When school budgets fall short, it's up to parents, students, and staff to get creative. Whether you need new uniforms for the football team, fresh gear for the band, or updated equipment for the cheer squad, fundraising doesn’t have to be a headache—or a budget buster.
Here are the top 5 proven and profitable fundraising ideas for school groups looking to raise money fast and effectively:

1. Host a "Sponsor a Student" Campaign This modern twist on traditional sponsorships lets donors feel personally connected. Create a campaign where individuals, families, or businesses can sponsor a student by donating a set amount to help cover the cost of a uniform or piece of equipment.
Why it works:
It’s personal and visual. A simple chart showing how many students are “sponsored” motivates more donors to jump in.
Bonus Tip: Offer shoutouts on social media or school newsletters to thank donors!

2. Sell Custom School Spirit Wear Design and sell t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, or tote bags with your school’s logo, team name, or a fun slogan like “Fueling Our Future Band” or “Kicking Goals in New Gear.”
Why it works:
People love repping their school—and custom merch makes it easy. Plus, there’s no upfront cost if you use a print-on-demand or pre-order system.
Monetize This Tip: Add your affiliate link to a trusted print-on-demand vendor or recommend your own design templates for sale.

3. Host a "Battle of the Classes" Penny War Get competitive! Set up donation jars for each grade level or homeroom. Pennies add to a class’s total, but silver coins and bills subtract—encouraging sabotage with love.
Why it works:
It’s interactive, competitive, and hilarious. Plus, you’re likely to see donations increase just for the fun of it.
Make It Better: Offer a pizza party or dress-down day for the winning class.

4. Run a Service-for-Donations Day Have students and volunteers offer simple services—car washes, yard clean-ups, babysitting nights, dog walking, or tech help—in exchange for donations.
Why it works:
You're offering value in exchange for donations. Plus, it showcases student involvement and builds community goodwill.
Pro Tip: Set up an online sign-up and donation page to make it seamless.

5. Create a Wish List Wall or “Fund-a-Need” Board List specific items your group needs—like new drumsticks, cleats, pom-poms, or warm-up jackets—and their costs. Allow donors to fund a full item or contribute toward it.
Why it works:
People love knowing exactly where their money goes. A visual board at events, in the lobby, or online builds excitement and momentum.
Enhancement: Add photos of the team using the donated items and tag donors (with permission) to show impact.

Final Thoughts:Raising funds for school activities doesn’t have to mean candy bars and cookie dough. With the right strategy, your group can meet your fundraising goals creatively, efficiently, and with community support. The key is visibility, participation, and making people feel part of something meaningful.

As the school bell starts ringing again, it's not just students and teachers who are getting back into the swing of things—fundraisers are too! Whether you’re part of the PTO, PTA, booster club, or just a rockstar parent looking to help, now is the perfect time to raise funds for supplies, clubs, field trips, or classroom tech.
Back-to-school season is packed with opportunity—and people are already in the mindset to support schools. Best of all, you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. Here are some of our favorite back-to-school fundraising ideas that are fun, easy to plan, and won’t break the bank.
1. Classroom Supply Sponsorship BoardsSet up a colorful board in the school lobby or post on social media with sticky notes listing needed items or donation amounts (e.g., “$5 for glue sticks” or “$20 for art supplies”). Community members can sponsor a need or donate the item directly. Why it works: It’s specific, visual, and people love knowing exactly where their money goes.
2. Backpack Raffle or Silent AuctionAsk local businesses to donate a loaded backpack filled with school supplies, gift cards, or themed items (STEM, art, sports). Sell raffle tickets or run an online silent auction. Why it works: Everyone needs school supplies, and it adds a fun twist to back-to-school shopping.
3. Popsicles in the Pickup LineA super simple “pop-up” fundraiser: Set up a small table at dismissal time and sell frozen treats for $1–$2. Offer punch cards for return customers! Why it works: It’s fast, easy, and parents love a cool treat while waiting in line.
4. First Day Photo BoothSet up a fun backdrop with props and offer photos for a suggested donation. Great for elementary schools and kindergartners starting school for the first time! Add a twist: Let parents tag your school page and share their photos—free social media promo for your cause!
5. No-Sell “Back to School Boost” CampaignSometimes people just want to give without buying cookie dough. Run a short “Back to School Boost” donation drive—make it easy with Venmo, PayPal, or QR codes. Set a goal and show progress on a fun chart in the hallway or online. Why it works: No product = less stress. Just pure support.
6. Teacher Wish TreeSet up a paper tree or digital version listing teacher wish-list items. Parents or businesses “pluck” a leaf and donate the listed item or funds. Bonus tip: Create Amazon Wishlists and link directly for easy shopping!
7. School Spirit Wear Pre-OrdersDesign low-cost t-shirts or hoodies with your school logo or mascot and take pre-orders the first few weeks of school. Promote them at open house night or through flyers in backpacks. Why it works: Builds community pride and helps fundraise at the same time.
8. Penny Wars: Classroom EditionEach class gets a jar and competes to collect the most change in a week. Silver coins subtract points, so sabotage is encouraged—in a fun way! Why it works: Kids love friendly competition, and it raises surprising amounts quickly.
9. Welcome-Back Car WashGreat for sports teams or clubs looking to fundraise early in the year. Host it in the school parking lot with bold signage and energetic volunteers. Pro tip: Offer a free donut with every car wash to draw in more traffic!
10. DIY School Supply Drive & SwapCollect gently used supplies or offer a “take what you need” supply table for families. Set up a donation jar nearby for anyone who wants to give back. Why it works: Helps families in need while also building goodwill in the school community.
Final Thoughts:
Back-to-school is the perfect time to start the fundraising engine—parents are engaged, school spirit is high, and everyone wants to see students succeed. Keep it simple, use what you have, and most importantly—make it fun!
Looking for more cost-effective fundraising ideas all year long? Follow Fundraising on a Dime for fresh weekly tips, digital downloads, and budget-friendly inspiration that helps you do more with less.

Marketing your fundraiser doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and the right free tools, you can spread the word fast and far—without spending a penny. Here's how to promote your next event on a budget and still pack the house!
Step Four: Promote Creatively (and Cheaply)
You’ve put together an amazing fundraiser—but if no one knows about it, it won't raise a dime. The good news? Effective promotion doesn’t require a big budget. In fact, some of the most successful grassroots events rely on free marketing strategies that reach the right audience fast.
Here are five free (or nearly free) ways to market your next fundraiser with big impact:

1. Design a Free Flyer with Canva
Canva is your best friend when it comes to creating professional-looking flyers and social media graphics—no design experience needed! Use their free templates to make:

• Event flyers for printing and posting
• ​Instagram and Facebook graphics
• Stories and reels to generate buzz
  

Once you’ve created a design, repurpose it everywhere—your email, your event page, your stories. One graphic, many platforms.
2. Tap Into Local Facebook Groups and Community BoardsFacebook is more than just social—it’s local. Search for community groups in your city, school, or cause-related niches and share your event details. Include a strong call to action, and attach your Canva graphic to boost visibility.
Don't stop at Facebook. Post to:

• Community bulletin boards (in coffee shops, libraries, and grocery stores)
• School newsletters
• Neighborhood association websites

Pro tip: Tag local influencers or community leaders and ask them to share your post!
3. Send a Short and Punchy Email BlastKeep it simple and direct. A few lines about what the fundraiser is, who it helps, and how people can get involved. Add a clickable link and a catchy subject line like:

• “Help Us Hit Our Goal—Join the Fun This Saturday!”
• “Good Food, Great Cause—See You There?”

Use free tools like Mailchimp or just send it from your Gmail to your personal and organizational contact lists.
4. Post to Free Event Listings and Local MediaList your event on platforms like:

• Nextdoor – Great for neighborhood-level promotion
• Eventbrite – Makes your event searchable and gives it credibility
• Local radio PSAs – Reach out to stations and ask to be added to their community calendar or read during air time

These platforms are free and often underused—so you’ll stand out!
5. Partner with Local BusinessesSmall businesses love to support local causes. Ask them to:

• Hang your flyer in their window
• Share your post on their social media
• Donate a small prize or service in exchange for a shoutout

Even one “yes” can lead to a domino effect of support and visibility.
The Bottom Line: Budget-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Bare-Bones
A little hustle goes a long way. Promoting your fundraiser creatively—and cheaply—is all about using the free tools already at your fingertips. When you mix a strong message with community-powered outreach, you’ll be amazed at how quickly word spreads.

When it comes to pulling off a fundraiser on a shoestring budget, here’s a truth that can’t be overstated: you don’t need money when you have community.

In fact, some of the most successful events I’ve ever run didn’t start with a dollar—they started with people. Your greatest fundraising resource might already be sitting in your phone contacts or scrolling through your Facebook feed. The key is simple: ask.

People want to help. They just need to be invited in.

Why People Power Works
People love to feel useful, appreciated, and part of something meaningful. And while not everyone can write a check, most people can do something to help move your fundraiser forward. Think of it as building a mini team of heroes—each with a unique superpower that can push your event to the next level. This is especially true for community-based, grassroots, or budget-conscious fundraisers. You might not be able to pay a caterer or rent a venue—but with the right network, you might not have to.

How to Activate Your Volunteer Power Squad
Start with this simple exercise:
Make a list of 5–10 people in your circle who could contribute something non-monetary. These could be friends, coworkers, family, local business owners, or even that super-organized parent from your kid’s school.

Here are five powerful ways people can pitch in:
1. Donate Supplies Ask for leftover party decorations, office supplies, raffle basket items, or anything that could be reused for your event. Many people have unopened items collecting dust that they’re happy to part with.
Pro Tip: Create a public wishlist or a shared spreadsheet and let people “claim” what they can donate.

2. Share Your Post Promotion is priceless. Ask your people to repost your fundraiser flyer, share your social media posts, or forward your event to their group chats. Every share increases visibility—and donations.
Example Ask: “Would you mind sharing this on your page today? Your network might be just the boost we need!”

3. Volunteer Time Some people can’t give money but will gladly give a Saturday morning. Whether it’s setting up tables, checking people in, or running a bake sale table—boots on the ground matter.

4. Offer a Free Venue Community centers, churches, VFWs, schools, and even backyard patios have hosted some incredible events. You never know who has access to a free (or nearly free) space unless you ask.
“Know anyone with a big backyard or connection to a local hall we could use for a few hours?”

5. Provide a Service This is where local talent really shines. DJs, chefs, photographers, graphic designers, or printers may be willing to donate their services—or offer a deep discount. Many small businesses are happy to give back when it means visibility and goodwill.

Bonus: Think Beyond Your Inner Circle
Once your core team is activated, ask them to recruit one person each. Now you’ve doubled your army of helpers, with minimal effort. Your circle just became a community—and your fundraiser just got real traction.

Final Thoughts
The secret to successful fundraising without money isn’t magic--it’s momentum. Start with what (and who) you already have. Tap into your people power. Share your mission with passion. Ask clearly and confidently. Because at the end of the day, people don’t support causes—they support people with causes.

Looking for more money saving fundraiser tips.  
Check out our Pinterest Page - Fundraising on a Dime

So you’ve mapped out your goals and identified your audience—great start! Now it’s time to dive into Step Two of successful fundraising on a budget:
Choosing fundraisers that actually fit your real-life situation.

Because let’s face it…
Not everyone has thousands to spend on fancy venues or celebrity speakers.
Not every group has unlimited volunteers or time.
But every group can raise money creatively—even with zero budget!
That’s why the sweet spot lies in low-cost, high-impact fundraisers that spark community involvement without draining your wallet or your sanity.

What Does "Fit Your Reality" Really Mean?
It means:

• Working with what (and who) you already have
• Keeping startup costs super low—or zero
• Choosing fundraisers that engage your audience without overwhelming your team
• Thinking outside the traditional bake sale or car wash

Our Favorite Budget-Friendly Fundraisers
We’ve tested these, loved these, and seen them make real money on a shoestring budget:
1. Invisible Fish Sales
Yes, you read that right! Set up a tank, tell a fun story about invisible fish, and "sell" them in baggies to kids. It’s quirky, it’s hilarious, and it works--especially when paired with other events.
(Stay tuned for a full blog post on this wild winner!)

2. Mason Jar Raffles
Ask your community to donate jars filled with goodies—gum, candy, toys, office supplies, anything goes! You’ll be amazed at what people give when they don’t have to spend money.
Sell tickets or run a number draw—it’s fun and completely customizable!

3. Social Media “No-Show” Events
Skip the stress of planning an in-person gala. Host a virtual no-show event where people donate what they would have spent on tickets, outfits, and gas. Add humor, a donation goal, and fun updates—it’s perfect for busy supporters!

4. 50/50 Raffles, Cake Walks, or Bingo Nights
Simple, classic, and always a hit! These events cost very little to run but can bring in great returns—especially if you add themed prizes or partner them with food or entertainment.

Bookmark Us—More Budget-Friendly Ideas Are Coming Weekly!

At Fundraising on a Dime, we believe that creativity beats cash every time. We're sharing new fundraisers each week that:

• Stretch your dollars
• Build community connections
• Actually work for small teams and tight budgets

​Bookmark our blog
Follow us on Pinterest

Because you don’t need deep pockets—just smart ideas.

So you’ve been asked to plan a fundraiser—with little to no money, no team (yet), and no idea where to start.
Before you dive into event ideas or scramble to make flyers, pause.
The most successful fundraisers—yes, even the $100 bake sale or a million-dollar gala—all start with the same first step:

Get clear on your Why, Who, and What.
In this post, we’re breaking down why this clarity is non-negotiable—and how you can define it in under 30 minutes.

WHY: Define Your Purpose (and Be Specific)Every great fundraiser starts with a crystal-clear purpose.
Ask yourself:

• What are we raising money for?
• How much do we need to raise?
• Why is this important right now?

Avoid vague goals like “raise money for the team” or “support our club.” Instead, be ultra-specific:
“We need to raise $1,000 to cover travel costs for our youth robotics team heading to nationals in April.”
Why specificity matters:

• It motivates donors when they know exactly where their money is going.
• It helps you measure success.
• It guides your entire planning process—from event type to pricing.

Pro Tip: Write your “Why” in one sentence. This becomes your pitch for flyers, social posts, and donation asks.

WHO: Know Your Audience (and How to Reach Them)
Next, define your target audience. This isn’t just about who benefits from the fundraiser—it’s about who will support it.
Ask:

• Who is most likely to donate, attend, or participate?
• Where do they hang out (online and in person)?
• What kind of events or appeals would motivate them?

Examples:

• If your audience is parents of elementary kids, consider fun, family-friendly events.
• If your audience is local businesses, focus on sponsorships and professional appeal.
• If you’re targeting retirees, a raffle or community dinner might be the perfect fit.

Knowing your WHO helps you choose the right tone, timing, and tools.
Pro Tip: Create a mini profile of your audience (age, lifestyle, interests). This helps you speak their language in promotions.

WHAT: Take Inventory of What You Already Have
You might not have a budget—but you probably have more assets than you think. Let’s list them.
Ask yourself:

• Do I have access to a venue for free (school, church, club)?
• Who do I know that could help? (friends, family, members)
• Do we already have items we could use or raffle off?
• Is there a mailing list, Facebook group, or bulletin board we can use?

This quick inventory might reveal:

• A local DJ who’ll donate time
• Leftover supplies from last year’s event
• A popular Instagram account you can promote on
• A volunteer who makes amazing cupcakes

Use what you already have to cut costs and save time.
Pro Tip: Create a Google Doc or spreadsheet labeled “Assets I Already Have.” Add contacts, resources, and locations to revisit for future events.

Putting It All Together
When you're done, you should have a clear snapshot that looks something like this:

• Why: Raise $750 to buy art supplies for the after-school program this fall.
• Who: Parents and grandparents of students, ages 30–65, mostly on Facebook.
• What: Access to the school cafeteria for free, a printer for flyers, and 4 volunteers willing to help.

Now THAT is a starting point.

Final Thought: Clarity Saves Time, Stress, and MoneyToo many fundraisers flop because they skip this foundational step.
When you skip straight to “what fundraiser should I do?”—you end up spinning your wheels, wasting time, and overspending.
But when you start with clarity, everything else falls into place.
And here’s the best part:
Knowing your Why, Who, and What costs nothing—but it’s the most valuable investment you’ll make.

📌 Coming Next on the Blog:
Choose fundraisers that fit your reality

Have a great “Why, Who, What” you want to share? Drop it in the comments or email me—we’d love to feature it in a future post!

If you're planning a fundraiser on a shoestring budget, Amazon Prime Day is your secret weapon!  With deep discounts, limited-time lightning deals, and bundle savings, this annual sales event is the perfect opportunity to stock up on raffle basket items, event supplies, and prizes--without blowing your budget.

This year’s Amazon Prime Day is happening July 8-11, and trust me—you don’t want to miss it.

Why Prime Day Is a Fundraiser’s Goldmine
When every dollar counts, scoring a $25 gift item for $10 or bulk supplies at 50% off is a game-changer. Whether you're prepping for a school auction, charity raffle, silent auction, or themed gift basket giveaway, this is your chance to:

• Save BIG on name-brand items
• Stock up on high-quality items that attract donors
• Buy event decor, supplies, and door prizes for pennies on the dollar
• Build raffle baskets that look luxe--without the luxury price tag

Top Categories to Watch for Prime Day Fundraising Deals
Home & Kitchen: Think cozy throws, wine openers, electric kettles, air fryers--perfect for cooking-themed baskets or home makeover raffles.
Beauty & Self-Care: Snag spa kits, skincare sets, and makeup bundles for a “Pamper Yourself” basket.
Toys & Games: Ideal for kid-themed baskets or carnival prize tables.
Electronics & Gadgets: Add a Bluetooth speaker or Fire tablet to your silent auction table—high-value with low cost during Prime Day.
Craft Supplies: Stock up on DIY tools, glue guns, or materials for your next handmade fundraising project.
Event Supplies & Decor: Think string lights, tablecloths, photo booth props, and signage kits.

Genius Raffle Basket Ideas Using Prime Day Finds

Movie Night Basket – Discounted popcorn tubs, cozy blankets, streaming gift cards, and snacks
Grill & Chill Basket – BBQ tools, sauces, aprons, and outdoor lights
Game Night Basket – Classic board games, card decks, and snacks
Coffee Lover's Basket – Frothers, mugs, gourmet coffee samplers, and flavored syrups
Dog or Cat Basket – Toys, treats, and bowls for pet parents

Pro Tips to Maximize Prime Day for Fundraising:

1. Make a list before the deals drop. Know what baskets or supplies you’re looking for so you’re not impulse buying.
2. Set a budget. It’s easy to get carried away—but stay focused on your fundraising goals.
3. Check Lightning Deals & Coupons. These time-sensitive offers can be huge wins for bulk buying.
4. Look for “Subscribe & Save” or bundles. These often have deeper discounts and can be paused after Prime Day.

No Prime? No Problem
Sign up for a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime to take full advantage of the sales. 

Final Thoughts: Shop Smart, Fundraise Smarter
Amazon Prime Day is more than just a shopping spree—it’s a strategic opportunity to stretch your fundraising dollars, boost your event appeal, and impress your supporters with high-quality raffle prizes and supplies. Whether you're building baskets, stocking a prize table, or prepping for the next big event, July 8-11 is your time to shine.

Ready to fundraise on a dime? 🛍️ Be sure to bookmark your wishlist, follow deal alerts, and keep checking back—because great fundraisers start with great planning (and great deals).

Links provided are affiliate links and I can make a commission from them.

Your First Step to Fundraising Success on a Shoestring

So… you’ve just been handed the reins to a fundraiser.
No budget.
No plan.
No clue where to start.
But the pressure is on: “Make it successful!” they say.
Sound familiar?
Whether you're a parent volunteer, club member, nonprofit supporter, or just someone who drew the short straw at a meeting—this post is your survival guide.

Welcome to Fundraising on a Dime, where we believe big impact doesn’t require big spending. Let’s dive into the very first step you should take when you’re tasked with pulling off a successful fundraiser on a shoestring budget.

Step One: Know Your Why, Who, and What
Before you spend a single penny (or even brainstorm event ideas), pause and ask yourself:

1. What are we raising money for?
   (Specifics matter: $500 for new team uniforms? $5,000 for cancer research?)
2. Who is the target audience?
   (Parents? Local businesses? Young families? Seniors? Fellow members?)
3. What assets do I already have?
   • Volunteers or connections?
   • A location to use?
   • Access to social media or email lists?
   • Donated items?

Clarity here helps you build a low-cost strategy that makes sense. You can’t hit a target if you don’t define it.

Step Two: Choose Fundraisers That Fit Your Reality
Once you’ve mapped out your goals and audience, choose ideas that require minimal upfront investment but offer maximum community engagement. That’s the fundraising sweet spot.
Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly fundraisers:

• Invisible Fish Sales – Yes, really. (Read our upcoming post!)
• Mason Jar Raffles – Ask for donated items, no purchase necessary.
• Social Media “No-Show” Events – Let people donate without leaving home.
• 50/50 Raffles, Cake Walks, or Bingo Nights – Low cost, high fun.

More ideas coming weekly right here on Fundraising on a Dime – so bookmark us now!

Step Three: Don’t Go It Alone (Use Your People Power)People want to help—they just need to be asked.
Make a list of 5-10 people who might:

• Donate supplies
• Share your post
• Volunteer time
• Offer a free venue
• Provide a service (DJ, printing, food, etc.)

You don’t need money when you have community.

Step Four: Promote Creatively (and Cheaply)Marketing doesn’t have to cost a thing. Here’s how to get the word out fast:

• Create a free Canva flyer or social media graphic
• Use Facebook groups, community boards, and event calendars
• Send a short, punchy email blast
• Get your cause listed on Nextdoor, Eventbrite, or local radio PSAs
• Ask local businesses to hang a flyer or donate a prize

Need templates? We’ll be sharing free ones soon—stay tuned.

The Bottom Line: You don’t need a budget. You need a blueprint.
When you focus on:
Understanding your goal
Choosing budget-wise ideas
Tapping your local network
Using free marketing tools
…you can pull off something memorable without spending a dime.

Have you ever been thrown into a fundraiser with zero budget? What did you do? Drop your story in the comments—we may feature it in a future post!

Big Ideas. Tiny Budgets. Real Results.

Hello and welcome to Fundraising on a Dime! I’m so glad you’re here.
If you’ve ever been tasked with planning a fundraiser—whether for a school, nonprofit, club, or community cause—you know it’s not always easy. Especially when you don’t have much (or any) money to get started.

That’s exactly why I created this blog.

What You’ll Find Here
Fundraising on a Dime is all about helping you raise money without spending it. Whether you're working with a shoestring budget or starting from scratch, this blog is packed with:

• Creative and affordable fundraising ideas that actually work
• Tips to stretch every dollar (and avoid common money-wasting traps)
• Advice on maximizing profits with smart strategies and little-known hacks
• Affiliate links to hand-picked, budget-friendly products and supplies that make your events look great—without draining your funds

From quirky raffles and DIY events to low-cost marketing tricks and donation-boosting tools, you’ll discover practical ways to host fundraisers that are effective, fun, and stress-free.

Who Is This Blog For?
This blog is for:

• Volunteers looking for ideas that don’t require upfront money
• PTAs, booster clubs, and nonprofits trying to do more with less
• Community organizers planning events with passion (not pockets)
• Anyone who wants to raise funds creatively and cost-effectively

You don’t need a big budget to make a big difference—you just need a little help and the right ideas. That’s what I’m here for!

What’s Coming Soon
Each week, I’ll post:

• Budget-friendly fundraiser ideas (from the tried-and-true to the totally unique)
• Insider tips on how to make the most of your event
• Resource lists, templates, and affiliate products to save you time and money
• Real-life success stories and featured fundraisers to inspire you

​Make sure to subscribe so you never miss a post.

Thanks for being here, and here’s to fundraising smarter, not harder—all on a dime!
💛
Lisa
Creator of Fundraising on a Dime