Elementary School Fundraisers for 2025

If you’ve ever found yourself stuffing unsold cookie dough into your freezer or begging neighbors to buy “just one more” overpriced candle, you’re not alone. Fundraising fatigue is real, especially when it feels like every month brings a new sale, a new signup sheet, and more pressure on the same handful of parents and teachers.

But fundraising doesn’t have to be overwhelming, awkward, or unprofitable. In fact, with the right ideas, it can be fun, community-building, and surprisingly easy to pull off, even if you’re working with a small PTA team or a school where families can’t always afford to participate in traditional ways.

Whether you’re a first-time fundraiser or a seasoned PTA pro, we’ve pulled together a list of smart low-stress fundraising ideas that actually work for elementary schools. These aren’t your grandma’s bake sales (although we love a good brownie). 

They’re modern, kid-friendly, and designed with busy families in mind.

What Makes a Great Fundraiser for Elementary Schools?

Elementary schools are full of energy, creativity, and chaos (the good kind). 

So any fundraiser you choose has to match that vibe. It needs to be fun for kids, easy for adults, and actually worth the effort. The best fundraisers build community, create memories, and make everyone feel good about participating.

Here’s what we’ve seen work best:

• Doesn’t lean too hard on parent wallets. Not every family has $40 to spend on popcorn tins. The best fundraisers offer flexibility: give what you can, share with others, and skip the guilt trip.
• Minimal volunteer burnout. You shouldn’t need an army of helpers to make it happen. The right fundraiser is manageable even with a small team.
• High profit. We love a bake sale as much as anyone, but if you’re only clearing $100 after all that mixing and frosting… it might be time to rethink things.
• Hybrid-friendly. Whether families are in-person, virtual, or a mix of both, a great fundraiser can live online and in real life. Shareable links, mobile tools, and home delivery options make a huge difference.

8 Elementary School Fundraiser Ideas That Actually Work

From pajama days to penny wars, these fundraising ideas are proven winners for K–6 schools. They’re simple, creative, and, best of all, they don’t put all the pressure on parents. 

1. Read-a-Thons (Low Cost, Literacy Boosting)

Books + fundraising = a total win. With a read-a-thon, students collect donations for the minutes or pages they read, turning quiet reading time into a powerful money-raiser.

No selling required, and families can participate at any donation level. It’s a perfect way to get kids excited about literacy while giving everyone a break from catalogs and candy bars.

2. Penny Wars

 

Few things are more motivating than classroom bragging rights. In a penny war, each class gets a jar and competes to raise the most spare change. It’s simple, student-led, and adds up fast.

Even the youngest students can participate, and it turns loose coins into big wins for classroom supplies or playground upgrades.

3. Plant Sales

Spring is the perfect time to dig in! Work with a local nursery to offer flowers, herbs, or garden kits. Families love the chance to support the school while beautifying their homes.

Plus, it’s eco-friendly and ties beautifully into classroom lessons on science or Earth Day.

4. School Spirit Car Magnets

Kids design them. Families display them. Everyone gets a little extra school pride. Car magnets are inexpensive to produce and super easy to distribute.

No expiration dates, no special handling, just a fun, visible way to raise funds and celebrate your school community.

5. Talent Shows

 

Let your students shine! A school talent show can double as entertainment and fundraiser. Charge a small ticket fee, accept donations, or sell concessions during the event.

Low setup, big impact, and a great way to build connection between families and staff.

6. Costume Parades + Halloween Dance

Dress-up days are already a big deal in elementary school. So why not turn them into a fundraising moment? A fall parade followed by a Halloween-themed dance is festive, easy to promote, and fun for all ages.

Offer optional donations or small entry fees. 

7. Online-Only Product Sales

 

Skip the forms and cash altogether. Use platforms that let families sell products online, everything from cookie dough to water bottles.

It’s a modern solution that meets busy families where they are. And out-of-town relatives love the convenience.

8. Restaurant Nights (Chipotle, Domino’s, Panera)

Local or national, many restaurants offer school fundraising nights where a portion of sales go back to your group.

You just pick a date, share the flyer, and encourage families to dine in or take out. It’s simple, effective, and works great when you include the broader community.

Fundraising Tips for Title 1 and Low-Income Schools

Not every family can afford to buy gourmet popcorn or gift wrap, and that’s okay. There are still plenty of ways to raise the funds your school needs without making anyone feel left out.

One of the best strategies is to focus on free-to-join events like read-a-thons or scavenger hunts. These kinds of fundraisers don’t ask families to spend money, they simply encourage participation. Kids feel successful, and schools raise money through pledges or donations from extended networks (like grandparents, coworkers, or community members).

Another powerful approach is building community partnerships. 

Local businesses, civic organizations, and even alumni can become incredible allies. 

Think: a neighborhood coffee shop donating a portion of sales, a hardware store sponsoring your garden fundraiser, or a community center offering event space.

When it comes to manpower, don’t be afraid to tap into high school clubs or local service groups for volunteer support. Many teens need service hours and love helping younger students. 

It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Why Fun Pasta Fundraising Is Perfect for Elementary Schools

If you’re a seasoned PTA member, you know that the wrong fundraiser can cause huge headaches. That’s why we created Fun Pasta Fundraising, a smarter, more joyful way to raise money for elementary schools.

We offer pasta shaped in fun shapes like sea critters, dinosaurs, and princesses. Kids love picking out their favorites, and families get excited about giving a gift that’s actually useful. Plus, with our long shelf life, no refrigeration, and zero melting risk, you don’t have to worry about timing your delivery around the weather forecast.

On top of that, we make fundraising simple. 

With custom online links, each student or group gets their own page to share with family and friends. Our tools track everything, from orders to profits, so you don’t have to.

Schools love how easy it is. Parents love the convenience. And teachers love how our fundraisers don’t eat up their planning periods.

We’ve worked with countless schools over the past 20 years, and many come back to us every single year. Because it works. It’s fun. And because it fits into real life, not just the fundraising fantasy.

Ready to Start a Fun, Profitable Fundraiser?

You’ve got enough on your plate without chasing catalog orders or scrambling for volunteers. 

Whether you’re looking for a 100% online fundraiser or want to pass out catalogs, Fun Pasta Fundraising gives you everything you need to succeed, with less stress and way more smiles.

Let’s help your school raise more, worry less, and have a little fun along the way.