Top Catholic School Fundraiser Ideas + Template, Tips & Guides

A group of students at a Catholic school fundraiser

Catholic schools rely heavily on fundraisers, such as special events and concession stands, to support their educational programs, student services and facilities. With financial pressures growing, these school fundraisers play a crucial role in sustaining each school’s mission. According to the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), nearly 2 million students attend Catholic schools in the U.S. alone. These institutions often face budget gaps, making fundraising both helpful and essential for maintaining quality education and community engagement. Although some Catholic schools receive support from their parishes, others rely on fundraising to cover as much as 50-80 percent of their budgets. The majority raise 15-30 percent of their funds through events and fundraisers (Catholicschoolplaybook.com). 

 

Table of Contents 

  1. The Top 14 School Fundraising Ideas
  2. Get the Comprehensive List of 157 School Fundraising Ideas 
  3. How to Plan a Successful Catholic School Fundraiser
  4. 10 Essential Catholic School Fundraiser Questions and Their Answers 
  5. Fundraising Just Got Way Easier—Here’s Your Free Kit!

Ultimate-K12-Fundraising-Kit_LP-1

 

The Top 14 School Fundraising Ideas

Illustration of a school office worker coming up with Catholic school fundraiser ideas

Catholic schools face common fundraising challenges, such as limited budgets and the need to reach out to a community of diverse supporters. However, there are many opportunities for creative and effective fundraising - and the student council at school can help with these events! This section lists the top 14 Catholic school fundraising ideas that can help support the future of Catholic education. Keep in mind that many of these events can also be elevated in terms of engagement and excitement with a concession stand to further boost revenue.

 

Traditional Fundraising Events

Traditional school events remain a staple in the fundraising toolkit for Catholic schools, and they often offer opportunities for large-scale participation and significant fundraising success. While charitable giving is up overall, planning the right fundraiser is key to raising the money your school needs for each school year (catholicfundingguide.com). 

It's pretty simple to start a school fundraiser and while all Catholic school fundraisers are different and no two leaders approach fundraising in the same way, the most effective leaders incorporate these elements into every fundraising strategy:

  • Dedicated staff 
  • A thoughtful plan 
  • Transparency and reporting 
  • Major gifts 
  • Campaigns 
  • Events (catholicschoolplaybook.com

Here are 14 specific ideas for Catholic school fundraisers, starting with traditional events.  

 

1. School Galas and Auctions

A gala dinner combined with a live or silent auction is a classic and effective fundraising event. Successful planning involves securing high-profile items for auction, inviting the local community and offering an engaging program that emphasizes the school’s mission and needs. Events like these foster a sense of community while raising substantial funds. 

 

2. Raffles and Lotteries

Raffles and lotteries are simple ways to raise funds. Schools can organize school-wide raffles, offering appealing prizes like vacations, electronics or special experiences. For example, the Catholic United Financial Raffle has raised over $15 million for Catholic schools since 2009 (Catholic United Financial). These events are effective because they involve a low participation cost but can bring in significant donations. 

 

3. Walkathons and Fun Runs

Walkathons and fun runs promote physical activity while raising funds. These events are perfect for engaging the local community and encouraging participants to gather sponsorships for their efforts. These events also promote wellness and unity while raising money for Catholic schools' activities, including tuition support and facility maintenance. An amazing resource for Walkathons and fun runs is free from Vanco.  

 

Faith-Based Fundraising Initiatives

Faith-based fundraising is an effective way to involve parishioners and local religious communities. These events can tap into the shared values of Catholic education and faith. The amounts raised depend on the church size and budget and the experience levels of coordinators and the donor base, but many schools raise between $40,000 and $70,000 annually. Most of these donations are from individuals who have shown an increase in giving in the last few years (catholicfundingguide). 

4. Donation Drives for School Supplies

Schools can mobilize their parishioners to contribute essential school supplies such as notebooks, calculators and textbooks. These drives can garner significant participation by framing the requests as part of their religious mission to support the community. The goal is consistent communication with clear expectations and a genuine appreciation for every donation (Forbes.com). 

 

5. Church-School Partnerships

Collaboration between Catholic schools and local parishes provides a powerful platform for fundraising. Events held during church services or parish festivals can benefit the school directly. For example, during Lent or Advent, special collections or volunteer drives can be dedicated to supporting educational needs. 

 

Alumni and Community Support

Alums and the broader school community are often eager to support their alma maters. Cultivating strong relationships with these groups can result in sustainable, ongoing support. 

6. Alumni Donations and Endowments

Encouraging alums to contribute through donations or establishing endowments provides a long-term financial solution for Catholic schools. Endowment funds help ensure the school’s financial health for years to come. Personalized alum outreach can be a key component of this effort. 

 

7. Booster Clubs and PTA Involvement

Parent and teacher associations (PTAs) and booster clubs are vital to fundraising success. By organizing and leading Catholic school fundraising efforts, these groups tap into the passion and commitment of school families. Successful examples include organizing school dances, sports events or themed nights to raise funds for specific needs such as scholarships or facility improvements. 

Maximize Fundraising Efficiency with 100+ Tools and Templates

Modern Fundraising Approaches

Newer fundraising methods, like online campaigns and grant applications, offer schools fresh ways to engage donors and secure financial support. 

 

8. Crowdfunding Campaigns

Crowdfunding enables schools to reach broader audiences beyond their immediate communities. Platforms like GoFundMe or GiveCampus can host campaigns aimed at raising money for specific goals, such as new technology or facility upgrades. Crafting a compelling, emotional story about the need for donations can significantly increase the likelihood of success (BoosterHub.com). 

 

9. Grant Applications

Many faith-based and secular organizations offer grants that Catholic schools can apply for. Foundations like Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA) provide financial support for Catholic initiatives, including education. Writing a strong, persuasive grant proposal is key to securing these funds. For additional help, tools like the Grant Assistant can guide schools through the application process. 

 

Specialized Fundraising Events

Specialized events cater to specific interests or activities within the school community and can create memorable experiences for donors. Catholic school fundraising ideas do not have to be limited to the school or church but can include a wider area of the community. 

 

10. Golf Tournaments

Organizing charity golf tournaments can attract a different demographic, such as business leaders and professionals. Sponsorships from local businesses can also help defray event costs, maximizing the funds raised. A golf tournament provides a social atmosphere while supporting Catholic school fundraising efforts. 

 

11. Family Fun Nights

Family fun nights are a great way to involve the entire community in fundraising. Activities like carnival games, food trucks and live entertainment create a festive atmosphere while raising money for schools. These events often draw large crowds and are family-friendly, making them accessible to broad audiences. 

 

12. School Auctions

St. Matthew Catholic School’s Bi-Annual Auction, which includes both online and live auction formats, raises substantial funds. Auction items can range from experiences like dinners with local leaders to items like handmade crafts. Incorporating an online component can increase participation and revenue. 

 

Faith-Based Organizations

Partnering with Catholic organizations can provide a strong support network for Catholic school fundraisers. 

 

13. Knights of Columbus and Other Societies

Working with Catholic societies like the Knights of Columbus is an effective way to tap into established networks of donors. These groups often organize fundraising events such as dinners or raffles to support Catholic causes, including education. 

 

14. Catholic Charities and Foundations

Collaboration with Catholic charities and foundations can provide both financial assistance and visibility. These organizations often have access to funding pools and may offer grants or assist in the organization of large-scale fundraising campaigns. 

 

 

Get the Comprehensive List of 157 School Fundraising Ideas  

Our team has worked with thousands of schools for more than three decades. Because so many teachers, admins and staff were interested in all the different types of fundraisers we’ve seen, we made a list of 157 of the best ones.   

Get the Full List of School Fundraising Ideas! 

  

 

How to Plan a Successful Catholic School Fundraiser

We wrote a complete guide, which is where we pulled these essential fundraising planning steps from. If you’re looking for more free tools and details to help you plan your event, check out the free kit complete with 100+ tools

  

1. Set Your Goal  

Decide how much money you want to raise and why. Make sure your goal matches the schools’ needs and aligns with a Catholic education fundraising campaign.  

  

2. Look at What You Have  

Check what resources you already have and what you need. This will help you plan better. Assess support from parishioners, Catholic student activity funds and the local diocese office.  

  

3. Pick the Right Time  

Choose a date that works well and doesn’t clash with other events. Consider annual traditions like an annual giving for Catholic schools event.  

  

4. Choose a Fun Theme  

Pick a theme that people will enjoy, like a school gala fundraising event, family fun night fundraiser or an online auction.  

  

5. Make a Budget  

Include details for expenses related to school fundraising dinners, Catholic charity golf tournaments and school charity auction ideas.  

  

6. Get Parents Involved  

Let parents know what you need and ask them to help. Use newsletters or to share information.  

  

7. Ask Alumni for Help    

Reach out to former students and Catholic alumni associations. They might want to support the school through alumni donations for Catholic education.  

  

8. Use Peer-to-Peer Fundraising    

Get parents, teachers and alumni to share your faith-based school donations fundraiser with their friends and family.  

  

9. Add Fun Activities    

Include games or contests, like dress-up days, BBQs or school raffles, to make the fundraiser more enjoyable.  

  

10. Offer Online Options    

Make sure people can join or donate online if they can’t come in person. Crowdfunding for Catholic schools is a great way to reach more people.  

  

11. Make Sign-Ups Easy    

Use online forms to make it easy for people to sign up for church-affiliated school fundraisers.  

  

12. Make Donations Simple    

Accept different types of payments, like credit cards or PayPal, to make donating online easy. Include options for faith-based education funding and school community fund drives. (And, online payments are easy to set up!)

  

13. Promote Recurring Giving    

Give people the option to donate regularly through annual giving for Catholic schools if they want to keep helping.  

  

14. Use Social Media    

Share updates about religious school fundraising events and fun stories on social media to get people excited about the event.  

  

15. Personalize Invitations    

Make your invitations special so people know why the event is important. Highlight the impact of Catholic elementary school fundraisers.  

  

16. Use Pop-Up Reminders    

Add reminders on your website to encourage people to donate or join upcoming fundraising events for Catholic education.  

  

17. Prepare Your Volunteers    

Make sure everyone knows their role, so the event runs smoothly.   

  

18. Thank Your Donors    

Send thank-you notes or give shout-outs to those who donated. It shows you appreciate them and encourages future faith-based nonprofit support.  

  

 

19. Track What Happened    

Look at how the event went so you can learn and improve for next time. Consider feedback from Catholic parish members, school PTAs and booster clubs.  

  

20.  Share the Success    

Let everyone know how much money was raised and what it will be used for, like supporting capital campaigns. This makes people feel good about helping and builds enthusiasm for future events.  

  

 

10 Essential Catholic School Fundraiser Questions and Their Answers

If you’re looking to dive deeper into specific fundraising strategies or need clarity on specific questions, here are the 10 most frequently asked questions about private school fundraising, with expert answers to guide you. 

 

Boosting Donations for Your Catholic School Fundraiser 

Catholic school payments can be a challenge for families, but with the right fundraisers, that burden becomes lighter. When it comes to boosting donations and support, here are some proven ideas.

 

1. How to write a compelling fundraising letter?


Writing a compelling fundraising letter can be a challenge. Fortunately, it gets easier when you have ready-made templates to work with. That’s why we built several specifically for schools.   

24 Free Donation Letter Templates for School

 

2. What role does social media play in fundraising?

Social media helps spread the word about fundraising events to a large audience quickly and easily. It allows people to share and promote events, making it easier to reach potential donors and supporters. 

 

Costs Associated with Fundraising Ideas for Catholic Schools

 

3. How to estimate the profit from fundraising events?

To estimate the profit, subtract all the costs of running the event (like venue, food, and supplies) from the total money raised. This will give you a clear idea of how much was actually earned for the cause. 

 

4. What are the hidden costs of fundraising activities?

 Hidden costs of fundraising can include things like transaction fees for online donations, unexpected supplies, and marketing expenses that might not be planned for. These can add up and affect the final profit. 

 

Measuring the Success of Your Catholic School Fundraiser

 

5. What metrics should you track for fundraising success?

You should track metrics like the total amount of money raised, the number of donations, donor retention rates, and how much was spent on organizing the event. These numbers help you understand what worked and where you can improve. 

 

6. How to gather feedback after a fundraising event?

A great way to gather feedback after an event is through a post-event evaluation. Many schools use surveys they pass out at events. Some even provide raffle tickets for everyone who fills out a survey as an extra incentive. If you want to learn more about setting up a survey and where to find a free template, check out our free post-event evaluation guide!  

  

What to Consider When Choosing a Catholic School Fundraiser

 

7. What is the common money-raising event for a church or school group?

Common fundraising events for churches or school groups include bake sales, car washes, raffles, and holiday-themed events like Christmas bazaars or auctions. These events are fun and can attract a lot of community support. 

 

8. What is the most profitable fundraiser for schools?

One of the most profitable fundraisers for schools is a school auction or a fun run, where students and families can participate and bid on items or get sponsors. These events often bring in high donations from the community. 

 

9. What is the 80/20 rule in fundraising?

The 80/20 rule in fundraising suggests that 80% of the funds are raised by 20% of the donors. This means that a small group of people often contributes most of the money, so it's important to focus on building strong relationships with these key donors. 

 

10. What is the most profitable thing to sell in school?

The most profitable items to sell in school are usually things that are inexpensive to buy in bulk but can be sold for a higher price, like candy, custom T-shirts, or school supplies. These are popular with students and easy to promote. 

 

These ideas can all help in raising funds, helping families ensure their child can attend your school and providing needed assistance to light the burden of private school billing.

 

 

Fundraising Just Got Way Easier—Here’s Your Free Kit!

The Ultimate K-12 Fundraising Kit: 13 Essential Tools for Success

This fundraising kit is engineered to boost your results with:  

  • A proven, step-by-step guide from an expert with over a decade of experience  
  • A video guide on online school fundraisers with an easy companion manual  
  • A curated list of 148 top fundraising ideas used by over 1,300 schools  
  • 24 persuasive donation letter templates to jump-start your fundraising  
  • Free bot and GPT tools for creating expert-level communications  
  • Prom and Homecoming guides with flyers, plus event checklists for flawless organization  
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The work’s already done for you. Just download and start making a difference.  

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