Fueling Student Giving: Creative Fundraising Ideas and Tips for Youth

When students take the lead in raising funds for causes they care about, they not only generate resources for local nonprofits—they also discover their own power to create change. Fundraising helps young people practice teamwork, creativity, and leadership while deepening their investment in philanthropy. For educators of 4th–12th grade students, these activities and strategies offer fun, practical ways to mobilize youth and fuel generosity.

Below are fundraising ideas and tips you can bring to your school or youth group. These activities can stand alone or pair with Magnified Giving’s Youth Philanthropy Program, where students grant funds to nonprofits and learn the lifelong joy of giving.

Fundraising Ideas and Tips

• Partner with Local Social Groups
  Connect with community groups like motorcycle clubs or civic associations. Many are eager to support youth and charity causes.

• Empower Student Creativity
  Let students design their own fundraisers. Their ownership leads to higher enthusiasm and effort.

• Faculty Lunch Fundraiser
  Host a meal for teachers and staff in exchange for donations. (It’s true—teachers love to eat!)

• Candy Grams
  Sell small candy notes during lunch or holidays so students can send treats and messages to friends.

• School-Wide Nerf Battle
  Organize an after-hours Nerf competition, charging a small entry fee. It’s fun, energetic, and a great community builder.

• Rivalry Game Fundraiser
  Use school spirit to your advantage. Set up bake sales, raffles, or tables at rival school games.

• Principal Duct Tape Challenge
  Invite students to pay per minute to tape a principal or teacher to the wall. Fun, memorable, and effective.

• Plan Early with Administrators
  Secure approval early in the school year to avoid conflicts with other fundraisers.

• Simplify Handling Funds
  If your district makes it difficult to process donations, send funds directly to Magnified Giving to earmark for your school.

• Leverage Corporate Donations
  Encourage students to share their projects with family and friends. Many companies offer donations or matches if asked.

• Encourage Matching from Student Groups
  Challenge student groups to raise funds to add to their Magnified Giving $1,000 grant. This creates ownership and “skin in the game.”

When youth roll up their sleeves to raise funds, they learn firsthand that giving is joyful, meaningful, and impactful. These ideas and tips are just the start—an opportunity for students to connect their energy with real community needs.

Educators can take the next step by joining Magnified Giving’s Youth Philanthropy Program, which provides $1,000 for students to grant to a nonprofit of their choice. Even better, student-raised funds are matched up to $250, allowing their impact to grow even further.

Learn more and explore how to bring philanthropy alive in your classroom at www.magnifiedgiving.org/youth-philanthropy-program.