Perhaps your school is in need of funding for a special field trip. Maybe additional supplies, that aren’t in the school budget, are needed for proper learning to take place. Or perhaps students are just trying to organize a fundraiser to help out a local charity or fellow student who has experienced some unfortunate circumstance.
Whatever the reason, organized fundraisers are great ways to generate money quickly, especially if students and school staff are involved and buy in to whatever fundraiser the school elects to do. Here’s a look at a number of successful fundraisers that are sure to generate big bucks for whatever it is your school or students are going to use it for. Each have various earning potential. But if each are done correctly, they can all be highly successful.
Car Magnets
One new innovative fundraiser that is starting to become more popular in school settings is selling car magnets. Specifically, your students will select a logo, have it designed into a magnet and place a bulk order of said magnets, which they’ll then be assigned to sell as part of the fundraiser to family, friends and others in the community. Buying these magnets in bulk costs an average of about $2 per item. So, for instance, if you were to purchase 1,000 car magnets in bulk and sell them for $6, you’d be making a nice profit, should you be able to sell them all. It’s a low-cost school spirit item and something that’s easy to sell because the items are small and compact – you won’t have to worry about carting around boxes of candy or other items.
What’s more is that unlike a coupon book, the people who purchase car magnets are actually likely to use them. Car magnets are easily applied and removed from car windows and can look very fashionable on just about any vehicle. If a school fundraiser is on your agenda, car magnets are definitely something to look further into, if not for the main fundraiser than as a compliment to the main fundraiser to make some extra money.
Collections
Collecting items are a great way to raise smaller amounts of funds, should your school just need a few hundred extra dollars to purchase new supplies or fund a science experiment, field trip or something else similar. The most common item to collect, in applicable states, is soda cans. For instance, in Michigan, soda cans and bottles can be returned to the grocery store to reclaim a 10 cent deposit that’s made at the initial time of purchase. While 10 cents doesn’t seem like a lot, it can add up should your students organize bottle drives in their neighborhoods. To do this, just put a flier on each home’s door about a week before the drive to give people a heads up. This gives them time to gather their empties and place them on their front porch. Then, on the day of the drive, just collect the bags of cans.
Soda cans and bottles, however, aren’t applicable in most states. But don’t worry, there are other collection drives you can organize. For instance, old electronics, scrap metal and paper can often be turned into a collector – as they’re easily recycled into new products. You’ll then be rewarded for your troubles with a chunk of money. A collection drive of this type is a little more challenging to organize, but can still be effective, nonetheless.
Silent Auction
Silent auctions can be somewhat hit or miss. But depending on the items that are up for grabs and the type of participation, they can be a huge money grab for a school fundraiser. For example, to make the most profit off a silent auction, it’s best to ask community businesses and sports teams if there’s anything they’d like to donate. While many will decline, many will also accept, as it’s good publicity for any business to be involved in one that helps out the community, notably the schools. Then, just hold a night at the school where students and community members can come in and bid on each item. If you’re able to land autographed merchandise, expensive electronics and other valuable collector’s memorabilia, it could wind up being very profitable for your school fundraisers. Plus, fitting to the silent auction and who the funds are benefiting, bidders are likely to be generous with their bids.
Car Wash
A car wash is best held by classrooms, and not the whole school, but it can still be a profitable venture, especially if a local business lets you use their lot and water free of charge (note: corner business lots at busy intersections are the best for exposure). To pull off a car wash, you’ll just need to pick up some sponges, soap and towels, all of which can all be purchased pretty cheap. Then, pick a Saturday, hope for good weather and create signs to promote your event. Another tip for hosting a car wash fundraiser – don’t set an asking price, simply just ask customers to make a donation. You’ll find that you’ll make much more money this way than if you set an asking price of $5 per car, for instance. After you factor in the costs of your supplies to hold the car wash, you should find at the end of the day that your profits are very favorable.
