Creative Fundraising Ideas and Tips for Student Field Trips, Travel, and Educational Tours

Fundraising for a trip is easy!
At first it may seem overwhelming to raise all the money necessary to pay for a student trip. However, the earlier you start, the more time you will have to raise funds for your tour. Follow these simple steps below and you will be well on your way to fundraising success in no time.

Step 1: Organize a fundraising Committee of interested parents and or faculty immediately.
Step 2: Elect a committee head.
Step 3: Place each member of the committee in charge of just one event.
Step 4: After your first 3 events, analyze which events were the most successful and identify what your remaining balance is. Choose a variety of events both large and small to balance and manage your time, talents and resources.
Step 5: Create a time line of events, money raised, and volunteers.
Step 6: Plan additional events as needed.
Step 7: Contact local arenas and sports teams to see if you can work at their events or concession stands to raise money.

Here are some ideas that successful teachers have used in the past:

Candy Sales: Buy candy in bulk from wholesale clubs and resell during after school activities.

Candy Grams: Let students show their care for each other by buying a candy gram for each other with a cute note.

Bake Sale: Have parents donate items (cookies, cakes, doughnuts)

Spaghetti Dinner: Have a dinner before the parent meeting.

Talent Night: Get the whole school involved. Have the students show off their talent and charge a small admission fee. Inside have a concession stand with food and drinks.

Carnation Sales: Talk to local florists for donations, and take advantage of Valentines Day.

Community Support: Involve local religious congregations, community organizations and businesses. Contact them by telephone, most people like to help youth groups.

Booster Club Support: If your school has a Booster Club, contact them with the information regarding the plans you have for student travel. Booster clubs will often have funds set aside for good causes.

PTA: Make a request for a donation to cover a portion of the trip.

Involve Parents: Parent involvement is critical. At your first parent meeting, talk about fundraising-brainstorm money making ideas, discuss timelines and set up a future meeting for those parents who want to get more involved.

Carnival: Organize as a school wide event. Each class creates a game and sells tickets to play. Local businesses can donate prizes or sponsor games.

Yard Sale: Hold a yard sale at the school with all the proceeds going towards your trip.

Car Wash: Talk to local gas station or hold at the school. Ask for donations.