Fundraising That Actually Works: Tried and True Ideas from the Dance World

Competition fees are piling up. Tuition is back on the calendar every month. And of course, your dancer just announced their jazz shoes are suddenly too tight. Sound familiar?

This is the season when fundraising becomes a lifeline. Most of us get into sports and activities with the understanding that yes, we’ll find a way to pay for it. But fundraising is an incredible tool to ease that financial sting, especially in those early months of a new season.

So let’s talk about it. What works? What doesn’t? And how can you find what’s right for your family?

My Background in Fundraising

I have been fundraising for as long as I can remember. My daughter has been dancing since she was 2 ½ and competing since 2017. Our first Nationals trip was when fundraising went from “nice idea” to “absolutely necessary.”

But truthfully, my love of fundraising started much earlier. In first grade I was the top pizza seller for my PTA. The prize? Principal for a Day. Our local newspaper even put me on the front page where I famously declared that schools needed more T-Rex curriculum. (Yes, I still have the framed article to prove it.)

Indeed, I was quoted “I’d like to learn more about dinosaurs. I like tyrannosaurus rex because he’s really cool”.

Since then, I’ve raised money for nonprofits, friends, and community causes. And over the past several years, I’ve gone from helping my own dancer to running fundraising committees and even helping build a full nonprofit foundation to support dancers in our studio.

So when I tell you what works and what doesn’t, it comes from years of testing, failing, winning, and trying again.

First Things First: Know Your Setup

Before diving into specific fundraisers, ask yourself:

• Does your studio or team already have fundraising resources?

• Is there a parent-led booster group, or is it more informal?

• Do you want to just raise funds individually, or do you want to join the bigger efforts?

For today, let’s focus on what works… whether you’re a solo hustler or part of a fundraising squad.

Fundraisers We Love (and Why They Work)

Online fundraisers with no minimums
These are my absolute favorite because they are low risk and easy to execute. Companies like Little Caesar Pizza Kits, Poppin’ Popcorn, or Fun Pasta Fundraising. You share a link, people order, the company ships directly to them. You usually make less per item, but you also don’t have to hold inventory or worry about leftovers.

give you a personal link to share online. Friends and family order, the company ships directly to them, and you get a percentage of the sales.

The profit per item is usually smaller, often around 40 to 50 percent, but the benefit is that you do not have to buy inventory upfront or worry about storing products in your garage. The risk is almost zero, which means all you have to do is tell your story and share the link. This type of fundraiser is perfect for busy families or when you are just starting to dip your toes into fundraising.

Dine-In and Local Business Give-Back Nights
These can be a win-win because you raise money and also support businesses in your community. Restaurants like MOD Pizza or Red Robin have established give-back programs where they donate a percentage of sales from customers who mention your fundraiser. Many smaller local restaurants, coffee shops, or even ice cream parlors are open to doing something similar if you simply ask.

Sometimes you may need a nonprofit number to qualify, but many places are willing to work directly with a family or team if they understand the cause. The added benefit is that you are not just raising funds, you are building connections within your community. People feel good about showing up, eating dinner, and knowing a portion of their bill is going toward supporting kids.

Car Washes and Bake Sales
Yes, they are a lot of work. But they are also classics because they work. A car wash gets your dancer and teammates outside, being seen in the community, and working together. Pairing it with a bake sale or lemonade stand makes it even more profitable.

People love seeing kids hustle for their goals, and they love rewarding effort. Just be cautious with food safety. Stick with easy baked goods like cookies, brownies, or wrapped treats so you are not risking health department trouble. If you keep it simple, a car wash and bake sale combo can bring in great money and also make the kids feel like they earned it through teamwork.

50/50 Raffle
A 50/50 raffle is simple and fun. You sell tickets, the winner takes half the pot, and the other half supports your dancer or team. The magic is in where you host it. Partnering with an event that already draws a crowd, like a local sports game, a community fair, or even a busy restaurant night, multiplies your sales because people are already there with cash in hand.

The key is knowing your local laws. Some states consider raffles a form of gambling and require a license, especially if the total prize goes over a certain amount. If you are tied to a nonprofit group, you may have more flexibility, but even as an individual family you can often do smaller raffles informally. A little research upfront makes this one smooth and stress free.

Football Squares
These are especially fun during football season, but the idea can be adapted to other sports as well. You set up a grid, people buy in for a square, and the winners are determined by the scores at different points in the game. The mix of chance and excitement keeps people engaged, and it is an easy way to raise money without needing a ton of supplies.

Like raffles, these pair well with events where people are already gathered to watch the game. A neighborhood Super Bowl party, a booster club event, or even a watch party at a local bar can make this fundraiser shine. Just keep in mind that local laws may apply here too, so keep it small or tie it to a nonprofit if needed.

Krispy Kreme Donuts
If you are lucky enough to live near a Krispy Kreme, you should absolutely use it for fundraising. People will happily pay $17 or $20 for a dozen donuts if it means they get fresh Krispy Kremes without having to drive across town.

The structure is simple. You sell tickets or pre-orders, pick up the donuts in bulk, and distribute them to your buyers. The margins are strong, the product is universally loved, and it is almost impossible not to sell out. If you are looking for one sure-fire hit, this is it.

Fan Club Merchandise
This one is special because it connects directly to your dancer. One year we made “Fan Club” shirts for my daughter, and they were a huge hit with family and friends. People love showing support, and years later they still wear those shirts proudly.

We have since expanded the idea into a full fundraiser with sponsor shirts for Nationals. Local businesses put their logos on the back, and the profits go toward competition fees. The kids get to wear something special, businesses get recognition, and parents love seeing their kids in matching gear. It is fundraising and team spirit all in one.

Bingo or Game Nights
These take more planning, but they are incredibly fun and community focused. You gather families together for a night of games, prizes, food, and laughter while raising funds at the same time.

Depending on your state, bingo may require a gambling license, so be sure to check the rules. Even if bingo itself is tricky, you can set up other games, raffles, or contests to keep the evening lively. The real win here is that it builds memories and strengthens your community while also filling the fundraising pot.

Clothing and Textile Drives
This type of fundraiser is underrated but very effective. Partner with an organization that pays by the pound for donated clothing and textiles. People love clearing out closets, and you earn money for every bag collected.

It works especially well if you combine forces with a larger group so you can hit the minimum required by the recycling company. It is green, it is practical, and it can bring in surprising revenue with very little cost.Anything with upfront minimums or purchases
The risk is higher if you have to buy in. We once did Papa Murphy’s pizza cards and it worked, but only because we had a strong system and a large group. If it’s just you, or if the product can spoil, think twice before committing.

Fundraisers We Loathe (or Approach With Caution)

Not every idea is as shiny as it sounds on paper. Some fundraisers can leave families stressed, out of pocket, or sitting on boxes of unsold product. Here are a few I would approach carefully:

Fundraisers with upfront costs or minimums
If you have to buy a certain amount of product first, you are taking on all the risk. When it works, the profit margin can be great, but if you do not sell through, you are stuck with leftovers and out cash. We once did Papa Murphy’s pizza cards and it worked because we had a big group and strong systems, but it is not something I would recommend for an individual family.

Perishable product fundraisers
Think cookie dough tubs, cheesecakes, or frozen meals. These require cold storage, careful pickup planning, and lots of trust that people will actually come grab their order. If someone forgets, you could lose both the sale and the product.

Over-saturated community fundraisers
If five different teams in your town are all selling the same coffee, coupon book, or holiday wreath, your community will start to feel tapped out. You will work twice as hard for half the results, and people may politely decline even if they want to support you.

We learned this lesson firsthand with our annual car wash. For years we scheduled it in late summer, only to realize another local group was hosting theirs around the same time. It felt like we were stepping on each other’s toes, and neither fundraiser was performing as well as it could. So we moved ours to the beginning of summer, and the difference was huge. Families were excited, kids were available to help, and the community was not yet burned out on car wash fundraisers. Timing matters just as much as the type of fundraiser you choose.

Time-heavy events with low return
Some events sound fun but take endless hours to plan and barely raise anything. For example, a carnival-style fundraiser may look amazing but if it requires permits, insurance, rentals, and 20 volunteers, you might raise less than what you put in. Always calculate your “time to money” ratio before committing.

Anything with unclear legality
Raffles, games of chance, and even some online fundraising platforms have fine print and state laws attached. If you are not sure, take five minutes to look up your state’s rules or ask a local nonprofit for advice. A little caution early can save you a lot of trouble later.

Bonus: Side Gigs That Help Pay Dance Bills

Not every dollar has to come from a traditional fundraiser. Sometimes the easiest way to cover competition fees or costume costs is to find small, flexible side gigs that you can fit around your family’s schedule. I have personally used these, and while they are not for everyone, they can be a game changer if you are intentional.

Instacart and DoorDash
If you are already sitting in the car waiting for dance to finish, this one can make sense. Turn on the app, take a few orders, and before you know it, you’ve turned “parking lot waiting time” into cash for costumes.

The catch is you have to be smart about it. You need to know your car’s miles per gallon, average gas prices, and how much wear and tear you are willing to put on your vehicle. There is no point in running across town for a $6 order if it costs you $8 in gas and mileage. Personally, I only take jobs that are nearby or on my way home. And yes, I am picky… if you live on the farthest edge of the island with no tip, I am not your driver.

If you treat it strategically, even one or two nights a week can add up quickly without cutting into your family budget.

Plasma Donation
This one will not be for everyone, but it worked for me during a season of life. When I worked near a plasma center, I could donate during lunch breaks or on my way home. The payouts added up, and it was steady enough to help fill in the gaps for dance expenses.

The key here is location. When gas prices went up and the closest center was 30 minutes away, it stopped making financial sense. If you are close enough and the hours work for you, it can be worth exploring. Most centers pay more for your first few visits, and while it does take time, the income is real.

Your Personal Talents
This is one of my favorites, because everyone has a skill that someone else needs. For me, it has been digital marketing, social media, and content creation. I have also done photography sessions. Even in a saturated market, people still reach out, and every gig adds something to the dance account.

Think about what you can do. Babysitting, tutoring, baking, crafts, yard work, music lessons, graphic design… the list is endless! These side gigs can feel more personal and fulfilling than an app-based hustle, and they often pay better for the time invested.

The Bottom Line…

Fundraising works when you pick the right tool for your situation and your family. Some ideas are low risk and online. Others take elbow grease and community buy in. But every effort adds up.

And remember, the magic is not just in the fundraiser itself. It is in the way you tell the story. Why are you raising the money. Who will it help. How can people be part of it. That piece deserves its own blog post, but for now, use this as a starting point to choose fundraisers that actually work.