With budget cuts being more and more frequent for schools nationwide, fundraising for extracurricular programs has become increasingly important. Active fundraising is a perfect way for schools to raise money for new uniforms, trips or new equipment. The following are 10 fundraising ideas for schools you can’t afford to miss:

1. Discount Cards – Discount cards are a popular fundraising idea for schools. These credit card-sized items offer a variety of discounts from local businesses. Most often, these discounts are to area restaurants, but the cards can also include discounts for oil changes, movie rentals, haircuts, and more. Discount cards often sell for $10 and, generally, all proceeds will go to your school.
2. Restaurant Fundraiser – Team up with a local restaurant and reap the fundraising rewards. With a restaurant fundraiser, the restaurant agrees to donate a specific percentage of sales from patrons who bring in a special school flyer. This is usually a one-day event and generally a big moneymaker.
3. Candy Bar Fundraiser – Candy bar fundraisers have been used for decades. Students can take the candy bars selling door-to-door or at community events. The individual candy bars are usually sold at prices similar to what consumers would expect to find in stores but can be bought in bulk for fundraising purposes at cheaper per unit costs.
4. Car Wash Fundraiser – Car washes are a great way for schools to raise funds when the weather is nice, and they are a perfect way for students to work together.  Market the event throughout the community and select a location with high visibility and traffic. You can either set a fixed price per car or accept donations in exchange for washes.
5. Christmas Greenery – With so many families celebrating Christmas, the holiday season is an excellent opportunity for fundraising.  Your students can sell wreaths and garlands to their neighbors, friends and families.  Many large greeneries have established fundraising programs that ship large orders or you can work with a local greenery.
6. Bake Sale – Hosting a bake sale is another tried-and-true fundraising ideas for schools. Have parents donate baked good such as cookies, cakes, muffins or brownies. Be sure to select a time and place where there will be lots of people, such as a school open house or a sporting event.
7. Hot Dog Sale – Selling hot dogs is a great, inexpensive fundraiser. Set up a hot dog stand at the entrance to a local grocery store (the store may even donate supplies to your sale), at a local festival or at a school sports event. Pair the hot dogs with a small bag of chips and a soda, and you’ll find it hard for people to resist.
8. Battle of the Bands Fundraiser – Encourage the musical talent at your school to rally behind your cause by participating in a battle of the bands event. Offer a small prize for the winning band and sell tickets to family and friends who want to come and support their favorite bands.
9. Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser – A spaghetti dinner event is an easy, low cost way to raise money for your school.  Often, local grocery stores may donate key items, such as spaghetti, sauce, salad ingredients and garlic bread. Pre-sell tickets, so you’ll know how much food you will need. Have students and faculty serve as waiters and offer take-out orders for those who would like to take the dinner home with them.
10. Silent Auction – Silent auctions are potentially one of the most lucrative fundraising ideas for schools. Seek out donations of items and services from community members and local businesses for the auction. Additionally, have students create items that can be auctioned.  To double your fundraising proceeds, hold a silent auction in conjunction to other fundraising events, like a spaghetti dinner.