As school kicks off in 2025, thousands of teams, clubs, and parent groups are already searching for easy fundraising ideas that can fuel a successful season. Whether you’re coaching a youth sports team, organizing a cheer squad, or managing a booster club, the start of the school year is the perfect time to launch a back to school fundraiser that raises money fast and builds team momentum.
Here are some of the best back to school fundraising ideas for 2025. These fundraisers are simple to run, high in profit potential, and powered by the Team Butter platform, which makes organizing a campaign easier than ever.
1. Cookie Dough Fundraiser
One of the most popular fundraising ideas for schools and sports teams, a cookie dough fundraiser is always a back-to-school winner. With Team Butter, your team can sell delicious, best-selling cookie dough through a fully online platform. There are no order forms, no product storage, and no delivery coordination. Your players simply share a personal link and earn money for every purchase.
Why cookie dough fundraising works in the fall:
- Parents are busy! This is an easy “yes” for them
- Popular flavors and trusted product quality
- Orders ship directly to supporters
- Your team earns 50% of every sale
- Ideal for teams, school clubs, and elementary fundraisers
2. Popcorn Fundraiser
Back to school means back to movie nights, football games, and family events—perfect timing for a popcorn fundraiser. Team Butter’s popcorn fundraising program gives every player a unique link to share with their network. Supporters choose from a variety of gourmet popcorn flavors, place their order online, and receive it right at their door.
Why it’s one of the top back to school fundraisers:
- Easy to promote during early-season games and practices
- Works well for both school-wide and team-specific campaigns
- No inventory, no deliveries
- 50% profit per sale with Team Butter!
3. Discount Card Fundraiser
A discount card fundraiser offers real value to your school community while raising money for your team or club. Supporters get access to deals at popular local and national businesses, and your team earns a large share of each sale.
Team Butter makes the process simple, whether you’re a coach, PTA volunteer, or student leader. Set up your team, share the fundraiser link, and start raising money with no upfront cost.
Why it’s perfect for the school year kickoff:
- High perceived value for donors
- Easy sell to parents, teachers, and local families
- Great for booster clubs and campus-wide drives
- Your team keeps 50% of each purchase
4. Pet Treat Fundraiser
Looking for a unique back to school fundraiser that stands out? Try pet treats. Team Butter offers a pet treat fundraiser that’s perfect for animal lovers, families with pets, and anyone looking for something fresh and fun.
Your team promotes high-quality dog and cat treats to friends, family, and neighbors. Every order supports your fundraiser, and every pet gets something tasty in return.
Why teams love it:
- Appeals to a broad audience of pet owners
- Offers variety beyond traditional snack fundraisers
- Easy to promote through social media and group chats
- Teams earn 50 percent of every sale
5. Spirit Wear Fundraiser
Selling custom t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other school spirit items is a great way to raise funds and build team pride at the same time. You can partner with a local print shop or use an online platform to create a storefront featuring your team’s logo or school colors.
Why spirit wear sells:
- Promotes school unity
- No upfront costs if using a print on demand service like Threadless
- Easy to sell during school events or via email
6. Restaurant Night Fundraiser
Partnering with a local restaurant for a “give-back night” is a simple way to raise money without selling a product. The restaurant agrees to donate a portion of the evening’s sales to your team or club when supporters mention your group during checkout.
Why it’s a strong fall option:
- Great excuse for families to dine out
- Minimal effort for your team
- Works well for sports teams, bands, and PTAs
7. 50/50 Raffle or Prize Drawing
A classic fundraising tool, the 50/50 raffle gives participants the chance to win cash while supporting your team. You can also offer a donated prize like game tickets or gift baskets and sell tickets online or at school events!
Tips for success:
- Check local fundraising laws for raffle requirements
- Promote at back-to-school nights, games, and pep rallies
- Offer bonus tickets for early supporters
Final Thoughts
The start of the school year is the best time to bring your team together and kick off a fundraiser that’s easy, fast, and profitable. Whether you choose cookie dough, popcorn, discount cards, or pet treats, Team Butter gives you the tools to launch a back to school fundraising campaign that gets results.
With no upfront cost, simple online sharing, and real-time tracking through the Team Butter platform, your team can raise money without the stress and start the school year strong.
