Best School Fundraising Ideas for Aussie Schools

School Fundraising Ideas

Looking for school fundraising ideas that are fun, easy, and raise serious money? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a parent on the fundraising committee, a teacher organising the next big event, or part of school leadership looking to engage your community – we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• The top school fundraising ideas in Australia

• Why fundraising is critical for school success

• Tips to plan and promote your event

• Bonus fundraising ideas beyond the fun run

Why School Fundraising Ideas Matter

No matter what’s happening in the economy, schools still need to fund vital improvements: decodable readers, air conditioning, shade sails, new playgrounds, sports equipment and more.

The right school fundraising idea does more than bring in dollars. It:

• Unites the school community

• Boosts student wellbeing and school spirit

• Teaches kids about teamwork, goal-setting and giving back

Whether you’re fundraising for a small classroom or a large school-wide initiative, choosing the right idea can transform the experience.

Our Top 5 School Fundraising Ideas (Proven Winners)

At School Fun Run, we specialise in high-impact, high-participation fundraising events with no upfront costs. These five school fundraising ideas are favourites for good reason:

1. 🌟 Crazy Colour Day

A colour run that lights up your school! Students become running rainbows as they jog through safe, non-toxic powder explosions. It’s joyful, energetic, and one of the easiest ways to raise thousands.

• Ideal for: Primary and secondary schools

• Why it works: Super visual, easy to run, high participation

• Bonus: You get support from a School Fundraising Coach

2. 🎪 The Big Show

Part fun run, part school carnival, 100% unforgettable. The Big Show includes inflatable obstacle courses, live music, mascot appearances, and more.

• Ideal for: Larger schools or those looking for a fete alternative

• Why it works: Combines fun, fitness and fundraising in one

• Limited to 1 per state per day – book early!

3. 💦 Splash & Dash

A water-themed fun run packed with sprinklers, bubbles and slime! Perfect for warmer months or as a low-risk alternative to colour powder.

• Ideal for: Summer terms and coastal/rural schools

• Why it works: Inclusive, sensory fun, great for younger kids

4. 🏃 Classic School Fun Run

The all-time classic fundraiser. Think cross-country with a twist: costumes, music, themes and more.

• Ideal for: Sports days, PE tie-ins, fitness weeks

• Why it works: High student engagement, easy to customise

• Case study: St Patrick’s College raised over $250,000 in 5 events

5. 🧙 School Fang Run (Halloween Edition)

Get spooky with this Halloween-themed colour run. Expect red and green slime, spiderwebs, face paint and prizes for best costume!

• Ideal for: Term 4 events

• Why it works: Seasonal excitement, full event pack provided

How to Plan Your School Fundraising Event

Step 1: Choose your fundraising idea
Pick one (or combine a few) of our proven options based on your school size, season, and goals.

Step 2: Register online
No upfront cost. Once registered, you’ll get a School Fundraising Coach and a Ready Set Go Pack.

Step 3: Set your date
Book your event at least 8 weeks in advance. Align it with other key school events if possible.

Step 4: Promote the event
Use newsletters, social media, school assemblies, posters, and take-home flyers. We'll give you ready-made templates.

Step 5: Host your fundraiser
Run the event during school hours for best participation. Your Fundraising Coach helps every step of the way.

Step 6: Celebrate and reward
Every student who raises $10+ gets to choose a reward! No admin hassle – we manage the prize fulfilment.

How to Promote Your School Fundraising Idea

Promotion is the secret to max participation. Here's how to get the word out:

• Newsletter Feature: Include a teaser and event date in your school newsletter.

• Social Media: Post student quotes, countdowns, and sneak peeks.

• Parent Letters: Not every caregiver checks email – send home paper letters too.

• Assemblies: Build buzz and share fundraising goals.

• Visuals: Posters in high-traffic areas like the canteen or front office.

Other Easy School Fundraising Ideas

Want more options? These classic ideas pair perfectly with our fun runs or stand alone:

• Read-A-Thon

  A Read-A-Thon encourages students to log reading minutes and collect donations from family and friends. It promotes literacy while raising funds with minimal effort or cost. Students get excited about reading, and donors love supporting an educational cause. It's also a great cashless fundraiser when paired with an online platform.

• Walk-a-thons

  Walk-a-thons are simple, healthy fundraisers where students walk laps or a set route and raise money through sponsorships. They're easy to organise, low-cost, and promote fitness and community involvement. Perfect for any age group and scalable for schools of all sizes.

• Trivia nights

  Trivia nights bring parents, staff, and the community together for an evening of laughs and friendly competition. Sell tickets, offer drinks and snacks, and include prize donations for extra fundraising power. Easy to organise with great social and fundraising returns.

• Movie nights

  Turn your school hall into a cinema for a fun, family-friendly fundraiser. Charge entry, sell popcorn and drinks, and offer bean bags or themed dress-ups. Low-cost to run and great for building community spirit while raising funds.

• Bake sales or sausage sizzles

  Classic fundraisers that never go out of style. Parents and students provide baked goods or cook snags on the barbie to sell at school or community events. They’re quick, easy, and can generate great profits from minimal investment.

• School fetes or carnivals

  Big events with food, games, entertainment and stalls. Fetes are fantastic for raising large amounts and building strong community ties, but they require solid planning and volunteer support. Perfect for Term 4 fundraising or milestone celebrations.

• Spelling bees & talent shows

  Students showcase their academic or creative talents in front of a crowd. Charge entry fees or ask for gold coin donations. Great for student confidence and school spirit, with fundraising built into the excitement of performance.

• Costume days or dress-up themes

  Simple, fun and inclusive! Choose a theme (e.g. superheroes, book characters), let students dress up, and ask for a gold coin donation to participate. Great for boosting school spirit while raising money with almost no cost or admin.

• Eco fundraisers like tree-planting

• Fundraising meets sustainability! Invite donations to support a tree-planting day or sell reusable items like bottles or lunchboxes. Teaches students environmental responsibility while raising money for green projects around the school.

• Art fundraisers (student artwork on products)

FAQs About School Fundraising Ideas

What are the best fundraising ideas for schools?
Fun runs, readathons, trivia nights, bake sales and eco initiatives are all excellent. The key is choosing one that excites your community.

How much can a school fundraising event raise?
With the right planning and promotion, schools regularly raise $10,000–$30,000 from one event.

Do I need a budget to run a School Fun Run?
No! Our events are fully self-funded and risk-free.

Can students win prizes?
Yes – every student who raises over $10 gets to choose from our prize gallery.

Do you help with planning and promotion?
Absolutely. Every school gets a personal Fundraising Coach, templates, promo kits, online dashboards and more.

Ready to Run a Fundraiser That Works?

No matter your school’s size, budget or goals, we have a school fundraising idea that fits. With no upfront costs, expert support and exciting themes, our programs make it easier than ever to raise money and lift school spirit.

📌 Request your free info kit today or call 1800 FUN RUN to get started.