57 Fundraising Ideas for Childcare Centers: Creative and Profitable Ways to Raise Funds
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.If you’re looking for fresh, effective ways to raise funds for your childcare center, you’re in the right place! Running a successful childcare program often means juggling tight budgets, all while wanting to create enriching, memorable experiences for the kids.
Fundraisers can be a fantastic way to bridge that gap, and with the right approach, they can also build a sense of community and connection with the families you serve.
In this guide, I’ve pulled together 57 creative and actionable fundraising ideas—from classic events to unique twists that are sure to get families excited and involved.
So grab a coffee, and let’s dive into a whole world of fun and profitable ways to support your center!
Before we get started, If you're new to my site, remember to snag my FREE Interview Guide to hiring quality staff for your program before you leave!
Now, Let's explore tons of fundraising ideas for your childcare center, preschool, or daycare.
Not every idea will be the perfect fit, so pick your favorites and have fun!
1. Breakfast for Parents
Plan: Host a breakfast at drop-off (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). Partner with a local restaurant or bakery (like Chick-fil-A) for discounted breakfast items, such as sandwiches and muffins.
Details: Set up a small breakfast station at the entrance with a volunteer or staff member to manage distribution. Offer pre-orders online and promote through social media and emails. For flyers, use tools like Canva to make it eye-catching.
2. Coin Classroom Contest
Plan: Provide each classroom with a clear jar and encourage kids to bring in coins over a designated period, like one week or one month.
Details: Reward the classroom that collects the most coins with a prize, like a pizza party. Consider doing a Penny War (where silver coins deduct from the total) for older kids. Post updates to keep excitement high.
3. Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets
Plan: Purchase small baskets, candy, toys, and decorations from the dollar store. Offer pre-orders for $10–$15, and deliver them to classrooms on Valentine’s Day.
Details: Send order forms home a month before, with options for adding personal messages. Decorate with bows and festive wrap for an extra-special touch.
4. Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Plan: Partner with a local restaurant or prepare meals in-house for families to order and pick up.
Details: Offer a meal including spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad. Use disposable containers and set up a drive-through pickup. Promote through email and social media.
5. Brochure Fundraisers
Plan: Collaborate with a brochure company to sell items like snacks, candles, or gift wrap.
Details: Set a 2-4 week sales period. Consider a small prize for the top seller, such as a tuition discount. Check out companies like ABC Fundraising or Fundraising.com.
6. Parent’s Night Out
Plan: Host a night of fun for kids with activities, movies, and snacks, charging a fee per child.
Details: Promote as a themed night (like Pajama Night), and require advance registration. Staff with volunteers or employees wanting extra pay.
7. Silent Auction
Plan: Collect items donated by families, staff, or local businesses, and display for an auction.
Details: Host either online or in-person. Tools like 32auctions can help set up an online auction.
8. Art Show & Sale
Plan: Set up a gallery with kids’ artwork for parents to “purchase” through donations.
Details: Frame or mat each piece to make it special, and keep the display open for a week. Use an app like ClassTag to share photos.
9. Bake Sale
Plan: Ask families to donate baked goods and sell them during drop-off or a center event.
Details: Price items affordably and set out a donation jar. Label items with allergen information for safety.
10. Raffle Tickets
Plan: Raffle a high-value prize (like a gift card or tech gadget).
Details: Sell tickets for $1-$5 and draw a winner on a set date. Raffle Creator offers online raffle setup.
11. Community Yard Sale
Plan: Collect items from families and host a yard sale on center grounds.
Details: Sort items the day before, assign volunteers, and consider selling snacks for extra revenue.
12. Kids’ Craft Workshop
Plan: Host a crafting event with stations for activities like painting or beading, charging an entry fee.
Details: Provide ample supplies, create sample crafts, and take photos to share with parents.
13. “Guess the Number of…” Jar
Plan: Fill a jar with small items like candy and charge for guesses on the quantity.
Details: Label the jar with the fee (e.g., $1 per guess) and announce the winner on a chosen date.
14. Family Bingo Night
Plan: Host a bingo night with an entry fee and small prizes.
Details: Choose a fun theme, sell additional bingo cards, and promote via social media and newsletters.
15. Family Movie Night
Plan: Host an outdoor or indoor movie night with ticket sales and concessions.
Details: Set up a cozy area and sell popcorn, candy, and drinks. Use projectors from sites like B&H if you need equipment.
16. Subscription Box Fundraiser
Plan: Partner with a subscription box company. A portion of sales goes to your center.
Details: Share the link via email and offer a prize for the family with the most referrals. Sites like Kids Read Now have book boxes that may suit this.
17. Gift Basket Raffle
Plan: Create themed gift baskets and raffle them off.
Details: Sell tickets and draw winners on a set date. Include items donated by local businesses for added value.
18. Dance-a-Thon
Plan: Set up a dance marathon where kids or families participate, with sponsorship per hour or flat fees.
Details: Provide refreshments, music, and small prizes for participation milestones.
19. Bounce-A-Thon
Plan: Rent a bounce house, where kids can jump with sponsorship by the jump or by time.
Details: Offer certificates or small prizes for milestones reached.
20. Kids’ Talent Show
Plan: Host a talent show with singing, dancing, or other acts, charging entry fees.
Details: Offer small prizes and promote the event to boost attendance.
21. Book Fair
Plan: Partner with a book supplier like Scholastic for a book fair with a portion of sales supporting the center.
Details: Set up displays at the center, and consider themed days for added excitement.
22. Adopt-a-Project Sponsorship
Plan: Let families or businesses sponsor specific projects, like playground upgrades.
Details: Create a visual list of project needs and consider plaques or thank-you photos to recognize sponsors.
23. Plant Sale
Plan: Partner with a local nursery to sell plants or seeds, with proceeds benefiting the center.
Details: Promote as a Mother’s Day or Earth Day event, and offer easy-care plants.
24. Custom T-Shirt Sale
Plan: Design T-shirts with your center’s logo and take pre-orders to cover costs.
Details: Offer discounts on bulk orders to boost participation. Use a service like Bonfire to create and sell T-shirts.
25. Holiday Gift Wrapping Station
Plan: Offer gift-wrapping services during the holiday season, charging per package.
Details: Use festive paper, tags, and set up a station at the center. Promote the service with flyers.
26. Photo Day Fundraiser
Plan: Hire a photographer for family portraits or holiday photos. Charge per session.
Details: Offer packages with print or digital options, and schedule sessions in advance to stay organized. You can also book a photography company to come in and photograph the kiddos and give you a percentage of the sales. They do all the work, parents are happy, and you get a kickback from the proceeds.
27. Outdoor Family Scavenger Hunt
Plan: Create clues and challenges for a fun family scavenger hunt.
Details: Charge a participation fee and offer small prizes. Provide maps and instructions for each family.
28. Mug Decorating
Plan: Set up a mug-decorating station and charge per decorated mug.
Details: Provide paint markers and offer themed design suggestions. Bake mugs in the oven to seal designs.
29. Mini Golf Tournament
Plan: Create a mini-golf course with props and obstacles.
Details: Charge per player and decorate each hole with different themes. Offer small prizes for the best score.
30. Family Fun Run
Plan: Host a mini-fun run with entry fees going to the center.
Details: Offer water stations, small prizes, and consider themed runs for added excitement.
31. Spring Festival
Plan: Organize a festival with games, booths, and food for families to enjoy.
Details: Offer tickets for games or set up a wristband system for all-access passes. Include activities like face painting, balloon animals, and other kid-friendly options.
32. Giant Yard Games
Plan: Set up oversized yard games, such as giant Jenga or Connect Four, and charge for participation.
Details: Offer tickets per game session or a flat fee for unlimited play. Promote through newsletters and social media to build excitement.
33. Lemonade Stand
Plan: Set up a lemonade stand on warm days, inviting kids to help serve and participate.
Details: Offer various flavors or pair with baked goods for extra sales. Have students help with decorations and setup to build community involvement.
34. Science Fair
Plan: Host a mini science fair where children present small projects and displays, with an entry fee for viewers.
Details: Offer ribbons or certificates for participation, and set up a small judging panel if desired. Encourage families to donate materials for added cost savings.
35. Pet Parade
Plan: Organize a pet parade where families bring their pets, charging an entry fee for participation.
Details: Offer prizes for categories like "cutest" or "most unique pet." Consider setting up a photo booth and selling pet treats.
36. Gardening Kit Sale
Plan: Sell small gardening kits with items like pots, soil, and seeds for families to take home.
Details: Package each kit with care instructions and offer seasonal plants or flowers. Perfect as a springtime fundraiser!
37. Chocolate or Candy Sales
Plan: Partner with a chocolate or candy fundraiser company to sell products to families. Keep reading till the end for a list of fundraising companies.
Details: Set a selling period, and offer a small prize for top sellers. Update families weekly on progress to keep the momentum going.
38. Coffee Mornings
Plan: Set up a coffee station during drop-off, with a suggested donation for each cup.
Details: Make your own coffee or partner with a local coffee shop if possible, and offer loyalty cards for regular supporters. Great as a weekly or monthly offering.
39. Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Plan: Sell tubs of cookie dough from a fundraising company, allowing families to bake at home (I list cookie dough companies at the end).
Details: Take orders in advance, and coordinate pick-up at the center. Ideal for holidays and weekends!
40. Paint Night
Plan: Host a family-friendly paint night, charging for entry and materials.
Details: Hire a local artist to lead the event, provide snacks, and offer a family-friendly theme. Promote through social media and newsletters.
41. Tricycle Races
Plan: Organize a tricycle race for different age groups, charging a fee for entry.
Details: Set up a closed course with water stations and prizes for winners in each age group. Perfect for an outdoor event on a sunny day!
42. Handmade Ornament Sale
Plan: Have children create handmade ornaments to sell as holiday decorations.
Details: Use craft supplies like paint, beads, and ribbons. Package ornaments in gift bags, and offer customization options if possible.
43. Ice Cream Social
Plan: Host an ice cream stand with scoops and sundaes during a family day or summer event.
Details: Offer toppings like sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream, charging extra for each topping. Set up a cozy station with plenty of seating.
44. Pumpkin Carving Contest
Plan: Hold a pumpkin carving contest in the fall, charging a fee per entry.
Details: Provide small prizes for creative categories like “Funniest” or “Scariest” design. Offer cleanup stations for easy post-event tidying.
45. Carnival Games
Plan: Set up carnival-style games like ring toss, duck pond, and bean bag toss, charging per game ticket.
Details: Offer small prizes and sell additional tickets for snack items like popcorn or cotton candy. Create a carnival atmosphere with music and decorations.
46. Pie Throwing Contest
Plan: Set up a pie-throwing station where families can throw pies at willing staff members, charging a small fee.
Details: Use whipped cream on paper plates for minimal cleanup. Assign a volunteer for cleanup and crowd control.
47. Hot Chocolate Stand
Plan: Set up a hot chocolate station on cold days, offering different toppings and flavors.
Details: Charge per cup and offer bulk discounts for families. Set up a cozy outdoor seating area, if possible.
48. Popcorn Sale
Plan: Sell bags of flavored popcorn as a quick snack for parents during pick-up time.
Details: Offer flavors like caramel, cheese, or classic buttered. Label bags and use a donation jar for any extra contributions.
49. Donut Sales
Plan: Partner with a local donut shop to sell donuts at the center during morning drop-off.
Details: Offer pre-orders to simplify logistics, and consider discount pricing for larger quantities, like a dozen donuts. Krispy Kreme also has an amazing and easy fundraiser.
50. Toy Raffle
Plan: Raffle off a popular toy or educational kit, selling tickets and drawing a winner.
Details: Promote via email and social media, keeping the raffle short for maximum interest. Draw the winner during an event or at a designated date.
51. Charity Run or Walk
Plan: Organize a family-friendly charity run or walk with entry fees supporting the center.
Details: Offer small prizes for participants, water stations, and a cheering section for encouragement. Consider a fun theme, like a color run.
52. Parents vs. Kids Sports Game
Plan: Host a sports game like soccer or baseball, where kids compete against parents for some friendly fun.
Details: Charge a small entry fee and offer snacks or refreshments for sale. Set up cheering sections and invite families to watch.
53. Family Zumba Class
Plan: Host a Zumba class with a volunteer instructor, charging an entry fee for each family.
Details: Clear a space, play upbeat music, and provide water stations. Offer prizes for most enthusiastic participants.
54. Talent Contest
Plan: Host a family-friendly talent show, with entry fees for participants and spectators.
Details: Offer small prizes for winners in different categories (singing, dancing, comedy). Create a relaxed, supportive environment for all.
55. Seasonal Wreath Sale
Plan: Create and sell themed wreaths for holidays or seasons.
Details: Use affordable materials and enlist volunteers to help with assembly. Offer custom options for an extra charge.
56. Snow Cone Sale
Plan: Set up a snow cone stand on hot days, charging for each cone and offering additional toppings.
Details: Rent or borrow a snow cone machine, and set up a toppings station. Offer discounts for bulk orders.
57. Amazon Wishlist
Plan: Set up an Amazon wishlist for items needed at the center, and encourage families to purchase from the list.
Details: Share the wishlist link through email and social media, and thank donors with a shout-out in newsletters or on social media.
Here are some popular fundraiser companies to check out:
Popcorn Fundraisers
Products: Gourmet popcorn with flavors like In Queso Fire and Caramel-DiMente.
Profit: Up to 50% profit per sale.
Details: Fundraising is online through virtual “pop-up” shops, and Double Good ships directly to customers, eliminating in-person distribution.
Products: Flavored popcorn options such as caramel, cheese, and specialty flavors.
Profit: High profit margins with free shipping on large orders.
Details: Orders can be managed through online or brochure sales. Poppin Popcorn offers flexible options for in-person or virtual fundraisers.
Products: Popcorn cones in flavors like Zebra Popcorn and Kettle Corn.
Profit: Up to 50% profit margin.
Details: Offers online and brochure sales options with marketing support, making it easy to integrate into events or online campaigns.
Cookie Dough Fundraisers
Products: Frozen cookie dough in flavors such as chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and white chocolate macadamia nut.
Profit: Up to 40% profit on each item sold.
Details: Tubs or pre-portioned trays are sold via brochure or online orders, with pickup organized by the center. This is a popular option for fall and winter fundraising.
Products: Variety of cookie dough flavors and pre-portioned options.
Profit: Generally offers 40% profit margins.
Details: Dough is sold in convenient tubs or pre-portioned options, making it easy for families to bake at home. Orders can be managed online or in-person.
Chocolate and Candy Fundraisers
Products: Chocolate bars and boxed chocolates, including seasonal holiday options.
Profit: Approximately 50% profit per sale.
Details: Offers both brochure and online sales options with direct shipping, which is convenient for virtual fundraising. Seasonal products make it especially effective for holiday fundraisers.
Products: Chocolate bars, boxes, and other confections.
Profit: Up to 50% profit per sale.
Details: Products are pre-ordered and sold by families, with World’s Finest Chocolate handling packaging. This option is well-suited for in-person fundraisers due to the brand’s popularity.
Gift Wrap and Home Goods Fundraisers
Products: Gift wrap, home goods, and kitchen items.
Profit: 40-50% profit margin on sales.
Details: Families shop online, and items ship directly to them. Charleston Wrap offers a variety of products, making it popular for the holiday season.
Products: Seasonal items, snacks, candles, and home goods.
Profit: Up to 50% profit per item.
Details: Offers both in-person brochure and online sales, with prize programs to boost sales. Meadow Farms includes themed products for holidays, which adds a seasonal appeal.
Products: Snack items, candles, and gift wrap.
Profit: Generally up to 50%.
Details: Midland offers online and brochure options, with a range of items suitable for various seasons. The company also provides marketing materials to increase visibility.
Artwork and Keepsake Fundraisers
Products: Turns kids' artwork into products like mugs, ornaments, and notecards.
Profit: 33-50% per item sold.
Details: Children create artwork which is scanned and turned into keepsakes that families can purchase. This is ideal for holiday gifting, allowing families to order unique gifts featuring their child’s art.
Products: Custom products featuring children’s artwork, including water bottles, tote bags, and magnets.
Profit: Typically around 33% per item.
Details: Artwork is uploaded online for families to browse and purchase. Square 1 Art takes care of order fulfillment, making it simple to manage.
Products: Transforms kids’ artwork into keepsakes such as mugs, notebooks, and apparel.
Profit: Typically 30-40%.
Details: ArtByMe supplies art materials for kids to create pieces either at home or in class, which are then turned into products available online.
Food Kits and Specialty Foods
Products: DIY pizza kits with ingredients for pizzas, breadsticks, and more.
Profit: Earns up to $6 per kit, with higher returns for larger orders.
Details: Customers order online, and the organization handles distribution. Little Caesars is popular for family-friendly meals and offers easy preparation.
Products: Frozen pastries in flavors like cinnamon, apple, and strawberry cream cheese.
Profit: Around 40% per pastry.
Details: Orders are placed in advance, and pastries are delivered frozen for families to bake at home. Butter Braid is particularly effective during the holiday season due to its ease of use and variety.
Products: Fun-shaped pasta in themes such as sports, holidays, and animals.
Profit: 40-50% profit.
Details: Families order online or through brochures, and products are shipped directly to customers. Fun Pasta’s unique themes make it appealing to a wide audience.
Subscription Box and Coffee Fundraisers
Products: Educational subscription boxes covering topics like science, world geography, and early learning.
Profit: Typically 15% per subscription sale.
Details: Families purchase boxes through a designated link, and Little Passports ships boxes monthly. This fundraiser is educationally focused, making it a good fit for schools and centers.
Products: Roasted coffee beans, tea, and specialty hot chocolate.
Profit: Generally 40% per sale.
Details: Both companies allow for online or brochure orders. Giving Bean also roasts coffee fresh for each order, enhancing appeal for coffee enthusiasts.
Discount Card Fundraisers
Products: Customizable discount cards with deals from local businesses.
Profit: Up to 90% per card, depending on local partnerships.
Details: Organizations can customize cards with local deals, making them valuable to the community. These cards offer high return rates due to the significant discounts they provide.
Conclusion
I hope you’re feeling inspired and ready to kick off some amazing fundraisers for your childcare center!
Remember, fundraising isn’t just about raising money—it’s a chance to bring families together, build stronger community bonds, and showcase what makes your center so special.
Start with a few ideas that feel manageable, then build on that momentum. From quick-and-easy activities to larger, seasonal events, each of these fundraisers is an opportunity to engage your families and make a positive impact on your center’s future.
Here’s to successful events, happy families, and a thriving childcare center!
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