Around this point in the school year, students and teachers have hit their stride, settling into familiar day-to-day routines. In the midst of academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, it’s a good time for a powerful reminder—to love one another.
Valentine’s day is a light and fun holiday dedicated to celebrating the bonds of friendship and love that weave through our school communities. It arrives at the perfect time, casting a luminous glow on the everyday hustle and bustle. Something as simple as a Hershey’s Kiss or a love note to a teacher can brighten spirits in a way that permeates throughout the school.
So, Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Are you looking for fundraising initiatives that not only create a sense of joy at school, but contribute to the greater good? Look no further than these quick and dirty Valentine’s Day fundraisers for schools.
Quick Valentine’s Day Fundraising Ideas
1. Flash No-Bake Sale
Host a last minute treat sale feature pre-packaged treats, saving time and effort while still generating funds through delicious sales. This could take place at a highly attended event like a basketball game.
2. Carnation Sales
Partner with local florists to sell a classic symbol of Valentine’s Day: the carnation. A beautiful flower with a smaller price tag than the rose, students and parents can purchase and send flowers, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the school.
3. Valentine’s Day Box Contest
Turn a classic school Valentine’s Day tradition into a fundraising opportunity by organizing a box decorating contest. This can be structured in one of two ways: either the participants pay a small entry fee or students can vote with dollars and coins. In either case, the winner will receive recognition and a small prize.
4. Kindness Grams
Encourage a positive school culture by selling Kindness Grams. Allow students to send uplifting messages to peers and teachers. Set an affordable price so that students with different budgets can participate.
5. Friendship Bracelets
Provide materials for students to buy bracelet-making kits. They can take the time to craft a beautiful gift for a friend, and the funds raised can go toward supporting your school, clubs or special projects.
6. Poetic Pencils
Set up a station where students can purchase plain pencils and get creative with provided art supplies. This becomes a mini art session and the students can gift the pencils to parents, friends or loved ones.
7. Raffle of Love
Connect with local businesses or the school community to get items donated for a Valentine-themed gift basket. Think chocolates, coffee, cookies, candles, flowers, socks and all things red and pink. Participants purchase raffle tickets and the winner is announced on the day of love.
8. Valentine’s Movie Night
Host a movie night featuring a love-themed film that is family appropriate. Sell tickets, popcorn and other concessions to raise funds for the school. Here are some movie ideas:
- Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (Not Rated)
- The Princess Diaries (G)
- Enchanted (PG)
- Shrek (PG)
- Beauty and the Beast (1991, PG)
- The Little Mermaid (1989, G)
- Ella Enchanted (PG)
- Lady and the Tramp (1955, G)
- The Princess and the Frog (G)
- The Little Rascals (PG)
9. Candy Grams
This is probably one of the most widely used school Valentine’s day fundraisers because it’s quick, easy and cheap. Raise funds by allowing students to send treats to their friends and teachers for a small fee. Make this classic fundraiser your own with a new spin such as Jellybean-Grams, Lolli-Grams or Choco-Grams.
10. Pink Party Day
Host a day where students can make a small donation to wear pink flare to school. You could even consider allowing them to do something extra special that is normally against dress code, such as pink face paint or hats. This not only adds a vibrant splash of color to the school, but it ties in the true Valentine spirit.
11. Parent/Child Bake-Off
Engage parents and students in a baking competition, with entry fees supporting school programs and special projects. Encourage participants to bring their own baking supplies and provide them with a recipe or a theme. The judges will have the best job of the day!
12. Valentine’s Themed Book Fair
Collaborate with a local bookstore for a quick and easy book fair with a Valentine’s Day theme. A percentage of book sales can go toward your school, while students get to stay on top of their reading skills.
13. Love Note Station
Set up a station where students can purchase and send notes to friends or teachers. There will be special deliveries throughout the day, of course, so that the fun can be spread throughout the school halls.
14. Heart Hunt
Organize a playful heart-shaped scavenger hunt throughout the school. Participants pay a small fee to join and must find all the hearts within a time period to win a small prize.
17. Cupcake Decorating
Host a fast cupcake decorating activity, allowing students to purchase and decorate cupcakes on the spot. Proceeds will go to the school and students can gift the treat or enjoy it themselves.
18. Quick Craft Corner
Dedicate a corner of the school to selling simple craft kits that students can purchase to make as gifts for parents or family members.
19. Valentine’s Photo Booth
Rent a photo booth or grab a parent volunteer with some photography skills. Set up a quick and fun station with Valentine’s Day themed props and backdrops. Charge a small fee for photo sessions as part of this fundraising effort, and students can take home a fun memory with a friend, teacher or parent.
20. Date Night
If you really want to earn parents’ love and support, give them a night off! Have the high schoolers volunteer their time to babysit at the school while the parents get a night out (or in) alone.
Spread the Love while Raising Funds!
These quick and easy Valentine’s Day fundraisers for schools not only bring a sense of camaraderie into your school, they contribute to school initiatives. What is your school’s favorite Valentine’s Day tradition? Drop us a note in the comments!
Connect your Venmo account to MoneyMinder PRO to directly download transactions, saving you time and effort. You just review the transactions to ensure they are properly categorized and fill out any required fields.
Connect your Stripe Account to MoneyMinder PRO to directly download transactions, saving you time and effort. You just review the transactions to ensure they are properly categorized and fill out any required fields.
Set up a MoneyMinder Store free. Just pay 0.4% /transaction*
Connect your Bank, Square and PayPal accounts to MoneyMinder PRO to directly download transactions, saving you time and effort. You just review the transactions to ensure they are properly categorized and fill out any required fields.
Connect your Bank, Paypal and Square accounts to MoneyMinder PRO to directly download transactions, saving you time and effort. You just review the transactions to ensure they are properly categorized and fill out any required fields.
Connect your Bank, Paypal and Square accounts to MoneyMinder PRO to directly download transactions, saving you time and effort. You just review the transactions to ensure they are properly categorized and fill out any required fields.
Join It is a membership management service that helps businesses and nonprofits effectively sell, track, and grow their membership.