Chili Lunch

• Bake sales have long been a popular fundraiser; spice up an old favorite by holding a chili sale with the same idea. Recruit a group of teachers, parents and students to make large batches of their favorite chili recipes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Keep each batch hot in a crock pot or industrial-size food warmer that you have borrowed from the cafeteria or home economics classroom. Sell chili by the bowl to raise money and give students an alternative to lunch in the cafeteria. Because a chili sale can encourage students to eat a healthy lunch and stay safe on school property, the administration is likely to approve the event.
  
  

Crush Sale

• If you are raising money for a middle school or high school, give students the chance to let their friends, significant others and crushes know about their feelings by holding a crush sale. Choose an item that goes along with the time of year and allow students to buy it for a dollar or so above cost and send it to another student with a personalized message. You might choose flowers for Valentine's Day, cans of Orange Crush soda for any time of the year, or candy canes for Christmas. Schedule a cut-off date for signups and designate specific hours for delivery; check with teachers and school management in advance to secure permission to interrupt classes.
  
  

Concert or Talent Show

• Make the most of your students' talents with a fundraising concert or talent show. Hold the event in the school gym or auditorium and invite groups or individuals from across campus to audition for a spot. Start planning as far in advance as possible to schedule facilities use with the principal's office and work with school groups for participation and volunteers. Enlist the high school band and choir to provide an opening act or an intermission entertainment during judging. Spread the word around the community and invite parents and families to come; charge a flat fee for each ticket to raise money. Families and friends will welcome the chance to see their loved ones perform and you can raise awareness of your school's talents.
  
  

Fun Run

• During the non-snowy months, hold a fun run race for a fundraising event that promotes active, healthy lifestyles. Choose a distance that can be easily walked or run, like 5 kilometers, and set up a course that starts and ends at your school. Talk to the principal or athletic director for help securing any necessary permits or safety precautions, and advertise the race around the community a few months in advance. Encourage everyone to participate by putting equal emphasis on the walking part so that families and non-runners can join in the fun. Charge each participant an entrance fee and ask local businesses to donate funds and supplies for runner gift bags and refreshments.