Introducing DAFpay on Almabase: Seamless Donor-Advised Fund Giving

GivingTuesday is a critical day for all fundraising organizations, including higher education development teams. This global generosity movement provides an opportunity to engage various donor segments, from alumni to parents to friends of the university, and kick off the year-end giving season with excitement and momentum.

However, for your university’s GivingTuesday campaign to succeed, you also need to practice proper financial management. It can be tempting to dive straight into planning your fundraisers and trying to maximize revenue without considering upfront costs or contingency plans, but you’ll be more likely to achieve your goals if you consider financial aspects as you lay out your strategy.

Let’s look at three tips for integrating financial planning into your higher ed institution’s GivingTuesday strategy so you can boost your fundraising success—responsibly.

1. Create a Campaign Budget

Your university likely creates several different types of budgets to lay out projected revenue and expenses for its annual operations, departmental or program-specific needs, and capital campaigns. You’ll likely also find fundraising campaign budgets helpful, especially when planning large-scale initiatives like GivingTuesday. This budget details the upfront costs associated with your fundraiser and explains how you’ll fund those expenses.

The old saying “you have to spend money to make money” rings true with fundraising. Your university might put resources toward the following expenditures as you plan for GivingTuesday:

• Fundraising software, whether you want to upgrade your existing donor management and engagement tools or add specialized solutions to your toolkit for certain aspects of your campaign (peer-to-peer fundraising, virtual events, etc.)
• Event planning—while software will be your main virtual event expense, you may need to budget for equipment rentals, catering, decorations, and similar aspects of in-person events, as well as format-specific costs (e.g., auction items or walkathon t-shirts).
• Marketing communications across your university’s website, social media, email, SMS, direct mail, flyers, paid advertising, and other channels so you can reach as many potential donors as possible.
• Payments to outsourced professionals, such as fundraising consultants who assist with campaign strategy, freelance graphic designers who create marketing materials, or financial advisors who provide a third-party perspective on your budget and reports.

On the revenue side of your budget, securing sponsorships and marketing grants can help you cover some of these campaign expenses, but you’ll mostly need to use other unrestricted funding sources (i.e., contributions that donors didn’t designate for specific purposes). Additionally, ensure your total expenses are significantly lower than your fundraising goal to allow for a positive return on investment (ROI) on GivingTuesday.

2. Diversify Your GivingTuesday Revenue

Like with general fundraising, it isn’t a good idea to put all of your revenue generation eggs in one basket for your university’s GivingTuesday campaign. As Jitasa’s guide to GivingTuesday best practices explains, “By generating revenue in multiple ways, you’ll be more likely to reach your goal. You’ll engage more supporters with different giving preferences and have a stronger safety net [for achieving that positive ROI] in case one source falls short of expectations.”

Here are a few ideas for diversifying your GivingTuesday funding, organized according to the major categories of revenue for exempt organizations:

• Individual donations: These contributions will probably make up the bulk of your GivingTuesday funds, but you can generate them in many ways, from sending out fundraising letters to running crowdfunding campaigns to creating a unique GivingTuesday text-to-give keyword. Event revenue also bridges this category and the earned income category, since you may collect donations while also selling tickets, merchandise, refreshments, auction prizes, or other items.
• Corporate philanthropy: Besides securing corporate sponsorships, which are especially useful for financing events, you can also leverage programs like matching gifts, volunteer grants, and internal employee fundraising efforts at your donors’ workplaces to get local businesses involved in your GivingTuesday campaign.
• Earned income: Designing and selling a special line of branded merchandise is the most straightforward way for higher ed institutions to generate earned income on GivingTuesday, although other forms of product fundraising are also possible, especially if specific programs take them on.
• Investments and grants: The only easily applicable revenue options to Giving Tuesday in these categories are the aforementioned marketing grants and challenge grants, where a high-impact supporter (whether it’s a major donor, company, or foundation) pledges to donate a specific amount once your university hits a fundraising target. However, it’s always a good idea to check on your long-term grants and investments at year-end, and GivingTuesday planning can serve as a reminder to do so!

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Many community members also like getting involved with the organizations and causes they support in non-monetary ways on GivingTuesday, such as through volunteering, advocacy, or in-kind contributions. Ensure these avenues are open to your university’s supporters so you can benefit from different types of support and engage more individuals in your efforts. 

3. Track Data Throughout the Campaign

Well before GivingTuesday, you should have systems in place to track various types of data on your campaign—revenue generated, expenses incurred, participation in each aspect of the day, marketing conversions, supporter feedback, and any other insights you may find useful. Doing so allows you to:

• Evaluate your success. Concrete numbers let you know whether you achieved your goals and provide some insights into why you got those results. Then, you can use your analysis to capitalize on your strengths and improve where necessary as you plan for future GivingTuesdays.
• Demonstrate impact. Including GivingTuesday statistics in your follow-up messages to supporters, your university’s annual report, and future campaign marketing materials (e.g., using messaging like “We raised a historic $25,000 last GivingTuesday—will you help us break our record again this year?”) can boost your higher ed fundraising team’s credibility and inspire more contributions down the line.
• Report your university’s finances. You’ll need organized records of your GivingTuesday spending and revenue generation for your accountants to create accurate financial statements and file annual tax returns for your institution.

Make sure to practice good data hygiene (i.e., keep your records organized and free of extraneous or inconsistent information) and integrate your software (e.g., connecting your donor database to your fundraising and accounting tools) to make the collection and analysis processes as seamless as possible.

Wrapping it up

Planning a higher ed GivingTuesday campaign requires managing many moving parts, including its financial impacts. But by adapting the tips above to your university’s unique needs and goals, you’ll be well on your way to making this global fundraising day the best one yet for your team.

A strong donation page can be the difference between an inspired gift and a missed opportunity. With donors expecting a fast, trustworthy experience, the design and strategy of your giving page matter more than ever.

In this article you’ll find best-in-class donation page examples from schools, universities, and nonprofits, as well as actionable takeaways to help your institution inspire more gifts.

Why Your Donation Page Matters More Than You Think

• Online giving keeps growing - Blackbaud’s 2024 Charitable Giving Report shows overall online giving rose 2.2% in 2024, setting a new record after pandemic-era peaks, and education-related nonprofits saw a 10% jump in online gifts.
• Convenience counts - Shorter forms are more likely to increase donations, so it’s in your nonprofit’s best interest to keep them concise and to the point.
• Your donation page is the closer - It’s the moment where trust, emotion, and ease must meet to convert intent into action.

💡If you want a page that inspires giving and syncs seamlessly with your donor database, check out Almabase’s Giving Module. 

Donation Page Examples from Educational Institutions

1. Punahou School – Heritage Meets Historic Success

Punahou leveraged their 175th anniversary celebration to create their most successful fundraising campaign in school history. The Ku'u Punahou campaign raised over $176 million from more than 12,800 donors with 40,000 individual gifts. The campaign effectively connected historical legacy with future vision, emphasizing how gifts would support cutting-edge learning environments, expand need-based financial aid, and inspire students to "pursue lives of purpose".

Why it works: Their donation platform provides clear funding priorities including the Punahou Fund for current needs, PunsUnited for student financial aid, and specific capital projects, while offering multiple giving vehicles from cryptocurrency to IRA distributions.

Takeaway: Tie major fundraising campaigns to significant institutional milestones while providing clear, varied pathways for different donor interests and capacities.

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2. University of Cambridge – Multiple Causes & International-Friendly Design

Why it works: The platform supports over 150 academic departments, faculties, and research institutes, offering donors a comprehensive range of causes from student support (including scholarships and bursaries) to cutting-edge research spanning climate change to cancer research, plus historic preservation and global outreach programs.

The platform is genuinely international-friendly, supporting multiple currencies and UK Gift Aid (adding 25% to donations). It uses various payment methods including international bank transfers, and provides tax-efficient giving structures through partnerships like Cambridge in America and Transatlantic Giving Circle, making it accessible to donors from the US, Europe, India, and beyond.

Key feature: Comprehensive cause selection across all academic disciplines combined with seamless international giving infrastructure.

Takeaway: Offering diverse funding priorities while optimizing for global accessibility significantly expands both donor engagement and gift potential.

3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Community-Centered Giving

UCLA’s donation page emphasizes the collective impact of gifts of all sizes, framing every donation as a valuable contribution to a larger circle of support. The page spotlights the university’s multi-year fundraising drive, presenting goals and clear priorities such as student scholarships, faculty research, and campus initiatives. Donors can choose from a wide range of designations: schools, departments, or specific programs, and the form makes it easy to give once or set up a recurring pledge. Campaign progress updates and donor stories reinforce momentum, while the blue-and-gold branding keeps the experience unmistakably UCLA.

Why it works: By reinforcing that every gift counts and supports a shared mission, UCLA creates an inclusive and motivating environment for donors at all capacity levels. This sense of community nurtures donor loyalty and encourages repeat giving, from modest contributions to major philanthropic commitments.

Key feature: Messaging that connects individual gifts to a broad, impactful community mission.

Takeaway: Position donations as part of a collective effort that transcends the institution, inspiring donors with a compelling sense of shared purpose.

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Impact-Centered Storytelling

MIT’s donation page uses an interactive grid of impact cards instead of a traditional banner. Each card highlights a key funding priority—such as “Approximately 40% of MIT’s operating budget relies on unrestricted dollars,” and “Over 25% of first-year graduate students are supported by fellowships.” Donors can hover over each card to reveal concise impact statements and click “Learn More” to dive deeper or give directly to that area.

Why it Works: The card-based layout engages donors by inviting exploration and discovery, turning passive scrolling into active interaction. By surfacing bite-sized data points about financial aid, unrestricted funding, and fellowship support, MIT appeals to diverse donor motivations, whether they value student support, institutional flexibility, or graduate research. The clear, quantifiable facts build credibility, while the hover-to-reveal design keeps the page visually clean yet informative.

Key feature: Interactive impact cards with hover-revealed data points tying gift options to specific institutional needs.

Takeaway: Use interactive, data-driven elements to educate donors about multiple priorities, letting them choose what resonates most while maintaining a clean, engaging design.

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5. University of Texas at Austin – Multi-Channel Giving Options

UT Austin’s “Ways to Give” page offers a comprehensive menu of 14 distinct giving channels, from traditional methods like mail-in gifts and wire transfers to strategic options such as matching gifts, appreciated securities, endowments, and estate/planned gifts. They also feature specialized pathways for UT employees (payroll deduction), international donors, and industry or foundation partnerships. Each option includes a brief description of benefits, such as tax advantages for securities gifts or legacy impact for endowed funds, guiding donors to the method that best aligns with their needs and goals.

Why it works: By presenting diverse giving vehicles in a single, clearly structured page, UT Austin accommodates donors at every level and life stage. This breadth of options signals inclusivity and respect for individual donor circumstances, strengthening trust and inspiring larger, more strategic commitments.

Key feature: Detailed, side-by-side descriptions of multiple giving vehicles tailored to varied donor profiles.

Takeaway: Empower donors by offering clear, well-explained giving channels that match diverse preferences, maximizing both participation and gift size.

6. Stanford University – Comprehensive Giving Hub

What they did: Stanford’s Giving site serves as a one-stop destination for every type of donor. “How to Make a Gift” section organizes every giving method into three clear columns: Give Now, Give Over Time, and Plan Your Gift. Under “Give Now,” donors can contribute online, by phone or mail, through stocks or wire transfers, or via memorial, matching, or international gifts. “Give Over Time” highlights new pledges, pledge payments, and recurring gifts, while “Plan Your Gift” details options like bequests, life-income gifts, donor-advised funds, and other asset-based contributions. Each link opens concise guidance so donors immediately understand requirements and benefits such as tax advantages or long-term impact.

Why it works: This tiered layout simplifies a complex set of choices. Donors can instantly self-select whether they want to give immediately, spread payments over time, or create a legacy gift, without wading through multiple pages. By presenting planned giving alongside quick online options, Stanford invites both spontaneous and strategic donors, signaling professionalism and respect for different financial circumstances.

Key feature: Three-column structure, “Give Now,” “Give Over Time,” and “Plan Your Gift”, that clarifies intent and shortens the path to the right giving vehicle.

Takeaway: Grouping donation methods by timing and complexity helps donors quickly find an approach that fits their goals, increasing both participation and the likelihood of larger, long-term commitments.

Donation Page Examples from Nonprofits

7. Charity: Water – Transparency Through the 100% Model

Charity: water did something exemplary with online giving through their “100% Model”, ensuring every public donation funds clean water projects, while operational costs come from private supporters. Their donation page appeals to donors of all levels, highlighting that just $40 can bring one person reliable access to clean water. The giving form encourages small, meaningful gifts, reinforced by clear, low-pressure messaging and a welcoming design. Donors can also give in honor of someone special, adding a personal touch that widens participation.

Why it works: The low-barrier entry point clearly states the tangible impact of every dollar, making action feel accessible to all. This transparent, approachable style removes hesitation from new and returning donors alike.

Key feature: Transparent cost-of-impact messaging (“$40 brings clean water to 1 person”) and personalized giving options.

Takeaway: A combination of radical transparency and inclusive, low-pressure donation options makes every supporter feel valued, lowering the barrier for action and building long-term loyalty.

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8. American Red Cross – Trust Signals Front and Center

The American Red Cross places credibility and transparency at the forefront on their donation page by prominently displaying their 4-star Charity Navigator rating.
They provide donors clear choices to give toward specific disaster relief efforts (such as wildfire relief or hurricane response) or general emergency preparedness, ensuring funds are allocated to donor-intended uses. These trust badges and fund-designation options reassure potential donors about the responsible handling of contributions in times of crisis.

Why it works: In disaster fundraising, trust is paramount. The presence of third-party certifications and transparent fund allocation reduces donor skepticism and encourages first-time giving. Having clear, situational giving opportunities tied to recent emergencies increases relevance and urgency, motivating donors to act quickly.

Takeaway: Demonstrating strong third-party accountability and offering clear, cause-specific giving choices build donor confidence, especially important in emergency response fundraising.

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9. World Wildlife Fund (Canada/US) – Recurring Giving Emphasis

Why it works: WWF frames monthly giving as joining their "WWF Heroes" community, emphasizing how monthly donations provide "dependable support for global conservation efforts". Their donation pages offer membership benefits including quarterly World Wildlife magazine, annual calendars, and exclusive updates. They make monthly giving attractive by highlighting that 84% of spending goes directly to conservation and offering thank-you gifts for donations of $16+ per month.

Key feature: Monthly giving positioned as exclusive membership with tangible benefits.

Takeaway: Present recurring gifts as joining a special community with exclusive perks rather than just a payment method.

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What the Best Online Donation Pages Have in Common

The examples above show that high-performing giving pages share a core set of traits:

• Clear Pathways for Every Donor: From Stanford’s “Give Now/Give Over Time/Plan Your Gift” columns to UT Austin’s 14 giving channels, these top pages make it effortless for each donor to find the right option fast.‍
• Impact-Driven Storytelling: MIT’s interactive cards and Charity: Water’s $40-per-person promise do a great job at showing the journey from gifts to tangible change.‍
• Trust and Transparency Signals: From the American Red Cross’s Charity Navigator rating to Cambridge’s detailed tax-efficient giving info, visible assurances build donor confidence and encourage first-time gifts.‍
• Mobile-First, Streamlined Design: UCLA’s minimal required fields and WWF’s frictionless monthly sign-up demonstrate the importance of quick, mobile-friendly forms to reduce drop-offs.‍
• Strong Brand Integration: Pages like UCLA’s weave institutional colors, fonts, and imagery throughout, reinforcing institutional spirit and branding to their constituents to foster an emotional connection.‍
• Recurring Gift Emphasis: WWF’s “Heroes” program highlights recurring giving as the default, increasing donor lifetime value.‍
• Flexible Payment and Currency Options: Cambridge’s multi-currency support and Stanford’s stock or wire transfer options make giving accessible to international supporters and attract those with diverse assets.

These shared elements ensure donors can give with confidence, understand their impact, and complete a gift in minutes. These are key ingredients for sustainable, long-term fundraising success.

Common Donation Page Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcomplicating forms with too many fields: Long forms make people quit before they finish.
• Neglecting mobile optimization: If the page is clunky on a phone, you’ll lose a lot of gifts.
• Using generic, uninspiring asks: Vague language doesn’t show why a gift matters right now.
• Not tracking conversion drop-offs: Without data on where donors stop, problem-solving can get delayed.

How to Improve Your Own Donation Page

Use this short checklist when reviewing your site:

• Show real impact: Make it obvious how each gift will help: use clear numbers, stories, or visuals.
• Keep the process under two minutes: Limit fields and clicks so a donor can finish fast.
• Highlight recurring giving: Present monthly or yearly options up front as the easiest way to give.
• Connect with your CRM: Ensure gifts sync automatically so records stay accurate and follow-ups are easy.

💡Almabase’s Giving Module integrates directly with RE NXT to automate processing and personalize appeals. → Learn more 

Conclusion

Whether you run a K-12 school, university, or global nonprofit, we hope that these donation pages and our tips have proven that clear design, trust signals, and emotional storytelling go a long way in the effort to convert visitors into donors.

Organizing a school fundraiser is no mean feat, and takes a lot of planning and effort. It’s also one of the most powerful vehicles to shape your community’s experience beyond just raising money. Over time, many of these events become traditions that people look forward to year after year.

Of course, turning an idea into a successful fundraiser isn't at all easy. Every school has different budgets, volunteer capacity, and fundraising goals, so what works for one community may not work for another. While there are many formats and ideas to choose from, finding the one that fits your school and the people who support it can seem just that much more overwhelming.

This blog brings together more than 25 school fundraising ideas, organized by type so you can quickly find the ones that make the most sense for your community. Along the way, you'll find real examples from schools and tips for organizing similar events, so you can put your own spin on these ideas.

Why school fundraising matters

A school fundraiser is an organized campaign or event run by a school, PTA/PTO, parent group, or student organization to raise money for a specific goal, which usually looks like buying new equipment, paying for field trips, extracurricular programs, facility improvements, or scholarships.
Modern school fundraisers today look very different from the humble bake sale: today's campaigns use digital giving, matching gifts, text-to-give platforms, and peer-to-peer fundraising to reach supporters, while also experimenting with fun new formats. 

Today, fundraisers help schools in many ways including:

• Filling budget gaps when board/district funding falls short for programs and equipment.
• Supporting student experiences that wouldn't otherwise happen, such as field trips, sports, arts programs, and clubs.
• Giving alumni a meaningful way to stay connected and give back to the institution that shaped them.
• Building stronger school spirit by bringing current students, parents, and alumni together around a shared goal.
• Creating leadership opportunities for students to learn teamwork, responsibility, and other real-life skills.
• Sustaining long-term programs that depend on consistent annual support.

Successful fundraisers do raise money but they also support strong community bonds and remind supporters why their school matters.

Easy and quick-to-launch fundraisers

These are low-lift ideas which require minimal planning and coordination but deliver dependably. They're perfect for filling gaps in your annual fundraising calendar, bringing novelty to your fundraising strategy with new formats, and are also launched relatively quickly.

1. Restaurant Partnership Nights

Partner with a local restaurant that agrees to donate 10-25% of sales during a designated evening when customers mention your school or present a flyer or invitation. The restaurant handles the food and service and you bring in foot traffic for the evening. 

Mary Lyon Elementary School in Chicago partnered with Chipotle for a fundraising night on April 10, 2024, raising funds with minimal effort on the school's part. It largely looked like announcing the partnership, coordination and sending out an email reminder. Chipotle rang up sales from those who ordered and used a dedicated code in the designated location, and donated 25% of the sales. 

Why it works: It requires very little set up and comes together quickly. It brings in traffic for the partner restaurant and builds giving into something attendees were going to do anyway. 

💡 Restaurant partnerships are among the lowest-friction fundraisers you can run. You can build relationships with 2–3 local spots and rotate quarterly for recurring revenue.

2. Sports and Athletic Tournament

For schools that already have an auditorium, organizing a school-wide tournament is an easy way to generate funds. 

The 5th Grade Committee in Hendrick Hudson School District (Montrose, NY) organized a successful kickball tournament fundraiser on January 31, 2025, held in the Hendrick Hudson High School Dome. Multiple grades joined in, making it a huge success.

To organize something similar, you can begin with 6-10 teams, where each pays an amount to enter the tournament. Each match gives rise to multiple fundraising moments including tickets, concessions and merchandising. You can partner with local sellers for the latter.

Why it works: For very low overhead, it generates many fundraising moments and creates a high-spirits moment for all involved: parents, students and local businesses.

💡 To elevate the experience and ensure attendance, you could reach out to alumni athletes who might want to participate.

3. Spirit Wear Sales

Create branded school apparel (hoodies, t-shirts, hats, stationery) and sell through an online platform or pre-order system on your school website. Students, parents and alumni browse an online catalog, pre-order their size, and the vendor ships directly to your school, from where buyers pick it up. You could even host sales each season (fall, winter, spring).

Why it works: It builds school spirit year-round, minimizes delivery-related expenses, and delivers results, since students and alumni are generally interested in school merchandise.

💡 You can use these sales to promote budding designers in your student body, by featuring their art on school merch. This brings an element of exclusivity and appreciation to the campaign and builds goodwill.

4. Penny Wars and Coin Drives

Hold a friendly competition between grades or classes to see who can bring the most coins or bills. Set up labeled jars in the main hallway (one per grade)  and update totals daily or weekly on a poster. The winning grade gets a prize (extra recess, pizza lunch, or bragging rights).

Why it works: The competitive aspect keeps energy high, involves all students without much effort, and teaches giving habits early. It’s also a visibly exciting goal to work together towards for the grades.

💡Take this a step further by pairing the prize a secondary incentive ( for instance, everyone who brings money gets entered into a raffle) to boost participation beyond the classroom winners.

5. Bake Sales

In this staple format, students and families bring baked goods to sell them at school events, outside grocery stores, or during lunch. 

Why it works: For the low-lift set up of a table with homemade brownies, cookies, and cupcakes, it brings together the community effortlessly. It can be run during a school event or outside a location that gets a lot of footfall on a Saturday morning.

💡Stack your bake sale alongside another school event (game day, book fair) to leverage existing foot traffic. You could even make it a weekly or monthly affair if the format resonates with your community.

6. Pajama Days and Dress-Up Days

Have students pay a certain amount  ($2-$5) to wear pajamas, sports jerseys, themed outfits, or other fun themes on designated days. It’s a fun idea that gets students excited and takes very little outside of verbal and email coordination, to set up.

Why it works: It has a remarkably low barrier to entry since students will be able to use mostly things in their closet to participate. It gives them something to look forward to, keeps spirits high and photos are shareable on social media.

💡Themed dress-up days (like "90s day" or "crazy hair day" ) drive higher participation than plain pajamas. 

High-revenue annual fundraisers

These events require more planning and upfront effort but deliver significantly higher returns. These can be built into your annual fundraising calendar as anchor events.

7. Fun Runs and Fitness Challenges

In Fun Runs, students collect pledges based on the number of miles or laps they complete during a school-wide run or walk. Alternatively, supporters can also pledge a fixed amount if participants finish the course without stopping.

Brown School in Massachusetts hosted its annual Fun Run in 2025, raising $27,000 with the help of pledges from community members, local businesses, and alumni.

To organize something similar, set up a simple route around your campus and have students collect pledges on the days leading up to the event. On the day of, invite families and staff to cheer participants on and add fundraising opportunities through refreshments or school merchandise.

Why it works: It combines fundraising with physical activity, involves the entire student body, and gives your community an easy way to support students by sponsoring a child, grandchild, or favorite teacher.

💡 Set up an online peer-to-peer fundraising page so alumni who can't attend can still pledge and support participants from anywhere.

8. Read-a-Thons and Academic Challenges

Similar to the Fun Run format, students collect pledges based on academic milestones such as books read, pages completed, minutes spent reading. Weave in friendly class competitions and small rewards help keep motivation high throughout the challenge.

Edgewood Elementary in Scarsdale, New York held its first Read-A-Thon in 2024. Held annually in March, this fundraiser has since raised more than $27,000, showing how fundraising can naturally tie into school routines. 

Why it works: It reinforces academic goals while giving students an active role in fundraising. The impact is also easily observable, making donors more likely to participate.

💡 Consider running your Read-a-Thon during National Reading Month in March, when schools are already focused on reading and alumni may be especially eager to support the initiative.

9. Talent Shows and Performances

A student talent show, concert, theatre production, or comedy night is a great fundraising opportunity with ticket sales, concessions, and community support.

Teachers and students in Perrysburg, Ohio hosted a benefit concert that raised more than $4,000 for the district's Full Experience Fund, bringing the community together around student performances.

To organize something similar, invite students to audition and plan an evening of performances for families, alumni, and the wider community. Charge for admission and set up concession stands selling snacks and drinks before the show and during the interval.

Why it works: It celebrates student talent while creating multiple fundraising opportunities through ticket sales and concessions. It also gives families and alumni another reason to reconnect with the school.

💡 Record the performance and offer a virtual viewing option for alumni and supporters who can't attend in person.

10. Fruit and Specialty Food Sales

Instead of a traditional bake sale, sell seasonal or specialty food items such as fruit boxes, chocolate, cookie dough, or candy through a pre-order campaign. Students collect orders, and the school earns a percentage from every sale.

Dow High School's music program raised more than $51,000 through its annual fruit sale during the 2025-26 school year, showing how a well-established seasonal fundraiser can generate significant revenue. Each student sold a $35 dollar box of fruits (navel oranges, grapefruits, tangerines) that families, friends and alumni bought as holiday gifts.

To organize something similar, partner with a vendor and ask students to collect orders from family, friends, and neighbours over a few weeks. Schedule deliveries around the holiday season, when many people are already buying gifts or stocking up on fresh produce.

Why it works: Seasonal food is easy to sell, and the fundraiser can become something your community looks forward to each year. 

💡 Choose a vendor that handles packing and distribution, so your team can spend its time promoting the fundraiser instead of coordinating deliveries.

11. School Carnivals and Festivals

Turn your school grounds into a day of games, food, entertainment, and family activities. Revenue can come from admission tickets, game booths, food sales, and vendor partnerships.

The Annual Little Trojan Carnival, hosted by Barnesville ECFE and Trojan Preschool, has become a community tradition by bringing together multiple fundraising activities in a single event.

To organize something similar, you need a host of easily set up, classic carnival games like the ring toss, face painting, and dunk tanks, alongside food stalls or local food trucks. You can also invite local businesses and community organisations to rent booth space, creating another source of income.

Why it works: Instead of relying on a single fundraiser, it brings together several revenue streams while creating a memorable community event that families look forward to each year.

💡 Start planning a few months in advance and partner with local businesses wherever possible to reduce costs and secure vendors early.

12. Trivia Nights and Game Tournaments

Host a trivia night or board game tournament where teams pay an entry fee to compete. To this, add prizes for the winners and refreshments for sale to create additional fundraising opportunities.

The International School of Indiana hosted a Trivia Night in 2024 that raised nearly $9,000 for its annual fund, showing how a simple evening event can attract strong community participation.

To organize one at your school, invite teams of parents, alumni, staff, and older students to compete across a mix of fun and accessible topics. Offer a small prize for the winners and keep refreshments available throughout the evening.

Why it works: It has relatively low setup costs, appeals to a wide audience, and creates a relaxed social event that encourages people to stay, compete, and support the school.

💡 Schedule it on a Friday or Saturday evening and include a few school-themed questions to bring back memories for alumni without making the quiz too difficult. A nostalgia angle built into the event might just increase willingness to give.

PTA and parent-led fundraisers

These ideas are especially well suited to PTAs and parent groups. They work well on their own but also alongside larger school fundraising campaigns. 

13. PTA Community Walk-a-thon

A PTA walk-a-thon is a good way to bring families together while raising money for the school. Students collect donations in the weeks leading up to the event before walking laps around the school with classmates.

Sandy Hook Elementary School's PTA in Connecticut raised around $27,000 through its annual Walk-a-Thon in 2021. Students worked towards school-wide fundraising goals, unlocking rewards like pajama days, a homework-free week, and even a relay race where teachers dressed in costume.

For your own version of this, encourage students to collect donations ahead of the event and create fundraising milestones that the whole school can work towards. On the day, invite parents to cheer from the sidelines or walk alongside the students to make it a celebration for everyone.

Why it works: The fundraising spirit is brought alive well before event day, and shared goals encourage every classroom to participate. The celebration at the end gives the whole school something to look forward to.

💡 Instead of rewarding only the top fundraisers, set school-wide milestones with prizes everyone can enjoy. It keeps more students involved throughout the campaign.

14. Silent Auctions for Parents

Host an evening for parents with a silent auction, refreshments such as wine and cheese, and allow time to socialize. Funds would be raised through ticket sales, auction items, raffles, or combination of all three.

Lakewood Elementary School hosts a silent auction each spring, with the proceeds supporting the school through its PTA.

To organize something similar, ask local businesses and school families to donate auction items or experiences, and invite parents to an evening at the school or a nearby venue. You can also sell refreshments or raffle tickets to raise additional funds.

Why it works: It gives parents a chance to connect while supporting the school. Auction items donated by local businesses and families also help keep costs low.

💡 Include a segment to auction student artwork or handmade crafts in the evening. They're very popular and among the top sellers in a school auction.

15. Community Yard Sale or Flea Market

Ask families to donate gently used books, toys, clothes, furniture, and household items, then organize a community yard sale with all proceeds going to the PTA or school.  

Shining Rock Classical Academy held its first community yard sale in 2025, turning donated items into a successful fundraiser for the school. 

To organize your own yard sale, collect donations over a few weeks, ask your PTA to sort and price everything in advance, and hold the sale on a weekend when families are most likely to attend.

Why it works: Most of the items are donated, so costs stay low while the event brings families and neighbors onto campus.

💡 Start promoting the sale a few weeks ahead through neighborhood groups and school social media pages to attract more buyers.

16. Gift Card and Fundraiser Product Sales

Partner with a local organization or retailers to sell items. These could be gift cards or regular household items. The draw is that families get to purchase common items they were already planning to use, and the PTA or school gets to keep a portion of each sale.

To create your own version of this, partner with a gift card provider or local businesses and offer popular retailers that families are likely to shop with throughout the year. Parents can order online or through the school, making it easy to run more than once.

Why it works: It is simple to organize, requires very little storage or planning, and works because families are purchasing something they already intended to buy.

💡 Run gift card sales ahead of major holidays when many families are already buying gifts, making it an easy addition to their shopping.

Digital and online fundraisers

These events scale easily and help you reach supporters who cannot attend in person. Given their digital nature, they integrate readily with matching gift programs for amplified results.

17. Community Crowdfunding Campaign

Instead of organizing a physical event, rally families, alumni, and the local community around a specific fundraising goal through an online campaign.

Beechen Cliff School's PTA in Bath, UK raised £20,000 (around US$27,000) in just one month through a crowdfunding campaign to improve mental health services, school facilities, and technology. The PTA promoted the campaign through weekly parent emails, QR codes around the community, local press coverage, and support from alumni, helping them reach their goal within weeks.

To organize something similar, start with a clear project that donors can easily understand, then promote it consistently across your school website, email newsletters, and social media. Share regular updates throughout the campaign so supporters can see how close you are to your goal.

Why it works: Supporters can give from anywhere, and smaller donation amounts make it easier for more people to participate. Regular updates also help maintain momentum throughout the campaign.

💡 Invite alumni to become campaign ambassadors by sharing the fundraiser with their own friends and colleagues. Personal recommendations often reach donors you wouldn't find otherwise.

18. Text-to-Give Campaigns

Give supporters an easy way to donate by text message. Set up a text-to-give campaign through a fundraising platform and promote the keyword wherever your school communicates with families and supporters. Include it on event signage, email newsletters, social media posts, and printed materials so people can donate whenever they're ready.

Why it works: It removes barriers to giving by letting people donate in just a few steps from their phones. It also works well alongside other fundraising campaigns and events.

💡 Feature your text-to-give information on email signatures and event programs so supporters always have an easy way to give.

19. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Pages

An online fundraising classic, this is a great way to mobilize your community. Create individual fundraising pages for students, teams, classrooms, or clubs, then combine every donation toward one larger school goal.

For example, you could ask each participant to personalize their fundraising page with a short message about why they're raising money, then encourage them to share it with friends and family. As donations come in, celebrate milestones and recognize top fundraisers to keep everyone motivated.

Why it works: Every participant reaches a different network of supporters, helping your campaign grow far beyond your immediate school community. Friendly competition between teams or classes also keeps the momentum going.

💡 Give participants an email or social media template so they can start sharing their fundraising page with little effort.

20. Monthly Giving / Sustaining Donor Program

Offer parents, alumni, and other supporters the option to make a recurring monthly gift instead of a one-time donation. You can build this into your annual fundraising strategy: create a giving page with a few suggested monthly amounts and explain what each level helps fund. Once supporters sign up, donations will follow. 

Why it works: Monthly giving creates predictable support for your school while making it easier for donors to contribute smaller amounts over time instead of making one large gift.

💡 Show supporters what a monthly gift can accomplish. For example, explain how $25 a month could help fund classroom supplies, field trips, or student scholarships.

High school-specific ideas

These ideas lend themselves to the capabilities of high-school students as they grow up and take up more responsibilities.

21. Student-Led Fundraising Events

Give high school students the opportunity to plan and run their own fundraiser, whether it's a car wash, clothing drive, or social media campaign. With a little guidance, they can take ownership of everything: promotion, invitations, partnerships and budgeting.

On July 27, 2024, the Marshall High School Football Team raised $3,800 at a fundraiser hosted by Wild Blue Car Wash. Wild Blue Car Wash donated 50% of their wash sales to the team, while team members and volunteers also sold refreshments and offered additional services like vacuuming and hand-drying for tips. 

By allowing students to partner with local shops and businesses, you will be raising money for your school and teaching them the value of giving back to the community from a young age.

Why it works: It raises money while giving students real experience in planning, teamwork, and leadership. Older students are also more confident taking on larger projects and interacting with the community.

💡 Let students make the key decisions wherever possible. The more ownership they have, the more invested they'll be in making the fundraiser a success.

22. STEM Showcase or Science Fair

Turn student projects into a community event by inviting families, alumni, and local supporters to explore STEM exhibits, research projects, and other academic competitions. Charge admission or pair the event with another fundraiser, such as a silent auction.

To set this up, assign booths to students where they can demonstrate robotics projects, engineering prototypes, coding apps, or science research. As visitors move from exhibit to exhibit, students explain their work and answer questions, giving everyone a closer look at what they're learning in the classroom.

Why it works: It celebrates student achievement while giving families and alumni a reason to visit campus. It also connects fundraising with visible impact.

💡 Invite alumni working in STEM fields to attend as judges, guest speakers, mentors or even collaborators. Their participation adds another reason for families to attend.

Creative fundraising ideas

These are your out-of-the-box ideas which have yielded results in fundraisers and are also easily put together.

23. Recycling and Shoe Drives

Collect gently used shoes, electronics, aluminum cans, or other recyclable items, then partner with a local organization that purchases or recycles them. It's an easy fundraiser that also encourages students to think about sustainability.

Many schools across the U.S. have successfully run shoe drives, using them to raise money while teaching students about recycling and environmental responsibility. USAgain, for example, is an organization that sets up bins around campuses to collect these clothing and shoes and pays for every pound of donated items collected.

Why it works: It has very little upfront cost, requires minimal selling, and gives families an easy way to support the school while getting rid of items their kids have outgrown or no longer need.

💡 Work with a recycling partner that handles pickup so your volunteers only need to collect and sort donations.

24. Book Fair

Set up a book fair in your library or gym and partner with a book vendor to sell new books over several days. You can also include author visits, reading events, or family literacy nights to bring more people through the doors.

To make this format your own, start with scheduling the book fair over several school days so students can visit with their classes as well as after school with their families. If possible, add an evening event with a local author or guest reader to encourage even more visitors.

Why it works: It supports literacy, which is a cause that naturally generates interest. A vendor partnership also makes inventory much easier to manage.

💡 Hold your book fair during the back-to-school season or National Reading Month, when books are already top of mind for many families.

25. Cook-offs and Community Meals

Host a pancake breakfast, chili cook-off, or family dinner and invite the community to enjoy a meal together. Charge per plate and keep the menu simple so volunteers can prepare and serve everything with ease.

To make this a success, choose a weekend morning or evening and recruit parents, staff, and older students to help cook, serve, and clean up. Pair the meal with another school event if you can, such as a game, concert, or open house, to encourage more families to attend.

Why it works: Sharing a meal naturally brings people together, and a volunteer-run menu keeps costs and efforts low, making the experience enjoyable for all involved.

💡 Check with local grocery stores or farms if they want to donate ingredients or offer discounts. Many are happy to support school events.

26. Online Courses or Skill-Sharing Classes

Turn the wealth of skills already available in your school community into a fundraiser by offering online classes in subjects like test prep, coding, acting, creative writing, music, or study skills. Invite teachers, alumni, or older students to lead short online courses and charge a registration fee. These live online sessions make it easy for families to participate from anywhere, and recordings can provide value for those who can't attend.

Why it works: It builds on expertise your school already has without requiring a venue and offers a platform for the community to show off their expertise and share it. This naturally builds credibility, which goes a long way.

💡 Promote classes beyond your own school community. Alumni and families from neighboring schools may also be interested in joining.

27. Holiday Gift Shops and Fundraiser Fairs

Open a small holiday gift shop where students can buy affordable gifts for family and friends before occasions like Thanksgiving, the winter holidays, Mother's Day, or Father's Day. Stock a selection of inexpensive gifts such as mugs, journals, candles, or handmade items, then open the shop during lunch periods or after school for a week.

Why it works: It gives students a fun shopping experience while raising money through items they’ll be able to afford.

💡 Include handmade gifts created by students or local artisans to make the shop feel more unique while supporting your wider community.

How to select the right fundraiser for your school

Every school community is different, and the fundraiser that works for one may fall flat for another. The key is to choose an approach that feels natural to your audience and achievable for your team. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Define your goals

• Be clear on the primary goal: are you aiming for a specific amount, wider participation, or a mix of both?
• Tie the fundraiser to a concrete outcome so supporters know exactly what they’re contributing toward.
• Set a realistic target and timeline so the campaign feels focused from the start.

Understand how your community prefers to engage

• Identify your primary audience- Is it parents, alumni, or a combination of both, and how they typically interact with the school?
• Look at where engagement is strongest today (events, email, reunions, online channels) and build around those touchpoints.
• Align the format (offline, digital-first, hybrid) with what feels familiar and accessible to them. 

Plan around your team’s strengths and support system

• Map out who will take ownership of different parts of the campaign (from planning to communication to follow-ups) 
• Curate events that fit comfortably within your available time and resources.
• Factor in any additional support (volunteers, partners, vendors) that can help execution run smoothly. 

Use past campaigns as a guide

• Review what has driven both participation and contributions in the past.
• Identify patterns: events, timings, or audiences that have consistently responded well.
• Carry forward what worked and refine areas that can be improved.

Get the logistics and tech right from the start

• Keep it mobile-first so people can act in a few taps.
• Use one central link for everything (sign-up, donate, details)
• Offer simple, reliable payment options to avoid drop-offs.
• Add QR codes for quick action during events.
• Use a unified system that handles tracking, automation, and event management, so your team isn’t doing everything manually.

At this point, you’re not choosing from a long list anymore. You’re down to options that fit your audience, your timing, and your capacity, and that’s what you move forward with.

Promoting your fundraiser campaign

You’ve got the ideas lined up, and the D-day is near. But even the best idea won’t raise a dollar if people don’t know about it. This is where promotion comes in. Here are the best practices for how to spread the word and get the community genuinely excited to participate.

Start with a clear promotion calendar

• Plan your full campaign in advance: launch, follow-ups, milestone pushes, and final stretch
• Map what goes out, where, and when (email, social, groups, on-ground)
• This keeps communication consistent instead of last-minute and scattered

Use a coordinated mix of channels

• Email for direct asks and key updates
• Social media for visibility and repeat exposure
• Parent groups, alumni networks, and newsletters for reach
• On-campus touchpoints like pre-events, posters, and announcements to reinforce it

Vary the ask as the campaign progresses

• Don’t repeat the same message; highlight different ways to participate
• Call out quick donations, event sign-ups, sponsorships, or bundled options
• Include small, mid, and high-value ways to contribute within your messaging

Build momentum with visible progress

• Share timely updates on progress, contribution amount, and participation numbers to create a buzz
• Highlight groups or segments participating, use milestones and countdowns to bring attention back

• Enable class reps, alumni leads, and volunteers to share within their circles, as personal sharing adds credibility and improves response. 

Keep low-effort giving always accessible

• Maintain a simple, always-available donation link
• Use QR codes and quick-pay options across touchpoints
• Capture contributions from people who prefer quick, no-friction actions

Close the loop once the campaign ends

• Share what was achieved and where the funds are going
• Show the outcome through photos, updates, or short stories
• Thank contributors and make it clear what their support made possible

When promotion is planned this way, you don’t have to rely on one big push. It builds steadily through consistent, well-timed touchpoints.

How to involve parents and volunteers/ Turning your school community into active participants

Fundraising, especially at the school level, requires a great emotional connection. This means that school fundraisers have more people turn up when it starts to feel like something people are running with you rather than for you. That difference usually comes from how you involve them.

Here’s what helps make that happen:

• Give people a reason to be involved beyond giving- Invite parents, students, and volunteers to participate in parts of the campaign, such as planning, outreach, and on-the-ground roles. Instead of managing everything centrally, break it up into classes, batches, or groups. Let each group take charge of its piece. It builds accountability without adding pressure.
• Recognize effort while the campaign is still running- Call out volunteers, highlight contributions, and acknowledge participation in real time. It keeps energy up and shows that involvement is noticed.
• Keep roles flexible and time-bound- Not everyone can commit long-term. Short, clearly defined roles (helping for a week, managing a specific task) make it easier for more people to step in.
• Make participation feel social, not transactional-  Group-led efforts, friendly competition, or shared goals bring people in. It feels less like an ask and more like something to be part of. Show how many people came together and what that made possible. That sense of collective effort carries over into the next campaign.

Fundraising missteps to watch out for

Even the best fundraising ideas can fall short if they’re not executed thoughtfully. Schools often make the same mistakes, and avoiding them can save your team time, energy, and donor goodwill- 

• Relying on one big event- A gala or auction can be exciting, but if it’s your only fundraiser, you risk donor fatigue and unpredictable revenue. Balance marquee events with smaller, recurring campaigns.
• Ignoring digital donors- Alumni and parents who live far away still want to contribute. If your fundraiser doesn’t have a digital option, you’re leaving money and engagement on the table.
• Failing to communicate impact- Donors give when they see results. If you don’t show how funds translate into scholarships, facilities, or student programs, enthusiasm will fade quickly.
• Overcomplicating participation- If it takes too many steps to donate or volunteer, people drop off. Keep processes simple and accessible.
• Neglecting gratitude- A thank-you note or public recognition goes a long way. Forgetting to acknowledge contributions can damage relationships and reduce future support.
• Burning out your core team- Advancement staff and volunteers can’t carry everything. Spread responsibilities across parents, alumni, and student leaders to keep energy high.
• Not having the right technology in place- Outdated systems make it harder to track donors, personalize outreach, and run campaigns smoothly. Without the right tools, even great ideas can stall, which is why investing in the right platform is critical. 

How Almabase fuels successful school fundraisers

School fundraising can be challenging as it often involves complex planning and a lot of time and resources. But having the right fundraising platform that aligns with your mission and your capacity to deliver can be a game-changer. Almabase helps you do exactly that. 

It provides an integrated platform designed specifically for advancement and alumni relations teams. You get purpose-built solutions that simplify your workload, including:

• A fundraising platform that’s easy to set up and manage
• Streamlined event management for both in-person and virtual campaigns
• Personalized communication tools to reach parents and alumni wherever they are
• QR code check-ins, Virtual event ticketing, instant payments, and much more
• Analytics and reporting that highlight donor impact and campaign success
• Fundraising and event data that syncs back seamlessly with your CRM

Almabase helps address all the challenges from infrastructure to logistics, so your team can focus on building authentic relationships and driving long-term support. 

Conclusion

Successful school fundraising requires a thoughtful approach that considers your community's unique interests and capacity. The most effective fundraisers not only generate necessary funds but also build school spirit, engage families, and create lasting traditions that strengthen your educational community.

If you’re a school on the lookout for a partner for your next fundraiser, do give us a shout! We’d love to help 🤗

FAQs

What is a school fundraiser?

A school fundraiser is an organized campaign or event run by a school, PTA/PTO, parent group, or student organization to raise money for a specific goal. This could be equipment, field trips, facility improvements, extracurricular programs, scholarships, or emergency support. 

What are some good ideas for a school fundraiser?

Some of the most reliable school fundraisers include fun runs, bake sales, car washes, silent auctions, spirit wear sales, book fairs, restaurant nights, and text-to-give campaigns. The best choice depends on your school’s budget, volunteer capacity, and the kind of community participation you're hoping to create.

What school fundraisers make the most money?

Fun runs and fitness challenges typically raise the most, often bringing in $5,000–$30,000+ depending on participation and constituent size. Silent auctions, peer-to-peer campaigns, corporate challenge fundraisers, and product sales can also generate anywhere from $2,000–$20,000+, especially when paired with matching gift programs or strong community support.