{"id":8450,"date":"2017-12-14T21:15:10","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T02:15:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/?p=8450"},"modified":"2025-01-09T08:18:01","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T13:18:01","slug":"10-awesome-middle-school-fundraising-ideas-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/10-awesome-middle-school-fundraising-ideas-2\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Awesome Middle-School Fundraising Ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Want to bring your fundraising to the next level? Enlist in Boot Camp<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Middle\u00a0school fundraising isn\u2019t something we\u2019ve done a lot here at\u00a0Qgiv. It\u2019s been a long time since any of us were in middle school! We usually talk about how we can\u00a0<\/span>help nonprofits\u00a0<\/span><\/i>raise money, not how we raise money ourselves.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But many of us are now parents. Middle\u00a0school fundraising is a thing we\u00a0have to\u00a0think about sometimes. Middle\u00a0school fundraising is a thing we\u00a0have to\u00a0DO sometimes.\u00a0So,\u00a0we looked at what some of our clients are doing, what some of our local schools are doing, and what our own kids are doing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And we came up with 10 ideas for awesome middle-school fundraising activities<\/a>!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Middle-School Fundraising Idea #1: Super Hero Day<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Invite kids to make a small donation in exchange for dressing up\u00a0<\/span>as their favorite\u00a0<\/span>superhero<\/span>\u00a0for<\/span>\u00a0a day<\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Be sure\u00a0<\/span>to explain<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>how they have become\u00a0<\/span>superheroes<\/span>\u00a0to the recipients of your charity by donating to the cause you are raising money for.<\/span>\u00a0 This can become a<\/span>\u00a0fu<\/span>n annual event\u00a0<\/span>for<\/span>\u00a0children look forward to<\/span>!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to do it\u00a0digitally<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be serious. Middle\u00a0school students aren\u2019t super\u00a0organized or responsible. Instead of asking for cash donations (and risking it being lost), invite parents to\u00a0<\/span>donate online<\/span><\/a> or at school. They can donate in advance, which gives them time to come up with a costume. You could also use a giving app in your school\u2019s office so parents can make donations in person.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You could also go old\u00a0school and ask parents to pin money to the kids\u2019 clothes or something. We won\u2019t judge.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Middle-School Fundraising Idea #2: Cookie Dough Fundraising<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This is a very popular fundraising event to get kids directly involved in asking their friends and family to help raise\u00a0dough (sorry, not sorry)\u00a0for a good cause.\u00a0Who doesn\u2019t love baking cookies\u00a0(…or eating cookie dough right out of the tub)?\u00a0Preorder your sales and include special prizes for classes who sell the most cookie dough.\u00a0Have a big party, including baking samples of these cookies, on\u00a0<\/span>cookie dough<\/span><\/a>\u00a0distribution day!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to do it digitally<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Offer a way\u00a0to\u00a0place orders online! It\u2019s so much easier than filling out a\u00a0paper\u00a0order form. When the\u00a0timeframe\u00a0to order\u00a0ends, run a report and place people\u2019s\u00a0orders all at once. When your dough is delivered, use the same report to sort\u00a0the\u00a0orders. You can then batch-email your supporters to let them know how to collect their cookie dough.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Middle-School Fundraising Idea #3: School Carnival<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Setting up free admission and having the carnival take place at the school ensures a great turnout.\u00a0<\/span>Favorite teachers can be invited to participate in fun and creative events including dunking booths, pretend \u201cjail<\/span>,<\/span>\u201d<\/span>\u00a0and potato sack races.\u00a0<\/span>Sell tickets at a main booth to collect the donations and have each event \u201ccharge\u201d tickets.\u00a0 To add to your fundraising efforts, don\u2019t forget to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>add silent auctions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0and big raffle ticket items that are clearly displayed.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Screenshot

Dallas Spark! held a \u201cParents\u2019 Night Out\u201d fundraiser to help support their mission to \u201cignite the spark of creativity inherent in all children.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

How to do it digitally<\/strong><\/p>\n

On-site options<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0like our mobile virtual terminal are designed for this kind of thing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>P<\/span>arents\u00a0<\/span>can easily\u00a0<\/span>pay for tickets with their cards! It saves them (and you) the hassle of trying to find an ATM or writing a check.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Middle-School Fundraising Idea #4: Casino Nights<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Create a\u00a0<\/span>parent<\/span>s<\/span>–<\/span>only event to raise money for your school.\u00a0<\/span>Charge an admission fee that includes \u201cfunny money\u201d to gamble with and a chance to purchase more to keep the games going. Be sure to offer food and beverages and tables for the parents to socialize.\u00a0<\/span>Raffle tickets for larger items are a great idea here too.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to do it digitally<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is another golden opportunity to use on-site options. You could also\u00a0<\/span>encourage<\/span>\u00a0parents to pre<\/span>order packets of tickets ahead of time online; just portion out the tickets, label them with the students\u2019 names, and you\u2019re good to go.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Middle-School Fundraising Idea #5:\u00a0<\/strong>Video Game Day<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Now here\u2019s one just for the kids.\u00a0<\/span>Who doesn\u2019t fantasize\u00a0<\/span>about<\/span>\u00a0skipping school and\u00a0<\/span>playing<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>video games<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0all day?\u00a0<\/span>Have the kids raise money for a special cause for a chance to experience this one-of-a-kind opportunity they<\/span>\u2019<\/span>ll never\u00a0<\/span>forget.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Be sure to set up a couple stations and set\u00a0<\/span>time limits to ensure everyone has a chance to play their favorite game.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Screenshot<\/a>

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass hosted a fun peer-to-peer fundraiser called Givers & Gamers that\u2019s perfect for in-person or virtual events.<\/p><\/div>\n

How to do it digitally<\/strong><\/p>\n

Want to get wild? Consider setting up a peer-to-peer fundraising event and use a video game day as an incentive. Peer-to-peer fundraisers work best for big campaigns and small<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0team-centric fundraisers. Give your kids a chance to shine AND make an impact\u2026 and then reward them with an awesome day at school.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Middle-School Fundraising Idea #6:\u00a0Overnight Camping Event<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If you happen to have access to a very organized team to support your school, you can create an overnight camping event to raise money for your cause.\u00a0<\/span>These types of events are\u00a0<\/span>special experiences the kids will remember for years to come.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Some unique things you can include\u00a0<\/span>in<\/span>\u00a0night<\/span>–<\/span>time events are releasing candlelight lanterns into the sky<\/span>, campfire sing-a-longs,\u00a0<\/span>or<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>a\u00a0<\/span>nigh<\/span>t<\/span>time<\/span>\u00a0game of Capture the Flag<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>They need a little extra planning<\/span>\u00a0but are well worth the effort.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to do it digitally<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re organized enough to consider an overnight camping trip with a gaggle\u00a0<\/span>of\u00a0<\/span>middle<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>school students, you\u2019re organized enough to run a great fundraiser. If you prefer to have students pay for their trip, it\u2019s easy to set up an online donation form that\u00a0<\/span>makes it ea<\/span>sy for\u00a0<\/span>their parents to do so. If you want to use a camping trip as a\u00a0<\/span><\/span>peer-to-peer fundraising incentive<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>, help students by choosing a user-friendly fundraising platform.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Middle-School Fundraising Idea #7: Cookie Decorating Contest<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Raise money by selling individual cookies the kids can decorate with imaginative toppings.\u00a0<\/span>The more creative and different choices for the toppings, the better.\u00a0<\/span>The trick here is to\u00a0<\/span>us<\/span>e a paper bowl to keep all the treats on top of the cookie.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Adding ice cream makes this even more fun!<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to do it digitally<\/strong><\/p>\n

Remember the whole kids-losing-money thing? Yeah. Consider\u00a0<\/span>offering a way for<\/span>\u00a0parents\u00a0<\/span>to\u00a0<\/span>pay for cookies (or packs of cookies) online before the actual event. Bonus: you\u2019ll know exactly how many cookies you\u2019ll need.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Middle-School Fundraising Idea #8: Fun Family Walk<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Fundraising walks that include the whole family (including strollers) are an excellent\u00a0<\/span>use<\/span>\u00a0of your fundraising time and effort.\u00a0<\/span>Walks<\/span>\u00a0bring<\/span>\u00a0the community together for a fun and healthy activity.\u00a0<\/span>Including a t-shirt to wear with registration gives\u00a0<\/span>participants<\/span>\u00a0a keepsake f<\/span>or<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>taking part<\/span>\u00a0in the event<\/span>. Plus, they\u2019re<\/span>\u00a0a<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>great<\/span>\u00a0way to show off your event in the community with a sea of bright t-shirts walking through the neighborhood.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Be sure to invite sponsors to provide water, sports beverages, and healthy snacks at the end of the race and a comfortable place to mingle with other families after the walk.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to do it digitally<\/strong><\/p>\n

Walk-a-thons<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0are common in\u00a0<\/span>Qgiv\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0hometown; we\u2019re all familiar with the paper sign-up sheets and the frustration that collecting donations can cause. This is the perfect time to use a peer-to-peer fundraising platform!<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Middle-School Fundraising Idea #9: Pajama Day<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This is an easy way to get everyone involved; you can include bringing your favorite stuffed animal to add to the fun!\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s nice to include some special breakfast treats like donuts, fruit<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and bagels that parents can donate.\u00a0<\/span>Better yet, invite the parents in on the fun by having them share breakfast and hot chocolate with their children.\u00a0\u00a0 Adding a special movie for everyone to watch while they<\/span>\u2019<\/span>re all in their p<\/span>ajama<\/span>s makes this day extra special to look forward to.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to do it digitally<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is another option that\u2019s great for simpler fundraisers (where a student donates in order to participate) or as a peer-to-peer fundraising incentive. Either way,\u00a0<\/span>setting up a way for<\/span>\u00a0students<\/span>\u00a0to<\/span>\u00a0participate online is way easier than cashing a\u00a0<\/span>zillion checks<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Middle-School Fundraising Idea #10: Engraved Brick Fundraiser<\/strong><\/h4>\n

For larger projects including playground improvements, new buildings, or even a new walkway or garden, a great way to collect donations is\u00a0<\/span>giving<\/span>\u00a0people<\/span>\u00a0the opportunity to engrave a brick, which becomes a permanent part of the structure.\u00a0 Children and families alike enjoy seeing\u00a0<\/span>their<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>names displayed<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0as a permanent reminder of how they helped build something important for the school that will be enjoyed for many years to come.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to do it digitally<\/strong><\/p>\n

Set up an online donation form pre-set to the cost of an engraved brick. Make sure to include a field for donors to write out what they want their brick to say. When the fundraiser is over, run a report<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and boom! You\u2019ve got your list of engravings.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More Middle-School Fundraising Tips:<\/h4>\n

Include\u00a0some friendly competition to\u00a0make your middle school fundraising goals easier to\u00a0reach! Consider including prizes for the top 3 fundraisers at your school, or for the entire class that raised the most money. Having a special pizza party for the whole class at the end of an event is a great way to celebrate the hard work\u00a0they did\u00a0fundraising.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget to thank\u00a0parents! This can be done in a post to your Facebook group, or a written note the kids take home.\u00a0Be\u00a0sure to include details on the total\u00a0amount\u00a0raised and how it will be used. All of this will go a long way toward\u00a0gaining continued support in your ongoing middle\u00a0school fundraising activities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We hope this list of 10 middle\u00a0school fundraising ideas inspires you to take on your next rewarding project at your school.\u00a0Looking for more ways to make an impact with fundraising for education? Check out the following resources:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n