Back to School: 4 Fundraising Ideas Schools Should Try

The back-to-school season is the perfect time for nonprofits to connect with families and raise important funds. A successful back-to-school fundraiser can help cover school supplies, support field trips, or fund after-school programs. 

Still, choosing the right fundraiser can be a challenge.  You want an idea that is easy to organize, sparks enthusiasm, and encourages everyone to participate. In this blog, we'll share four simple fundraising ideas perfect for the start of the school year. 

These activities are designed to bring your community together, inspire generosity, and set your nonprofit up for a strong, successful year. Let’s kick off the school season on a high note!

Idea #1: Classroom Clash – Grade vs. Grade Challenge

A Classroom Clash is a friendly school-wide competition where different grades go head-to-head to see who can raise the most money during your back to school fundraiser. 

Each grade works as a team rallies donations from parents, family, and the local community.

How it works?

Start by setting up clear goals and defined timelines for the challenge. 

Each grade gets its own online fundraising page, making it easy for supporters to donate. Track progress with a visual scoreboard displayed at school or shared on social media. 

At the end of the challenge, the grade that raises the most money earns bragging rights and a simple prize, like a pizza party or an extra recess.

BetterWorld’s Peer-to-Peer Fundraising tool is perfect for creating individual fundraising pages. It’s free and setup takes less than 5 minutes!

Why it works?

Classroom Clash turns fundraising into a fun competition rather than a chore. Students are motivated to participate because they’re working together and rooting for their grade to win. That sense of camaraderie boosts engagement and spreads excitement.

Parents and community members are more likely to donate when they see students actively excited and involved. It's a simple, fun back to school fundraiser idea..

Idea #2: “Pay to Change the Bell Sound” Fundraiser

Have you ever wondered how students would react if the usual school bell suddenly sounded like a rooster or their favorite song? 

With this creative back to school fundraiser, students (and teachers!) get the chance to vote on a  fun new sound for the school bell—at least for a day or two.

How It Works?

Start by making a list of funny or popular sounds and songs that will catch students’ attention–think cartoon effects, animal noises, or catchy music clips.

Students, teachers, and parents can then vote for their favorite by making small donations, like $1 per vote. You can set up physical voting jars in the school’s front office or create an online voting page to make participation easy and accessible. 

Once voting ends, announce the winning sound and play it in place of the regular bell for a day(or even an entire week!. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to start the school year!

Why It Works?

Students love it when school takes a playful turn, and changing the bell sound adds a touch of humor and anticipation to the beginning of the year. The low donation threshold makes it easy for anyone to participate, and because it’s entertaining, students will encourage their friends and families to join in. Because it’s fun and affordable, people happily chip in, making it one of the easiest and most memorable back to school fundraiser ideas. 

Planning a school fundraiser? BetterWorld offers free, Easy-to-Use Software For School Fundraising. Sign up today!

Idea #3: "Rent-a-Skill" Teacher & Student Service Auction

With a "Rent-a-Skill" auction, teachers and students volunteer their talents or services to raise money for your back to school supplies fundraiser. 

Instead of selling products, you're offering something more personal: skills, experiences, or helpful services that others need or enjoy.

How It Works?

Start by inviting teachers and students to brainstorm skills or services they're willing to offer. These can be anything fun, practical, or even unexpected, like math tutoring, yard work, baking homemade cookies, pet sitting, music lessons, or helping someone organize their garage. Once you have your list, host an auction at school or online. Parents, teachers, and even community members can place bids on the services. The highest bidder wins the service, and all the proceeds go directly toward buying important school supplies.

Why It Works?

People love supporting a cause in exchange for something meaningful. This fundraiser taps into the real skills and heart of your school community, making every donation feel more rewarding and personal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to build connections within your school community.

Use BetterWorld’s Modern Fundraising Tools & Online Fundraising for your next fundraiser. The best part? You get to keep all the funds you raise! Request a demo now.

Idea #4: School Supply Subscription Box

A school supply subscription box is a fundraiser idea that brings convenience to parents and excitement to students. 

Each month, students receive a box filled with useful and essential school supplies, delivered right to their homes. It takes the stress out of shopping while supporting your back to school fundraiser.

How It Works?

To get started, partner with local businesses or online suppliers to source discounted or donated supplies. Then, offer families the option to purchase subscription boxes on a monthly or quarterly basis. Fill the boxes with items students often need, like notebooks, pencils, erasers, stickers, and fun surprises. Families sign up through your school's fundraising page, and boxes are either delivered directly to homes or made available for pick up at school. 

Profits from each box sold go straight to your fundraiser.

Why It Works?

Parents are busy, and anything that saves them time is a win! 

With this fundraiser, families get exactly what students need without running to multiple stores. Students also love the excitement of receiving a new box every month. 

Because it’s convenient and practical, parents gladly participate. Families feel good knowing their purchase supports the school, making it one of the easiest back to school fundraiser ideas.

Read about 8 Inspiring School Supply Donation Programs.

How to Promote These Fundraisers for Maximum Success

Use Social Media Often: Share your back to school fundraiser ideas on your school's social media pages like Facebook and Instagram. Post updates, photos, or short videos to keep your community excited and informed.

Email Reminders: Regularly email parents and supporters with clear details about each fundraiser. Explain what you’re raising money for and exactly how they can help.

School Announcements: Daily announcements or newsletters keep students and staff updated. Hearing about the fundraisers every day helps keep enthusiasm high.

Eye-Catching Flyers: Post flyers in popular spots around the school and community—like classrooms, cafeterias, and local businesses—to remind people about your upcoming events.

Involve Students: Ask students to spread the word to friends and family. Kids get excited when they’re part of something and naturally encourage others to join in.

Thank Everyone Publicly: After each fundraiser, say thank you publicly—on social media, in newsletters, or during school announcements. People who feel appreciated are more likely to support you again next time.