Fundraiser Tips and Ideas for Australian Schools

Ways to Raise Money for School Facilities, Equipment and Teams

Jan 3, 2009

Schools can raise extra money through selling fundraising products and holding special events for students and their families.

It is often necessary for parent support groups to assist schools to raise funds to purchase items of benefit to staff and students or fund special interest teams and activities.

Fundraiser Products

There are a large number of products that can be sold through schools for commission. The suggestions below include the names of some companies that offer this service. Always compare and investigate fundraising products before making a final selection.

Sticky labels for clothing and personal items such as lunch boxes, drink bottles, stationery items and school books as well as school bag tags and personalised notebooks, journals and other stationery supplies.

Books and computer software for young children and teens are particularly suitable for Book Week fundraisers.

Entertainment books are a popular choice for many organisations as a fundraiser, as they offer a significant commission per item. Unfortunately, with so many schools, preschools, sporting teams and other organisations offering the books, sales can be limited.

Some organisations offer a selection of fundraising products. This enables schools to deal with the same business while still offering a variety of fundraising products. Alternatively, there are organisations that simply offer tools to help school students approach family and friends for donations.

Events and Activities

In addition to selling fundraiser products, schools can run special events and activities to raise money.

Art and design students can hold a silent auction of major art projects. These might include paintings, sculptures and drawings or a group major work such as a patchwork quilt.

An out of uniform or mufti day can raise a small amount of money to put towards a special treat for the students. Students can make a gold coin donation if they choose to wear clothes other than their school uniform on a specified day.

Hold a family games night or trivia night as a social fundraiser event. A small entry fee can be charged per person or per family. Further money can be raised through selling snacks and drinks. This is also an ideal opportunity to promote other fundraising projects such as a silent auction, raffle or promotional products.

A school fair or fete is a major fundraising event. While it will potentially raise more money for major purchases, it also requires significant work to co-ordinate such an event. This is only possible if there is a dedicated group of parents and/or teachers who are willing to organise stalls, activities, food and drinks, entertainment and rides and make other necessary arrangements.

School music or drama nights can be held with a small entry charge for family and friends to raise money and showcase student talents.

Choose Fundraising Projects Carefully

It is important to consider not only what money can be made, but also what commitment of time and energy is necessary to co-ordinate a particular fundraising project. Parent groups such as a P&F or P&C committee can form a fundraising sub-committee to co-ordinate fundraising activities to ensure that the maximum benefit is gained for the school students and staff.

The copyright of the article Fundraiser Tips and Ideas for Australian Schools in Non-Profit Fundraising is owned by Susan Whelan. Permission to republish Fundraiser Tips and Ideas for Australian Schools in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.