a> Explore this big list of nonprofit fundraising ideas to find the perfect fundraiser for your nonprofit!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- 4 Ways Education Nonprofits Can Fundraise More Equitably.<\/a> What does fundraising look like from a perspective of equity? Here are 4 ways that nonprofits in education can change their fundraising practices to be more equitable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Simple fundraising ideas for kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Empathy and social awareness. <\/strong>Fundraising helps kids develop empathy and social awareness as they learn about various causes and their impact on the community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n