10 Unique Fundraising Ideas for College Organizations

BY JANE HURST

If you belong to a student organization, you likely have a pretty good idea of how difficult it can be to get funding for your organization. In most cases, students have to get out there and peddle the streets to raise the money they need for their activities. There are loads of fun and interesting things you can do with your organization to raise money. Here are a few great ideas to get you started.

1. Showcase Talents – Hold a talent show, fashion show, etc., anywhere you can find a stage. Get people in the organization to take part, and make it open to anyone who wants to be involved. Charge an entrance fee, and sell refreshments, etc. to make even more money.
2. Have a Rummage Sale – Talk to as many people as you can about donating items you can sell to raise money for your organization. These items should be gently-used and be in good condition. Once you collect enough items, have a big rummage sale.
3. Sell Custom Buttons – Remember the days when we used to get those button-making machines that turned out really crappy buttons? Those days are long gone, because you can go online and make awesome buttons for your group to sell. If you are having an event, promote it by selling buttons that you can easily create at Uber Buttons.
4. Have a Get to Know You Auction – A fun way to raise money, and get to know others, is to encourage everyone, including teachers and school staff, to each bring an item to sell that has something to do with their hobbies and interests. Not only do you raise money, you get to know everyone a bit better.
5. Hold a Bake Sale – This is a tried and true fundraiser. People love buying and eating home-made baked goods, and it is a cheap and easy way to make money. You can save money on ingredients by buying flour, sugar, etc. from bulk stores. Set up in a common area where there will be a lot of foot traffic. Advertise in advance, so everyone will know you will be there with treats to sell.
6. Hold a Casino Night – If you can get permission, a good way to raise funds is to hold a casino night. It doesn’t even have to be anything fancy. Set up a few board games, and have everyone who wants to play pay an entrance fee. Have prizes for the winners and a few munchies, and you have the makings of a great fundraiser.
7. Hold a Movie Night – If you can find a venue with plenty of space for seats, a projector, and a snack table, you have the makings for a great movie night. You may be able to use an empty classroom for this. Choose a popular movie, and charge an admission fee. Sell snacks to make even more money.
8. Have a Drive – In Movie Night – If you have portable gear, such as a movie projector, a screen, and speakers, you have everything you need to set up a drive-in movie night. Just like with a regular movie night, you can charge admission, and sell snacks and drinks. Make sure that you get permission to use the area first.
9. Set Up a Car Wash – Here is another tried and true fundraising method, and one of the most popular. Make sure you can get a group together, and find a commercial place with a big parking lot. Ask for permission, of course, and make sure that you can get running water.
10. Hold Raffles – Go to local businesses and ask if they would be able to donate items that you can raffle off for funds for your student organization. Another option is to hold 50/50 draws, where you keep half of the proceeds and the winner gets the other half.

 

Byline:

Jane Hurst has been working in education for over 5 years as a teacher. She loves sharing her knowledge with students, is fascinated about edtech and loves reading, a lot. Follow Jane on Twitter!