The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (2024)

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by Jamie Jeffers | , Parenting Tips, Saving Money | 28 comments

The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (1)

Do you need a school fundraising idea? If you hate to sell things but need to raise money for your group or organization, you’ll love this simple idea!

If your children are involved in any activities at all, then one thing is for sure… you are tired of fundraising!

Just in one school quarter, we were supposed to sell cookie dough and pies for the school, candles for band, pizza and flowers for the team, and raffle tickets for church.

Let’s be honest…if you participated in every fundraiser you were supposed to do, your family would never want to see you again!

What we really need is to find a way to raise money that doesn’t involve selling more stuff to everyone we know.

That’s why I was THRILLED when a friend introduced me to Funds2Orgs.

With Funds2Orgs you can:

  • Raise money for your school or group.
  • Ask people for a donation they’ll be excited to give you. (Hint: it’s not money.)
  • Help micro entrepreneurs in underdeveloped countries. (What?? How cool is this?)

Talk about the perfect fundraiser!

If you just want to jump in already (who could blame you?) click right here to get started. Or use this QR code:

The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (2)

How Does This No Sell Fundraiser Work?

The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (3)

Rather than asking for money, you’ll ask friends, family, and community members to donate their gently worn, used and new shoes.

We’re talking about those shoes your kids outgrew before they wore them three times.

Or the shoes you bought for that special occasion… but you’ll probably never wear again.

As long as you have a matching pair of gently worn, used and new shoes, Funds2Orgs can use them!

  • Sneakers
  • Flip flops
  • Dress shoes
  • Cleats
  • Child or Adult Sizes

For groups that don’t want to sell and don’t want to put cash up front, Funds2Orgs is the perfect solution to raise the money your group needs!

Plus, people will be excited to help you out. (It can’t be just me that always has things in the closet I’ve “been meaning to” get rid of for, oh…ages.)

What’s Makes Funds2Orgs So Special?

The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (4)

Funds2Orgs is a company that wants your fundraiser to be a success!

Not only will they set up a special website just for your group, but they’ll provide you with additional help and marketing materials throughout your fundraiser.

You’ll get a live team of fundraising coaches, checklists, strategies, ideas, and tips to give your group the most success.

If the fundraising coaches learn about something that’s working in another town, they’ll share that method with you so you can try it, too.

You supply the place to store the shoes as they come in, and Funds2Orgs supplies everything else you’ll need.

That includes bags and free pick up!

That makes Funds2Orgs a simple school fundraising idea.

The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (5)

So you’ll set a goal, then just use the materials they send you to get the word out.

(That means you don’t need to find a marketing guru in the parent group to get the word out.)

Set up boxes throughout your community to make collecting as easy as possible.

When you reach the end of your fundraising period, Funds2Orgs will send one of its trucks to collect all of the shoes.

Then they’ll cut you a check based on the weight of the footwear.

And my FAVORITE part is that once they get those shoes, they use them to help stock micro entrepreneurs in underdeveloped countries!

The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (6)

How Do I Get Started With My School Fundraiser?

It’s as easy as providing some basic informationhere.

I love how friendly this company is to work with!

You won’t feel pressured to start your fundraiser before you’re ready. So don’t hesitate to get more information from them so your group can decide if this is the right fundraiser for you.

If your group needs simple fundraising ideas, but hates to sell things, Funds2Orgs may be just right for you!

What a relief to find a way to raise the funds you need without begging your loved ones for more money!

In fact…they’ll probably thank you for the extra closet space.

What’s your favorite simple school fundraising idea?

The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (7)

The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (8)

The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (9)

Find out how our family of 8 keeps a good stockpile of food on a budget. Here are the steps we take that make it easy to always have plenty of food on hand.

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  1. Emily @ JohnJaneDoeon March 9, 2016 at 9:14 am

    neat idea! We haven’t had to do fundraising yet (Little Bit goes to a theater class, but that and school are her only activities right now). Still something to keep in mind, because no one really needs overpriced chocolate/magazines/candles etc.

    • Jamie Jefferson March 9, 2016 at 9:35 am

      I hate selling those things, because we are trying to simplify as much as possible ourselves.

  2. Robynon March 9, 2016 at 5:16 pm

    Great idea! We haven’t got kids of an age that need to do fundraising yet, but I remember having to go door-to-door selling things for fundraising when I was at school. I’d do anything to avoid having to do that again, haha! I agree it’s really hard to get people to engage with anything on Facebook these days but I’m sure friends and family would be more than obliging.

  3. Erin @ Stay At Home Yogion March 10, 2016 at 7:59 am

    This is a really neat idea! I know what you mean about there being a lot of noise already on Facebook, but I bet there are lot’s of friends and family members who would get really into this! Very cool!

    • Jamie Jefferson March 10, 2016 at 8:43 am

      That’s really true. If you can explain the process to them, they are really happy to help with it. Thanks for reading!

      • Reginaon June 8, 2018 at 10:14 pm

        Great idea!! My daughter starts cheerleading in a few months and we need fundraiser ideas.

  4. Elizabeth Spenceron March 10, 2016 at 8:36 am

    So glad to know about this, Jamie! As a band mom to both my girls, we are ALWAYS needing to raise money for our program. Most of our families seem to think the school budget covers everything. As. If. I’m going to check into this before the next fundraising season…thanks for bringing it to my attention via the SHINE Blog Hop! 🙂

    • Jamie Jefferson March 10, 2016 at 8:41 am

      As a former music teacher, I am all to familiar with that plight! I’m planning on using this one with our STEM kids since their budget has been cut back this year.

      Thanks for reading! Always love seeing you here. 🙂

      • Elizabeth Spenceron March 11, 2016 at 7:13 am

        Well, then, you really do know what I’m talking about, Jamie! 🙂 I’ve got 100 marching band raincoats to pay for! P.S. Now I’m stopping by from Friday Funday…I finally got my act together!

        • Jamie Jefferson March 11, 2016 at 8:48 am

          Yay! So happy you linked up today. 🙂

  5. Gladyson March 10, 2016 at 10:10 am

    Great idea, I did not know this existed. Perfect timing with the million and one summer and spring events that are coming up. I would even try this to raise funds for a family reunion.

    • Jamie Jefferson March 10, 2016 at 10:17 am

      That’s a good idea! They say even a group of friends and family can get together and do it.

    • Jamie Jefferson March 10, 2016 at 11:44 am

      Happy to help!

  6. Katyon March 11, 2016 at 7:35 am

    I’m definitely going to remember this! After busting my butt on a spaghetti dinner fundraiser a few years back, I yearn for something simpler and easier. Thanks for sharing. Visiting from #FridayFrivolity

  7. Morgan Princeon March 11, 2016 at 9:27 am

    What a great idea. I’m always interested to read posts from bloggers ‘across the pond’ as life is so different, and yet the same! We don’t do this kind of thing in the UK but it sounds like it would be useful over there! 😉
    #ffbh

    • Jamie Jefferson March 11, 2016 at 10:08 am

      I’m always interested in reading about how you do things in the UK, too! It’s so neat to learn more about how you all do things. Thanks for the visit!

  8. Annette Dalyon March 11, 2016 at 11:00 am

    Wow! This is so cool! I am a competitive chili cook and travel all over the USA competing in cook off’s. Each event raises money for a specific charity. I am definitely going to do this in conjunction with cook off’s!! So excited!!

    • Jamie Jefferson March 11, 2016 at 11:02 am

      That is awesome! I’m going to have to check out your site for sure.

  9. Nikki Jo Frank-Hamiltonon March 13, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    This is a really great idea! In fact, I just attended a fund-raiser last night for a great cause and I bet the founder would love to know about this! I will forward it on to her. Thanks!

  10. Melinda Mitchellon March 14, 2016 at 3:09 am

    Without spending a dime you say???? I’m in!!
    Here from Friday Frivolity.

  11. Lisa/SyncopatedMamaon March 14, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    I have NEVER been a fan of selling things, so this idea sounds great to me, Jamie! I’m made a note of the pin so I can go back and check it out further sometime. Thanks so much for linking up with us at #FridayFrivolity and hope you join us again this week!

  12. Maryon May 4, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    This is news to me! Thanks so much! With three in band camp this year, I’m searching for ideas. 😀

    • Jamie Jefferson May 5, 2016 at 8:39 am

      I definitely plan to use this in the future again. I have one that might be joining marching band early, so I get it! This is an easy way to earn some money towards instruments, transportation, whatever they are needing.

  13. Brianon November 14, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    Looks like a super easy way to fundraise money for a team or club! Glad to see there are tools like this out there. Thanks for sharing.

  14. JDon January 17, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    Oh, I like this idea so much better than the gift wrap, candies, doo-dads and other aggravating fund raisers. Fundraising got so bad when my kids were in school (for real, my daughter and her classmates each had to bring a roll of toilet paper to school — the school was out of tp and funds were gone, so you can see fundraising was nearly constant) that I finally told my kids to hand back those catalogs when they were passed out, and refuse to sell. I said I would donate some cash in lieu of the fundraising. The kids had to push back a bit against the organizers, but they finally got people to understand that we were not going to harass our few local family members and few close friends to buy, buy, buy. This idea of gathering shoes — boy could I donate to that — is much, much easier and better. And I like that someone else will benefit as well.

    • Jamie Jefferson January 17, 2018 at 2:04 pm

      I completely agree, and I think most parents I know would, too! We’re all tired of selling things, and it makes it worse when the fundraising company comes to the school and whips the kids into a frenzy about earning plastic toys. :/

  15. Feleciaon November 21, 2018 at 6:11 am

    Wow! What a great idea to raise funds and help others in need…I’m ALL in cause it’s a Win Win. Parent teacher PTA here I come. Thanks for sharing.

The School Fundraising Idea That Will Make Parents Happy (2024)

FAQs

What is the most profitable fundraiser for schools? ›

Walk-a-thons and Fun Runs

Top fundraisers and classrooms are rewarded with prizes. Best of all, these events happen at the school, so upfront costs and logistics are minimal. Successful school walk-a-thons can raise $50,000 to $100,000 and even more, making them our top choice for lucrative school fundraising events.

Why is fundraising good for schools? ›

In addition to supplementing school budgets, school fundraising teaches students valuable life skills and builds lasting relationships within the local community, offering many benefits to students, parents, teachers, and communities.

What is an example of a good fundraising letter? ›

I'm writing to ask you to support me and my [cause/project/etc.]. Just a small donation of [amount] can help me [accomplish task/reach a goal/etc.]. Your donation will go toward [describe exactly what the contribution will be used for]. [When possible, add a personal connection to tie the donor to the cause.

What type of fundraiser makes the most money? ›

13 Most Profitable Fundraisers
  • Matching Gift Drive. ...
  • Car Wash. ...
  • Drive-In Movie. ...
  • Text-to-Give Fundraiser. ...
  • T-Shirt Fundraiser. ...
  • Dance-a-Thon. ...
  • Picnic or Barbeque Fundraiser. ...
  • Contest Fundraiser.

How do you run a successful school fundraiser? ›

10 Tips to Throw a Successful School Fundraiser
  1. Define Your Goal. ...
  2. Choose Fundraising Activities. ...
  3. Create an Activity Planning Committee. ...
  4. Purchase Supplies. ...
  5. Engage with your School Community. ...
  6. Promote Your Event. ...
  7. Consider Offering Incentives. ...
  8. Leverage Online Fundraising Platforms.
Mar 22, 2024

How do you write a successful fundraising plan? ›

How To Write A Successful Fundraising Plan
  1. Reflect on Your Past Finances. ...
  2. Define Your Vision. ...
  3. Consider New Trends for Your Fundraising Plan. ...
  4. Set Your Fundraising Plan Goals. ...
  5. Align With Your Mission. ...
  6. Detail Your Methods. ...
  7. Look at the Big Picture. ...
  8. Bust Out Your Fundraising Plan Calendar.
Feb 9, 2022

How do you write a good case statement for fundraising? ›

10 Steps for Building Your Fundraising Case Statement for Support
  1. Gather background. ...
  2. Build a team. ...
  3. State your timeline. ...
  4. Determine structure. ...
  5. Write an outline. ...
  6. Interview key figures. ...
  7. Create a memorable campaign theme. ...
  8. Insist on an appealing design.

What would you say is the key to successful fundraising? ›

Solid Marketing

A good marketing strategy is crucial for any successful fundraiser, but the approach will vary for different organizations, audiences, and events. Throughout your communications, tell your guests what makes your event so special, why you need their support, and how you'll use their funds.

What is the number one rule of fundraising? ›

People Give to People - The First Rule of Fundraising | NextAfter.

What is the cheapest fundraiser? ›

Affordable Ideas for Your Nonprofit's Next Fundraiser
  • Garage Sale. Gather donated items from the community and organize a garage sale, turning unwanted items into funds for your nonprofit. ...
  • Bake Sales. ...
  • Car Wash. ...
  • Movie Night. ...
  • Pet Photo Contest. ...
  • Donation Matching. ...
  • Escape Room Challenge. ...
  • DIY Craft Workshop.
Nov 16, 2023

How can I fundraise a lot of money fast? ›

These quick and easy fundraising ideas require relatively little investment of time and money compared to their potential results and popularity with donors:
  1. Matching Gifts. ...
  2. Coffee Bean Sale. ...
  3. Dog Walking. ...
  4. Text-to-Give Tools. ...
  5. Penny Drive. ...
  6. Specific Date and Amount Fundraiser. ...
  7. Used Book Sale. ...
  8. Holiday Candygrams.
Feb 8, 2023

How to fundraise large amounts of money? ›

Our Favorite Fundraising Ideas
  1. Local Restaurant Partnership.
  2. Design Challenge.
  3. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising.
  4. Coupon Books.
  5. Crowdfunding Campaign.
  6. Pledge Challenges.
  7. Bake Sales.
  8. Fundraising Letters.
Feb 8, 2023

What is a 30 pop fundraiser? ›

30 POP! is our quick and easy 30 minute fundraiser! It's the perfect way to provide teams and clubs a simple fundraising option, and can be done with any size group from 2 to 200+! It all starts with our on site Ambassador of Awesomeness leading a team building activity to unite and inspire your group.

What is the largest student run fundraiser? ›

Penn State THON, the world's largest student-run charitable organization, reached another fundraising milestone during its 2024 dance marathon at the Bryce Jordan Center. The THON event raised a record $16,995,683 million for pediatric cancer research and treatment, a cause it has supported for more than 50 years.

How can I raise money for my local school? ›

The Top 10 School Fundraising Ideas
  1. Fun Run or Sponsored Walk. ...
  2. Bake Sale or Cooking Competition. ...
  3. Talent Show. ...
  4. Charity Auction. ...
  5. School Fair/Fête or Carnival. ...
  6. Dress Down or Theme Day. ...
  7. Read-a-thon or Spell-a-thon. ...
  8. Raffle or Lottery.
Aug 17, 2023

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