101 low & no-cost promotions for your fundraiser

This document produced by Believe Kids FundraisingNationwide Elementary School Fundraising at www.BelieveKids.com

The TakeawayIncluded in this report are 101 ways to increase your schoolfundraising revenue while spending little to no money.

© Believe Kids Fundraising*Logos are property of their respective owners

Elementary School FundraisingPromotion Ideas

101 Low and No-CostSchool Fundraising Promotion Ideas

101PROMOTIONSFOR YOUR FUNDRAISER

Jay MonetaHunter Thomson

A Free ResourceFor Schools & Groups


The TakeawayIncluded in this report are 101 ways to increase your schoolfundraising revenue while spending little to no money.

Additional Resources:www.twitter.com/believekidswww.facebook.com/believekidswww.myspace.com/believekidswww.thefundraisingpln.comwww.believejay.blogspot.com


101 Low and No-Cost School Fundraising Promotion Ideas

101PROMOTIONS

FOR YOUR FUNDRAISER

Thank you for reviewing this book.

Here you will find 101 promotions that you can use in any fundraiser to increase excitementsurrounding the fundraiser. By increasing excitement, you encourage people to participate,which earns more profit to your school or group.

This list has been compiled to assist you in building momentum. This momentum cancome from an unlimited number of alternatives and this book certainly does not mentionthem all. Just about anything you can think of that is fun and safe can work.

Please use the ideas in this book but realize that although we make the assertion that every promotion in this book will work, we do not guarantee that they will work for your group.

A successful fundraiser relies on a combination of factors all working together. So, ifyour group relies on a promotion from this book without careful consideration to other factors, the impact could be minimal.

In order to take a fundraiser over the top, provide something people want and deliver itwith value. Make your fundraiser important, then use a promotion in this book to take it over the top!

Here’s to your fundraising success!

www.BelieveKids.com

Authors Note:

How this book is organized.

We believe there is a difference between no cost and low-cost fundraisingpromotions. So much so, that we’ve decided to organize the contents intotwo sections.

SECTION 1: NO-COST PROMOTIONSSECTION 2: LOW-COST PROMOTIONS

First is the no cost fundraisers. If you can successfully use a challenge,contest or promotion without spending anything, you profit more.

After all, fundraising is about raising money, not spending it.

Secondly, we list the low-cost ideas. As you will notice, many of these ideascan ‘supercharge’ your fundraising. Either by being more impressive or bysaving time.

Sometimes, creating excitement costs money but saves time.

You decide what’s best for your group but the main thing is to decideto do something!

Note: we discuss placing an order, selling an item etc. througoutthe book. Feel free to substitute gets a pledge, earns money or anything else that you see fit. Also, please feel free to replaceany goal, reward or prize level to your liking.

1


The TakeawayRewards, contests and drawings come in different sizes.Small rewards can work just as well as complex ones.




FREE LUNCHAsk a local restaurant to donate free lunches. Every student that turns in an order or gets an online order gets entered into a drawing. Draw names one at a time until every lunch is gone.

2 PERSONAL ASSISTANT FOR THE DAY

Personal assistant for the top-seller. The overall top-seller will get the principal or a teacher for the day to carry their books, hold their lunch trays, etc.

3 FIRST IN LUNCH LINE

Every student that sells at least one item 3 days after the kicko� gets to go to lunch 5 minutes early or be the �rst in line for lunch.

4 EXTRA RECESS

Any class that reaches a sales goal (for instance a 30% participation or greater) will get an extra recess period in the next week.

No-Cost 1.

Keep It Simple...You can use a wide variety of free promotionsto increase excitement. Rewards don’t have tobe lavish or complicated!

No-Cost

Promotions

1.

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The TakeawayUse a favorite teacher or staff member. The more likeable the teacher, the harder students will work to hit the goal.




5 PRINCIPAL IN PAJAMAS

The principal will wear pajamas to school one day when the school meets the fundraising goal.

6 PRINCIPAL HEAD SHAVING

The principal will shave his head when the school meets the fundraising goal.A mohawk and colored hair spray can add even more fun!

7 CRAZY WIG

The teacher will wear a crazy wig to class when 8 or more students in class sells at least one item. Fun contests work!

8 TEACHERS IN JAIL

Teachers from top-selling or lowest-selling class must spend time in jail. Decorate a classroom, closet or hallway like a jail cell.

9 THE SMOOCH

Principal or well-liked teacher has to kiss a frog or pig. Although this sounds pretty strange to most city dwellers, it’s actually pretty common in rural areas.

No-Cost 2.

2.

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© Believe Kids Fundraising

10 PRINCIPAL IN TREE

Principal has to spend a day in a tree. It’s not necessarily an easy one to pull o� for a few reasons including but not limited to safety :)

11 DANCE WITH MASCOT

Principal and/or other teachers and sta� have to dance with the mascot at an assembly or other function.

12 PRINCIPAL IS MASCOT

Principal must dress up as the mascot. If the mascot costume is full face, this isn’t fun. Perhaps principal dresses up as the mascot without using the real costume.

13 STUDENT FOR THE DAY

A beloved sta� member, administrator, principal or teacher becomes student for the day. Imagine the uproar if they get called to the principals o�ce!

14 PRINCIPAL FOR THE DAY

Allow your top-seller to be principal for the day. Do rounds to classrooms, take a phone call, make a recommendation and assist with bus pick-up and drop-o�.


The TakeawayThe school principal is your greatest asset. Getting a principalinvolved often leads to success!


*Logos are property of their respective owners


No-Cost 3.

RECOMMENDED!

3.

Safety Note: Climbing trees is inherently dangerous. Do so at your own risk!

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© Believe Kids Fundraising

15 FACULTY TALENT SHOW

Hold a faculty talent show when a fundraising goal is reached. Each teacher and faculty member has to perform their talent (or lack thereof ) for the school.

16 PRINCIPAL IS A MIME

Principal has to mime for the day. The idea of this is enough to create laughter and excitement. Of course, dressing up as a mime would be icing on the cake.

17 PRINCIPAL ON TRICYCLE

Principal has to ride a tricycle all day around school. This will be particularly exiting at student drop-o� and pickup!

18 PIE IN THE FACE

Allow top-selling students to choose a faculty or sta� member that they want to pie in the face at an assembly.

19 COSTUME AT SCHOOL

Teachers of classes that meet their fundraising participation goal must wear a costume to school.


The TakeawayStudents will work hard to earn something if they can imaginehow silly it will be - the funnier a contest the better!


*Logos are property of their respective owners


No-Cost 4.

RECOMMENDED!

4.

Safety Note: use the thin disposable tins and �ll with whipped cream only - do not use real pie.

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The TakeawayLunch is the perfect time to host a contest or reward. Thenumber of fun possibilities involving food are limitless!




20 LUNCH IN THE CLASSROOM

Every student that sells at least 3 items or gets 3 online sales gets to eat lunch in the classroom with the teacher.

21 MOVIE FOR LUNCH

The class with the highest participation rate gets to select a movie from the library and watch it during lunch.

22 LUNCH OUTSIDE

Classes with 30% or more participation get to eat lunch outside. You can make this even more exciting by serving lunch picnic style.

23 BACKWARDS DAY

Hold a backwards day. Encourage everyone to come to school with their clothes on backwards when they hit a fundraising goal. An alternative would be crazy clothes day or clash day.

24 SUPERHERO DAY

Hold a superhero day, where students and teachers come to school dressed as their favorite superhero a day when the school meets the fundraising goal.

No-Cost 5.

5.

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RECOMMENDED!


The TakeawayThese days, odd stuff works such as the custodian for a daycontest above. Strange yet still safe is good.




25 PRINCIPAL READS BOOK

The principal reads a book to every class that reaches a certain participation rate. A principal classroom visit always receives a warm welcome!

26 PRINCIPAL ON ROOF

Principal must spend an entire day on the roof of the school when the fundraising goal is met. Get a photo for the papers, they’ll want the story :)

27 CUSTODIAN FOR THE DAY

Top-selling students from each classroom get to assist the custodian for the day. This will probably be more popular with older kids.

28 STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

The top-selling student each day of the fundraiser gets to say the morning announcements over the intercom.

29 STUDENT HELPER

The top-selling student in the classroom gets to be a helper in their class or perhaps another teacher’s classroom for the day.

No-Cost 6.

6.

Safety Note: Climbing on a roof can be dangerous. If you do this, make sure safety is number one.

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The TakeawayLiteracy should be encouraged in any way possible. How manychallenges can you think of that involve books and reading?




30 BULLETIN BOARD RECOGNITION

The top-seller in the school gets to be recognized on a school bulletin board with a picture, short bio and the title of “Overall Best Seller”.

31 ANNOUNCEMENT STARS

Top-sellers for each day get featured in the morning announcements. This is particularly exciting because it occurs daily during the fundraiser!

32 LINE LEADER

Top-selling student of the day in each class, gets to be the line leader. Chances are, your school will have a lot of opportunities to pull this one o� :)

33 FRONT OFFICE HELPER

A top-seller or drawing winner gets to be the front o�ce special helper. Open doors, answer phones, direct visitors and meet the UPS man. Kids love it!

34 BOOK CHOOSER

The student who has the most sales of the day in his/her classroom gets to choose a book for the teacher to read to the class.

No-Cost 7.

7.

RECOMMENDED!

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The TakeawayPutting a child in charge of something is a great reward. Children love to lead others so let them earn the privelidge!




35 CLASS JOBS

When the fundraiser is over, the top-selling student from the class gets to choose any classroom job to complete for the week.

36 GAME CHOOSER

Top-selling student of the day gets to pick the game to play during PE. This type of idea, although small, can be used as a daily incentive.

37 BULLETIN BOARD DESIGNER

The student who made the most overall sales during the fundraiser gets to design a school bulletin board or other signage.

38 EXTRA COMPUTER TIME

Top-selling student of the day earns extra computer time. Can you think of another way to use school computers as an incentive?

39 STUDENT ILLUSTRATOR

Top-selling student of the day gets to illustrate the story that the teacher is reading the class on the chalkboard or smartboard.

No-Cost 8.

8.

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The TakeawayYou can use homework, extra credit etc. but be cautious. A reward should not be getting out of valuable school work.




40 EXTRA CREDIT

Every student that turns in 5 orders or makes 5 online orders earns extra credit on an assignment. Caution: This type of promotions can be met with resistance by parents/faculty.

41 CALL OR EMAIL PARENTS

The overall selling student earns the privilege to call or email the parent during school to tell them about being the top-seller.

42 INVITE TO LUNCH

Every student who turns in 3 or more orders or gets 3 or more online orders gets to invite their parents or grandparents to school for lunch.

43 NO HOMEWORK

Top-selling students can earn a “no homework” pass. Use responsibly. Caution: This type of promotions can be met with resistance by parents/faculty.

44 FREE TIME

Top-sellers of the day get "free choice time" at the end of the day. Sometimes, it’s just about kids making choices that put them in control of something.

No-Cost 9.

9.

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RECOMMENDED!


The TakeawaySome contests involve co-ordination but can be ultimatelyrewarding. Consider choosing a more difficult challenge!




45 WALKING FIELD TRIP

The top-selling class gets to go on a walking �eld trip around the school. Can you have an expert in the building / plant life etc. attend?

46 ACTIVITY LEADER

The top-selling student(s) in the class gets to lead an activity for the entire class. Kids love to lead activities so consider this one.

47 TEACHER TALENT

The teacher of every class that has 30% participation or more must showcase a special skill (singing, drawing, etc) for his/her class.

48 HOME ITEMS

Students who get 3 or more orders get to bring in a favorite item from home to keep on their desk all week.

49 THE ADVENTURERS

Students who reach a goal go on a group adventure / treasure hunt around school grounds. Make it fun, rewarding and give it a theme and name!

No-Cost 10.

10.

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The TakeawayThe relationship between child and teacher is a special one.You can build that bond by involving them in your challenge.




50 SIT NEXT TO TEACHER

Top-sellers of the day get to sit next to the teacher during story time and other activities. Can you bring in a comfy chair for them to enjoy?

51 TEACHER FOR THE DAY

The overall top-selling student in the class gets to be the teacher for the day. This one may not be easy to pull o� but it sure would be fun!

No-Cost 11.

Low-Cost

PromotionsUP NEXT:

11.

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1

2


The TakeawaySometimes paying for a prize means it’s more important.We all know that people respond to free valuable stuff.




FOOD WITH THE PRINCIPALThe class with the highest participation level wins a pizza party or ice cream social with the Principal. This one works wonders!

LIMO RIDE TO LUNCH

Students that hit a pre-determined sales goal (usually 25-35 items) get to ride in a limo to a local restaurant and then back to school!

3 SCHOOL STORE CERTIFICATE

The top-selling student from each class wins a gift certi�cate to the school store. Alternatively, spirit gear could be o�ered.

4 FAMILY MOVIE TICKETS

Local theaters will often provide low or no cost movie tickets. Provide top-selling families free movie tickets or host a daily drawing for tickets!

Low-Cost 1.

Sometimes low-cost works...There are times where putting money towarda fundraiser promotion can make a huge difference in the outcome of the fundraiser!

RECOMMENDED!

RECOMMENDED!

Low-Cost

Promotions

12.

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The TakeawayTop-seller rewards are great but don’t forget to reward themajority. Sellers with 1-5 items sold should be encouraged too!




5 PRINCIPAL CONDIMENTS

Each student that sells at least 5 items gets to squirt the principal or other faculty member with ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise during a school assembly.

6 OUT-TO-LUNCH WITH THE PRINCIPAL

The 5 top-selling students get to go out to lunch with the principal. Pick a restau-rant that is familiar and loved by the students and they’ll work harder.

7 PRINCIPAL DUNK TANK

The principal sits in a dunk tank and every student who sold at least 3 items gets to take a turn throwing the ball to dunk the principal. Combine with condiment promo for extra fun!

8 FAMILY DINNER

The student/family that made the most sales during the fundraiser wins a gift certi�cate to a local restaurant for the whole family.

9 TEACHER SILLY STRING

Every student that sells at least 1 item in the �rst 3 days of the fundraiser gets to silly string their teacher one day.

Low-Cost 2.

13.

RECOMMENDED!

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RECOMMENDED!


The TakeawayMany of the low-cost student rewards could be no-cost if you get the supplies needed for free!




10 HOT SAUCE EATING CONTEST

The teachers from every class that had at least 30% participation have a hot sauce eating contest during a school assembly. Maybe best to do at the end of the day :)

11 GUITAR HERO BATTLE

The teachers from classes with at least a certain participation level have a guitar hero battle during lunch one day. This is no cost if you can borrow the game :)

12 FIELD TRIP

The top-selling class or top-selling students get to take a �eld trip to a zoo, aquarium or other local attraction. No cost if you can get free admission.

13 WATER BALLOON FIGHT

The two top-selling classes get to have a water balloon �ght Make sure to go over a lot of ground rules for safety.

14 FREE ITEM

Students that sell a pre-determined number of items get one free item from the school store or an item from the fundraiser they are participating in.

Low-Cost 3.

14.

Safety Note: Do not have children participate in any sort of contest like this.

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The TakeawayDaily drawings are one of the best ways to create excitementbecause it reminds students to participate EVERY DAY!




15 KARAOKE PARTY

The top-selling class gets to have a karaoke party. Create a mock stage and have costumes, lighting and snacks for full e�ect. Young kids may need kids songs.

16 DAILY DRAWINGS

Hold a daily drawing , and every time a student sells an item, they get to put their name in the hat. Choose a few winners every day to win things like candybars, pencils, erasers or even bigger prizes like iPods and DVD Players!

17 COOKIE DECORATING PARTY

Students or classes that hit certain participation levels are invited to a cookie decorating party - make sure everyone gets to eat one with milk!

18 FREE CANDY BAR

When a student sells a certain number of items they receive a candy bar. In areas where snack food is discouraged, make it a vegi plate. Uh, I mean pass on this one.

19 BINGO FUN

The 5 top-selling classes get to play bingo with the principal and their teachers and win prizes. This is a good example of a larger promotion.

Low-Cost 4.

15.

RECOMMENDED!

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The TakeawayBy now, it’s probably obvious that just about anything you canthink of can be used as a reward! Go ahead... make it safe & fun!




20 PRINCIPAL AND A PET

When the school meets the fundraising goal, the principal has to take care of a new school pet. A frog is a good pet don’t ya think?

21 CATERED LUNCH

The top-selling class gets to have lunch catered to their classroom and have the principal attend as their special guest.

22 TREASURE BOX

Every time students sell an item they win tokens that they can use to “buy” items out of the teacher’s treasure box. The box can be �lled with things like stickers, pencils, candy, miniature cars etc. The items can all “cost” di�erent amounts.

23 GOLDEN STAR

The student in the class with the most sales every day wins a “gold star” they get to wear for the day. If it’s hard to �nd a gold star, a sherrif badge may work.

24 DECORATIVE T-SHIRTS

The top-selling class gets to have a party where they can make t-shirts that say they are the top-selling class and all wear them to school one day.

Low-Cost 5.

16.

RECOMMENDED!

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RECOMMENDED!


The TakeawayJust a phone call or two could provide a very cool event basedprize such as that fire truck tour. Will you hit the phones?




25 ICE CREAM OLYMPICS

The 4 top-selling classes compete in ice cream Olympics. Think up di�erent contests involving ice cream and hold it outside! Think ice cream obstacle course, prettiest sundae contest and over-under holding ice cream.

26 SCHOOL CARNIVAL

When the school meets the fundraising goal, throw a school carnival. There can be face painting, cotton candy and carnival games! You can be really creative with this one! Some schools only invite students that sell but that’s up to you.

27 FIRE TRUCK TOUR

Ask a local �re department to drive the �re truck to the school and students get to meet the �reman and take a tour of the truck. Top-selling students get V.I.P. passes. Many schools have a relationship with local �re stations and can get a free visit.

28 BOOK GIFT CERTIFICATE

Top-selling students receive gift certi�cates to a book store or credit for a compli-mentary book at the school book fair.

29 STICKERPALOOZA

Teachers reward a sticker to students everytime they sell an item. Pretty-darn easy and most likely pretty-darn e�ective as well. Use a goal chart as well to track sales!

Low-Cost 6.

17.

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RECOMMENDED!


The TakeawaySometimes projects make a great reward. Something thathas an educational reward is always a good thing!




30 PLANTING PARTY

The 3 top-selling classes have a plant growing party. Each student receives a miniature pot and seeds. The class can decorate their pots together, plant their seeds, and place them near a window and watch them grow.

31 ART SET

The top-selling student from each class receives an art set. Fill a box with coloring books, markers, crayons, pencils, glitter, paints, etc. Draw the student’s name on the outside of the box.

32 DUCT TAPE PRINCIPAL

Students receive a piece of duct tape for every 3 items they sell. At an assembly allow students to try and duct tape the principal to the wall.

33 CLASS THEME PARTY

Classes that reach a certain participation level get to have a theme party of their choice. This can work for the entire school as well!

34 MOVIE ASSEMBLY

Hold an assembly when the fundraising goal is met and show a newer movie. To really take it over the top give out popcorn and drinks.

Low-Cost 7.

18.

Safety Note: Make sure to cover the body with cardboard prior to taping to avoid awkward situations.

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The TakeawayHave a theme, offer an event, chase a fad or get aholdof something in demand. Many approaches work.




35 PIE EATING CONTEST

If every class has 30% participation or hits a �nancial goal, hold a sta� and faculty pie eating contest. Pie is perfect, colorful and messy, but you can make substitutes.

36 FUN IN THE SUN DAY

When the fundraising goal is met, hold a “fun in the sun” day. You can play water games and have �eld contests and races.

37 SILLY BANDS

They’re all the rage! Giving away the popular fad toy when it’s hot has impact! Giving away a Silly Band for every item students sold may just work for you!

38 SCHOOL EVENT TICKETS

Top-selling students earn free tickets to a school event. Are there more popularor expensive tickets you can get ahold of for o� campus events, concerts or shows?

39 GET PHYSICAL

Students that sell a certain number of items earn a frisbee, hula hoop, ball or other P.E. related item that promotes physical activity. Can you tie it in to another o�er?

Low-Cost 8.

19.

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The TakeawayGross can work. If your contest involves slime or someother gross idea, it may just work!




40 WINNING TROPHY

The 3 top-selling students win a trophy, plaque, ribbon or certi�cate. Perhaps the top-performing teacher could receive a plaque too?

41 LIMO RIDE WITH PRINCIPAL

Top-selling students gets to ride in a limo with principal and favorite teacher. An alternative could be o�ering a limo to friends and family of top-sellers.

42 BUBBLES DAY

Classes with 30% participation or more get to play with bubbles outside. Could ascience lesson or giant bubble contest be added to increase the fun?

43 CHEWED GUM SCULPTING CONTEST

This one wins the gross contest award! Each student chews a pack of gum and makes their own sculpture. Take a picture instead of sending this one home :)

44 PRINCIPAL ROOF CAMPING

When the fundraising goal is met, the principal has to camp out on the roof overnight. You could alternate another location easily on this one.

Low-Cost 9.

20.

Safety Note: This one involves a roof which can be dangerous. Perhaps a safer location could be chosen?

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RECOMMENDED!


The TakeawayAs long as the goal is simple, the reward can be a bit out there. Just don’t combine confusing goal with confusing contest.




45 TIE-DYE PARTY

A favorite school activity is making tie-dyes. Can you o�er up the opportunity to create student tie-dyes with top-selling students or top-selling classrooms?

46 TEACHER HAIR STYLES

Top-selling students get to take turns creating "hair styles" with shaving cream on their favorite teachers and sta� members. Bring a camera!

47 TEACHER CAR WASH

Students from the class who had the most participation must wash their teacher's cars. Sounds fun!

48 TRIP WITH THE PRINCIPAL

Top-selling students earn a trip to the aquarium, zoo or other local attraction. Send the principal and faculty if possible!

49 MOVIE “DATE”

The overall top-selling student wins a movie pass where they can invite a “date". Winning student can pick a favorite teacher and both families go to the movies.

Low-Cost 10.

21.

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RECOMMENDED!


The TakeawayUse a favorite teacher or staff member. The more likeable the teacher, the harder students will work to hit the goal.




50 ADOPT AN ANIMAL

A local or national zoo very likely has an adopt-an-animal program. O�er an adoption to the top-selling classroom as an incentive for a job well done!

CAN YOU THINK OF ANY MODIFIED CONTESTS THAT WOULD WORK FOR YOU?

Low-Cost 11.

22.

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The TakeawayConsider safety, build your contest around items in demandand then make it important to everyone involved.




101PROMOTIONS

FOR YOUR FUNDRAISER

Final Thoughts

By now, one thing should be evident. You can come up with a contest that is rightfor your school or group. One that adds fun and excitement and even a bit of education.

In determining what’s right for your school the most important thing is to considersafety. With so many ideas out there, choosing an incentive, contest or drawing thatincludes any sort of safety concern, especially when it comes to children, is not worth it.

The key elements to a successful contest is to build the reward around something in demand.A popular event, today’s fun toy fad, a popular teacher or principal should all be fair game.Think back to when you were a child. Is there a toy you wanted that you would have doneanything to get? The point is, if a large group of children all like the same thing and youcan offer that, you get their undivided attention.

Then, it’s up to you to make it a big deal. A cool contest, can in fact fail. Picking the rightcontest around an item in demand is only half the battle. If nobody knows about it,it can’t work. The last element is getting the word out on the contest and making it important. If you and everyone involved makes a big deal out of it from beginning to end, you’ve got a winning combination!

23.

If you have questions for the authors of this book callJay Moneta or Hunter Thomson at 1-877-723-5438 or email

You can also take a look at the resources mentioned below

for more information on elementary school fundraising

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101 low & no-cost promotions for your fundraiser

Education

fundraising goal

fundraising success

througoutthe book

cost promotionssection

cost fundraisers

free lunch1

free lunches

principal head