Old-Fashioned, Fun School Fundraising Ideas

A quick search on the web will show dozens and dozens of ways in which schools can raise money. These fund raising efforts are typically candy bars, cookies, wreaths, subscriptions, candles and truck loads of other junk that most parents really don't need and probably don't even want.

There's no denying that schools need money, and these fund raising gimmicks make it very easy for raise needed funds. There's better ways of raising money however, that will have parents eagerly opening their wallets instead of looking for excuses not to.

Bingo tournaments

Bingo is one of those games that both parents and kids alike enjoy. To hold a bingo tournament, all that's really needed is a bingo set, lots of tables and cool prizes. At our school, parents, the PTO and local businesses donate prizes, ranging from $5-10 toys & books to $40 gift baskets. On the day of the tournament, the bingo tables are set up in the school cafeteria with the principal calling out the numbers. We sell tickets ahead of time at 40¢ each, or at the door for 50¢.

Texas Hold-em Poker tournaments

Poker nights are great events for parents to attend. Solicit local businesses for prizes and food, and sell tickets to the event for $25 per person, which include dinner and some chips to start the game with. As the evening progresses, winners redeem their poker chips for prizes, with the school being the biggest winner of all.

School carnivals

School carnivals are great fun, and while they take a bit of organization, they can be a highly profitable source of fund raising. Carnivals don't need to be anything elaborate; some game booths, ring toss games, dunk tanks, cake walks, and pie eating contests are just a few of the activities that can be included at the carnival. For token prizes, they can be purchased in bulk from a company like the Oriental Trading Company. Local businesses typically will support local schools as well, and can often be counted on to donate a raffle prize or two. Don't forgot to sell hot-dogs and soda pop at the carnival for even more fund raising fun!

Raffles

Parents with connections might be able to get donations of iPods, Bicycles, cell phones or more. Hold a raffle at your school, and sell tickets for $1 each. Most of the raffles I've coordinated have fetched anywhere from $500-$1000 in net profits.

Chili Feeds and Chili Cook off

Have several parents, or even local chefs whip up batches of their favorite chili and cornbread recipes and host a chili feed. Local grocers can often be counted on to donate some of the ingredients. Sell "all you can eat" tickets, and include a buffet of chili, cornbread, salads, beverages and dessert.

Parents of school age children don't mind contributing money to their child's school when they feel they are getting something worthwhile in return. Entertainment, food, and the chance to win some prizes are essential ingredients for prying open those wallets and getting the donations coming in.