14 School Fundraisers from the ’60s to ’80s That Were Surprisingly Profitable
Remember those days when your school needed new band uniforms or library books? Back in the ’60s through ’80s, schools got creative with fundraising efforts that raked in serious cash.
These nostalgic money-makers not only filled school coffers but created lasting memories for generations of students who peddled, performed, and participated their way to funding success.
1. Magazine Subscription Sales
Nothing screamed ’70s fundraising success like the magazine subscription hustle! Students canvassed neighborhoods with glossy catalogs, convincing relatives to renew their Reader’s Digest or subscribe to TV Guide.
The genius was in the recurring revenue – schools earned commissions not just on initial sales but on renewals for years. My cousin still receives Better Homes & Gardens from a 1978 school drive!
2. Candy Bar Bonanzas
Chocolate-covered almonds, caramel centers, and crispy rice – these sweet treats turned students into pint-sized entrepreneurs. Each cardboard box contained 24-48 bars priced at 50 cents or a dollar, generating quick profits.
Parents inevitably bought multiple boxes when Junior couldn’t make sales, creating office break room legends when they unloaded the surplus at work. The markup was astronomical – schools often earned 50% profit!
3. Car Wash Extravaganzas
Armed with buckets, sponges and questionable drying techniques, teenagers transformed school parking lots into weekend washing stations. These sudsy spectacles combined minimal investment with maximum community visibility.
I still remember our 1983 marching band car wash. We charged just $3 per vehicle but made nearly $900 in a single Saturday! The secret sauce? Adding the irresistible “donations welcome” sign that guilt-tripped neighbors into giving $5 and $10 bills.
4. Bake Sale Blockbusters
Homemade treats displayed on cafeteria tables generated astonishing profits during the pre-packaged food era. Before allergen concerns and health regulations, parents whipped up signature recipes that created loyal followings.
Mrs. Johnson’s brownies might fetch premium prices while Mr. Garcia’s snickerdoodles sold out before first period. The markup was incredible – 25¢ worth of ingredients transformed into dollar bills through the magic of home baking and student marketing.
5. Gift Wrap Goldmines
Holiday-themed gift wrap drives were seasonal cash cows that capitalized on perfect timing. Students peddled rolls of festive paper, bows, and gift tags to neighbors planning their Christmas shopping.
I’ll never forget lugging that massive delivery box home in 1981. My grandmother alone bought seventeen rolls! The pricing was brilliant – $5-$7 per roll seemed reasonable compared to department stores, yet provided schools with 40-50% profit margins on each sale.
6. Candle Selling Campaigns
Scented candles became fundraising phenomena in the late ’70s when home fragrance trends exploded. Students sold these practical items that appealed to adults with disposable income and growing interest in home décor.
The profit margins were spectacular – schools typically earned $4-$6 on each $10 candle. Glass jars with school logos or seasonal themes created collector appeal.
Best of all, these flame-powered moneymakers didn’t expire or melt in student backpacks like chocolate alternatives!
7. Cookbook Collections
Parent-teacher associations struck gold by collecting family recipes into spiral-bound cookbooks. These community treasures featured Mrs. Smith’s award-winning apple pie alongside Principal Johnson’s “famous” chili recipe.
Production costs stayed low through mimeographed pages and volunteer assembly. Each family bought multiple copies as gifts for relatives.
My mom’s 1972 “Franklin Elementary Favorites” cookbook still sits in her kitchen, food stains marking the most beloved recipes from neighbors long since moved away.
8. Wrapping Paper Recycling
Environmental awareness sparked ingenious paper drives where students collected newspapers and magazines for recycling. Schools partnered with recycling companies, earning cash by weight for materials that would otherwise hit landfills.
The beauty was in the volume – entire communities contributed, creating massive paper mountains in school parking lots. Students learned environmental responsibility while raising funds.
Some enterprising schools expanded to aluminum can collection, doubling their eco-friendly profits.
9. Dance-A-Thon Dollars
Disco fever fueled marathon dance events where students collected pledges for hours spent on the dance floor. Inspired by TV dance competitions, these endurance tests combined fundraising with social events teenagers actually wanted to attend.
Our 1979 dance marathon raised over $3,000 for new band uniforms. I still remember my aching feet after 8 hours of dancing to ABBA and the Bee Gees!
The beauty was in the dual purpose – a legitimate weekend social event that simultaneously generated substantial school funding.
10. Plant and Flower Sales
Spring fundraisers bloomed with potted plants and flower seedlings, perfectly timed for Mother’s Day gifts and garden season. Schools partnered with local nurseries to offer geraniums, marigolds, and tomato seedlings at competitive prices.
The profit model was beautiful – schools pre-sold items, collected money upfront, then placed bulk orders with growers. No inventory risk, just pure green profits!
Plus, unlike candy or candles, these living products literally grew in value while teaching students about nature.
11. Talent Show Tickets
Students showcasing questionable musical talents and magic tricks transformed auditoriums into profitable entertainment venues. These shows brilliantly leveraged existing resources – the school already had the space, sound system, and spotlight-hungry kids.
Parents couldn’t resist watching their offspring perform, paying $2-$3 per ticket plus purchasing refreshments during intermission. Our 1974 talent show sold out two performances! The concession stand alone brought in over $400 selling homemade cookies and punch.
12. Coupon Book Campaigns
Local business partnerships created community coupon books offering genuine value while filling school coffers. Students sold these discount compilations featuring “Buy One Get One” deals from pizza parlors and “$5 Off” offers from local shops.
The genius was in the perceived value – $10 bought a book potentially worth hundreds in savings. Businesses gained exposure and new customers while schools earned 50-70% profit on each sale. Unlike candy or wrapping paper, these practical products practically sold themselves.
13. Roller Skating Nights
Local rinks partnered with schools for special evenings where admission fees generated split profits. These events required zero preparation from schools – just promotion and student enthusiasm.
The rink handled staffing, equipment, and facilities while schools collected $1-$2 per student from the discounted admission price. My elementary school hosted monthly skating nights in 1976, each generating around $300 in pure profit.
Parents appreciated the supervised activity while kids skated circles to disco hits.
14. Holiday Craft Bazaars
Gymnasium tables overflowed with student-made crafts and parent-donated items during seasonal markets that coincided with holiday shopping seasons. These events transformed children’s art projects into marketable merchandise while teaching entrepreneurial skills.
Popsicle stick picture frames, painted pinecone ornaments, and tissue paper flowers commanded surprising prices when labeled “handmade by students.” The minimal supply costs meant exceptional profit margins.
Plus, grandparents couldn’t resist purchasing these heartfelt creations regardless of actual artistic merit.