From A to Z: Your Guide to Preschool Fundraising Ideas

School Is in Session: An Intro to Preschool Fundraising

When it comes to early childhood education, every little bit of support helps—especially when it comes to funding. That support helps preschools create a space where children can learn to share, explore their creativity, and make new friends–all while discovering the joy of learning.

The challenge is that preschool budgets are often limited. In fact, it's estimated that 40% of preschools rely on extra fundraising for supplies and activities–and that’s where fundraisers step in. From new art supplies to classroom upgrades, fundraising helps preschools cover the extras that make learning more engaging.

In the past, preschools relied on fundraising staples like bake sales, raffles, or car washes—and they're still just as popular as ever—but today schools are also blending in modern digital ideas. Social media, crowdfunding pages, and online fundraising platforms like Paybee are making the whole process easier and allowing loved ones to join in whether they’re across town, out of state, or even halfway around the world.

However, the best preschool fundraisers aren’t just about the money—they’re also about the moments they create. When parents, teachers, and children all join in, even the smallest of events feel special. Families get to know each other better, children get involved in something they can feel proud about, and the community grows stronger as a whole.

What Are Preschool Fundraising Ideas? 

Preschool fundraising ideas are simple ways to raise money for a school while also bringing families together. The money might go toward classroom supplies, a playground upgrade, or even a special field trip. No matter the goal, the success usually comes from parents, teachers, and the community all pitching in.

Running a fundraiser isn’t complicated, but there are a few basics every school needs to keep in mind. There needs to be a clear goal so families know where the money is going. The fundraiser needs promotion—through flyers, social media, or good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. And let’s not forget about those extra helping hands—having volunteers step in to keep the event running smoothly or assisting in the collection and tracking of donations can make all the difference.

It’s also important to remember who you’re fundraising for. Since preschool and elementary students are at very different stages, the kinds of fundraisers that work best for each can vary. What’s fun and engaging for a four-year-old might not have the same appeal for an older child, and vice versa.

In the next section we’ll provide a variety of fundraising ideas to help you get inspired for your next event. Just keep in mind that the most successful fundraisers are the ones make supporting the school feel easy and fun.

The Fundraising Playbook: The A+ List of Ideas

Preschools depend on a mix of small fundraisers to cover all the extras, like art supplies or playground gear. The best events are the ones that families can easily join in without feeling overwhelmed. To get you inspired, we've put together a variety of ideas, split into classic, online, and seasonal themes.

Classic Preschool Fundraising Ideas

Bake Sale—Everyone loves a bake sale. Parents bring in their homemade goodies and families buy them at pickup. It’s simple, low-cost, and kids love helping out in the kitchen.

Car Wash–Set up in the parking lot with sponges and buckets. Parents, teachers and volunteers can wash cars while the little ones join in by waving signs or spraying water (supervised, of course).

Read-a-Thon–Kids ask for pledges for every book they read in one month. It gets families reading together and helps raise money at the same time.

Art Auction—Children create their own art and then host an art auction where friends and family can bid on their favorite pieces. No one can resist a one-of-a-kind masterpiece made by their child.

Family Picnic–Host a weekend picnic with games, music, and food. Offer an assortment of picnic baskets that can be ordered in advance or have a concession stand selling snacks and juice.

Walk-a-Thon–Kids walk laps around the playground and collect pledges from friends and relatives for every lap made. It’s easy to organize and parents like that it gets their children active while raising money at the same time.

Family Photo Day–Invite a photographer to the school for family portraits. Parents get nice pictures without paying studio prices, and a cut of each session goes to the preschool. Everybody wins.

Parent’s Day Off—Offer babysitting for an afternoon or evening so parents can run errands or just take a break. Families pay for the extra childcare, and kids get some extra playtime with their classmates and teachers.

Art Calendar Sale—Put together a calendar featuring the children’s artwork using websites like Shutterfly or Vistaprint. Families love buying them as gifts, and it's something special people can use all year round.

Logo Merchandise–Reusable tote bags, mugs, or T-shirts with the school name or logo are always good sellers. It spreads the word about the preschool in the community and families like having something useful that shows school spirit—particularly if it's environmentally friendly.

Pajama Day—For a small donation, kids get to come to school in their pajamas. It’s easy to run and the children love that they get to show off their favorite PJs while parents love that it's both low-cost and low-maintenance.

Recycling Drive–Collect bottles, cans, or other recyclables that can be returned for cash and drop them off at the school to be sorted and transported. It's an easy way to raise some quick cash while teaching kids about recycling at the same time.

Virtual Preschool Fundraising Ideas

Virtual Talent Show—Kids record a quick song, dance, or skit at home and share it online. Families donate a small amount to watch, and everyone ends up with a fun video to enjoy later.

Online Auction—Parents and local businesses donate items like gift cards, crafts, or personal services. Families can bid online, which makes it easy for everyone—even relatives far away—to join in.

Digital Raffle—Sell raffle tickets online, then announce the winners through email or during a quick live stream. Simple prizes like gift baskets or donated services get people excited without breaking the bank.

Story time on Zoom–A teacher or guest reader jumps online and shares some of their favorite children's books over video chat. Families make a small donation to join, and children get to enjoy a cozy story session from home.

Virtual Bingo Night–Families buy bingo cards through the school or online and join in over video call. Kids love shouting “Bingo!” and small prizes make it extra fun.

Holiday Preschool Fundraising Ideas

Pumpkin Decorating Contest–Families decorate pumpkins at home and bring them in to display. Votes are cast with small donations, and winners get bragging rights.

Valentine’s Notes—Sell little cards or treats that kids can give to classmates. Parents like the low cost, and kids enjoy surprising their friends.

Holiday Cookie Swap—Parents bake cookies and pay a small fee to join a cookie exchange. Everyone goes home with a variety of treats, making it festive and fun.

Spring Egg Hunt—Charge a small entry fee for a schoolyard egg hunt. Add on some simple prizes or snacks to make it even more exciting for kids.

Whether it’s cookies, costumes, or a quick virtual game, the best fundraisers are the ones kids look forward to and parents can actually enjoy.

The Report Card: The Benefits of Preschool Fundraising

Fundraisers at preschools do more than just bring in money—they help schools thrive and families feel connected. Even small fundraisers can add up, making the school better with every event. Kids, teachers, and parents working together on an activity can make the school feel more like a community—rather than just a place to drop off children.

Children also get more out of fundraisers than just a good time—they get to see how their time and effort can make a difference. Whether they’re collecting recyclables, making small crafts to sell, or helping to count donations, children can watch their efforts and hard work add up. It’s a hands-on way to practice teamwork, and parents love seeing their kids proud of what they’ve accomplished.

One of the best things about these fundraisers is how easy they are for families to join. Quick, low-cost activities let families from all backgrounds take part without feeling pressured. Everyone pitching in—from parents to grandparents, even friends who live farther away—gives the school a real sense of community.

Perhaps most importantly, fundraisers leave memories that stick. Children remember the little things like baking treats for a sale, showing off their talent in a mini performance, or getting their family portrait taken at school. For parents, it’s fun to watch children contribute and help them celebrate the little victories along the way.

In short, preschool fundraising…

• Raises money for supplies, playgrounds, or special programs.
• Brings families and teachers closer together.
• Teaches kids about giving, teamwork, and responsibility.
• Engages more parents and friends in school life.

The Lesson Plan: How to Organize an Event

Running a preschool fundraiser doesn’t have to be stressful. With some planning and a few volunteers, even a small school can pull off an event that brings families together and raises money. Breaking it into steps makes everything easier and keeps volunteers from feeling overwhelmed.

1) Pick the Right Fundraiser

Start by choosing an idea that fits your families. Would they enjoy a weekend event, a quick online activity, or something they can do at home? Picking something fun and realistic makes it more likely that everyone will join in.

2) Get a Team Together

Ask a few parents to pitch in. As they say, "Many hands make light work." Some people can handle ticket sales; others can collect donations or check around for sponsors. A few people sharing the tasks helps ensure things run smoothly and that the event is stress-free.

3) Set a Budget

Even the simplest of fundraisers works better with a budget in place. Write down what you’ll need for supplies, decorations, or online software. Seeing the costs upfront hel gives you an idea of how much the fundraiser could potentially bring in.

4) Promote the Event

Spread the word in ways families will notice. Send flyers home in backpacks, post on the school’s social media sites, and include a notice in the school newsletter. Families are busy so the odd reminder here and there can make a big difference in turnout.

5) Keep Everything Organized

Check in with your team regularly. A simple spreadsheet or free online tools like Trello or Google Drive can help track who’s doing what and what’s left to do. After the event, be sure to thank everyone who helped—families are more likely to join in next time when they feel appreciated.

If you would rather leave your event to the professionals, Paybee is here to help. From ticket sales to post-event reports, we're here to run your fundraiser for you so you can sit back and relax, knowing that your event is in good hands.

The Honor Roll: A List of Winning Strategies

Fundraisers work best when families can't help but want to take part. A few simple tricks can help get more parents involved, raise more money, and make the day even more fun for the kids. Keep it easy, keep it fun, and don’t overthink it.

Share on Social Media – Post a few behind-the-scenes moments, like a photo of the kids making posters or a video of them practicing for the talent show. Visual storytelling gets people interested and encourages families to "save the date."

Use Email Reminders – A brief note with the essential details—time, place, and how to join—is usually enough. Since parents are often busy, keep the message brief so they can stay in the loop without feeling overwhelmed.

Reward Hard Work – Fundraisers are often a family affair, and even the youngest participants can get involved in the fun. Let preschoolers know fundraising efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Offering simple rewards like special stickers, framed certificates or the opportunity to help the teacher with a special classroom task shows the young ones that their hard work is appreciated and will motivate them to participate in the future.

Connect with Local Businesses – Neighborhood cafés, shops, or service providers sometimes like to be involved in school events. They might contribute a small prize, cover supplies, or provide sponsorship, which helps strengthen community ties while supporting the fundraiser. You’ll never know unless you ask; click here to find the best approach.

Offer Digital-Friendly Options – To make it as easy as possible for families to get involved, use online forms and payment tools. Parents can sign up or donate with just a few clicks from their phone or computer, which means less hassle and more convenience for everyone.

Share Past Memories – Take a moment to post photos or quick stories from last year's event. When parents and students see the fun that was had last time, they'll be more likely to want to be a part of it this time around.

Add in Extra Fun – To keep the energy high and the little ones happy, add a few extra activities to your main event. Think simple side games, a coloring station, or a simple photo booth with some silly props. These extras give kids more ways to get involved, which in turn helps families see the event as a fun way to spend the day—not just a way to ask for donations.

New Lessons: The Latest Trends in Fundraising

Fundraising for preschools has changed a lot in the past few years. Parents are busy, families expect convenience, and technology plays a bigger role than ever. At the same time, people want their efforts to feel meaningful—whether that’s helping the environment or staying connected even when they can’t attend in person.

Here are some of the biggest trends shaping preschool fundraisers right now:

Mobile giving made easy - Parents don’t always have cash on hand, but they almost always have their phones. Text-to-give links, QR codes, and donation platforms like Paybee make it simple to donate during events or even while waiting in line during after-school pickup.

Eco-friendly ideas - Families love projects that teach kids about caring for the environment, so make your fundraiser a green one by having plant sales, selling reusable tote bags and water bottles, and by going paperless with digital campaigns.

Hybrid events - After the pandemic, many preschools realized they could reach more families by mixing in-person and virtual options. A car wash might still be on school grounds, but parents and loved ones who can’t make it can join a live stream raffle or donate online.

Visual Storytelling - Quick videos or photo updates show parents exactly how their support helps—new art supplies, fun field trips, or classroom improvements. Visual stories make it easy for families to stay informed and engaged.

Personal touches - Small gestures go a long way. Personalized thank-you notes or updates about how funds are used make parents feel appreciated—and keep them coming back.

The Pop Quiz: Tackling Fundraising Challenges

Even the best planned fundraising events can run into a few bumps along the way. Preschool fundraising comes with its own set of unique challenges, from trying to stay within a budget to making sure families don’t feel overwhelmed. Understanding these common issues and planning ahead can make all the difference.

For example, participation fatigue is a big one. Parents and families are already so busy that when events are too close together, you'll likely see the turnout start to drop.

Then there’s the issue of tight budgets. You need to raise funds without overspending on the event itself, and that can be a tricky balance to get right.

And don't forget about the weather! Outdoor events are a wild card. Rain, extreme heat, or a sudden storm can affect attendance and force you to make some last-minute changes–especially when children are involved.

On top of that, legal and regulatory rules have to be considered. Permits and raffles are frequently subject to local laws, and overlooking them can create problems down the road.

However, the good news is that with some thoughtful planning, most of these challenges can be kept in check. Here's how:

• To handle low participation: Space events out during the year and add virtual options so more families can join in.
• To fix a tight budget: Combine smaller, low-cost fundraisers with larger events to balance out your expenses.
• To avoid weather issues: Always have a backup plan or a hybrid/virtual option ready to go.
• To handle legal hurdles: Check your local regulations early, get permits when you need them, and consult with your school district for guidance.
• To manage volunteer limits: Rotate responsibilities, get parents involved early, and plan your volunteer schedules well in advance.

Fundraising events will always have a few hiccups along the way, but with a little flexibility and some backup plans in place, your school can keep things running smoothly and still put on a successful (and fun) fundraising event.

The School Handbook: Understanding the Rules

When organizing a preschool fundraiser, the fun part is just one piece of the puzzle. There are also rules about permits, donations, and taxes that you’ll need to follow to avoid complications later.

Take event permits for example. Some types of fundraisers—like raffles or sales—require official approval before you begin. The rules aren’t the same everywhere, so it helps to confirm what’s needed in your area.

Donations and taxes can be another gray area. According to the IRS, gifts may qualify as charitable deductions only if the preschool is registered as a nonprofit. If that's not the case, it’s important to be upfront with families so they know what to expect come tax season.

Also, if you're planning on including a raffle or any other "game of chance," you'll often need a license to run it, and some states have strict limits or don't allow them at all. To avoid any surprises, it's a good idea to check your local regulations before you get started.

To keep your fundraising on track, make it a habit to check local requirements, keep good records, and be transparent with parents about what counts as deductible. Taking the time to ensure everything is on the up and up will not only save you from potential problems further down the line, but it will also give you peace of mind that you're running a fundraiser that everyone can feel good about.

School’s Out: Final Thoughts on Preschool Fundraising

Fundraising for preschools is about more than just bringing in money; it's about giving kids a great start and building a strong school community. The ideas we've shared, from classic events to modern digital campaigns, are all about making it easier for families to get involved and feel proud about their school.

In the end, a fundraiser’s real success isn’t just about the money raised—it’s about the memories and strong community ties it creates. To learn more about putting on an event that everyone will love, we have more resources right here on our blog or contact us for more information on how we can help you pull off a great event. We’re fundraising experts and love to “pollinate goodness”. 

Key Takeaways:

• Fundraising is about more than just money—it's about bringing the school community together.
• Today's trends are all about making things convenient, with digital and eco-friendly options that fit into busy schedules.
• The benefits go beyond the budget, from new supplies to memories that last a lifetime.
• For better participation, focus on making every event fun, easy, and convenient for families to join in.
  
  

FAQs About Preschool Fundraising Ideas

• What are some easy preschool fundraising ideas?

Simple, low-stress options work best—think bake sales, read-a-thons, or art auctions. They don’t need much setup and get families involved right away.

• How do you get started?

Start by figuring out what your school needs most, put together a small planning team, pick a fundraiser, and spread the word through newsletters, social media, or flyers.

• What makes a good prize?

Go for kid-friendly and family-friendly items like books, small toys, or fun experiences. Something everyone can enjoy usually works best.

• Are donations tax-deductible?

If the preschool is a registered nonprofit, most donations are tax-deductible. It’s always good to double-check IRS guidelines so families know what to expect.

• How do you run a virtual preschool fundraiser?

Use online tools to handle things like ticket sales and live streams of the event and use social media and email to your advantage so that everyone knows about it-no matter where they are.

‍