Launch a Back-to-School Supplies Drive
Raise funds to purchase essential school supplies for every student through a simple online donation form. Speed up collection and make it easy for parents and community members to contribute.
Establish a Classroom Champions Program
Secure ongoing support for individual classrooms by inviting donors to set up small monthly gifts. Recurring donations give teachers a predictable budget for supplies and enrichment all year long.
Host a Peer-to-Peer Fun Run
Engage students, families, and alumni in a community fun run where each participant raises funds through their own page. Peer-to-peer fundraising sparks friendly competition and broadens your donor base.
Sell Tickets to the Spring Arts Showcase
Manage ticket sales for school plays, choir concerts, or art exhibitions in one place. Online ticketing streamlines check-in, tracks attendance, and maximizes event revenue.
Run a Senior Class Raffle
Boost funds for the graduating class with an engaging online raffle. Sell digital tickets fee-free and automate winner selection to support prom, caps, gowns, and yearbook costs.
Open a School Spirit Online Store
Offer custom-printed apparel, accessories, and gear year-round with zero platform fees. An online store makes it easy for families and supporters to show their pride and support programs.
How Zeffy compares to other fundraising platforms for Schools
Fees | You keep | You loose | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
.svg){kind=small} | 0% platform & processing fees | $50,000 | $0 | |
 | 2.9% + $0.30/transaction | $48,400 |  -$1,600 | |
 | 2.2% + $0.30 + ~2.35% platform fees | $47,500 | -$2,500 | |
 | 2.9% + $0.30/transaction | $48,350 | -$1,650 | |
 | 3.7% + $1.79/ticket + 2.9% processing | $46,550 | -$3,450 (est.) | |
 | 1.99% + $0.49 | $48,560 | -$1,440 |
100% free, always.
Top 6 fundraising ideas for Schools
☀️ Summer Reading Relay
Supporters pledge per page or hour read by students; participants log reading online, boosting literacy and raising funds for new library resources.
🏖️ Beach Clean & Learn
Community beach cleanup paired with pop-up STEM workshops; participants fundraise via registration, enhancing programs and environmental education.
🍋 Community Lemonade Fest
Students run lemonade stands at local spots; community enjoys refreshing drinks, with proceeds funding classroom supplies and school events.
🚲 Bike-a-Thon for Books
Cyclists gather pledges per mile to pedal a scenic route; funds support new book purchases while riders promote literacy at rest stops.
💻 Virtual Talent Showcase
Students and alumni perform in a live-streamed talent show; viewers buy virtual tickets and donate, fostering school spirit and raising funds.
🎨 Chalk the Campus
Artists chalk murals on campus walkways; sponsors bid on squares, transforming sidewalks into art while funding school improvements.
Want more inspiration?
Explore 40+ free Schools fundraising ideas
Top grants for Schools in 2025
EPA Environmental Education Grants
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Up to $100,000
Supports environmental education projects; deadline August 15, 2025.
Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, Cohort 21, Competitive
New Jersey Department of Education
Not specified
Supports community learning centers for academic enrichment and other activities; application due June 26, 2025.
Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (84.129Q)
U.S. Department of Education
Up to $150,000
Provides funding for programs supporting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing; currently open.
Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision (84.129P)
U.S. Department of Education
Up to $175,000
Provides funding for programs supporting individuals who are blind or have low vision; currently open.
Top companies that donate to Schools in 2025
Walmart
Supports education nonprofits through local grants and Spark Good programs
Target
Supports accredited schools and nonprofits through grants, community engagement funds, and gift card donations
DonorsChoose
Supports public school teachers by connecting donors with classroom project needs
State Farm
Matches contributions to schools and universities as part of their education and safety nonprofit support
