11 Must-Have Items to Maximize Impact at Your School's Fundraiser

Save your money, raise funds

Whether it’s to raise money for a special event, new equipment or a class trip, fundraising is an essential activity for schools everywhere. 

At Walmart Business, we know that planning a fundraiser is a big task. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of things to stock up on to help make your fundraiser the best it can be.  

Must-have fundraiser items

1. Cashbox

Easy to overlook during prep, yet vital to operations, is the humble cashbox. A strong cashbox with a lock gives you a secure place to store money and other valuable items during your fundraiser. The best cashboxes come with inner trays so you can separate different denominations of bills, but anything that’s secure will do.

2. Tablet

A lot of people no longer use or carry cash, so it’s a good idea for you to be ready to accept digital payments. You’ll need a tablet or your phone and a card reader to process payments from credit or debit cards. 

3. Tickets

If your fundraiser has activities like raffles or games, you might want to sell tickets. For carnival-like fundraisers, your attendees can exchange tickets for a chance to play a game or enjoy a ride. Set up a central location to sell tickets, so you don’t need to worry about too many people handling cash.  

4. Balloons

Balloons are a fun way to decorate. They’re easy to set up, too! Get a helium tank and some ribbon or string, and you’ve got a floating advertisement for your event. Tie a bunch of balloons to road signs to help people find your fundraiser (just be sure to clean up afterward).

5. Posters & markers

You’ll need all kinds of posters for your fundraiser, for everything from directions to the event to pricing signage. Stock up on poster board and plenty of markers and host a poster party beforehand to ensure you are ready to go on the big day.

6. Candy

Candy can serve several different functions at your event. You can sell it to raise money, give it away as prizes at carnival games or put it in gift bags for volunteers. Buying in bulk will help you save money and maximize your profit.

7. Popcorn

Popcorn is another great fundraising food. Selling popcorn can be an event unto itself, or you can sell it as a concession. A popcorn machine will help you make plenty of popcorn quickly—don’t forget the popcorn bags!

8. Baked goods

Hosting a bake-off is a fun and delicious way to raise money. Baked goods like cookies or muffins are easy to transport and store and can be sold at a single, small table. 

9. Bottled water

Bottled water is an often overlooked fundraising item. You’ll want to have plenty on hand to keep your volunteers hydrated, but you can also sell it as a concession to raise extra money. 

10. Coffee

Putting your students to work at a fundraiser is a must, but you’ll also want to recruit plenty of adult volunteers. And adults run on coffee, especially if you plan to start early in the morning or run through the day.

11. Gift cards

Gift cards can be a welcome gift for hard-working volunteers, or you can give them away at a raffle or as prizes at a carnival game. They’re small, easy to manage and come in different denominations, making them an excellent fundraiser item.

Save money stocking up for your fundraiser with Walmart Business

You shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to raise money. With Walmart Business, you have access to everyday low prices on hundreds of items that will make your fundraiser great, so you can stock up on the supplies you need while maximizing the funds you raise. And with Walmart Business+, you’ll receive free shipping with no order minimum¹, free delivery from a Walmart store on orders $35 or more² and can earn 2% in Walmart Business Rewards on orders of $250 or more³.

1. Excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges.

2. Restrictions apply. Additional fee applies for Express delivery.

3. Exclusions apply. See full terms for details.