Teaching children how to host and organize fundraisers is an excellent way to teach kids responsibility and work ethic. Raising money on their own also helps children learn to work as part of a team and to stay with a concrete plan. A child can raise money in all sorts of ways--both solo and with a group of people.
Car Wash
A traditional favorite, car washes are a great and easy way to involve kids in raising money. Host the car wash after school or on a weekend, recommends the Albany Medical Center website. Charge $5 or more per car. It might help to combine this fundraiser with a bake sale to occupy drivers while they wait for their cars to be washed. Car washes are also a great group activity for a youth group or large set of siblings.
Garage Sale
Organizing a garage sale can help kids raise money as well as clean out your house or garage, says the Family Education website. Have children take inventory of possible things to sell and ask friends and family if they would like to donate. Have kids write price tags on each item and make signs advertising the garage sale. This idea not only makes money, but it can also help your child practice her math by working with dollars and change.
Read-A-Thon
Many schools host this fundraiser during the school year, but it can also be organized by a single child or small group of kids. Have child collect pledges from family and friends based on how many books they read in a month. The more books the child reads, the more money she can make. Have the child make a goal of how many books she believes she can read. Talk to neighbors or go door-to-door, asking for pledges.
Talent Show
A talent show can quickly become a group activity. Have children think of talents and skills they are good at and organize a talent show. Invite family and friends and charge admission for the show. Talent shows can be held outside, or with school or church permission, inside an auditorium. This fundraiser idea is both rewarding and fun for kids.
