Whether kids are taking their first fundraising steps or ready to conquer the world in their senior year, our list of kid-focused, eye-roll-free fundraising ideas has got you covered.

Fundraisers give our kids the chance to learn valuable life lessons like teamwork, giving back, and contributing to the greater good. But more often than not, their involvement starts and ends with handing parents a sticky fundraiser notice covered in unidentifiable remnants of their uneaten lunch. After that initial handover, parents generally take the fundraising baton and run with it.

We all want our children to discover the joy of raising funds for something bigger than themselves, but fundraising often lands somewhere between “clean your room” and “finish your homework” on their to-do list. Coaxing them into participating can be like trying to get them psyched about kale. 

That’s precisely why we curated a collection of kid-approved fundraising ideas that even the most unimpressed tween can get excited about. With a bit of groundwork and some fresh, age-appropriate activations, parents can take a step back and happily hand over the reins.

Before we dig in, let’s review a few quick tips on how to support your kids’ fundraising efforts without taking over.

1. Talk about the cause: Help your kids fully understand why they’re fundraising, where the money is going, and how it’s going to help the cause. It will make the whole process more meaningful.

2. Let them lead: Encourage them to take ownership of their fundraiser. Allowing them to make decisions and steer the ship will boost their confidence and make them more invested. 

3. Set goals together: Sit down with them and set realistic, achievable goals. Clear targets keep kids (and grown-ups!) motivated and give them something to strive for.

4. Encourage friends to join: Fundraising is more fun with a team. Connect with fellow parents and invite your kids’ friends and classmates to participate. 

30 Kid-Approved Fundraising Ideas

Grades K-3

Fashion Show 

Little fashionistas turn forgotten Halloween costumes, thrift store finds, and mom and dad’s wardrobes into kid couture. Donate to their cause to see them hit the runway. Make it work, tiny designers!

Dino Excavation

It’s a paleontology party! Hide a herd of toy dinosaurs in a sandbox and invite little archaeologists to donate, dig, and embrace their inner Ross Geller.

Slime Station

Kids dig it, parents dread it, and it always draws a pint-sized crowd. Bring the slime-making goods, and charge per slime container.

Pajama Party 

Kids invite friends to wear their coziest PJs and prepare for a night of giggles, games, and bedtime stories. Ask for a small donation for entry, and top off the evening with an ice-cream sundae buffet. 

Superhero Bike-a-Thon

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, it’s a mob of adorable little heroes riding for a cause. Kids dress up as their favourite superheroes and hop on their bikes (or tricycles, scooters, etc.), and sponsors donate for every lap they complete. 

Fairy Tale Tea Party 

Host a magical tea party with enchanting decorations, costumes, and fairy tale stories. Little princes and princesses will sip tea from dainty cups while discussing kingdom matters. Charge an admission fee and let the little dreamers indulge in an afternoon of whimsical fundraising.

Teddy Bear Picnic 

Kids are invited to bring their favourite furry friends to a delightful picnic at the park. Donations can be collected for entry, and kids can sell snacks and drinks to raise funds. It’s a beary good idea.

Treasure Hunt 

Arr mateys! Get kids to help create their own treasure maps and hide “treasures” in their backyard or a local park. Charge an entry fee for treasure hunters and provide clues to help them find where X marks the spot.

Toy Swap Sale 

Do you know what kids love even more than their toys? Other kid’s toys. Invite classmates to bring their gently-used toys and sell them to each other—all money going to your chosen fundraiser.

Rock Painting 

Have kids help to gather smooth rocks from around your neighbourhood and set up a rock painting station at a local fair or farmer’s market. Invite other kids to join and charge for each creation. It’s a rock-solid way to raise funds.

Grades 4-7

LEGO Competition

Let’s be real—parents will want in on this, too. Junior architects flex their LEGO skills by constructing their most impressive creations, with entry fees going to their fundraiser. 

Friendship Bracelets

Nostalgic for parents, trendy for kids, and a simple way to raise funds. All you’ll need is some string, an easy pattern, and a bit of patience.

Book Sale

Kiddos gather any well-loved books they’ve outgrown and share their love of reading by selling them to younger students at school. 

Talent Show

Are there some budding stars among you? Every kid has a talent they’ve been dying to show the world—invite classmates to be part of the big show and sell tickets to the community to see that your school’s got talent. 

Scavenger Hunt 

Have your little Sherlocks help to set up a scavenger hunt with cryptic clues and hidden treasures. For a suggested donation, teams race against the clock to be the first to solve the riddles and win a prize.

DIY Bath Bomb Station

It’s no secret—kids love bath bombs. Love ‘em. Get in on the fizzy fun and set up a DIY bath bomb station. For a suggested donation, classmates can create their own colourful, fragrant, spa-worthy bath bombs. 

Miniature Petting Zoo

Bring the barnyard to your backyard! Organize a miniature petting zoo with cute, cuddly critters. Charge an entrance fee, and watch the kids’ faces light up as they get up close and personal with fuzzy friends.

Outdoor Picnic Theater

Movie night just got a whole lot cooler. Choose a late summer evening to host an outdoor picnic theatre complete with blankets, popcorn, and a family-friendly movie under the stars. Sell tickets and enjoy the show!

Tie-Dye Party

Tie-dye is back. Or maybe it never left? Either way, all you need are plain white tees, some vibrant dyes, elastics, and rubber gloves. 

Cookie Decorating Contest

What kid doesn’t like decorating cookies/licking icing off of their fingers? Organize a decorating contest, charge an entry fee, and let the little tykes go wild with frosting and sprinkles.

Paper Plane Competition

Ready, set, fold. Host a paper plane contest where kiddos design and fold their aircraft for a chance at glory. Invite your community to donate and see whose creation soars the highest and farthest. 

Grades 8-12

Art Showcase

Curate a vibrant art gallery (or available classroom) and invite high school students to sell their works of art, with proceeds going to your cause.

Lip-sync Battle

Let the teens take the stage for a lip-sync showdown that’s part talent show, part comedy, and all fundraiser. Charge an entry fee and enjoy the show.

Car Wash 

Dive into nostalgia with a retro car wash. Teens roll up their sleeves to wash and wax cars and have a blast while fueling their cause.

Pet Sitting 

Round up pet-loving classmates, stock up on pet treats and toys, and spread the word on social media. Charge a budget-friendly fee for pet owners.

Face Painting 

Gather some face-safe paints and brushes and do a few practice rounds with friends. Set up shop at a local event or playground, and watch the little ones flock to you! Charge per face, and voila! 

Dance-a-thon

Find a willing venue, gather a few fun-loving sponsors, and create a playlist with your fellow fundraising friends. Once the big night arrives, sponsors donate for each hour of dancing. Don’t forget the snacks!

Karaoke Night

Book a karaoke spot or rock it out in your basement, and add a theme to make it all the more memorable. Either charge an entrance fee or per song request and maybe even throw in a tacky trophy for the best performance. 

Movie Marathon

Grab your popcorn and binge-watch for a cause! Pick a movie series and find a comfy spot with a big screen. Sell tickets and stack up on popcorn and candy.

Smoothie or Juice Bar

Set up a stand outside of a gym or yoga studio and sell healthy, refreshing drinks.

What’s the next step?

Once your kids have chosen their fundraising adventure, it’s time to bring it to life with a free Giving Group. In just a few minutes (and a bit of parental guidance), they’ll have their own fundraising page. The simple management tools let them see every donation in real-time, track progress, and celebrate their success—making the whole experience fun, rewarding, and empowering. 

Here’s how to get started:

Open a free Impact Account

Anyone with an email address can create a Giving Group with a free Impact Account. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry—it only takes a minute.

Create a Giving Group 

Easily set up and start customizing your page. Share your story, add pictures, set goals, and handpick the Canadian charities to support, all from one place. 

Spread the word

Easily share their Giving Group link with friends, family, schoolmates, and parents. Before you know it, your kids will be leading their own successful fundraisers and learning invaluable lessons along the way.