Fundraisers—what a great way to get school kids engaged in an endeavor that will not only benefit their school but create a sense of team-effort, comradery and elevated self-esteem. From candles to gift wrap to candy to Christmas wreaths, selling gifts to promote a cause is fun and rewarding. Sometimes, however, it’s nice to break away from the traditional campaign of placing orders and handing out the goods and replacing that with some zany, non-traditional approaches that can feel like a breath of fresh air—and, possibly, rake in more donations! Here are three wonderful, whacky, off-the-beaten-path campaigns that can be used with almost any school fundraiser, and will garner curiosity and engaged donors.

1. 3 NON-TRADITIONAL
SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS
signaturefundraising.com

2. INFLATABLE ZIP-LINE!
Zip-lining is exhilarating; and you won’t find many people who
wouldn’t want to buy a ticket—or two or three. Zip-line parties are
becoming increasingly popular due to the over-the-top fun this type
of activity provides. Many communities have zip-line rental
companies that specialize in this type of fun; and employees are
required to be well-trained in safety and performance procedures.
No need to be overly concerned about younger children who might
feel hesitant to take a ride on the wild side, since zip-lines with seats
are available which can accommodate up to 300 pounds and be sized
for young children, as well. Also, duo-seating is available so a parent
can accompany a child.
These inflatable wonders can accommodate 200 riders per hour!
With that number in mind, when one figures making a zip-line
available for several hours or even several days, one begins to get an
idea of how much money can be generated for a school’s cause!

3. A PENNY-A-PIECE!
Everybody loves bargains—especially when the bargains involve items that
are in really good shape and sold at rock-bottom prices. ‘A Penny A Piece’
involves the school informing the community--via Facebook, Twitter and
mass text and emails—and asking families to think of one item in their home
they would be willing to part with for a penny. Each child participant would
be asked to communicate with 10 friends, neighbors and/or relatives who
would be willing to donate a personal item for the school’s cause. On a
given day, children (who have communicated previously with their respective
donors) will pick up the items in exchange for a penny a piece—and, of
course, children should always be chaperoned. Everything from kitchen-
ware to frames to toys to furniture can be donated as long as the items are
in good shape. Donors can contribute as many items as they desire—again,
all at a penny a piece.
Once all the treasures are tagged and reasonably priced, they will be
displayed in the school cafeteria for a school-wide flea-market. Guests of
all ages will love the idea of rummaging through these goodies as well as
realizing any purchases would be contributing to the school’s campaign for

4. RUN, FERRET, RUN!
Have you ever considered holding a ferret race for your fundraising campaign?
Ferret races are very common in England; and there are Ferret breeders in the
United States who have contributed these furry weasels as part of fundraising
campaigns for schools. Also, ferret rescue leagues have participated in this type
of unique event, giving the critters an opportunity for some fun exercise and,
possibly, becoming adopted as well. The idea is for campaign volunteers
(including school children) to inform the public, via the Internet, that this activity
will be held at a certain location—usually a school gym. There are several ways
this activity can take place:
1: Ticket-holders, only, are allowed to attend. Everyone with a ticket has their
name put into a drawing for a variety of gift-cards or other various prizes, with
the grand prize being an iPad! Anymore, some iPads sell for as little as $70.00;
and it is possible, a local electronics store would be willing to contribute an iPad
in exchange for some free advertising.
2: A second option allows anyone to attend, but a week or two before the race,
ferrets’ pictures are online where anyone can choose their ‘fave ferret’ they feel,
will win the race. Ticket-holders will mark their purchased ticket with their
predicted winner AND mark the time they feel their ferret will reach the end
zone—based on the start time. Tickets will be gathered and winners are those
who not only predict the winning ferret but predict the closest winning time their
weasel will reach the treat at the end.

5. HOW THE RACE WORKS
A half-dozen ferrets are placed at their own starting ‘gate’ and once
the lid is lifted, the ferrets are allowed to scurry through individual,
roomy, see-through PVC tubing to reach a tantalizing treat on the
other end of the 30-foot length. A number of races can be held
within a reasonable amount of time, with the same stipulations on the
rules of how one wins. Ferrets get a bit of exercise plus a whole lot
of attention and everyone has a hilarious time!
Breaking away from traditional fundraising activities can be a way to
engage more donors as well as attract more participants. Utilizing
more unusual approaches can help to meet and exceed the projected
goal!
Need some fundraiser ideas? Visit us online at:
http://www.signaturefundraising.com/