FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for High Schools?

High schools can unlock diverse fundraising opportunities through grants, corporate sponsorships, and inventive ideas. Our expert insights offer a complete guide for effective strategies.

Top 5 grants for High Schools nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for High Schools. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant

USDA Rural Development

Up to $150,000

Government

Provides technical assistance and training for essential community facilities programs, including educational facilities. Open to nonprofits supporting rural communities.

Apply

Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program

U.S. Department of Education

$500,000 to $750,000

Government

Supports high-quality literacy programs in high-need schools and educational agencies. Nonprofits can partner with schools to apply.

Apply

Walmart Local Community Grants

Walmart Foundation

$250 to $5,000

Foundation

Supports local organizations, including education initiatives. Religious organizations are eligible if the project benefits the community as a whole.

Apply

STEM Education and Workforce Development Grants

American Honda Foundation

$20,000 to $75,000

Foundation

Funds nonprofit programs focused on STEM education for youth, including high school students. Open to 501(c)(3) organizations.

Apply

NEA Student Achievement Grants

National Education Association Foundation

$2,000 to $5,000

Foundation

Supports projects that improve academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools. Nonprofits can partner with educators to apply.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to High Schools nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain High Schools efforts.

Education
Get in contact
Education
Get in contact
Education
Get in contact
Education
Get in contact
Education
Get in contact

Top 5 best fundraising platforms for High Schools

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%

Up to ‍5% + 35¢ per transaction

2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
2.2% + $0.30 per transaction for Stripe processing fees
Platform fees
$0
Annual subscription. Undisclosed price
If optional tips are disabled a 1% to 5% fee apply to each transactions with the Flex Plan. And $1,550 yearly subscription + 1% fee per transaction with the Partner Plan.
4.9% per transaction or a $1,250 flat fee upfront
Monthly fees
$0 / month
No monthly fees
No monthly fees
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
4.5/5
4.7/5
4.6/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
4.4/5
4.6/5
4.7/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
4.8/5
4.6/5
4.9/5

The only 100% free
fundraising platform
for nonprofits

Sign up - it’s free forever!

10 Best fundraising ideas for High Schools in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your High Schools.

1

Personalized Virtual Classroom Experience

Create an interactive online platform where donors can virtually 'attend' classes, engaging with students and teachers in real-time. Offer tiered donation levels for different levels of access and interaction.

2

Community Mural Auction

Partner with local artists to create a large-scale mural representing the school's values and achievements. Divide the mural into sections and auction them off to community members and businesses.

3

Student-Designed Merchandise Line

Launch a competition for students to design a limited-edition merchandise line (t-shirts, hoodies, accessories) representing the school. Sell the winning designs through an online store and at school events.

4

Corporate Skills Workshop Series

Collaborate with local businesses to offer a series of professional skills workshops for students. Companies sponsor workshops, providing funding and expertise, while students benefit from real-world learning experiences.

5

Intergenerational Tech Tutoring

Organize a program where tech-savvy students offer one-on-one tutoring sessions to senior citizens on using modern technology. Charge a fee for the sessions, with proceeds going to the school.

6

Augmented Reality School Yearbook

Create an innovative AR-enhanced yearbook where printed photos come to life with videos and additional content when scanned with a smartphone app. Offer tiered pricing for different levels of AR content.

7

Seasonal Pop-Up Restaurant

Transform the school cafeteria into a themed pop-up restaurant for a weekend, with students as chefs, servers, and hosts. Partner with local culinary schools or chefs for mentorship and menu development.

8

Sustainable School Supplies Subscription Box

Launch a quarterly subscription box filled with eco-friendly school supplies, locally sourced snacks, and educational materials. Partner with sustainable brands for product donations or discounts.

9

Virtual Reality Career Day

Partner with tech companies and universities to create VR experiences of different career paths. Host a VR Career Day where students can explore potential futures and companies can sponsor booths.

10

Community Skill Swap Marketplace

Create an online and in-person marketplace where community members can offer or request skills and services. The school takes a percentage of each transaction as a fundraising mechanism.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are the most effective fundraising ideas for high schools in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">The most effective high school fundraising ideas for 2025 combine traditional methods with digital innovations. Online crowdfunding campaigns, leveraging platforms like GoFundMe or DonorsChoose, have proven highly successful. Virtual events, such as online auctions or streaming talent shows, allow for wider participation and lower overhead costs. Product fundraisers remain popular, with eco-friendly and locally-sourced items trending. Peer-to-peer fundraising through social media challenges can engage students and their networks effectively. Additionally, corporate partnership programs, like BoxTops for Education, provide ongoing passive income. To maximize results, implement a multi-channel approach, combining these methods with targeted email marketing and mobile-optimized donation pages. Remember to clearly communicate your fundraising goals and the impact of donations to inspire greater community support.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can high schools use social media for fundraising in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">In 2025, high schools can leverage social media for fundraising by creating engaging, shareable content across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Develop a consistent posting schedule with a mix of fundraising updates, student success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of school life. Utilize platform-specific features like Instagram Stories for time-sensitive appeals or TikTok challenges to encourage student participation. Live streaming events or Q&A sessions can boost real-time engagement. Implement hashtag campaigns to increase visibility and track metrics. Collaborate with student influencers or local celebrities to expand reach. According to recent studies, social media fundraising can increase donation frequency by 39% when properly executed. Remember to adhere to platform guidelines and school policies regarding student privacy and content sharing. Regularly analyze social media metrics to refine your strategy and focus on the most effective channels for your community.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are the best practices for high school online fundraising campaigns in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">Best practices for high school online fundraising campaigns in 2025 emphasize user experience and data-driven strategies. First, ensure your donation process is mobile-optimized, as over 65% of online donations now come from mobile devices. Implement a clear, compelling call-to-action and streamline the donation process to reduce abandonment rates. Utilize email marketing with personalized content, which can increase donations by up to 200% compared to generic messaging. Incorporate storytelling elements, showcasing specific students or programs benefiting from donations. Leverage matching gift programs, as 84% of donors say they're more likely to give if a match is offered. Use A/B testing for landing pages and email subject lines to optimize conversion rates. Implement recurring donation options, which can increase the lifetime value of a donor by 50-300%. Finally, ensure transparency by providing regular updates on fundraising progress and how funds are being used. This builds trust and encourages ongoing support from your community.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How can high schools increase donor retention rates for fundraising?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">To increase donor retention rates, high schools should focus on building strong relationships and demonstrating impact. Implement a robust stewardship program, thanking donors promptly and personally for their contributions. According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, thanking donors within 48 hours can increase retention rates by up to 400%. Provide regular updates on how donations are being used, using specific examples and data to showcase impact. Segment your donor base and tailor communications to each group's interests and giving history. Offer exclusive experiences or recognition for repeat donors, such as VIP event access or naming opportunities. Implement a monthly giving program, as recurring donors have retention rates over 80% compared to 45% for one-time donors. Use CRM software to track donor interactions and preferences, allowing for more personalized engagement. Finally, conduct annual donor surveys to gather feedback and show that you value their input. By focusing on these strategies, schools can significantly improve their donor retention rates and build a more sustainable fundraising program.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are the emerging trends in high school fundraising technology for 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Emerging trends in high school fundraising technology for 2025 focus on personalization, automation, and data analytics. AI-powered donation platforms are becoming more prevalent, using machine learning to optimize ask amounts and timing. These systems can increase average donation sizes by up to 20%. Mobile giving continues to dominate, with contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet becoming standard. Blockchain technology is gaining traction for its transparency and ability to track donations in real-time. Virtual and augmented reality experiences are being used to create immersive storytelling campaigns, allowing donors to 'see' the impact of their contributions. Chatbots are increasingly sophisticated, providing 24/7 donor support and answering FAQs. Data analytics tools are becoming more accessible, allowing schools to gain deeper insights into donor behavior and preferences. Finally, integration platforms that connect various fundraising tools and CRM systems are streamlining operations and providing a more holistic view of fundraising efforts. Schools that adopt these technologies early can gain a significant advantage in their fundraising efforts.</div>