Big Fundraising Ideas Prize Programs Explained for Schools

School fundraising can be incredibly rewarding for educators and students, but it also involves thoughtful planning, motivation, and creativity. A major part of that motivation often comes from fundraising prize programs—reward systems designed to spark students’ excitement about selling items or gathering donations on behalf of the school. These incentives range from catalog prizes and custom sportswear to big, memorable events like inflatable parties or magic shows.

This guide explores popular school fundraising prize program ideas, explains why choosing the right incentive plan is significant, and walks you through essential considerations for different age groups. It also touches on how fundraising prize programs typically work, including who pays for them and how to decide between various reward structures. 

By the end, you will see how prize programs can help your school reach its fundraising goals more effectively by encouraging higher participation, building school spirit, and creating a lasting sense of excitement in your community.

Why Picking the Right Fundraising Prize Program Is Essential

A successful fundraising campaign isn’t just about the product or service you’re selling. It’s also about how motivated your participants—often the students—are to share and sell. When students feel genuinely excited about prizes, they tend to take more initiative, whether bringing brochures home and talking to their parents or reaching out to friends, neighbors, and relatives. The more students feel inspired, the more likely they are to boost sales.

Connecting with Different Age Groups

Not all incentives work equally across age groups. Elementary students, for instance, might gravitate to fun toys or big event parties such as reptile shows or inflatable celebrations. Middle schoolers often appreciate a chance to win custom sportswear that shows off their school pride or a social event with friends. On the other hand, high school students are often enticed by monetary rewards, gift cards, or more practical perks like school-branded gear and exclusive events.

You maximize engagement by choosing a prize program that resonates strongly with each age group. Moreover, when students are enthusiastic, they become your best ambassadors. That’s why selecting the appropriate incentive plan for your audience can make or break your fundraising campaign.

What Are Fundraising Prize Programs?

Fundraising prize programs are structured incentives for students participating in a school fundraiser. These incentives can range widely—some programs offer catalog prizes like small electronics or toys, while others focus on school-branded sportswear, cash, or big group events. The premise is straightforward: the more a student sells, the more rewards they earn. By tying tangible prizes to sales goals, these programs encourage healthy competition, boost morale, and increase the likelihood that your students will share fundraising materials with a wider circle of potential donors or buyers.

How Prize Levels Typically Work

In many setups, there are tiered levels of prizes. For example, a student might need to sell five items to earn a certain prize, ten items for a bigger prize, and so on. This tiered system appeals to students who enjoy accumulating multiple items or reaching a significant milestone for a larger reward. Different companies have varying thresholds, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your group’s selling potential and the community’s likely willingness to buy.

Picking the Right Fundraising Prize Program

Age and Interests

When selecting an incentive program, think about age-appropriate rewards that will pique student interest. For instance:

• Elementary School (Kindergarten–5th Grade): Children in this age range usually enjoy playful, visually appealing prizes, such as light-up drones, karaoke machines, small toys, or big-event shows like magic assemblies or inflatable parties.
• Middle School (5th–8th Grade): These students often prefer items that are a bit more mature, such as school-branded sportswear or a group reward party, for example, an inflatable water-tag event.
• High School (9th–12th Grade): Teenagers are likelier to appreciate cash, gift cards, or more grown-up perks like a school trip or customized spirit gear (e.g., embroidered jackets or hats).

Practicality and Budget

Before deciding, consider how your chosen prize program might impact your budget and profit margin. Traditional catalog prizes are typically included at no additional cost to the school, whereas big events (like inflatable parties or educational assemblies) sometimes have cost-sharing between the fundraising company and the school. Schools often secure free large-scale events if a certain fundraising threshold (for example, $50,000) is reached. Confirm these specifics with your chosen fundraising provider to ensure you clearly understand costs.

Fundraising Prize Programs Based on Age Groups

Elementary School Prize Programs

For younger children, excitement and simplicity go a long way. Programs that allow them to accumulate fun toys or attend engaging events are generally winners for this age group. Below are a few ideas:

1. Toy Catalogs: Catalogs featuring electric rolled-up pianos, light-up karaoke machines, or inflatable human hamster wheels can appeal to elementary-aged kids. These products are colorful, exciting, and easy for children to understand.
2. Cash or Gift Cards: Even small amounts can motivate younger students if your district permits cash prizes. If not, gift cards (for instance, to a local ice cream shop or toy store) can be a great alternative.
3. Big Event Shows or Parties: Assemblies featuring magic shows, reptiles, or inflatables add a memorable group experience, generating widespread enthusiasm. The communal aspect of these events can inspire young students to sell more items so they can join the fun.

Middle School Prize Programs

As students get older, their interests evolve, and so do their expectations for prizes:

1. Gear and School Spirit: Personalized hoodies, sweatpants, or hats with the school logo build camaraderie and make students proud to represent their school.
2. Reward Parties: Interactive events like the “Super Splash Party,” featuring water slides or water-tag arenas, encourage teamwork and peer interaction, which aligns well with middle schoolers’ social inclinations.
3. Cash Rewards: Although young, many middle school students appreciate receiving cash or gift cards, especially if they feel empowered to spend it on what they truly want.

High School Prize Programs

Older students often have a stronger sense of independence and different financial needs, so their motivation can differ significantly from younger peers:

1. Cash or Gift Cards: Offering direct cash rewards remains among the most popular ways to engage high school students. It gives them spending flexibility and often aligns with personal interests such as clothing, technology, or social activities.
2. School Spirit Program: Items like high-quality embroidered hats, jackets, and polos are helpful to older students. When these products are well-designed and in line with current trends, high schoolers are more apt to wear them proudly.
3. Large-Scale Events: A memorable trip, a unique party, or an exclusive dance can be highly motivating. High schoolers may be driven by the chance to earn a shared experience with friends—something fun that fosters memories they can carry beyond their school years.

Who Pays for a Fundraising Prize Program?

Most traditional programs are available free of charge to the school. For instance, if you select a cumulative catalog prize program with pre-packed prize inserts, neither you nor the students face additional costs. Big events, however, can have a different payment structure. Some fundraising companies split costs with the school or waive fees completely if your campaign meets specific high-volume sales goals.

When setting up your fundraiser, ask your provider about the financial details. It’s important to know who covers the cost of the incentives—particularly if you’re considering more elaborate options like a significant inflatable event. If there is any profit margin trade-off, weigh the potential for more engagement against the cost. A high-energy event might lead to significantly higher sales, offsetting any split cost the school might incur.

Why Choose Fundraising Incentive Programs?

Prizes aren’t just a fun add-on; they are often pivotal in motivating participation. Many students might not grasp the importance of raising money for educational equipment or extracurricular programs. A well-chosen incentive pushes them to reach out to their network and increase sales.

Maximizing Student Participation

Any time you bring prizes into a fundraising campaign, you generate excitement. Students love to compete to see who can sell the most or reach a certain threshold for a grand reward. Classrooms may compete against other classrooms, or entire grades could vie for the biggest group party. This friendly rivalry benefits your group’s financial goals while uniting the student body around a shared cause.

Strengthening the School Community

When students see that their sales translate to tangible rewards for themselves and the school, they develop a stronger sense of pride in their institution. They might become more invested in the fundraiser’s success, learning valuable teamwork, responsibility, and goal-setting lessons. This environment fosters a community-wide spirit of shared achievement.

Big Fundraising Ideas (BFI) Prize Programs Explained

Among the many fundraising companies in the market, Big Fundraising Ideas (BFI) offers various incentive programs tailored to different interests, ages, and event sizes. Understanding the variety of BFI options can help you pinpoint the prize program that makes the most sense for your school.

Traditional Prize Programs

BFI’s “Traditional” segment features five distinct prize plans. These typically include smaller rewards (toys, gadgets, gift cards, or novelty items) that escalate in value as sales goals are met.

1. Kids Zone: Students can win up to ten prizes, such as light-up karaoke machines, video game controllers, slime kits, and inflatable chairs. This bright, energetic selection works well for elementary groups.
2. Ton of Prizes: Up to eleven items are available, including a $50 Amazon gift card and a mini-fridge, so this program can also capture the attention of slightly older kids.
3. Prize Pile: This is another cumulative system that offers up to ten distinct rewards, including a voice changer, a Tornado Mug, and an Amazon gift card.
4. Locker Full of Prizes: This is a more extensive program, boasting thirty prizes, such as a smartwatch or a vlogging tripod. It particularly appeals to students who love the thrill of collecting multiple items.
5. Online Prizes: This tier encourages online selling, where participants earn bigger and better rewards as they cross sales benchmarks through a digital platform.

Sportswear & Cash

For schools looking to increase team spirit or offer older students rewards they truly appreciate, BFI’s sportswear and cash categories work wonders:

1. Cash Prizes: Students earn direct cash once they hit certain sales levels. This model typically starts rewarding students at twelve items sold, making it appealing for middle and high schoolers seeking tangible financial benefit.
2. Bucks or Dough: A unique offering where students choose between cash or cookie dough, which is ideal for campaigns involving frozen goods or cookie dough sales.
3. Wear Your Spirit: This program offers custom embroidered sportswear items in the school’s name and colors. Schools can decide how challenging it is for students to earn each piece, depending on their desired profit margin.
4. Show Your Spirit: Similar to “Wear Your Spirit,” this version expands the prize list to eight items, adding embroidered backpacks or lunch bags. It’s an option that can cover a broader range of tastes.

Big Events

Sometimes, nothing can replace the thrill of a major communal event. BFI offers several large-scale experiences that can serve as powerful motivators:

1. Super Party: A two-hour inflatable extravaganza held at the school. Admission is usually contingent on selling a set number of items (for example, eight or twelve).
2. Magic Show: An entertaining, educational assembly where students learn life lessons via illusions. Higher sales levels allow students to enjoy special privileges during the show.
3. Reptile Adventures: An hour-long encounter with live reptiles, offering hands-on engagement and opportunities for curious minds to learn. As sales levels go up, students unlock exclusive show privileges.
4. Super Splash Party: This event transforms part of the school grounds into a water park: the more items sold, the more inflatable attractions fueling an incredibly memorable experience for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much do BFI prize programs cost?

A: If you sign up for one of BFI’s product fundraisers, you can qualify for a complimentary prize program, allowing schools to incentivize students without reducing the funds raised, especially for traditional prize programs.

Q: Can we choose more than one prize program?

A: Each school fundraiser typically utilizes a single prize program. Nonetheless, BFI’s broad selection ensures you can find a perfect fit for your school.

Q: How do we pick the best prize program for our students?

A: Consider age, student interests, and school traditions. You could also poll students or teachers to gauge interest in different types of prizes or events, helping ensure your selection resonates with the majority.

How School Fundraising Prize Programs Work

Although each company’s approach varies, most follow a similar template: prizes are offered at no charge, often pre-packed for each student based on how many items they sell. The underlying principle is that incentives boost student involvement, ultimately leading to higher sales.

Rewarding Students Based on Dollar Amount Sold

Some programs measure a student’s progress by the total dollar value of their sold items. Under this plan, selling a handful of higher-priced items can quickly vault a participant to a higher reward tier. This structure works well when your fundraising catalog features somewhat pricier items, like cookie dough or gourmet snacks ranging from $15 to $20 or more.

For example:

• Sell $100 worth of products to earn level A.
• Sell $250 worth of products to earn level A + B.
• Sell $400 worth of products to earn level A + B + C.

School Fundraising Prize Programs Using Item Count

Other incentive programs track how many items a student sells. This model can create a sense of “just one more sale,” spurring participants to continue selling as they approach each threshold. A typical arrangement looks like this:

• Sell 1 item to qualify for a participation prize.
• Sell 5 items to qualify for prizes from the first two levels.
• Sell 10 items for the first three levels, and so forth.

Cumulative vs. Noncumulative Prize Programs

When you explore fundraising incentive flyers, you’ll notice they either offer prizes in a cumulative manner (students gather each prize for every level reached) or a noncumulative method (students select a single prize from the highest level they achieve). Both models have advantages and drawbacks.

Cumulative Prize Programs

• Pros
  • Students receive multiple items as they climb the tiers.
  • Continual motivation can build momentum—reaching one level sparks excitement to aim for the next.
• Cons
  • Each prize may be lower quality because the cost must be spread across multiple items.
  • Students don’t have a choice at each level, which can be less appealing if they only want a specific type of reward.
  • There can be a higher chance of distribution errors because of the larger number of prizes.

Noncumulative (Pick-a-Prize) Programs

• Pros
  • They often feature higher-quality rewards since students only receive one item from their final tier.
  • Students get to choose their reward, personalizing their incentive.
• Cons
  • Some students might lose enthusiasm if they only get one item.
  • Selecting one’s prize can complicate order forms if not managed carefully.
  • Sponsors might need to follow up with students who haven’t chosen their prize, adding administrative work.

A New Hybrid Method

Some companies merge these two concepts. The first few tiers might be cumulative, so students gather smaller prizes for lower-level sales. Then, for higher levels, students pick one significant item. This hybrid approach combines the excitement of accumulation with the appeal of higher-quality prizes.

Profitable and Easy-to-Run Catalog Sales Tips

1. Choose the Right Brochure: If you’re basing prizes on dollar amounts sold, include higher-priced items like cookie dough, tumblers, or gourmet treats, which can mean fewer total items sold to reach more substantial totals.

2. Set Clear Goals: Let students know precisely how many items they need to sell (or how much money they need to raise). Clarity prevents confusion and keeps the momentum going.

3. Keep Everyone Informed: Make regular announcements or send reminders to parents and students. Highlight the excitement of the upcoming event, the new gear they could win, or the final goals you are trying to achieve.

4. Promote Friendly Competition: Incentivize group achievements. For example, if an entire grade surpasses a specific total, they might receive a pizza party or a dress-down day.

Two Traits Effective Prize Programs Always Have

1. Attainable, Exciting Rewards: Students need to believe they have a real chance to earn something that feels valuable. Offering only a single grand prize that requires enormous sales can discourage those lacking extensive networks. Aim for a structure that allows many students to achieve a desirable reward.
2. Built-In Motivation to Advance: The best plans carefully position the prize thresholds to encourage students to reach the next goal. If a student quickly sells five items, they might be inclined to aim for ten, especially if the jump between those tiers doesn’t feel impossible. Similarly, the prize at each subsequent level should be an enticing step up from the previous one.

Practical Steps for Selecting Your Fundraising Prize Program

1. Evaluate Past Fundraisers: Look at what worked before. Did your students rave about a reptile show or prefer branded hoodies? Revisit your school’s history to understand what resonates.
2. Survey Your Community: Ask students, teachers, and parents about the kind of prize program that appeals to them most. Gathering direct input can guide your choice of prizes or events.
3. Balance Fun with Feasibility: While it’s terrific to spark big excitement, make sure the reward levels are achievable. If the hurdles are too high, students may give up. If they’re too low, your profit margin may suffer.
4. Communicate Early and Often: Once you’ve chosen a prize program, generate interest well before your fundraiser’s kickoff. Show pictures, videos, or mock samples of the prizes or event to get students talking.
5. Monitor and Adapt: During the fundraiser, monitor sales progress. If you notice that only a handful of students are reaching the mid-tier levels, consider creative ways to encourage more participants. That might involve quick updates during morning announcements or a halfway reward checkpoint.

Setting Yourself Up for a Rewarding Outcome

Fundraising success relies on strategies: selecting strong products, involving teachers and parents, and using prize programs that resonate with your students. Choosing a well-matched incentive plan elevates participation and sales, ultimately turning your fundraiser into a celebrated school event rather than a stressful obligation.

Remember that each age group within your school will respond differently to certain incentives. Elementary kids love the spectacle of big events and flashy prizes, middle schoolers might gravitate toward sports gear and moderate cash rewards, and high schoolers are often driven by monetary incentives and more grown-up activities or apparel.

Finally, as you set your strategy, reflect on the two fundamental traits of an effective fundraising incentive system: are your prizes attainable, and do they motivate students to strive for the next level? If the answer to both questions is yes, you’ll be well on your way to a profitable, spirited, and community-building fundraising experience.

A Final Word

School fundraising prize programs are a cornerstone of any well-planned campaign, acting as the catalyst that galvanizes students into action. Whether you opt for a straightforward cumulative catalog program, a pick-a-prize model focusing on higher-quality items, or an unforgettable big-event experience, the key is to tailor your approach to your specific school environment.

From the excitement of collecting small novelty items to the thrill of earning a brand-new spirit hoodie, every level of incentive can make a difference in how eagerly a child approaches fundraising. When students are excited, they ask parents for support, tell neighbors about the sale, and proudly spread the word to relatives. All of this can transform a simple campaign into something that leaves a lasting impression.

By understanding the nuances of reward structures, being mindful of cost considerations, and choosing age-appropriate incentives, you can unlock greater participation and higher sales. With the breadth of options available—from money-based prizes to custom-embroidered spirit wear and reptile shows to water park events—there’s something for every school’s personality and budget.

Big Fundraising Ideas (BFI) provides many incentive plans, ensuring schools have choices that align with their goals, student interests, and fundraising targets. Whether planning a small elementary campaign or a large high school initiative, the right prize program can help raise the achievement bar for everyone involved.

So, as you chart the course for your next fundraiser, ensure that incentives are at the center of your plan. Encourage every student to aim for the stars, remind them that every sale supports a better educational experience, and emphasize the fun they’ll have to reach those prizes. With a well-chosen reward structure—and an enthusiastic school community—your fundraiser will likely surpass expectations and create memories your students will cherish well beyond the final tally of funds raised.
 

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He's helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.