Fundraising for schools, university societies, and youth organizations doesn’t need to be complicated.
From school trip fundraisers to activity-based university societies or local youth organisations, this guide offers fundraising ideas that are simple, impactful, and volunteer-friendly, including how Collective Sales personalised candle fundraising can make planning even easier.
Choosing the right fundraiser for your group’s size, time, and goals
Bake sales
Easy and community-friendly, but often time-consuming for volunteers — and limited in revenue unless well-attended.
Raffles
Fun and low-cost to run, but require prize sourcing and awareness of local laws on lotteries.
Quiz nights & events
Great for building community spirit, but take planning, bookings, and usually a big time commitment.
Product sales
Straightforward and flexible — you sell something meaningful, and keep the profit. Works well for smaller groups or busy terms when time is tight.
What makes a fundraiser a good fit?
When deciding on the best fundraiser for your school or youth group, it helps to ask:
A low-risk fundraising option: Collective Sales
At Collective Sales, we’ve designed a fundraising model that makes it easy for groups to raise money, without pressure or upfront costs. You:
Common fundraising mistakes and how to avoid them
Lack of clarity
If supporters don’t understand what the money is for, they’re less likely to buy. Make the goal crystal clear — whether it’s funding an international trip, covering camp costs, or buying new equipment.
🕒 Leaving it too late
If supporters don’t understand what the money is for, they’re less likely to buy. Make the goal crystal clear. Whether it’s funding an international trip, covering camp costs, or buying new equipment.
💸 Pricing uncertainty
Worried about what to charge? Be confident in the value. Supporters aren’t just buying a candle or a snack, they’re contributing to a cause and getting something meaningful in return. Frame it that way.
📢 Not promoting it enough
A few messages or outreaches aren’t always enough. Think about how you’ll spread the word: WhatsApp groups, newsletters, school bags, social media, the more visibility, the better.
🎯 Trying to do too much
Keep it simple. A straightforward, low-effort fundraiser is more likely to succeed (and feel achievable for leaders and parents) than something that requires lots of coordination or sign-ups.
FAQ – Fundraising in the UK
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