12 Most Profitable Fundraisers for Schools, Sports, and Nonprofits

Almost everyone needs to raise money for a worthy cause some time in their life, which is where our list of 12 most profitable fundraisers for schools, sports, and nonprofits comes in.

Whether it’s for a band, camp, charity, or another cause, raising money always takes work. You’ll have to scrub a few cars or bake a few cookies most of the time. But the more enjoyable the fundraiser is, the better. That’s why it’s good to have as many ideas as possible. Some of these fundraiser ideas for kids are sure to be more feasible than others, depending on the situation. Maybe your uncle owns a pizza place, or your friend owns a stretch of land perfect for a large scale outdoor event. Find out what options are available for a venue, then talk to the ones in charge. Most facilities, whether restaurants or other event spaces are very willing to work with nonprofits, too.

You’ll also have to figure out which materials are needed for the activity of choice. Don’t choose any activities that will cost you a fortune in materials. Fortunately, the ones below require very minimal materials. Put a few people in charge of different areas of the event; then the fun can begin. You can practice your salesmen skills as you invite and offer your product or experience to friends and family. In most cases, they’ll be happy to oblige. And you’ll be helping them out too- by providing them with a great experience and/or product. This is one of the best times of year to raise money, too. Not only are people crazy for things like candles and cookie dough, but they’re looking for gift ideas for loved ones. Fundraising can be hassle-free and even fun if you use the right tactics. A lot better than setting up a lemonade stand, although that would work too. Give them a try with our fundraiser ideas below.

We got our ideas from a number of fundraising websites and blogs. These are also great sources of information if you still need more free fundraising ideas or easy fundraising ideas for small groups after reading this list of most profitable fundraisers for schools, sports, and nonprofits. The sources include Event Brite’s 100 Unique Fundraising Ideas that Actually Work, Sign Up Genius’s 50 Successful School Fundraising Ideas, Fundraising’s 15 School Fundraisers, Razoo’s Top 25 Sports Fundraising Ideas, Just Fundraising’s 50+ Fundraising Ideas That Are Easy and Profitable, Fundly’s Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits and Individuals, Classy’s 25 Quick Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits and Charity, Fundly’s Fundraising Ideas for Sports and Teams, Easy Fundraising Idea’s Sports Fundraising Ideas That Work, and ABC Fundraising’s High Profit Fundraisers.

Each time a certain idea, such as bake sale or hula hoop contest, was suggested by one of the ten lists above, we gave it a point. This means the ideas mentioned the most times can be found at the bottom of this list. If a lot of credible sources mentioned it, the idea must be a good one, right?

Many of us know from experience that some of the ideas below are tried and true. And if you’re interested in learning more about money, check out our lists of 10 biggest philanthropists who give to individuals and 6 easiest government grants to get for individuals.

Time for our brilliant, fundraising ideas for high school, or whatever your specialty. Hope you enjoy!

12. Hold a Book Sale

3 points

Everyone’s got old books lying around. Enter way to raise stacks of money.

9. Sell Discount Cards

4 points

Customers can’t resist a deal, even if they have to pay to get it.

9. Sell Pizza Place Gift Cards or Team Up With a Pizza Restaurant

4 points

There are two ways to raise money using this delicious treat, and both are sure to yield results.

9. Sell Candles

4 points

Like number 3 on our list of most profitable fundraisers for schools, sports, and nonprofits, this one’s perfect for the approaching holiday season.

6. Create an Obstacle Course

5 points

Devise clever obstacles on a pathway and hold a race to see who can get through the fastest.

 

6. Sell Chocolate Bars

5 points

Who can resist a little chocolate?

6. Sell Popcorn

5 points

We are continuing our list of most profitable fundraisers for schools, sports, and nonprofits with the idea number 6 – the specialty flavors are especially good this time of year.

4. Hold a Dance Marathon

6 points

What better way to make money than by dancing? Everyone will have a blast.

4. Sell Scratch Cards

6 points

Selling scratch-off game cards can be both fun and rewarding for the customer, who receives coupons and discounts depending on what their scratch-off reveals.

3. Sell Cookie Dough

7 points

Especially this time of year, customers will eat this one up. Literally.

2. Have a Dog and Car Wash

8 points

It can’t be too much harder to wash a dog than it is to wash a car, so why not offer both services?

1. Host Marathons or Walkathons

10 points

Whether you’d rather walk or run, they’ll both serve as great money makers for your cause. That’s it for our list of 12 most profitable fundraisers for schools, sports, and nonprofits. Now go, make some money.