Best Preschool Fundraising Ideas

Parents have higher expectations of their preschool than just daycare. They want a place where their child can learn, play, explore, and develop daily. However, developing young minds takes time and money, and many preschools are strapped for cash. So, how are you going to raise money for the next round of school supplies, field trips, and playground equipment?

We’ve compiled a list of a few preschool fundraising ideas that are low-cost, easy to execute with a small group of volunteers, and appealing to children, parents, and community members. Before we discuss these ideas, there are many online fundraising platforms you can visit and plan your fundraising event from there.

Art calendar 

Make a lasting memory out of your preschoolers’ finger paintings and sketches. All you have to do now is grab a digital camera and photograph your students’ work. You can construct a collage out of classwork or collect 12 photos from each kid. Look for the funniest, prettiest, or most skilled pieces from the first half of the year. Then, using an online picture editor, organize them into personalized calendars.

Alternatively, you can develop purchase forms so that parents and grandparents can select bespoke items in advance, such as photo books, mugs, and T-shirts. You can sell these charming souvenirs all year or just during the holidays.

Cooking class 

The issue of delivering quick and healthy meals during the week is well-known among parents of young children. Why not offer a cooking class focusing on quick evening meals? Inquire with area chefs, dietitians, and health coaches about hosting a one-time session or a full-fledged series.

Set up in the kitchen of your preschool or find a free or low-cost offsite space. Sell tickets online, then walk participants through three to five meals that take less than 10 minutes to prepare. Recipes that require no cooking or baking are also popular.

You might even ask a bookshop if they would give you any parent-friendly cookbooks that you could sell after class. Provide childcare services and sell wine or other drinks to make it a fun-filled parents’ night out.

Resource fair 

A resource fair is a win-win situation for everyone concerned, and it’s one of the most effective preschool fundraisers if you have a significant budget. Local businesses, as well as some major brands, will leap at the chance to promote themselves in front of a crowd of curious parents and community members. 

To collect funds, you’ll book a location (maybe your school) and sell booths or tables to exhibitors and service providers, such as:

• Clothing establishments
• Libraries and bookstores
• Daycare and babysitting services
• Services for tutoring
• Vacation camps
• Shops for electronics
• Gymnastics programs
• Services for home maintenance
• Insurance businesses

Set up a fair in your building on a weekday evening or weekend, and encourage your neighbors to come to see what’s on offer.

Tricycle race 

For a bite-sized bike-a-thon, rev up the tricycles and break out the training wheels. In a safe, open place in your community, create an interesting racecourse. A dedicated parking lot or an indoor gym can be useful. Mark the track with tape or cones, then let your participants pedal to the finish line.

Set up entertaining race stops where your preschoolers may earn stickers, bracelets, lollipops, and other portable rewards to keep them engaged. There are several ways to raise money as well. Make money by hosting post-race games, raffles, and snack booths, or have family and friends sponsor racers by donating on their behalf.

Corporate matching gift 

A simple but effective preschool fundraising strategy is a corporate matching contribution drive. Many businesses already have philanthropy programs in place and pledge to match a specific percentage of employee donations each year.

It is your responsibility to inform and rally your community. Create an awareness campaign that includes social media, email, parent handouts, and other channels used by your target demographic. Include a brief explanation of corporate matching, and encourage your supporters to donate and request an employer match by the campaign’s end date.

Takeout fundraiser 

For busy parents and finicky preschoolers, eating out is convenient, so a restaurant fundraiser is a no-brainer. However, when each family’s schedule is different, it might be difficult to have good attendance for in-person events, especially during mealtime. Don’t be concerned! Instead of a bake sale, hold a takeaway fundraiser.

Inquire with a popular local eatery about donating a portion of each food and beverage transaction to your school. This might be limited to purchases made by your supporters or all purchases made that day. If it’s a slow day, they’re more likely to agree, so be flexible.

Local restaurants often donate 10-20%, but national businesses like Chipotle and Panera typically donate more. All your supporters have to do now places an order, mention your preschool, and eat when they’re ready.

Bake sale 

A grown-up bake sale is another inexpensive method to raise funds while eating delicious food for a good cause. Yes, traditional fundraiser items like cookies, cupcakes, and brownies work. However, “adult” foods will set you apart from the others.

So, serve chocolate croissants, small rum cakes, fruit tarts, and raspberry macarons as gourmet treats. You might ask local bakeries, cafes, patisseries, and grocery stores for small donations. Wrap your sweets neatly, and they’ll make excellent low-cost birthday and holiday gifts. With this bake sale in town, your fans won’t miss the regular cookie dough fundraiser.

Celebrity breakfast 

Our other preschool fundraising idea is an activity that no youngster will want to miss. Invite a well-known children’s character to the school for a celebrity breakfast. The possibilities are unlimited when it comes to TV, books, songs, and movies. 

Make a simple breakfast, such as pancakes and bacon, or get ideas from your character’s story. Remember to include a photo booth! Sell various ticket options, such as breakfast-only tickets or VIP (Very Important Preschooler) passes, which include a special meet-and-greet, book, toys, and more.

Are you all set to organize a fundraising event? 

Preschool fundraising ideas should be both fun and creative. Your kids or kids’ parents will only attend it if there is something unique they can’t get in their daily life. 

You can also set an education fundraising to help your kids learn something new. You can also sell old books and raise some extra funds from them.