Foster school spirit while raising funds with customized merchandise.
Trinkets, gadgets and fund-raising ideas help foster high school spirit while garnering funds for teams and groups. Selling or raffling items designed in school colors or with a mascot emblem have been a traditional means of raising funds for decades. Modern technology allows schools even in remote areas access to online retailers offering everything from key chains to flip-flops featuring the school mascot.
Trinkets
Selling low-cost trinkets that showcase school pride offers sports teams and extracurricular groups a way to earn funds for uniforms, camps and activities. The profit margin on each items depends on the purchase cost from the commercial company supplying the items or a fund-raiser sale agreement. Common trinkets offered by fund-raising companies include rubber bracelets, key chains, mini sports balls, lanyards, magnets, stadium cups and coffee mugs. Some companies charge an initial screen printing fee to process customized artwork while others offer the service at no charge and allow groups to upload their own creations.
Gadgets
Technology-related gadgets are also becoming popular school fund-raising items. A group can design and sell customized mouse pads for computers, mp3 cases, cell phone skins, laptop skins and embroidered laptop bags. The cost of technology-related gadget items is typically higher than small plastic items. Some companies require a minimum purchase, so it is a good idea to take orders locally and collect money before buying a large number of non-returnable items.
Traditional Fund-Raisers
School fund-raisers that involve athlete- or student-created items can be sold at school events and lunchtime. Chocolate or candy grams sold before Valentine's Day can be delivered during the school day with a personal note from the purchaser. Bake sales and car washes are also long-time traditions as single-day school fundraisers. Schools in rural areas may be a long distance from a movie theater. Plan an indoor movie night inside the school cafeteria and sell snacks, or opt for an outdoor drive-in-style movie at the football stadium. String white sheets across the field goal posts and show a movie with a projector while selling concession and a split-the-pot drawing. Add a new twist to the old fashioned car wash fund-raiser by working with a local gas station to offer full service for tips. The team members can fill the tanks of customers, check oil and wash the windows to earn extra money during an on-site car wash.
Creative Fund-Raising Ideas
Communities both large and small are often bombarded with requests for donations and fund-raisers. Stand out from the crowd with creative ideas to earn cash by offering convenience. Get permission from a local grocery to offer bagging assistance to customers for a day. Raking leaves and the removal of Christmas lights may also garner a small fee as a helpful service to busy or elderly community members. A clothing swap is similar to a yard or tag sale, but a lot less hassle. You charge a nominal admission fee to come and browse free clothing. Invite community members to bring gently used clothing and shoes for the sale. Participants receive a tag with the number of how many items they brought to the swap and can select the same number of items from the offerings spread out on tables. The school group can offer concessions, raffles and sell split-the-pot tickets during the event.
Tags: community members, raising funds, school spirit, school spirit while, Some companies, spirit while
