We ask a lot about simple ways to raise money for schools, churches, community groups, and local events. One idea that always comes back is keeping fundraising simple and affordable.
Fundraising is basically about collecting money for a cause, group, event, or project. You can ask for donations, run an event, sell something, or try a few different ideas together.
But here is something many people forget. You also need to think about how much you spend while raising the money.
That is where a dollar store fund raising ideas come. You can find affordable party supplies, crafts, toys, stationery, seasonal items, and other small products to use for your fundraiser. You could use them to create a simple game night, school event, craft sale, gift baskets, or even small thank-you gifts for donors.
You do not always need a big budget to start a fundraiser. Sometimes, a few low-cost items and a good idea can be enough to get things moving.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a simple fundraising idea that fits your group and budget.
- Pick affordable dollar store supplies to keep your event costs low.
- Add games, crafts, raffles, or small sales to raise more money.
- Shop Dollar King Retail online or visit one of 11 California stores for your fundraising supplies.
What are Dollar Store Fundraising Ideas?
Dollar store fundraising ideas are simple and low-cost. People can easily take part in and relate to this. Schools, NGOs, Churches and Community groups can easily use these ideas to raise funds. Some of the best dollar store fundraising ideas include: selling DIY Crafts, arranging crafting workshops, raffle baskets, Seasonal decoration sales, etc.
If you want a plan a low-cost fundraiser, there are plenty of simple ideas you can try. You could host a movie night, set up a craft sale, run a car wash, organize a family game night, or sell homemade treats. You can also ask local businesses to donate small prizes or supplies.
If you are planning a bigger event, you can add a few easy ways to raise extra money. Try a lucky draw, small food stall, photo booth, craft table, or donation jar. These little extras can make the event more fun while giving people more ways to support your cause.
Read our blog on planning an event using Dollar King’s Bulk Order Program.
| Fundraiser Type | Dollar Store Supplies Needed | Fundraising Idea | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Groups | Baskets, ribbons, tissue paper, snacks, candles | Themed Gift Baskets | Create baskets for movie nights, self-care, baking, or family activities and sell or raffle them. |
| Churches | Jars, labels, stickers, craft paper, ribbon | Spare-Change Donation Drive | Decorate donation jars and place them at church entrances, events, or approved local businesses. |
| NGOs | Poster board, markers, balloons, tablecloths, donation boxes | Community Awareness Event | Set up an information booth with a donation station, games, and a clear fundraising message. |
| Schools | Paper cups, craft supplies, paint, glue, stickers | DIY Craft Workshop | Charge an entry fee and let students or families make simple crafts to take home. |
| Parent-Teacher Associations | Small toys, pencils, stickers, balloons, treat bags | Party Favor Packs | Assemble inexpensive favor bags and sell them for birthdays, school events, or holidays. |
| Youth Groups | Bingo cards, small toys, candy, cups, prizes | Game Night | Charge an admission fee and use low-cost items as prizes for bingo, trivia, or other games. |
| Sports Teams | Baskets, cellophane wrap, ribbons, snacks, sports accessories | Sports-Themed Raffle Basket | Build a prize basket and sell raffle tickets to families, supporters, and local businesses. |
| Animal-Rescue Groups | Pet bowls, toys, containers, ribbons, treat bags | Pet-Care Gift Packs | Create small packages with pet toys, bowls, grooming items, and commercially packaged treats. |
| Women’s Organizations | Candles, lotions, bath items, cosmetic bags, ribbon | Self-Care Basket Sale | Assemble affordable relaxation baskets and sell them as gifts. |
| Senior Centers | Picture frames, paint, cards, flowers, craft supplies | Handmade Gift Sale | Create simple décor, greeting cards, or keepsakes and sell them at a community market. |
| Environmental Groups | Reusable bags, planters, seeds, labels, twine | Eco-Friendly Starter Kits | Prepare small gardening or reusable-shopping kits and sell them to supporters. |
| Holiday Fundraisers | Ornaments, gift bags, wrapping paper, bows, tags | Holiday Gift Shop | Sell ready-to-give gifts, ornaments, wrapping services, or stocking-stuffer bundles. |
| Local Charities | Clear jars, tickets, baskets, signs, labels | Guessing Jar or Prize Draw | Charge a small fee to guess the number of items in a jar or enter a prize draw. |
| Community Associations | Balloons, tablecloths, cups, plates, decorations | Sponsored Family Fun Day | Organize games, food stalls, and activities, then charge entry fees or accept donations. |
| Clubs and Hobby Groups | Beads, thread, charms, boxes, cards | Handmade Accessory Sale | Make bracelets, keychains, bookmarks, or decorated cards and sell them at events. |
| Other Nonprofit Groups | Envelopes, numbered cards, posters, donation boxes | Envelope Donation Challenge | Number envelopes with different donation amounts and invite supporters to select one. |
What Are Some Dollar Store Fundraising Ideas?
Handmade Craft Sales
If people in your group enjoy making things, a handmade craft sale can be a fun way to raise money. You can sell simple items like greeting cards, painted pots, small decorations, bracelets, or gift items. You can also use affordable craft supplies from a dollar store to keep the cost low.
Virtual Gala
You do not always need a big hall to hold a fundraising event. You can plan a virtual gala and invite people to join from home. Add a few fun activities, share stories about your cause, and give people an easy way to donate during the event.
Online Music Shows
Have someone in your group who loves to sing or play an instrument? Turn it into a small online music show. You can stream the event and ask viewers to make a small donation. You could also invite a few local musicians to take part.
Live Yoga or Workout Challenge
A fitness challenge can get people involved while raising money. You could ask people to join a live yoga, walking, dance, or workout session. Participants can donate a small amount to join or ask friends and family to sponsor them.
Seasonal Decoration Sales
Seasonal decorations can be used as a quick method to earn funds. You can create or purchase inexpensive Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or other holiday decorations and sell them at school, community events, churches, or online.
Holiday Gift Shops
A small holiday gift shop can work well during the busy shopping season. You can sell affordable gifts, stocking stuffers, toys, stationery, mugs, or small home items. People get their holiday
You can also set up a small seasonal decoration shop for a few weeks. Stock it with affordable items that people can use to decorate their homes or events. Or, turn your dollar store fundraising ideas into your reality! A dollar store can be a good place to find low-cost decorations, so you can keep your starting cost under control.
Recycle or Bring and Sell
Ask people to look around their homes for things they no longer use. Old books, small furniture, toys, kitchen items, and other useful things can be sold at a community sale. You can also collect recyclable items and send them to the right recycling center if it pays for them.
Skill Show-Off Events
Everyone has their own skill they can share. Maybe you can cook, paint, or teach someone something amazing. Set up a fun time for them and tell them to pay a small price for the fun activity. You can also sell concessions and collect a little more money.
Conclusion
Fundraising does not always need a big budget. With a simple idea and affordable supplies, you can put together an event that people enjoy and that supports your cause.
Dollar King Retail has 11 locations across California, along with an online store where you can shop from home. This gives fundraisers a simple way to get affordable craft supplies, party items, decorations, toys, and other products without needing to visit multiple stores.
For years, we have helped churches, schools, non-profits, and community groups prepare for fundraisers by supplying affordable products. With more than $10 million worth of products supplied, Dollar King Retail has become a trusted source for groups looking to keep their fundraising costs manageable.
Contact us now for a free quote!
