Best High School Fundraisers: 17 Fun + Profitable ideas

High school students today are smart, creative, and more connected than ever, and your fundraiser should match that energy. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter catalog sales and one-size-fits-all campaigns. 

Today’s teens thrive when they can make it their own, share it online, and have some fun along the way.

But we know that running a high school fundraiser is not easy. 

Maybe you’re worried about burnout from too many campaigns, pressure on students to sell, or using the same tired ideas year after year. That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of fresh, high-impact fundraisers that actually fit the high school vibe. 

They’re flexible, fun, and most importantly, they work.

From creative events to digital tools and products with real value, you’ll find ideas that play to your students’ strengths, independence, tech-savviness, and school spirit.

Ready to see what works now? Let’s get into it.

Fundraisers That Play to High Schoolers’ Strengths

See how River Bluff High School’s DECA club crushed their first fundraiser.

High schoolers aren’t little kids anymore, and they’re definitely not interested in the same old fundraising ideas they’ve seen since elementary school. They want fundraisers that let them take the lead and express themselves. 

These four ideas lean into what teens do best: think independently, create, and connect online.

1. Online Product Sales

Let’s be honest, not every student wants to go knocking on doors or ask neighbors to buy something face-to-face. That’s why online product sales are a total game-changer. Students get their own custom link, track their progress, and share with friends and family through text or social media.

Got students who hate selling? No problem. 

They can post a story, shoot a quick video, or drop a link into the family group chat, and boom, they’re fundraising. It’s easy, low-pressure, and completely cash-free.

With Fun Pasta Fundraising, you can maximize your fundraising efforts with our school fundraising online platform! Save time and boost sales by sending out your digital fundraiser via social media, text and email! Let our online system keep you on track and organized throughout your program!

2. School Merch & Spirit Wear

Nothing sparks school pride like a hoodie with your mascot on it. Let students design their own merch, think T-shirts, custom tumblers, or water bottles, and watch the excitement (and the sales) take off.

Not only does it raise money, but it also gives students something tangible to rally around. 

Bonus: this fundraiser works especially well when tied to big events like pep rallies, homecoming, or graduation.

3. Student-Led Talent Show or Variety Night

High schoolers have a lot of talent, and this is their chance to shine. 

From singers and dancers to comedians and spoken word artists, a student-led showcase gives performers a platform and gives clubs or student councils a solid fundraiser.

Charge for tickets, sell concessions, and make it an annual event. Plus, when students plan the show themselves, it builds leadership skills and school spirit along the way.

4. Car Wash (With a Twist)

Yes, car washes still work, but not the old-fashioned, stand-on-the-corner version. 

Today’s high schoolers take it up a notch: music, themed outfits, and even pet-wash stations. Promote it on social media, sell tickets, and you’ve got an event that brings people in and keeps it fun.

High-Profit Ideas for Clubs, Teams & Trips

 

See how Batavia High School’s girls basketball team fundraised for new equipment.

When you’re fundraising for big-ticket goals, like band trips, athletic travel, or senior events, you need ideas that deliver results without overcomplicating things. These high-margin options are designed to raise serious funds, with plenty of flexibility for student schedules and parent budgets.

5. Discount Cards with Local Businesses

Discount cards are a classic high school fundraiser for a reason. Partner with local restaurants, car washes, or gyms to create cards offering year-round savings.

Supporters love getting something that saves them money, and students appreciate that there’s no product delivery to manage.

6. Candygrams or Popcorn Bouquets

Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Spirit Week, or dance season, these bite-sized fundraisers offer quick wins and lots of smiles. Students can send treats to friends (or secret admirers), and it’s easy for clubs to prep and deliver in-house.

Tip: Add a custom message card or tie-in with school colors to boost the personal touch.

7. Digital Trivia Night

Looking for a fundraiser that’s part competition, part community builder? Host a themed trivia night, think pop culture, school history, or “Battle of the Classes.” You can even run it online so families and alumni can join in too.

Sell team entries, offer prizes, and use screen-sharing platforms like Zoom to keep things interactive. It’s a great way to bring everyone together, no gym rental required.

Creative Event-Based Fundraisers That Attract Students

 

 

See how Arroyo High School’s Band fundraised for their competitions and uniforms. 

Let’s face it, students aren’t lining up for another bake sale. But give them an event that feels exciting, social, and a little outside the box? Now you’ve got their attention and their participation. These creative, experience-driven fundraisers create memories that keep your group top of mind all year.

8. Battle of the Bands

High schoolers love music, and even more, they love showing off their talents. Host a Battle of the Bands featuring student performers, local acts, or even a teacher band for some extra fun. 

Sell tickets, offer food and merch, and turn it into a full-on concert experience.

Pro tip: Let students handle the promotion and production. It’s a leadership opportunity and a way to boost attendance.

9. Escape Room Fundraiser

Transform your school into a series of themed escape rooms and let teams compete for time and bragging rights. This one is a favorite among STEM, drama, and art departments because it brings together creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

It’s also a chance to engage cross-curricular classes, have students build the puzzles, decorate the rooms, and run the operations. 

10. Dodgeball Tournament or Staff vs. Students Game

Nothing draws a crowd like a good rivalry, and a dodgeball tournament is always a hit. 

Let students form teams, charge a small entry fee, and sell snacks during the event. Take it to the next level by hosting a staff vs. seniors match-up and promote it like it’s Friday night lights. 

This is also a great way to engage upperclassmen who might be less excited about “traditional” fundraising.

11. Principal Challenge or Dare Week

Want to see your principal get duct-taped to a wall or dye their hair purple? 

Let your students vote, with dollars. Each donation equals a vote for a dare, and the most popular one happens during a school assembly or pep rally. 

These fundraisers are fun, low-cost, and make everyone feel involved, even students who wouldn’t normally participate. Just make sure your principal is game!

12. Outdoor Movie Night or Drive-In

Set up a big screen on the football field or in the school parking lot and host a movie under the stars. Sell popcorn, snacks, glow sticks, and blankets.

It’s a perfect spring or end-of-year event, and a great opportunity to invite families, alumni, and younger siblings for a community-wide evening out.

Unique and Underrated Ideas from Real Fundraising Leaders

Not every great fundraiser has to be flashy or complicated. 

Sometimes, the best ideas are the ones that come straight from your students’ talents and passions. These creative fundraisers are often overlooked, but they pack a big punch when it comes to student involvement, community engagement, and real profits.

13. DIY Craft or Bake Sale with a Student-Made Theme

Let your students take the reins by creating and selling their own crafts or baked goods. 

Whether it’s candles from the art club or cupcakes from the baking club, themed student markets allow kids to put their skills to work for a real purpose. It’s also a great way to involve families and promote the idea that fundraising can double as a teachable moment.

Bonus tip: Use custom packaging, flyers, or table signage to boost credibility. A little visual branding can go a long way in increasing trust, and sales.

14. Haunted House (Student-Run)

 

Nothing screams “fall fundraiser” quite like a haunted house, and when it’s student-run, it’s even better. 

From building props to writing scripts to acting out jump-scares, this is a full-throttle creative experience perfect for theater students, art departments, or anyone who loves Halloween.

Charge admission, sell snacks, and consider a “not-so-scary” hour for younger siblings or elementary school families. With just a little school space and a lot of imagination, this fundraiser can bring in serious funds and major school spirit.

Easy-to-Run Fundraisers for Busy Schedules

Let’s be honest, between sports practices, college prep, and everything else going on in high school life, time is limited. Not every group has the bandwidth for elaborate events or months-long campaigns. That’s where these low-effort, high-reward fundraisers shine. 

They’re simple to organize, easy to promote, and perfect for packed calendars.

15. Text-to-Give Campaigns

Tech-savvy teens and parents are glued to their phones, so why not meet them there? With text-to-give platforms, you can set up a mobile-friendly way to collect donations during high-traffic events like concerts, games, or assemblies.

It’s fast, secure, and perfect for reaching extended family or alumni who want to support but can’t attend in person. Plus, it works beautifully with social media promos and QR code signage.

16. Restaurant Partner Nights

Fundraising and food? Yes, please. Partner with local restaurants who donate a portion of their proceeds from a set night when your school community shows up. 

Think Chipotle, Panda Express, or even a local pizza place.

When you encourage students to promote it with posters, group texts, or posts on Instagram, it becomes a social outing that supports a good cause. And the best part? The restaurant does the heavy lifting.

17. Garage Sale or Swap Event

Have families clean out their closets and donate gently used items, then host a school-wide garage sale or swap meet. It’s a fantastic way to raise funds and promote sustainability.

All you need is a few tables, a checkout station, and some volunteers to manage the event.

Why Fun Pasta Fundraising Is Perfect for High School Groups

 

At Fun Pasta Fundraising, we’ve spent over two decades helping schools raise money, and we’ve seen what works (and what burns people out). High school groups are unique: they need fundraisers that are flexible, tech-friendly, and easy to manage on tight schedules. That’s exactly what we’re built for.

Built for Digital Natives

Today’s students live online, and our program meets them there. Each participant gets a custom fundraising link they can share through text, email, or social media. 

No paper forms. No cash envelopes. No awkward sales pitches at the neighbor’s door.

Students (and parents) can track their progress in real time, giving them ownership and motivation along the way.

Easy to Promote on Social Media

Let’s be honest, fun-shaped pasta is totally post-worthy. Whether it’s bowties, footballs, or paw prints, the products themselves practically sell with a single TikTok or Instagram story.

With our program, high schoolers can fundraise by doing what they already do best: sharing online. It’s perfect for introverts, busy students, or anyone who wants to help without making a big pitch.

No Freezer, No Melting, No Hassle

Unlike cookie dough or frozen pizzas, our pasta ships easily, lasts a long time, and doesn’t require refrigeration. That means fewer logistics, no stress over delivery days, and no risk of melted messes in someone’s trunk.

It’s a no-fuss option that works for every season, especially in warm-weather states or for groups with limited storage space.

A Proven Track Record with High School Groups

We’ve worked with thousands of schools, sports teams, and clubs across the country, many of whom come back year after year because the results speak for themselves. 

We provide the tools, the support, and a product that people genuinely love.

Whether you’re raising money for a band trip, senior prom, or sports gear, we make it easy to hit your goals without the stress.

Start Your Fundraiser Today

 

We believe fundraising should feel like a win, not a chore. With pasta that sells itself, digital tools students actually use, and support from a team that’s been doing this for over 20 years, we’ve got everything you need to hit your goals and keep your students engaged.