9 Top Charity Fundraising Ideas for Schools in 2025

Posted by: Ian • 26 Sep 2025

Welcome, fundraising champions! Whether you're part of a dedicated PTA, a teacher leading a new initiative, or a student council member eager to make a difference, organising successful school fundraisers can feel like a monumental task. You need ideas that not only raise essential funds but also build community spirit, engage students, and create lasting memories without becoming overly complex.

This guide is here to help. We've curated a list of nine proven and creative charity fundraising ideas for schools, designed to inspire your next campaign and simplify your planning. From classic events that bring everyone together to innovative approaches that leverage modern tools, you'll find actionable tips and real-world insights to make your fundraising journey a resounding success.

One often-overlooked but highly effective fundraising tool is collecting leftover foreign currency. Many families have spare coins and notes from past holidays sitting in drawers. By setting up a collection point, you can easily gather these donations. We provide a fast, easy, and hassle-free service to convert foreign coins and banknotes into valuable funds for your school, with no need to sort anything. This simple addition can significantly boost your total funds raised. Let's explore how you can turn enthusiasm into tangible support for your school's most important projects.

1. The Effortless Fundraiser: Collecting Foreign Coins & Old Currency

One of the most straightforward and effective charity fundraising ideas for schools is a foreign currency collection drive. Many families have leftover foreign coins and banknotes from holidays abroad gathering dust in jars and drawers. This seemingly small change can be converted into significant funds for your school or chosen charity without asking parents for a direct financial donation.

This approach is powerful because it taps into a resource that people often consider unusable. By providing a simple way to donate foreign coins to charity, you create a hassle-free contribution method that feels effortless for your school community.

How to Maximise Your Collection

To ensure your currency drive is a success, timing and promotion are crucial.

Strategic Timing: Launch your collection drive immediately after peak travel seasons like the summer holidays, half-term breaks, or Christmas. This is when families are most likely to have leftover foreign currency on hand.
Clear Collection Points: Set up brightly-coloured, clearly labelled collection boxes in high-traffic areas such as the school reception, library, or during parents' evenings.
Consistent Promotion: Use newsletters, school assemblies, and social media to explain the initiative. Emphasise how turning this "forgotten money" into a donation makes a tangible difference.

Top Tip: Remind parents that you also accept old, out-of-circulation currency (like old pound coins or pre-Euro money). Many people hold onto these, unsure of what to do with them.

Once collected, you can exchange foreign coins and notes quickly and without any fuss. Services like ours make it easy: simply send us all the mixed currency you've gathered. There’s no need to sort or count anything beforehand. We offer a fast, 100% guaranteed service, trusted by major UK charities, airports, and organisations, ensuring a simple and secure process from collection to conversion.

2. Fun Run/Walk-a-Thon

A Fun Run or Walk-a-Thon is a fantastic, high-energy event that brings the entire school community together to raise money while promoting health and fitness. Students collect pledges from family and friends for each lap they complete or as a flat donation, making it an inclusive fundraiser suitable for all ages and abilities.

This idea is effective because it transforms fundraising into a memorable, active experience. By incorporating fun themes, music, and celebration stations, you create a powerful sense of school spirit and collective achievement that goes far beyond simply asking for donations. For many schools, this becomes a celebrated annual tradition.

How to Maximise Your Event

Careful planning is key to organising a successful and profitable fun run.

Offer Inclusive Options: Create multiple distance options or lap goals to ensure everyone, from the youngest pupils to staff and parents, can participate comfortably. A short course for younger children alongside a longer one for older participants works well.
Leverage Technology: Use online pledge systems to simplify the donation process. These platforms allow participants to create personal fundraising pages, making it easy for sponsors to donate securely and for you to track progress.
Build Excitement with a Theme: A great theme can dramatically boost participation. Ideas like a "Superhero Dash," a vibrant "Colour Run," or dressing up in school colours can add an extra layer of fun and create brilliant photo opportunities for promotion.

Top Tip: Partner with a professional fun run company. Many offer turnkey packages that include promotional materials, online platforms, and day-of-event management, which can save your volunteers significant time and stress.

This infographic provides a quick reference for the typical scope of a school fun run.

Infographic showing key data about Fun Run/Walk-a-Thon

The data highlights that with a focused planning period of 6-8 weeks, schools can host an inclusive event with a significant fundraising return.

3. The Sophisticated Fundraiser: Hosting a Silent Auction

A silent auction is an elegant and engaging fundraising event that can generate substantial income for your school. Instead of a fast-paced verbal auction, items are displayed for guests to browse and place bids on paper bid sheets or via mobile apps. This format creates a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere, often as part of a larger event like a school gala, parents' evening, or community fair.

This approach is highly effective as it allows attendees to bid at their own leisure, encouraging multiple bids and a sense of friendly competition. It turns the act of fundraising into an interactive and enjoyable experience, offering tangible rewards for supporters' generosity and making it one of the most popular charity fundraising ideas for schools.

How to Maximise Your Bids

Careful planning and sourcing unique items are the keys to a profitable silent auction.

Source Desirable Prizes: Begin soliciting donations 8-10 weeks in advance. Focus on experiences like restaurant vouchers, holiday packages, or unique services rather than just physical goods, as these often attract higher bids.
Create Themed Baskets: Group smaller, related items into attractive themed baskets, such as a "spa day" hamper or a "family movie night" package. This significantly increases their perceived value and appeal.
Attractive Presentation: Display each item with a clear, detailed description, a starting bid, and perhaps a photo. An appealing layout encourages browsing and bidding.

Top Tip: Consider using a mobile bidding platform. This modernises the experience, allows guests to bid directly from their phones, and can automatically notify them when they have been outbid, driving up the final prices.

A well-organised silent auction not only raises significant funds but also strengthens community spirit. By offering a mix of desirable items and experiences, you provide a memorable event that encourages generous support for your school's charitable goals.

4. School Carnival/Festival

Organising a school carnival or festival is a fantastic way to bring the entire community together for a day of fun while raising significant funds. This large-scale event features game booths, food vendors, entertainment, and activities that appeal to students, families, and local neighbours, creating a memorable experience that can easily become a beloved annual tradition.

This approach is powerful because it creates multiple revenue streams in one event. Funds are generated through ticket sales, individual booth revenues, food and drink sales, and business sponsorships, maximising your fundraising potential while strengthening school community bonds.

How to Maximise Your Collection

A successful carnival requires careful planning and widespread community involvement to ensure a profitable and enjoyable day for everyone.

Plan in Advance: Start planning at least 4-6 months ahead with dedicated committees for logistics, entertainment, volunteers, and sponsorships. This ensures all bases are covered without overwhelming a small group.
Secure Sponsorships Early: Approach local businesses early to sponsor the event or specific attractions. This helps offset upfront costs for things like equipment hire or headline entertainment.
Recruit Parent Volunteers: Assign each class or year group a specific game booth to run. This fosters a sense of ownership and friendly competition, and it guarantees you have enough volunteers to manage everything on the day.

Top Tip: Boost attendance and initial funds by offering discounted "early bird" ticket packages. You can also bundle tickets with food vouchers or wristbands for unlimited games to increase their value.

A school carnival is an ambitious but rewarding project that stands as one of the most effective charity fundraising ideas for schools. While it requires significant organisation, the financial and community-building returns can be immense, making it a cornerstone of your school's annual fundraising calendar. For a wider range of fundraising concepts, see more charity fundraising ideas in the UK.

5. Product Sales (Cookie Dough, Magazines, etc.)

A classic and highly effective charity fundraising idea for schools involves selling popular products to the community. Programmes featuring items like gourmet cookie dough, gift wrap, or magazine subscriptions allow supporters to receive something tangible in return for their contribution, making it an attractive way to raise funds.

This approach is successful because it provides clear value. Instead of simply asking for a donation, the school offers desirable products, turning a fundraising request into a straightforward purchase. This method mobilises students as enthusiastic salespeople and can reach a wide network of family, friends, and neighbours.

How to Maximise Your Sales

To run a successful product sales campaign, strategic planning and clear communication are essential.

Choose the Right Product: Select items that align with your community’s interests and values. Consider seasonal products like wrapping paper before Christmas or food items that are easy to sell. Companies like World's Finest Chocolate and Yankee Candle have long-established school programmes.
Set Clear Goals: Establish realistic sales targets for individuals, classes, and the entire school. Offer small prizes or recognition for reaching milestones to keep motivation high and celebrate every achievement.
Embrace Online Sales: Many fundraising companies now offer online platforms. This allows you to safely expand your reach beyond the local area, making it easy for distant relatives and family friends to contribute.

Top Tip: Provide clear safety guidelines for any door-to-door selling. Encourage students to sell in pairs or with a parent, focus on people they know, and never enter a stranger's home.

While product sales are a great active fundraiser, remember to complement them with passive options. Collecting foreign coins alongside your sales drive offers an effortless way for everyone to contribute. You can send us all the mixed currency you collect, with no need to sort or count anything, and we'll convert it into a valuable donation for your cause.

6. Host a Spectacular Talent Show

A school talent show is a fantastic community-building event that doubles as an effective fundraiser. It offers a platform for students to showcase their diverse skills, from musical and dance performances to comedy routines and magic tricks. By organising a polished and entertaining show, you can generate substantial funds through ticket sales, concessions, and programme advertising.

This fundraising idea is particularly powerful because it celebrates student creativity and builds immense school pride. Unlike a direct ask for donations, a talent show provides genuine entertainment value, making parents and the wider community happy to purchase tickets and support the participants. It transforms a fundraising campaign into a memorable evening for everyone involved.

How to Maximise Your Collection

To turn your talent showcase into a financial success, focus on organisation, promotion, and creating multiple revenue streams.

Inclusive Auditions: Organise a supportive audition process that gives everyone a chance to participate. Offer constructive feedback to all students, ensuring the experience is positive even for those who don't make the final show.
Strategic Ticket Sales: Sell tickets at different price points, including family packages or early-bird discounts to encourage advance bookings. Promote sales through the school’s website, newsletters, and local community forums.
Multiple Performance Dates: If you anticipate high demand, consider scheduling multiple performance nights. This not only maximises your audience and ticket revenue but also gives more students the opportunity to perform for different crowds.

Top Tip: Boost engagement and add a fun twist by including a "teachers and staff" act. This is often a highlight for students and parents, helping to sell more tickets and create a brilliant atmosphere.

7. Restaurant Partnership Nights

Partnering with a local restaurant offers a delicious and socially engaging way to raise money. This popular fundraising idea involves a restaurant agreeing to donate a percentage of its sales, typically between 10-20%, from a specific evening to your school. It’s a fantastic arrangement that benefits everyone: families get a night off from cooking, the restaurant gains new customers, and the school receives vital funds.

This approach is highly effective because it integrates fundraising into a regular family activity. Instead of asking for a direct donation, you're offering the community a chance to contribute simply by dining out. The shared experience builds a stronger school community spirit while providing a tangible boost to your finances.

How to Maximise Your Partnership

A successful restaurant night depends on strong promotion and a solid partnership.

Choose the Right Partner: Approach family-friendly local restaurants that are popular with your school community. Chains like Chipotle and Papa Murphy's have established programmes, but independent pizzerias or cafes are often eager to get involved.
Strategic Scheduling: Work with the restaurant to pick a day they are typically busy, such as a Tuesday or Wednesday, to maximise turnout and potential donations. Avoid scheduling during major school holidays or community events.
Promote Extensively: Use every channel available: school newsletters, social media, posters, and email reminders. Provide families with a digital or physical flyer to present at the restaurant, ensuring your school gets credit for their order.

Top Tip: Build a long-term relationship with a successful restaurant partner. A recurring "School Pizza Night" on the first Tuesday of every month can become a reliable and anticipated source of income.

While organising events like these requires effort, other fundraising methods are far simpler. For instance, you could run a foreign currency collection alongside your restaurant night, allowing families to donate foreign coins to charity effortlessly. This combination of activities caters to different preferences, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to contribute.

8. Movie Night

Hosting a school movie night is a fantastic way to bring the community together for a fun, family-friendly event while raising money for your school or a chosen charity. By transforming a gymnasium, hall, or even an outdoor space into a pop-up cinema, you can create a memorable experience that feels like a special treat for pupils and their families.

This fundraising idea is effective because it offers genuine value and entertainment in exchange for a donation. Instead of simply asking for money, you are providing an enjoyable evening out, making it an easy and appealing way for parents to contribute. For example, Elmwood Primary’s monthly movie nights average an impressive £600 profit per event.

How to Maximise Your Screening

Careful planning can turn a simple screening into a major fundraising success.

Secure Licensing: It is essential to obtain the correct public performance licence to show a film legally. Services like Filmbankmedia or MPLC make this process straightforward for schools and community groups.
Poll Your Audience: Survey families to find out what films they want to see. This ensures a high turnout and allows you to choose age-appropriate movies that will appeal to the widest possible audience.
Boost Profits with Concessions: Set up stalls selling popcorn, drinks, and sweets. Partnering with parent volunteers to manage these can significantly increase your total funds raised.

Top Tip: Create a themed experience. For a superhero film, encourage children to come in costume and set up a themed photo booth. This adds to the fun and makes the event feel more special.

A movie night is a brilliant standalone fundraiser, but it can also be a great opportunity to promote other initiatives. You could place a collection box for leftover foreign currency at the entrance, reminding families that even their forgotten holiday money can be converted into valuable donations for a good cause.

9. Dress-Up Days/Spirit Week

A Spirit Week or a series of themed dress-up days is one of the most engaging and low-cost charity fundraising ideas for schools. For a small donation, often just £1 or £2 per day, students can come to school dressed in line with a fun theme, such as ‘Crazy Hair Day’, ‘Decades Day’, or ‘Superhero Day’. This turns a simple fundraising activity into a vibrant, school-wide event.

This approach builds a powerful sense of community and school spirit while remaining highly accessible. The low cost of participation ensures that almost every student can get involved, making it an inclusive way to raise funds without placing a significant financial burden on families.

How to Maximise Your Collection

To get the most out of your themed dress days, focus on inclusivity and enthusiastic promotion.

Choose Accessible Themes: Select themes that don't require expensive or elaborate costumes. Ideas like ‘Pajama Day’, ‘Favourite Colour Day’, or ‘Wacky Socks Day’ allow students to participate using items they already own.
Communicate Clearly: Announce the themes well in advance through newsletters, school assemblies, and social media. Provide DIY costume suggestions to inspire creativity and ensure no one feels left out.
Boost Engagement: Organise a friendly competition between classes for the best participation rates or most creative outfits. Taking photos and sharing them in school communications celebrates the collective effort and encourages future involvement.

Top Tip: Combine a dress-up day with another small fundraiser. For example, on ‘Crazy Hair Day’, you could also run a bake sale. This small addition can significantly increase the total amount raised during the event.

Top 9 School Fundraising Ideas Comparison

Fundraiser Type	Implementation Complexity 🔄	Resource Requirements ⚡	Expected Outcomes 📊	Ideal Use Cases 💡	Key Advantages ⭐
Read-a-Thon	Moderate – requires tracking reading progress and parental engagement	Low – reading logs, prizes, online platforms	Moderate – promotes literacy and raises funds	Literacy promotion, integrating curriculum	Promotes reading habits; low overhead; educational value
Fun Run/Walk-a-Thon	High – requires extensive planning, volunteer coordination, safety protocols	High – volunteers, venues, weather contingency	High – broad participation and significant funds	Physical fitness, community engagement	Inclusive for all fitness levels; builds school spirit; high fundraising potential
Silent Auction	High – advance planning, item solicitation, event setup	Moderate to High – donated items, volunteers	High – large revenue from donated items	Evening events, adult donor engagement	High profit margin; builds business relationships; flexible bidding
School Carnival/Festival	Very High – complex planning, permits, multiple activities	High – vendors, permits, entertainment, volunteers	Very High – multiple revenue streams	Large community events; family engagement	Appeals to entire families; multistream revenue; community building
Product Sales	Moderate – managing catalogs, delivery, and sales tracking	Moderate – product inventory, online platforms	High – reliable fundraising via sales	Direct sales, student involvement	Proven model; teaches sales skills; scalable
Talent Show	Moderate – auditions, technical setup, scheduling	Moderate – stage, sound, lighting	Moderate – ticket sales, concessions	Showcasing talents, artistic community	Builds confidence; low overhead; entertainment value
Restaurant Partnership Nights	Low – coordinate with restaurants and promotion	Low – marketing materials and outreach	Low to Moderate – depends on participation	Convenient, repeatable community events	No upfront cost; convenient for families; builds local business ties
Movie Night	Moderate – licensing, venue setup, concessions	Moderate – AV equipment, licenses, volunteers	Moderate – admission and concessions revenue	Family entertainment, community social events	Low overhead; family friendly; repeatable
Dress-Up Days/Spirit Week	Low – theme planning, fee collection	Low – minimal supplies and volunteer oversight	Low to Moderate – small fee per participant	School spirit, inclusive fundraising	Inclusive; easy to organize; builds community spirit

Turn Your Ideas into Action (and Unused Coins into Cash!)

The list of potential charity fundraising ideas for schools is long and varied, as we have explored. From the high-energy excitement of a Fun Run to the creative flair of a Talent Show, the most successful initiatives are those that align with your school's unique spirit, resources, and community. The true power of fundraising lies not just in the idea itself, but in the execution: clear planning, enthusiastic promotion, and genuine engagement with students, parents, and staff. Whether you're organising a grand school carnival or a simple dress-up day, success is built on participation.

However, many of the most effective fundraising campaigns are the simplest. They require minimal organisation and tap into resources that your community already has but doesn't realise it can use. This is where a foreign coin collection shines. It’s an incredibly straightforward yet powerful way to generate funds, transforming forgotten holiday money into vital support for your school's projects.

Key Takeaways for Successful School Fundraising

To maximise your efforts, keep these core principles at the forefront of your planning:

Community Fit is Crucial: The best idea is one your community will embrace. A Read-a-Thon might excel in a book-loving school, while a Restaurant Partnership Night could be a hit in a community with strong local business ties.
Simplicity Often Wins: Don't underestimate the power of low-effort, high-return ideas. A fundraising campaign shouldn't exhaust your volunteers. An initiative like a foreign currency drive taps into a readily available resource, a drawer full of leftover foreign coins and notes, without demanding significant time or financial outlay.
Make Participation Easy: The fewer barriers to entry, the better. This is why initiatives that leverage existing assets, like leftover foreign currency, are so effective. Families don't need to buy anything new; they simply need to donate what they already have tucked away.

A Note on Unused Currency: Think about the hundreds of families connected to your school. It’s highly probable that a significant number have small amounts of foreign currency, old British coins, or obsolete banknotes gathering dust. Collectively, this forgotten change represents a substantial and untapped fundraising opportunity.

For schools looking for a guaranteed, hassle-free starting point, a foreign currency collection drive is one of the most practical charity fundraising ideas for schools available. It's fast, easy, and requires no sorting on your part. You can simply collect everything and let a trusted partner handle the rest, ensuring you convert every last bit of that leftover holiday money into usable funds.

Ready to launch a fundraiser that's both simple and surprisingly effective? We Buy All Currency specialises in helping schools and charities to exchange foreign coins and notes, hassle-free. Our 100% guaranteed service is trusted by major UK brands including charities, supermarkets, airports, and police forces, and we make it easy to convert foreign coins and banknotes into valuable donations for your cause. Visit We Buy All Currency today to learn how you can start your collection.