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Collapse AllFundraising is an important source of income for school programs and activities. Choose healthy fundraising activities or items that will reinforce the health messages aimed at children and youth throughout the year. Check with your School Board for fundraising ideas and approved vendors. Keep in mind that school fundraisers have to comply with the new School Food and Beverage Policy which came into effect September 1, 2011.
Healthy fundraising activities could include:
- 5-day challenge (e.g., “TV Turn Off Week”) between students, teachers, families and/or classrooms
- Art auction – projects created by each class are put on auction
- Book fair
- Car wash
- Collect pledges for: dance-a-thons, move-a-thons, run-a-thons, sing-a-thons, hoop-shooting events
- Community recipe booklet – with recipes submitted from students, staff, and parents/caregivers
- Craft sale
- Family wellness night contests
- Friendly intramural sporting events
- Gift basket raffle – each class creates a gift basket for the raffle
- Movie nights—be sure to serve healthy refreshments
- Coin drive – each class collects spare change from students
- Rummage sale
- School Spirit days
- Seasonal fun fairs
- Silent auction featuring products/talents from local businesses (e.g., round of golf, horseback riding lesson, haircut)
- Talent night featuring students/families from the school
- Teacher vs. students/parents/caregivers sports games/activities– charge a small admission fee
Healthy fundraising items could include:
- Calendars
- Decorations— students can make decorations, jewellery, etc. for seasonal holidays
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Gift items with school logo (e.g. pens, tote bags)
- Greeting cards, gift bags, gift wrap
- Magazine subscriptions
- Dried fruit
- Seasonings/spices, pasta sauces, marinades, seeds, plants
- School apparel, sporting goods, sun hats
Other sources of funding:
Community Donations
- Approach stores, businesses, and banks in the area for funds, discounts or other donations.
- Community centres and agencies may be willing to donate space or equipment.
- Local service clubs may be willing to donate to your school.
Grants – Check your School Board policy and procedures before applying for external grants
- Breakfast for Learning
- City of Toronto
- Evergreen
- Ministry of Education Parents Reaching Out Grants – funding for projects to increase parent involvement in support of student achievement and well being
- Ophea (Ontario Physical & Health Education Association) – Healthy Schools and Communities Potential Funding Opportunities
- Do a web search for grants and funding available related to your program
