Creative Fund-Raising Ideas for the Youth

• Selling candy bars and or wrapping paper can turn into tiresome fund-raising activities for youth organizations. The kids may be bored of selling the same old stuff while parents and neighbors are tired of buying it. Ideal fund-raising activities for older kids are those that allow them to show some creativity and do much of the organizing on their own with adult supervision.

Parents Night Out

• In their book, "199 Fun and Effective Fundraising Events for Nonprofit Organizations," Richard Helweg and Eileen Figure suggest holding a parents' night out as a fundraiser. The youth group organizes an evening of fun for little kids, including such activities as face painting, simple crafts and a movie. An adequate number of adults need to be in attendance along with the youth. Helwig and Figure suggest holding this event during the holiday season to allow parents an opportunity to shop, although it would be appropriate at other times as well.

Eating Events

• The following food event ideas, from "Great Fundraising Ideas for Youth Groups" by David Lynn and Kathy Lynn, appeal to all age groups. They suggest a Watermelon Fest, a Spud Night (baked potato bar with lots of trimmings), a Sub Supper, a Sunday Sundae Fun event and a Delightful Dessert night. Kids could plan and carry out any of these events adding their own creative ideas. They may take advantage of donations from parents and other members of the community, as well as some advice on what to charge for attendance at the event.

Kiddie Clothes Re-Sale Event

• An idea from Fundraiser Insight is a sale that features gently used baby and small children's clothing. Many items that little ones have worn are still in great condition because they were outgrown so quickly. Teenagers gather used, clean kids clothing, organize it by size on large tables and figure out a pricing system. They also may include toys and baby items, such as strollers and high chairs.

Canine Events

• A day full of activities devoted to canines in the community can turn into a fund-raising bonanza. Kids advertise the event as a Dog Carnival. Among the ideas from Fund Raising Ideas Center are a dog wash and an "ugliest dog" contest. Other events might include a doggy costume parade, flying disk-catching competitions and a talent show featuring dog tricks. Have a photographer on hand with various props like hats and sunglasses to take and sell funny dog-and-owner photos. Kids solicit area businesses for donations of items, such as dog treats or toys, to sell at the event. Visitors to the carnival pay separately for each event or item.