How To Make Your Fundraiser Fun and Engaging for Kids of All Ages.
Creating fun fundraising ideas requires creativity, imagination, resourcefulness, and resourcefulness. In this article, we share why fundraising with kids is helpful, five fun and easy kid fundraising ideas, and the answers to the top three most commonly asked questions.
Fundraising With Kids
Involving students in your fundraising efforts is an effective way to maximize profits. Community members will be more likely to get involved. Implementing creative fundraising ideas for kids ensures their engagement in this campaign.
Fundraising Ideas for Kids of All Ages
Let’s look at five fun and engaging fundraising ideas, how to adapt them to any age group, and how to maximize your fun and profit.
1. Host A Contest
Encourage students to compete against one another for a good cause. Charge admission to view the event and a student registration fee.
Why This Works for All Ages
Choose a contest that fits your age group—hosting a school-wide fundraiser? Offer the opportunity to compete in a variety of contest types.
How To Up the Ante
Up the fun factor by offering prizes. This will encourage more students to register and make it more exciting for parents and community members who come to watch the show.
2. Plan A Field Day
Field day is one of the most loved days at school. Who doesn’t like to get out of the classroom and play outside? When planning your field day, consider races, obstacle courses, tug-of-war, finger painting, and water balloons as stations students can choose.
Why This Works for All Ages
Field day activities can be adjusted for the age group. For example, an obstacle course for middle school students may look different than one for high school or college students. The length of the field day and each activity may differ as younger students will have shorter attention spans than older students.
How To Up the Ante
Get the local community involved by asking for volunteers, sponsors, and donations such as food from local restaurants, t-shirts, and other prizes and handouts.
3. Have A Toy Drive
Hosting a toy drive is a fun, engaging, and profitable campaign method. Students donate old toys sold at a low price to other students and community members. The profit is put towards your school’s cause.
Why This Works for All Ages
Kids of all ages have toys; they differ in types. Younger kids may donate stuffed animals, whereas older kids may donate video games. This provides a variety of items to sell, meaning your donor market is broader.
How To Up the Ante
Offer an incentive to students to donate their used toys. For example, a student that donates ten or more items may get credit for one free item at the toy drive.
4. Host A Game Night
Hosting a game night is a great way to engage students, parents, and community members. Games can include board games, video games, and interactive games such as sports like tennis and volleyball.
Why This Works for All Ages
Kids of all ages love games. Even we adults enjoy a good game now and again. Fit the skill level of the game to your age group, and you are good to go.
How To Up the Ante
Offer a concession stand to up your profit capabilities. Refreshments, snacks, and even school-spirit merchandise are all options.
5. Plan A Scavenger Hunt
Plan a school-wide or neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt. You can include local businesses, including restaurants, the library, community centers, and more.
Why This Works for All Ages
Scavenger hunts for younger students may only be school-wide and more straightforward to navigate, whereas older students may prefer a challenging, neighborhood-wide adventure.
How To Up the Ante
Students can sign up for a fundraising committee to participate in the planning process. Students can choose riddles, hiding locations, items to be found, and prizes to be awarded.
Kids Fundraising Ideas: FAQ
Let’s talk about some of the most commonly asked questions regarding fundraising with kids.
Do Kids Enjoy Participating in Fundraising?
Many students will be excited to participate in your fundraising efforts if you consider their capabilities and interests. Incentivizing students can certainly up the enjoyment factor.
How Can Schools Incentivize Kids to Engage with School Fundraisers?
The most effective way to incentivize kids to participate in school fundraisers is by organizing a prize program for high-achieving participants.
Should Students Help Plan Fundraisers?
Yes! Students are more likely to participate in a fundraiser they feel they have a say in. Student participation in planning will also lead to fundraisers better liked by students.
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.