17 Cheap Fundraising Ideas With Big Returns

A Math-A-Thon is a cheap and educational fundraising idea where students solve math problems or puzzles to raise money for their school. Participants solicit donations from friends and family, extending the fundraising efforts beyond the school community, which not only enhances financial support but also fosters a sense of community engagement. Schools can host Math-A-Thons at no upfront cost by utilizing ForOurSchool.org, which offers online math games aligned with the math curriculum taught by most schools, making it accessible and engaging for students.

A Book Exchange is a cheap and easy fundraising idea where students and faculty donate gently used books. The event is open to anyone in the community to then purchase these books at a nominal cost. This event encourages reading, promotes recycling of books, and fosters a sense of community that extends beyond the school community.

A Car Wash is a cheap and fun fundraising idea where students, parents, and volunteers wash cars for a fee. It's a fantastic way to raise funds for your school while also fostering teamwork and community spirit.

An Art Auction is a creative fundraising idea where students, teachers, and local artists donate artwork to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. This event not only raises funds but also celebrates creativity and showcases the talents within the school community. This auction can be live and coordinated with a gala event, or silent and managed online.

A Hosted Dinner fundraiser is a unique and fun fundraising idea where congregants open their homes to host dinners or gatherings for groups of fellow members. This initiative fosters community bonds in an intimate setting while raising funds to support church programs and outreach efforts. By sharing meals and fellowship, participants not only contribute to the financial well-being of the church but also strengthen their connections with one another.

A Community Yard Sale is a fun fundraising idea where individuals from the local community come together to sell their gently used items. The church would host the event and retain a portion of the sales. This event provides an opportunity for neighbors to declutter their homes while supporting a good cause. With the lively atmosphere and variety of goods available, the Community Yard Sale becomes not only a fundraising event but also a social gathering that strengthens community ties.

A Verse-A-Thon, or Scripture-A-Thon, is a spiritual fundraising idea where participants read as many Bible verses or chapters as they can within a designated time frame. Participants seek sponsors to donate a certain amount for each verse or chapter read, with the funds raised going toward church initiatives. By coming together to honor their faith through the reading of sacred texts, participants not only contribute to the fundraising efforts but also experience a sense of unity and reverence within the community.

A Holiday Gift-Wrapping Service is a fun fundraising idea where volunteers from a church or community group offer to wrap gifts for a fee during the holiday season or special occasions. This service not only saves time for busy shoppers but also provides an opportunity for personalized and professional-looking gift wrapping. With festive decorations and cheerful volunteers, the gift-wrapping service adds a touch of joy to the gift-giving experience while raising funds for worthy causes.

A Faith-Based Workshop is an educational fundraising idea where members of a church or religious organization host workshops or seminars centered around topics relevant to faith and spirituality. These workshops could cover subjects such as prayer, meditation, religious history, or ethical teachings. Participants pay a registration fee to attend, with proceeds going towards funding church programs or charitable initiatives. By offering opportunities for spiritual growth and learning, while also raising funds, Faith-Based Workshops serve as an enriching educational experience for the community.

A 50/50 Raffle is an easy and profitable fundraising idea where participants purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win half of the total proceeds collected, with the other half going towards supporting the church. This straightforward fundraising method requires minimal setup and can yield significant profits, as it appeals to a wide range of participants who are eager to support the cause while also having a chance to win a cash prize.

A Virtual 5K Race is a cheap and easy fundraising idea that allows participants nationwide to run, walk, or jog at their own pace and location while supporting a charitable cause. Participants sign up and pay a registration fee to receive a downloadable race bib and finisher certificate. By engaging people of all fitness levels and geographic locations, this virtual event offers a convenient way to raise funds and promote community involvement in a fun and active way.

A virtual concert is a great online fundraising idea that brings together performers and audiences from all over the country for a memorable musical experience while supporting a charitable cause. Through live-streamed performances or pre-recorded videos, participants can enjoy the talents of musicians, bands, or performers while making donations to the charity. With minimal logistical requirements and the ability to reach a wide audience online, a virtual concert offers an effective and engaging way to raise funds and promote the mission of the charity.

A Fan Gear Swap is an easy fundraising idea where young fans can exchange or purchase clothing or gear related to the team's sport. Participants bring gently used items such as jerseys, hats, or equipment to swap with others. The team can charge an entry fee as well as sell items related to their team. This event not only raises funds for the team but also encourages community engagement and teamwork among young athletes and fans.

A Fitness Challenge is a fun fundraising ideawhere team members and supporters pledge to complete a certain number of workouts or physical activities. Participants collect pledges or donations for each milestone reached, with the funds raised supporting the team's training and development. This event promotes health and wellness while also supporting the team.

A Sell-A-Square event can be an easy and virtual fundraising idea where participants purchase squares in a digital grid for a chance to win prizes. Once all squares are sold, a random number generator selects the winning squares, and prizes are awarded accordingly. Sell-A-Square events can be tied to a big game the team is playing in or to a nationwide sporting event, such the Superbowl, with each number representing the ones digit of the score for each team.

Hosting a Sports Tournament, such as a basketball, soccer, or volleyball tournament, is a great fundraising idea that brings together athletes and sports enthusiasts for friendly competition while raising funds for the team. The team can charge registration fees to participate and spectators can also contribute by purchasing tickets or concessions. This event not only promotes physical activity and teamwork but also generates excitement and community spirit.

A Sports Clinic is a low-cost fundraising idea where participants pay a registration fee to receive coaching and training from skilled athletes or coaches. This fundraiser not only raises funds but also provides valuable learning opportunities for participants while promoting fitness and skill development within the community.