School fundraising is something every parent, teacher, and PTA member encounters. Whether it’s for classroom supplies, field trips, playground upgrades, or enrichment programs, schools always need extra funds to create the best experience for students.

The good news? Fundraising doesn’t have to be dull or feel like you’re constantly asking parents for money. With a little creativity, you can host events that engage the entire community, give kids something fun to look forward to, and raise more money for your school.

Here are some tried-and-true fundraising event ideas that work—plus tips to make them as successful as possible.

1. Fun Run or Color Run

Active, exciting, and inclusive, Fun Runs (or Color Runs) get students moving while raising big money. These events work because they let kids feel directly responsible for their fundraising success, and families love being able to support them in a tangible, visible way. The prizes, milestones, and incentives make participation even more exciting—and the event itself is pure fun.

How it works:

• Each student sets a fundraising goal, and donations are collected online (e.g., through EventSnap).
  
• Kids earn milestone prizes as they raise money—$25 might earn them a pair of socks, $50 a t-shirt, $100 a color-changing cup.
  
• The top fundraiser gets a big reward—like the chance to “color blast” the principal and teachers.
  
• The class that raises the most wins a pizza party.
  

Event day: Kids wear white t-shirts, parents volunteer as “color blasters,” and each grade level runs at different times. It’s high-energy, family-friendly, and a guaranteed memory-maker.

2. Trivia Night

Trivia nights are a great way to bring together parents, teachers, and older students for a casual, competitive evening. They work especially well because they don’t require a ton of setup, yet can draw strong participation when promoted well. You can also make them feel personalized by incorporating school-specific questions, inside jokes, or themes related to student life.

Tips for success:

• Charge per team entry.
  
• Sell food and drinks on-site.
  
• Offer prizes for the winning team (gift cards, school swag, or a coveted front-row spot at the spring concert).
  

3. School Carnival

Carnivals are one of the most beloved and profitable school events. They create a true community atmosphere, attract families of all ages, and can include something for everyone—from games to food to auctions. While they take more planning, they’re highly repeatable and can become a favorite annual tradition for your school.

What to include:

• Inflatables, simple carnival games, and a land train.
  
• Ticket-based games with prizes ($20–$50 items kids will be excited about).
  
• A silent auction with donated items from parents and local businesses (think “pizza party for your class” or “lunch with the principal”).
  
• A raffle with big-ticket items.
  
• Don’t forget the parent-favorite: a “fast pass” to skip the car rider pick-up line.
  

4. Parent’s Prom or “Emo Night”

Why should the kids have all the fun? Hosting a dance night just for parents is a fresh way to raise funds while giving adults a chance to let loose. Whether you theme it as a “Parent’s Prom” (complete with formalwear, cheesy photo backdrops, and throwback music) or something more niche like “Emo Night” (hello, eyeliner and 2000s playlists), these events are guaranteed to draw a crowd.

How to make it work:

• Sell tickets for admission.
  
• Add fun extras like corsages, crown the “Prom King and Queen,” or charge for themed photo booth pics.
  
• Partner with a local DJ or band to keep costs low but energy high.
  
• Offer childcare at the school (run by volunteers or older students) so parents don’t have to worry about babysitters.
  

These events can become annual traditions that parents look forward to—and they often raise more than kid-focused events since adults are happy to support the school while enjoying a night out.

5. Holiday Photoshoot or Winter Market

Holiday-themed events are always popular and offer plenty of creative ways to raise money. A school gym can easily be transformed into a festive photo studio, where families can capture professional-quality holiday pictures without the high costs of a traditional studio. Expand the event by hosting a winter market, giving local vendors and families a chance to shop for gifts while supporting the school.

Ideas:

• Families pay for a photo session with Santa or a holiday-themed backdrop.
  
• Offer printed photos or digital files.
  
• Expand the event into a holiday market with local vendors, bake sales, and crafts.
  

6. Student Art Show

Showcasing student artwork is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity while raising funds. Families love the chance to see their child’s work displayed in a gallery-style setting, and students feel a sense of pride in sharing their talents. Best of all, an art show can be as simple or elaborate as you want—set up in the school gym, cafeteria, or hallways, and make it a special evening event.

Ways to fundraise:

• Charge a small admission fee to attend the show.
  
• Offer prints or greeting cards made from student artwork.
  
• Host a silent auction for larger student pieces or collaborative class projects (e.g., a mural, quilt, or sculpture).
  
• Pair the event with refreshments and live music to create a “gallery night” atmosphere.
  

7. Winter Sock Hop + Bounce Houses

Cold weather can make it tough for families to find indoor activities for kids—which is why this event is such a hit. Hosting a sock hop with bounce houses in the school gym gives kids the chance to let loose while raising funds for the school. Parents appreciate having an affordable and fun activity to take their children to, and kids love the chance to dance, play, and jump around.

How to monetize:

• Sell tickets for entry.
  
• Add concessions (pizza, popcorn, or hot chocolate).
  
• Include fun contests like dance-offs or limbo.
  

8. Talent Show

A talent show celebrates the unique skills and personalities of students while giving families a fun night out. These events are easy to organize and can be highly profitable because families will happily pay to see their kids (and their friends) shine on stage. They also build school spirit, making them more than just a fundraiser.

How it works:

• Charge admission for attendees.
  
• Sell snacks and drinks.
  
• Offer small prizes for crowd favorites (by applause meter or ballot).
  

9. Restaurant Fundraisers

Restaurant fundraisers are a low-effort way to raise money while giving families a chance to eat out together. Many restaurants donate a percentage of sales from one evening to the school, and because it’s so simple to set up, it’s a great option for busy PTAs. Best of all, families get to support the school while enjoying a meal they’d probably be eating anyway.

Best practices:

• Pick a restaurant that’s popular with your community.
  
• Make it a social event: “Dine out for [School Name]” night.
  
• Use EventSnap to spread the word and track participation.
  

10. Silent Auction (Online or In-Person)

Silent auctions are a proven way to raise significant funds for schools, especially when you get creative with the items. Parents love bidding on experiences that make their child’s school life easier or more memorable, and local businesses are often willing to donate goods and services. Hosting it online through AuctionSnap makes it even easier for families to participate.

Items that sell well:

• Experiences: Principal for a day, VIP school parking, or skipping the lunch line.
  
• Donated goods: Gift baskets, sports tickets, spa services, or restaurant vouchers.
  
• Student-made items: Art projects, class quilts, or custom videos.
  

Make Fundraising Seamless with EventSnap and AuctionSnap

No matter which fundraising events you choose, the key to maximizing participation is making it easy for families to donate and get involved. That’s where EventSnap and AuctionSnap come in:

• EventSnap simplifies event planning, ticket sales, volunteer management, and donation tracking—all in one place.
  
• AuctionSnap makes running silent auctions effortless, whether in-person or online, helping schools raise more without the headaches.
  

With the right events and the right tools, your school can raise the funds it needs—while building a stronger community along the way.