Fundraising Guide
for Student Trips

• Set Your Goal — Calculate trip costs and decide how much to raise.

• Build a Timeline — Work backward from your departure date.

  Time Before Trip	Focus
  8–9 months	Set goals, plan first event
  6–7 months	Launch online or local campaigns
  3–5 months	Boost outreach, add new events
  2-3 months	Wrap up donations, thank supporters

• Form a Team — Assign roles: leadership, communications, finance, events.

• Choose Your Fundraiser Event or Partner – Pick fundraisers and events that fits your group’s goals and makes participation easy.

• Stay Organized — Track donations and updates in a shared doc.

• Celebrate Progress — Recognize milestones and thank supporters.

To make fundraising even easier, Educational Travel Adventures provides each student with a personalized fundraising link for their trip. This tool helps students share their travel goals, collect donations, and track progress all in one place.

Each student’s custom page can be shared with family and friends by email, text, or social media. Supporters can contribute directly through the secure link, and funds go straight toward the student’s trip balance. This eliminates the need for handling cash or tracking individual payments manually.

The personalized fundraising link encourages students to take ownership of their travel experience. It helps them communicate their goals, stay motivated as they reach milestones, and build confidence in their ability to plan and prepare for their adventure.

By using ETA’s custom fundraising link, every student has a tool that they need to make their trip more affordable and accessible.

View an example fundraising page

A letter writing campaign is a personal and meaningful way for students to connect with family, friends, and community members. By sharing their excitement and goals, students invite others to be part of their travel experience.

Why it works:
People give when they feel connected to a cause. A sincere letter helps supporters understand what the trip means and how their contribution makes an impact.

Tips to maximize success:

• Write from the heart and explain why the trip is important to you.
• Include key details like destination, dates, and what students will learn or experience.
• Provide a clear way to give, such as a fundraising link or mailing address.
• Keep the message short, positive, and polite.
• Follow up with a thank-you note or trip update to show appreciation.

Next steps:
Create a list of potential supporters, draft your letter, and personalize each message. Send your letters through email or traditional mail, then track responses and thank your donors. A thoughtful letter writing campaign can turn genuine connections into meaningful contributions.

A Volunteer-A-Thon combines community service with fundraising. Students volunteer their time for a cause, while collecting pledges or donations based on the number of hours they serve.

Why it works:
This fundraiser inspires generosity and community pride. It highlights the spirit of giving back while helping students reach their travel goals. Supporters love knowing their donations multiply through meaningful service.

Tips to maximize success:

• Partner with local organizations or community projects that need extra help.
• Set clear goals for volunteer hours and pledge amounts.
• Encourage students to share their volunteer stories and photos on social media to inspire donations.
• Keep track of hours and provide updates so donors can see the impact.
• Celebrate your group’s efforts with a thank-you event or highlight reel.

Next steps:
Choose your volunteer activities, set a timeline, and create a pledge form or online tracker. Promote the event to families and local businesses to gather sponsors. A Volunteer-A-Thon not only raises funds but also builds teamwork, gratitude, and real-world connections.

A Rent-A-Volunteer fundraiser connects students with community members who need a hand. From yard work to babysitting, these small jobs let students earn money directly for their trip while helping others.

Why it works:
This fundraiser builds real community connections. Supporters love hiring helpful students for short tasks, and participants gain teamwork skills while earning toward their travel goals.

Tips to maximize success:

• Create a list of safe, age-appropriate services such as raking leaves, cleaning, organizing, or pet sitting.
• Spread the word through flyers, local social media groups, and school announcements.
• Set clear rates or ask for donations based on time worked.
• Keep safety first by pairing volunteers in groups and confirming all details with families in advance.
• Thank every supporter and consider follow-up notes or photos from your trip to show appreciation.

Next steps:
Gather your volunteers, decide what services to offer, and promote within your school and local community. With clear communication and a helpful spirit, your Rent-A-Volunteer fundraiser can turn community service into meaningful support for your trip.

An auction is an exciting way to engage your community while raising significant funds for your trip. Whether hosted in person or online, auctions bring people together and create memorable moments that highlight your group’s purpose.

Why it works:
Auctions encourage participation through excitement and generosity. Donors love contributing items or experiences, and bidders enjoy supporting a meaningful cause while taking home something special.

Tips to maximize success:

• Gather a variety of appealing items such as gift baskets, local services, event tickets, or themed experiences.
• Decide on your format: a live auction or silent auction
  Promote early. Share item previews on social media and through school newsletters to build anticipation.
• Keep the event lively. Add music, light refreshments, and a fun host or student emcee to keep energy high.
• Recognize donors and bidders during and after the event to strengthen community connections.

Next steps:
Start by setting your date and goal, then reach out to local businesses and families for donations. Create an item list, determine pricing or bid increments, and set up your display or online platform. With good planning and enthusiasm, your auction can become one of your most successful and enjoyable fundraisers.

A 50/50 raffle is a simple and high-energy way to raise funds while engaging your community. With minimal setup and a big payoff, it is a smart addition to any event or fundraiser.

Why it works:
In a 50/50 raffle, every ticket sold increases the prize total. Half of the proceeds go to the winner, and the other half supports your group’s fundraising goal. The growing prize keeps people interested and encourages more participation.

Tips to maximize success:

• Set a clear ticket price and offer bundle deals, such as one ticket for $5 or three for $10.
• Announce the drawing time early and remind people throughout your event to keep interest high.
• Promote your raffle before and during the event through flyers, social media, and school announcements.
• Place ticket sellers in busy areas, such as entrances or concession stands, and make it easy to buy tickets with cash or digital payment options.
• Review your state’s raffle regulations to ensure compliance with any required permits or rules.

Next steps:
Choose your date and event setting, decide on your ticket pricing, and organize your volunteer sellers. Promote the raffle widely and keep the energy upbeat. With clear communication and community excitement, your 50/50 raffle can be a fun and effective way to reach your fundraising goals.

Host a pancake breakfast that does more than fill plates. With low costs, universal appeal, and a chance to bring families together, a pancake fundraiser is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support your trip.

Why it works:
Everyone loves pancakes, and a morning event gives families and volunteers a relaxed time to connect while supporting your cause.

Tips to maximize success:

• Set a clear goal. Decide how many tickets you need to sell to meet your fundraising target.
• Choose a convenient date and a familiar venue, such as a school cafeteria or community hall, to encourage strong attendance.
• Involve your community. Recruit volunteers, ask local businesses for sponsorships, and promote through flyers, social media, or school newsletters.
• Add something extra. Offer a pancake toppings bar, a kids’ activity table, or a small raffle to boost engagement and profits.

Next steps:
Pick your date and ticket price, confirm your location, and gather your volunteer team. With a simple plan and enthusiastic support, your pancake breakfast can be a fun and memorable way to fund your trip.

A classic car wash is a tried-and-true way to raise funds while getting your group involved and visible in the community. It’s easy to organize, fun for students, and a great way to build team spirit while working toward your travel goals.

Why it works:
Car washes offer instant results and low overhead costs. They give students the chance to actively participate in fundraising and connect directly with supporters in a hands-on way.

Tips to maximize success:

• Pick a busy, high-visibility location, such as a school parking lot or local business with good traffic flow.
• Gather supplies ahead of time, including buckets, hoses, soap, and microfiber towels.
• Set a suggested donation, but let guests give more if they’d like.
• Create bright, easy-to-read signs and advertise your event on social media and through local partners.
• Keep it fun. Play upbeat music, offer snacks or cold drinks for sale, and thank every supporter with a smile.

Next steps:
Choose your date, secure your location, and organize your volunteers into clear roles for washing, rinsing, drying, and collecting donations. With some teamwork and enthusiasm, your car wash can raise funds and spread excitement for your upcoming trip.

Everyone loves a good treat, and bake sales offer something for every budget. They are easy to organize, fun to run, and provide a great opportunity for students and families to participate together.

Tips to maximize success:

• Offer a variety of items such as cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and allergy-friendly options.
• Choose a busy location, like a school event, community center, or local market.
• Package items attractively and label them clearly with ingredients and prices.
• Promote your sale in advance through flyers, school announcements, and social media.
• Add a creative touch with themed tables, seasonal decorations, or a “donate what you wish” basket.

Next steps:
Plan your date, recruit bakers and volunteers, and organize your setup. Be sure to have change, donation jars, and a cheerful team ready to greet customers. With a warm smile and great presentation, your bake sale can turn simple ingredients into lasting memories and valuable support for your trip.

A Walk-a-Thon or Fun Run is an energetic and healthy way to raise funds while building team spirit. Participants collect pledges for each lap or mile completed, turning every step into support for your trip.

Why it works:
This fundraiser combines community involvement, fitness, and fun. It encourages participation from students, families, and supporters of all ages. Sponsors appreciate seeing visible effort and enthusiasm for a good cause.

Tips to maximize success:

• Choose a safe, easy-to-measure route such as a school track, park loop, or neighborhood path.
• Set clear goals and use pledge forms or online tools to track donations per lap or mile.
• Keep participants motivated with upbeat music, water stations, and visible progress markers.
• Encourage friendly competition by offering small prizes for most laps or best spirit.
• Promote widely and invite families to cheer on participants or volunteer at stations.

Next steps:
Select your date and route, gather permission slips and pledges, and organize volunteers for setup, timing, and safety. After the event, celebrate your success and thank everyone who participated or donated. With energy and teamwork, your Walk-a-Thon or Fun Run can bring your group closer to its fundraising goal one step at a time.

A community yard sale is a simple and sustainable way to raise money while bringing people together. Families donate gently used items, and your group organizes a sale where every purchase supports your travel goals.

Why it works:
Everyone loves finding a great deal, and yard sales are easy to host with little upfront cost. They encourage teamwork, recycling, and community connection while turning unwanted items into valuable funds.

Tips to maximize success:

• Ask students, families, and staff to donate clean, usable items such as books, clothes, toys, and home goods.
• Choose a visible location with good foot traffic, like a school parking lot or community center.
• Price items clearly and offer bundle discounts to encourage larger purchases.
• Promote your sale in advance through social media, flyers, and local online groups.
• Have volunteers ready to greet shoppers, help carry items, and share information about your trip.

Next steps:
Set a date, gather donations, and organize your setup by category for easy browsing. Keep a donation jar at the checkout table for extra contributions. At the end of the day, donate leftover items to a local charity. A well-planned yard sale not only raises funds but also strengthens your community’s support for your travel program.

A Movie or Karaoke Night is a fun, low-cost way to bring your community together while raising money for your trip. Whether you host a film screening or a lively sing-along, this event is all about connection, entertainment, and school spirit.

Why it works:
Everyone loves a relaxed evening out. Movie and karaoke nights are easy to organize and appeal to all ages. They create an upbeat atmosphere that encourages families and friends to participate, donate, and enjoy time together.

Tips to maximize success:

• Choose a popular family-friendly movie or a karaoke theme that fits your group’s personality.
• Secure a space with good seating and sound, such as a school auditorium or gym.
• Sell tickets in advance and offer concessions like popcorn, candy, and drinks.
• Add small touches like themed decorations, a photo booth, or a prize for best performance.
• Promote the event through flyers, social media, and announcements to build excitement.

Next steps:
Pick your date, confirm your venue and equipment, and recruit volunteers for setup and concessions. Encourage students to help with music, hosting, or clean-up. With laughter, music, and teamwork, your Movie or Karaoke Night can be a fun-filled success that brings

A gift wrap fundraiser is a festive and practical way to raise money during the holiday season. Students and families can sell wrapping paper, bows, and gift bags, or offer to wrap gifts for donations, while spreading cheer and supporting their trip.

Why it works:
Everyone needs gift wrap during the holidays, and this fundraiser provides a simple solution while raising funds for a great cause. It is low-cost, easy to organize, and appeals to both families and local businesses looking to save time.

Tips to maximize success:

• Choose a trusted supplier or purchase high-quality wrapping paper in bulk to sell.
• Set up a gift-wrapping station at school events, malls, or community centers during busy shopping days.
• Offer different price tiers based on package size or materials used.
• Add a personal touch with handmade gift tags or decorative ribbons.
• Promote early in the season and share photos of students wrapping gifts to encourage more support.

Next steps:
Decide whether you will sell wrapping products, host a wrapping service, or both. Gather your supplies, recruit volunteers, and schedule your wrapping times. With holiday spirit and teamwork, your gift wrap fundraiser can bring joy to others while helping you reach your travel goals.