A tried and true favorite, many schools rely on selling items in catalogs as a means to gain more funds. What to sell in the booklets varies. The students could sell wrapping paper, cookie dough, kitchen supplies, gourmet candy bars and candles. The students could also sell subscriptions to magazines at a discounted price. Many of these items are useful in the average person's daily life, and many people are willing to buy these products because they want to help out the community.
A talent show can prove to be an innovative way to raise money for a school. The reason why talent shows are so popular is because they involve the whole student body. Parents, friends and family members all have a hand in supporting the talented students in the spotlight. Many of these students are rarely given the opportunity to showcase their singing voice, comedic acting skills or other talents that they may possess. In addition to raking in the ticket sales, the school could also complement the fundraiser with other money generators, such as selling concessions like popcorn and soft drinks during the event and selling autographs with the performers. Both would be set at a small fee.
Lollipops are fun, easy selling tools, and gourmet pops have been a favorite fundraiser since the 1990s. The suckers come in a variety of tasty flavors, including vanilla-cola, sour wild cherry, cherry-lemonade, cherry cheesecake, butter toffee and caramel apple. Gourmet lollipops make a great fundraiser because they can be sold at a low price and it is likely that each student salesperson will have repeat business. Many kids love candy, and it is easy to sell something that you love. The students will be able to give enthusiastic reviews about their favorite flavors.
If you are considering an unconventional way to earn money, then consider holding a raffle to send one of the school's teacher on a vacation. St. Bernadette's Catholic School in Springfield, Virginia, sold tickets for a teacher's name to be drawn to win the prize. Families bought the tickets for five dollars per ticket. The winning teacher was given an all accommodations lodging at a vacation home, which was donated for the contest. The fundraiser not only sold well, but it went on to boost the morale of all the instructors at the elementary school. The raffle won Disney Family Fun's contest for best fundraiser idea.