High School Fundraising Event Ideas

Formal or informal events can help you raise money for your group.

High school organizations frequently need money to keep the group running, but schools can't always afford to cover club costs. Fundraisers help fill in these gaps. Fundraising events help high schoolers raise money while having fun and improving the community by offering a service or activity.

Food Fundraisers

Select a meal or dessert that you can cheaply make, and then charge members of the community to eat at the event. Spaghetti and pancakes are classic cheap meals, but you could change things up by offering a build-your-own-taco bar or a salad bar with all the trimmings. You don't have to serve a full meal. Plan an ice cream social or dessert bar for something sweet and different. Members of your group can act as the servers and preparation and clean up crew.

Carnival

Plan a carnival on the high school grounds. Games can include activities like a bean bag toss or a dunk-the-teacher game. Offer small token prizes for those who win the game. Have participants pay a small fee to play the game. Man the booths with group members or other student volunteers.

Anything-a-thon

Choose an activity that your students can do for a long period of time, such as walking, biking or dancing. Students then get pledges from community members for how long they can go. For example, someone may pledge $.10 per mile. If the student who received that pledge bikes 10 miles, the person must pay the student $1.

Auction

Ask community members to donate items for an auction. Gift certificates from local businesses, physical items or even things that student club member make are good choices. Hold an auction for these items, giving recognition on signs or display cards for those community members who donated.

Dance

High school students love to get together for a dance, so hosting one can be a good way to earn money for the school. Charge students a small fee to enter, and man any refreshment stands and the deejay booth with club members and other student volunteers.

References

• Fundraiser Insight: Original and Easy Fundraising Ideas
• National Resource Center for Respite and Crisis Care Services: Creative Fundraising Activities