Inclusive School Fundraising: 6 Ways to Include Everyone

Fundraising is often the lifeblood of extracurricular activities, special projects, and even essential resources in our schools. From sports teams and arts programs to field trips and technology upgrades, these efforts enrich the educational experience. Fundraising can also create barriers, leaving some students feeling excluded or unable to participate fully. That raises a crucial question: how do we ensure our fundraising is inclusive so every student, regardless of background or circumstances, can contribute and benefit?

Inclusivity is not just a buzzword. It should underpin every part of school life, including fundraising. Creating inclusive initiatives takes a conscious, multifaceted approach that moves beyond traditional methods and embraces strategies that let every student participate in a meaningful way.

Big Fundraising Ideas has supported school fundraising programs since 1999. This guide covers the barriers, the culture that supports inclusion, six practical strategies, and how to measure results. For more on cultural events, see unique fundraising ideas that explore diversity.

Understanding Where Fundraising Can Exclude Students

• Socioeconomic Differences: Students from lower-income families may feel pressure or be unable to ask for donations or buy fundraising products, which can lead to shame and exclusion from activities their peers support.
• Different Family Networks: Some students have limited family connections or support networks to ask, putting them at a disadvantage compared with peers who have larger or more affluent networks.
• Time and Parental Involvement: Activities that depend on parents, such as door-to-door selling or organizing events, may exclude students whose parents have limited time or resources.
• Accessibility: Physical events or activities may not be accessible to students with disabilities, preventing full participation.
• Cultural and Religious Considerations: Certain activities or products, including foods with specific ingredients, might conflict with a student's or family's beliefs.
• Personality: Naturally shy or introverted students may feel uncomfortable with high-pressure sales or public requests.

Recognizing these potential barriers is the first step toward designing more inclusive strategies.

Building a Culture of Inclusive Fundraising

• Open Communication and Transparency: Explain the purpose of the fundraising and how the money will benefit all students. Be open about goals and progress to build a sense of shared ownership.
• Student Voice and Involvement: Involve students in planning and decisions. It empowers them, gives you insight into their peers' views, and helps activities resonate with a wider range of students. See student participation in school fundraising.
• Education and Awareness: Help students and the wider community understand why inclusivity matters and what barriers some students face. This builds empathy and encourages more inclusive approaches.
• Celebrating Diverse Contributions: It is not only about money. Acknowledge every form of participation, including volunteering time, spreading awareness, and offering creative skills. Every contribution is valuable and should be celebrated.

6 Ways to Make Your Fundraising Inclusive

1. Diversify Your Fundraising Methods

Relying on a single method can exclude certain students. Offer a portfolio of activities that suit different strengths, resources, and comfort levels:

• Product Fundraising with Varied Price Points: Product sales remain popular, and Big Fundraising Ideas offers products at a range of price points, from candy bars at $1 and beef sticks at $2 to $3, up to cookie dough averaging about $22. A mix of smaller, more affordable items and larger options lets students with different financial means take part in the selling process.
• Peer-to-peer Online Fundraising: An online store lets students share a personal link, broaden their reach beyond immediate family and friends, and use their digital connections. Give students training and support on asking respectfully online.
• No-sell Fundraisers: Options that do not require students to sell anything directly. These include:

1. Read-a-thons or Walk-a-thons: Focus on participation and pledges based on effort, not direct sales, and make sure they are accessible to students with different physical abilities. See the walk-a-thon planning guide.
2. Talent Shows or Performances: Let students showcase their talents and raise money through ticket sales, with tiered ticket prices to suit different budgets.
3. Community Events with Participation Fees: Car washes, bake sales with family contributions, or game nights with affordable entry fees. See car wash fundraisers and trivia night fundraisers.
4. Direct Donation Campaigns: Explain the need and the impact, and offer several ways to give, such as online or by check. Emphasize that any amount, big or small, makes a difference. A scratch card fundraiser is a donation-based format with no product to carry.

• Skill-based Fundraising: Encourage students to use their skills to raise money, such as tutoring, pet-sitting, or making and selling crafts, and give them a way to advertise within the school community. Keep adults involved, follow your school's policies, and avoid arrangements that leave a student alone in a stranger's home. See school fundraising safety tips.
• Corporate Sponsorships and Grants: Actively seek partnerships with local businesses and explore grant opportunities to reduce reliance on individual students. See how to secure sponsorships, engage local businesses, and 7 ways your school can use grants.
• Matching Gift Programs: Encourage families to check whether their employers match donations, which amplifies their gifts. See corporate matching gifts for schools.

2. Remove Financial Barriers

Address the financial constraints that may prevent some students from taking part:

• Scholarship or Sponsorship Programs: Set up a confidential system that lets students facing financial hardship receive support to participate in fundraising activities, buy products, or contribute to events.
• A No-Cost Way to Take Part: For activities with participation fees, offer a discreet option so students can still take part and enjoy the benefits without paying. Make it available to everyone through one trusted adult, with no questions asked.
• Team-based Goals: Focus on collective goals rather than individual targets to encourage collaboration and reduce pressure on individual students to raise a set amount.
• School Resources: Explore whether school funds or parent-teacher association (PTA) resources can subsidize specific initiatives or provide seed funding for student-led projects.

3. Ensure Accessibility and Accommodation

Make sure every fundraising activity is accessible to students with disabilities. Your district's accessibility contact can advise on requirements.

• Physical Accessibility: Choose wheelchair-accessible venues and activities that accommodate other mobility needs.
• Communication Accessibility: Provide information in multiple formats, such as large print or audio, and ensure communication works for students with hearing or visual impairments.
• Sensory Considerations: When planning events, consider sensory sensitivities and offer quiet spaces or alternative activities for students who feel overwhelmed by loud noise or bright lights.
• Flexible Participation: Offer other ways for students with disabilities to contribute if they cannot take part in a particular activity in the usual way.

4. Foster Inclusivity in Communication and Marketing

The way you communicate about fundraising has a significant effect on inclusivity:

• Focus on Impact, Not Only Targets: Highlight how the money raised will benefit all students and the school community, and emphasize the collective good over individual achievements.
• Use Inclusive Language and Imagery: Avoid language that can be read as exclusive or judgmental, and feature diverse students in promotional materials. Get permission before using any student's name or photo.
• Use Multiple Channels: Newsletters, email, social media, the school website, and announcements all help reach every family, since not everyone gets information the same way. See how to engage parents and the community.
• Translate Materials: If your community includes families who speak languages other than English, provide translated fundraising materials.

5. Train and Support Educators and Students

Giving educators and students the skills and knowledge to promote inclusive fundraising is crucial:

• Professional Development for Staff: Train teachers and staff on inclusive fundraising practices and how to address potential barriers.
• Student Leadership Training: Train student leaders in fundraising on inclusivity, empathy, and effective communication.
• Resource Sharing: Give educators and students resources and best practices for inclusive fundraising initiatives.

6. Measure the Success of Inclusive Fundraising

Evaluate how well your inclusive strategies are working. Consider these measures, and keep the data anonymous and aggregated so no student is singled out:

• Participation Rates: Track how many students participate in each activity by class or grade, and aim for high participation across the school. See how to measure the success of fundraising campaigns and the school fundraiser participation rate.
• Diversity of Contributions: Assess the variety of ways students contribute, beyond monetary donations.
• Student Feedback: Regularly ask students, ideally anonymously, about their experience with fundraising activities, and identify any barriers or areas to improve.
• Student Well-being: Watch morale and sense of belonging related to fundraising. Inclusive practices should foster a positive, supportive environment.

Avoid collecting sensitive information about individual students or families, and follow your district's privacy policies.

Inclusive Options From the Big Fundraising Ideas Lineup

For allergy-friendly food ideas, see allergen-friendly snacks for school fundraisers, and for the school's food rules, see school food fundraiser rules. For custom apparel, see custom apparel fundraisers.

A Pre-Launch Checklist

• Can a student fully participate without selling anything?
• Is there at least one low-cost way for families to participate?
• Is there a confidential way to request help without proof of need?
• Are venues, materials, and roles accessible to students with different needs?
• Have we listed ingredients and allergens, and offered a non-food option?
• Have we set goals for classes or teams instead of ranking individual students by dollars?
• Do our materials use inclusive language, and have we translated them where needed?
• Have we asked students for their ideas and their feedback?

Wrapping Up

By applying these strategies and continuously evaluating their impact, schools can move toward a more inclusive fundraising landscape where every student feels valued, empowered, and able to contribute to the school community's collective success. The goal is to raise money, strengthen the community, and foster a sense of belonging for all students.

If you would like help choosing a fundraiser that fits your community, see school fundraising products, and we are glad to help you plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inclusive Fundraising

What is inclusive fundraising?

Inclusive fundraising means designing activities that every student can take part in, regardless of family income, abilities, cultural or religious beliefs, or personality. It aims to remove the barriers that stop some students from participating and contributing.

Why is inclusive fundraising important?

It makes sure every student can contribute to and benefit from school fundraising. It promotes fairness, builds belonging, and avoids pressuring students or excluding them because of financial or other challenges.

How can we make product-based fundraising more inclusive?

Offer products at a range of price points, add online options that reach beyond a student's immediate network, and recognize all kinds of participation, not just sales. Carefully choose products to meet dietary, allergy, and cultural needs, and share ingredient information before families order.

What are some no-sell fundraising ideas?

Examples include read-a-thons, walk-a-thons, talent shows, community events with participation fees, direct donation campaigns, and skill-based fundraising where students offer services with adult involvement.

How can we address financial barriers to participation?

Create a confidential scholarship or sponsorship option, offer a no-cost way to participate in fee-based activities, focus on team goals rather than individual targets, and explore school or PTA resources to subsidize costs.

How can we make fundraising events accessible to students with disabilities?

Choose physically accessible venues, provide information in multiple formats, plan for sensory sensitivities, and offer flexible ways to participate. Ask your district's accessibility contact for guidance on requirements.

How can we involve students in planning fundraising activities?

Create a student fundraising committee, survey students for ideas, and give students chances to present their ideas and lead parts of the campaign.

How do we measure the success of inclusive fundraising?

Track participation by class or grade, note how students contribute, gather anonymous student feedback, and watch for signs of morale and belonging. Avoid collecting sensitive personal information about individual students or families.

Is a fundraiser with no selling still effective?

It can be. No-sell formats such as pledge events, direct donation campaigns, and donation-based cards spread the work and reduce pressure on students, though results depend on how many families participate. Many schools combine a no-sell option with a product fundraiser.

How do we keep a scholarship or assistance option confidential?

Make it easy to request through one trusted adult, avoid public lists or announcements, and use the same materials and process for everyone, so no student is identified by the support they receive.

What should we check about products for cultural, religious, or dietary needs?

Review the ingredient and allergen information for each product and share it with families. Some foods contain pork, gelatin, or common allergens, so offering non-food products alongside food gives families more choice.

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.