School fundraisers are a great way to bring communities together, raise much-needed funds, and build school spirit. But not every fundraiser works for every student or family. A truly successful school fundraiser should be inclusive, designed to welcome and involve students of all backgrounds, abilities, and income levels.
Whether you’re raising money for field trips, enrichment programs, or extracurriculars, inclusivity should be a priority from the start. In this blog, we’ll show you how to plan and run an inclusive school fundraiser—and offer a list of fun, accessible ideas to get you started.
Why Inclusive Fundraising Matters
Every student deserves the chance to participate in school activities, and fundraising should be no different. Unfortunately, some common fundraisers can unintentionally exclude students and families due to financial barriers, language differences, or accessibility issues.
Inclusive fundraising removes those barriers and helps ensure:
- Every student is eligible to participate, regardless of their ability or family income.
- Parents and caregivers feel welcomed and informed, regardless of their background or language.
- The entire community is represented, fostering a stronger and more connected school culture.
When schools focus on inclusion, they don’t just raise money—they build equity, trust within the community.
Tips for Running an Inclusive School Fundraiser
Start with the PTO Fundraising Committee
One of the most effective ways to make school fundraisers equitable and inclusive is by ensuring that the fundraising committee reflects the diversity of the school community. Here are some ways to make PTO participation more accessible:
- Invite new parent members at the beginning of each school year or semester; don’t just rely on the same group as last year.
- Meetings should be introduced by a school leader who understands and represents the full spectrum of your community, ensuring that everyone feels welcome.
- Rotate meeting times between mornings, afternoons, and evenings to accommodate various work schedules.
- Consider making some meetings virtual and offering virtual options that facilitate active engagement.
- Provide translation for the languages spoken in your school community.
Choose Inclusive Fundraising Ideas
Select school fundraisers that don’t require students to sell expensive products or purchase items to participate. Look for activities that are low-cost or free to join and focus on the community.
Use Accessible Communication
Ensure that everyone receives the necessary information. Translate flyers and emails into the primary languages spoken in your school community. Use simple, clear language and include visuals when possible. Then, promote your fundraiser through multiple channels, including email, text, social media, and printed materials.
Remove Financial Barriers
Offer sliding scale or pay-what-you-can options for fundraising events with a cost. Consider family sponsorships or classroom grants to help cover the costs for students who may not be able to afford participation. Emphasize that donations are optional and all students are encouraged to join in, regardless of their ability to give.
Prioritize Accessibility
Ensure your venue is accessible for individuals with mobility challenges or sensory sensitivities. Offer accommodations when possible, such as quiet zones, visual schedules, or accessible parking and seating.
Highlight Participation, Not Just Fundraising
Some students will be unable to bring in large donations, while others will be able to do so. Celebrate participation and effort, with less focus on actual money raised. Recognize classrooms with the highest percentage of participants.
Use an Inclusive Fundraising Platform
DoJiggy’s free fundraising platform makes it easy for everyone to participate. DoJiggy offers mobile-friendly pages and a user-friendly design. You can customize donation pages and track progress—all in one place.
The Best Inclusive Fundraising Ideas for Schools
Here are some tried-and-true fundraising ideas that are fun, flexible, and accessible to most students and families.
Read-a-thons
Students commit to reading as many books as they can over a set time period and collect donations or pledges per book or hour read. Read-a-thon fundraisers promote literacy, require minimal upfront costs, and work great in any school setting.
Fun Runs or Move-a-thons
Host a non-competitive event where students walk, run, or roll around the school. Ask students to gather pledges online and emphasize the importance of participation and having fun. Add a fun theme with music, cheer stations, and costumes.
Art Show and Auction
Students create artwork to display at a school art show, with the option for families to bid or donate for their child’s art. Entry can be free, and the focus is on creativity rather than fundraising totals.
Multicultural Food Night
Celebrate your school’s diversity with an international potluck or multicultural dinner party featuring food from students and families. Ask for voluntary donations, and invite local businesses to sponsor or donate food.
Movie Night
Host a movie night with free entry and optional concessions for sale. Choose a film with positive, inclusive messaging, offer closed captions, and provide a quiet area for students with sensory sensitivities.
Game Night or Puzzle Tournament
Invite families to an evening of board games, trivia, or puzzle-solving. Entry is by donation, and you can encourage additional donations for snacks and fundraising raffles.
Eco-Friendly Fundraisers
Host a recycling drive, plant sale or swap, or community clean-up day. These events teach environmental responsibility, are open to all, and don’t require participants to spend money.
Learn how to make your fundraisers more environmentally friendly.
School Supply and Clothing Swap
Organize a school supply or clothing exchange where families can donate gently used or new supplies for those in need. Add a donation table to raise money while helping reduce waste and support equity.
T-Shirt or Sticker Design Contest
Invite students to submit designs, and let the school community vote on the best design. Use the winning design to create custom merchandise you can sell or use as giveaways to boost school spirit.
See more inclusive fundraising ideas.
Building an Inclusive Fundraiser That Reflects Your School’s Values
An inclusive school fundraiser does more than raise money—it shows that your school values every student and family. With thoughtful planning, communication, and the right fundraising tools, you can create an event that is welcoming, fun, and impactful.
Whether you’re hosting a walkathon or community festival, DoJiggy is here to help. Our platform makes it easy to manage your fundraiser, reach your goals, and bring your whole community along for the journey.
Ready to plan your next inclusive fundraiser?
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