Middle School Fundraising Ideas

Extracurriculars are an important aspect of middle school because they give students a chance to explore their interests and grow into young adults. However, activities outside of the lesson plan can get expensive. Don’t worry – with the great middle school fundraising ideas below, you can give your students the well-rounded experience they deserve!

Things to Consider When Choosing Fundraisers for Middle Schoolers

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider the best fundraiser for middle schoolers:

• Student Autonomy: Middle schoolers are at an age where they crave more independence. Fundraisers that allow them to take ownership of tasks, make decisions, and feel a sense of responsibility are often more successful.
• Complexity: While middle schoolers enjoy a challenge, it’s important to balance complexity with their abilities. Fundraisers that are too difficult may lead to frustration, while overly simple ones might not capture their interest.
• Community Engagement: Consider partnering with some local businesses or community organizations. You’ll have a larger support pool, and students can connect with people outside their usual circle.
• Educational Value: The best middle school fundraising ideas don’t just collect money – they also teach students valuable skills like money management, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
• Student Interests: The key to keeping middle schoolers motivated and engaged is to align school activities with their interests. If you aren’t sure what your students would prefer, you could have them vote on it! You can even use the second and third winners as ideas for fundraisers later in the year.

10 Middle School Fundraising Ideas

Here are 10 of the best fundraisers for middle schoolers:

Brochure Fundraising

Brochure fundraising is a classic option. Students sell products – such as gift wrap, Yankee Candles, or snacks – from a catalog. Middle schoolers can gain a sense of responsibility while honing their sales and communication skills. Plus, with such a wide variety of items, they can pitch products they’re genuinely interested in.

Color-A-Thon

A Color-a-Thon is an exciting event where participants run a course while being showered with colored powder, and each lap earns money. This fundraising idea isn’t just for middle schoolers – you can get their friends and family involved, too!

Cookie Dough Fundraiser

Selling frozen cookie dough is an easy way to get middle schoolers involved without overwhelming them. The delicious product practically sells itself! Students will have a catalog of options and buyers can choose from some of their favorite sweet treats, like The Cheesecake Factory Bakery Cheesecakes, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, and Mrs. Fields!

School Store

A school store sells snacks, school supplies, and school spirit gear during lunch or at special events. It can be a permanent fixture or a temporary pop-up for fundraising purposes. Students who help run the store will gain hands-on experience managing money, inventory, and marketing.

Sports Tournaments

Middle schoolers love a little competition! Give them a chance to channel that energy into something positive while they practice teamwork and strengthen friendships. You can turn any sports tournament into a fundraiser by having teams pay an entry fee. Then, sell tickets to friends and parents and set up a concession stand to raise extra funds during the event.

Movie Night

Movie night is a relaxed, low-effort event where kids can raise money just by hanging out with their friends! Set up a big screen and projector in your school gym or auditorium, charge admission, sell snacks, and play a family-friendly movie that will draw students and parents together.

Game Night

Organize a board game or video game night where students participate in tournaments or casual rounds with friends. Just like movie night, your school can charge an entry fee and sell snacks. Open this event to friends and family to give your fundraising a boost!

Recycling Drive

Host a school-wide or community-wide recycling drive where families bring in recyclables. Your school can bring the empty cans, bottles, and paper products to a redemption center in exchange for cash. This is a great way to support the environment and teach students eco-friendly habits while raising money!

Talent Show

Middle schoolers love an opportunity to work their skills. During a talent show, they get to show off, express themselves, and get a boost of confidence from a round of applause. Charge admission, sell concessions, and make sure to get the teachers involved, too! When you include faculty, staff, and students, you’ll strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

Walk-A-Thon

In a walk-a-thon, students collect pledges from sponsors for every lap or mile they walk. It encourages physical activity while giving kids an easy way to contribute to the cause. Consider opening this middle school fundraising idea to other members of the community – kids can interact with students from neighboring schools or spend some quality time with their families while walking.

Host Your Next Middle School Fundraiser with Gifts ‘N Things

Make the most out of your middle school fundraiser with Gifts ‘N Things!
Request information about our different options.