Prizes and fundraiser incentives don’t always have to be costly. Here’s a list of 35 free or almost free incentives to help you reach your fundraising goals.
Individual Incentives
1. Wear your favorite hat to school
2. Receive bonus points on the next test
3. Be recognized during announcements
4. Choose any class job for the week
5. Be the first in line at recess or at the end of school
6. Keep a favorite toy at your desk during classtime
7. Receive a free homework pass
8. Get extra time at the computer/in the computer room
9. Special hall pass to leave class early on a Friday
10. Choose what assignment class does for homework
11. Be a teacher’s helper for a day
12. Grab bags with goodies
School-wide or Class Incentives
1. Dunking contest for staff
2. Throw water balloons at your favorite teacher
3. Music/dance party in the class room
4. Free recess
5. Eat lunch outdoors as a class or school
6. Listen to music during recess or lunch
7. Pizza day
8. “Silly string” teachers at an assembly
9. Earn a trophy or plaque to hang in a classroom
10. Classroom can play a game of choice
11. Can wear pajamas to school
12. Extra art or gym time for class
13. Teachers have a dance off at school assembly
14. Chance to watch a movie during school
15. Bounce house during recess
Other Incentives
1. Teacher will shave their head if the group meets their goal
2. Principal bananna split sundae
3. Create some motivating competition between classes with a group reward for top selling class (music party, pizza party, etc.)
4. Limo ride for top sellers to go to a local game, dance or event
5. Laser tag party at a local gym
6. Dance party with DJ after school
7. iTunes gift cards
8. Amazon gift cards
Fundraising Prize FAQs
Why are fundraising incentives important?
Fundraising prizes can increase your fundraising revenue and make your campaign more fun for participants. Especially when fundraising with kids, providing an incentive can prompt your fundraisers to push themselves to do their very best.
However, be careful not to neglect intrinsic motivation in favor of flashy fundraising prizes. By all means, stoke some healthy competition through your prizes. Just remember to also share how your fundraiser will help your organization achieve impact to incite supporters’ passion for your cause.
What are good prizes for fundraisers?
Popular incentives generally fall into one of three categories: tangible prizes (like food or gifts), experiential rewards (like parties or homework passes), or recognition (like social media shoutouts or engraved bricks for a capital campaign).
The key to choosing the right prize is to know what your supporters value. From there, you can compare how different prizes align with your mission and your budget. For example, an environmental nonprofit might avoid single-use prize items in favor of experiences.
How should we advertise fundraising prizes?
Share details about your fundraising prizes before your campaign starts to drum up support, using multiple communication channels. Social media can be a particularly effective way to get the word out about your campaign and its incentives.
Does your school hold a walk-a-thon or other “a-thon” fundraiser? We can help you raise a ton more while eliminating the work for you and your parents. Watch a quick video or email us at schools@99pledges.com for a sample campaign and more information.