Creative Fundraising Ideas to Make Your Next School Trip Possible

Educational travel changes lives. But let’s be honest, when schools start running the numbers, the cost of a trip abroad can feel intimidating. The good news? Fundraising doesn’t just close the financial gap. It also strengthens community, teaches leadership, and gives students a sense of ownership in their journey.

Here are some practical (and even fun) ways schools can raise funds – many of which work beautifully in the fall season.

1. Tried-and-True Classics

Bake sales & car washes: They’ve lasted generations for a reason… they work! These small scale events get students and families directly involved while building visibility for the trip.
Silent auctions or raffles: Pairing donated items or experiences with an auction night often draws wider community interest.

2. Seasonal Fall Favorites

Pumpkin patch partnerships: Partner with a local farm or pumpkin patch, offering to help with staffing or promotion in exchange for a portion of proceeds.
Holiday gift wrapping: Many retailers are open to student-led gift wrap stations during the December rush. It’s service-oriented and profitable.
Fall festivals or trunk-or-treats: These events already bring in crowds. Adding a fundraising booth is low-effort, high-visibility.

3. Fundraising in the Digital Age

Crowdfunding platforms: Websites like GoFundMe or group fundraising apps make it easy for families to share with friends and extended networks.
Social media challenges: Encourage students to create fun challenges (think TikTok dances, fitness pledges, or language-learning streaks) and link them to donation goals.
QR code giving: Flyers, posters, and event banners can include QR codes linking directly to donation platforms, making giving instant and seamless. Ask your Kairos Tour advisor on how we can help you create tailored banners for your school.

4. Make It About More Than Money

One of the most powerful aspects of fundraising is how it prepares students for travel. They learn responsibility, teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. Many teachers have shared that when students contribute to the cost of their own trip – even in small ways – they arrive abroad with a deeper sense of ownership. They’re not just tourists; they feel like active participants in the experience.

Raising funds can feel daunting, but when approached creatively, it becomes part of the journey itself. Every dollar earned is a step toward a “Kairos moment” – a chance for students to discover the world beyond their classrooms.