Your teen has outgrown selling Girl Scout cookies or popcorn in front of the local hardware store, but that doesn't mean they aren't still trying to raise money for a good cause. Whether it's a special charity, a church mission trip, 5K run or class trip, there are lots of creative ways for older children to reach their fundraising goals. Here are 30 ideas tailored just for high school students to get the creative juices (and cash!) flowing.
Fundraising with Donated Items
Give your fundraising efforts more punch by soliciting donations from friends, families and businesses to resell for your cause. Bonus points for giving a second life to gently used items — a frugal and green way to score some extra cash.
- "All Dressed Up" Sale: Gather donations of gently-used formal dresses, bow ties and outgrown suits to sell. Advertise at local high schools or youth centers before an upcoming dance. You could also do this with donated Halloween costumes in early October.
- Used Book Sale: Those books from childhood and middle school are ready for a new audience! Gather donations from friends and neighbors and host a book sale. Throw in some (carefully labeled) baked goods for an additional fundraising opportunity.
- Themed Emergency Kits: Solicit donations and be creative. For example, mommy kits that include diaper, wipes and pacifiers; first-aid kits that include bandages and ointment; first-time driver kits that include "how to jump a car" instructions, jumper cables and local emergency numbers; and a light's out kit that includes candles, matches, a water bottle and batteries. Pack in a plastic shoebox for resale.
- Memorabilia Sale: Gather gently used school or team T-shirts, chair cushions, jackets or other memorabilia and set up a resale shop at a sporting event.
- Photo Books: An especially great idea for a sports team, school club or youth group. Gather your best photos into a well-organized photo book, take orders and price your book to cover costs and help reach your fundraising goal.
- Yard Sale: Most people are happy to give away that bag of clothes/toys/household items sitting in the closet waiting to be taken to charity. Gather donations for a Saturday morning of money making. For added revenue, sell coffee and breakfast items for the early-morning crowd.
- : Services such as childcare for holiday shopping, pet sitting, light household cleaning, party set up and food service are desirable for those needing an extra set of hands at the holidays.
