Community and school events
Group Yard Sale
Money up front: $10-$30 for advertising
How it works: In lieu of asking for monetary donations from the community, ask for donations of items community members are no longer using and host a group yard sale.
- Find a good date! Yard sales are usually Saturday mornings, but check the community calendar for competing town or sporting events. Try to time your sale to take advantage of spring cleaning.
- Gather donations. Spread the word! Ideally, give people plenty of time to put their items aside for you instead of sending them out to the trash.
- Advertise! Send out emails, put up signs and ads in the paper.
- Maximize profits. Ask for suggested donations rather then tagging prices on items; sell concessions; and have a general donation jar.
Piggyback Fundraising
Money up front: Minimal, just supplies if you aren’t able to get donations
How it works: Jump on board with events already happening in your community!
- Research the school’s calendar, town website or call the town hall, local churches and service clubs to see if they have any upcoming events (car shows, parades, festivals, Election Days, flea markets, etc.)
- Jump on board! Get in touch with the main event planner and see if you can be involved – be clear you are raising funds for an educational travel program.
- What can your group contribute? Face painting, food sales, raffles, carnival activities, coat/bag check…?
- Always have information on hand about your educational tour, as well as a way for people to make additional donations.
Community clean-up
Money up front:$0
How it works: Lend a helping hand in the community while raising funds for your educational tour.
- Look to the community for opportunities to give back and receive sponsorship in return.
- You can do this is two ways: Seek an organization to pay you for your time and services, or ask for pledges per hours worked or trash bags collected.
- Some clean up ideas: park clean up after a town celebration such as Independence Day, cleaning a local stadium after a game - especially helpful on a double-header day - or roadside clean-up.
Restaurant night
Money up front: $5-$20 for advertising
How it works: Advertise a particular night at a local restaurant, help pack the tables and receive a percentage of the profits in return.
- Locate a restaurant in your community that is willing to participate. See an extensive list.
- Advertise the evening through email campaigns, flyers and word of mouth.
- Challenge each other to secure a certain number of commitments from supporters to attend your restaurant night.
- Greet your guests, tell them about your goals and travel plans, and have an opportunity for them to make additional donations. For more information, read our post on EF’s blog, Following the Equator about restaurant nights.
For more fundraising event ideas, download our
Community and School Fundraising Guide (PDF).