SERVICE & EVENT-BASED FUNDRAISERS

What It Is: 

Meals to Missions helps teams, schools, and organizations raise money through hands-on meal-packing events that bring athletes,  businesses, and communities together around a shared mission.

Think of it as a run-a-thon without the running. Your team works together to pack 10,000 meals for people in need while raising money for your own program. Most groups partnering with Meals to Missions raise between $30,000 and $150,000 per campaign and keep between 62% and 72% of what they raise.

At a Glance:

✔ Most Groups Raise $30,000–$150,000 Per Campaign
✔ Groups Keep Approximately 62%–72% of What They Raise
✔ No Traditional Product Sales
✔ Hands-On Community Service Event
✔ Sponsor-Friendly Opportunity
✔ No Registered 501(c)(3) Required
✔ Great for Teams, Schools & Clubs
✔ Combines Fundraising + Community Impact

Kathy’s Take
What I love about Meals to Missions is that it gives athletes the opportunity to be part of something bigger than sports while also raising serious money for their program.

Instead of selling a product, teams bring athletes, families, businesses, and community members together for a meaningful service project. It can also be easier to bring local businesses on board because sponsors are supporting both your organization and an effort to help people in need.

I’ve spent time getting to know the Meals to Missions team and learning how the program works, so I’m happy to talk it through with you first and make a personal introduction if you’re interested. Email me at kathy@sportsmomcollective.com if you have questions,

If your group mentions Sports Mom Collective when signing up, I’ll send you the tips and ideas I’ve gathered to help you make the most of your campaign, and I’ll help however I can. Seriously, I love this stuff!  And if your event is local and my schedule allows, I’d love to attend and cheer your group on. That’s how much I believe in this fundraiser! If you contact Meals to Missions directly, email Don, the founder, at don@mealstomissions.org and tell him I sent you. He’ll take good care of you! :) 

Website

What It Is
The Barnes & Noble Bookfair is a fundraiser for registered nonprofits that combines shopping, community, and an optional in-store event. Families can shop in-store or online during your Bookfair dates, and a percentage of eligible sales goes back to your group when supporters use your Bookfair ID.

At a Glance
✔ Nonprofit Required: Yes
✔ Upfront Costs: No
✔ Sales Method: In-Store / Online Shopping
✔ Online Shopping Available Nationwide
✔ No Inventory Required
✔ Optional In-Store Event Opportunity
✔ Great for Schools, Clubs, Teams, and Youth Programs
✔ Community-Building Opportunity

Kathy’s Take
I like this one because it can be more than just a shopping fundraiser. Your group can turn it into a simple community event with an info table, story time, team meet-and-greet, or café treat station while families shop and support your cause. I've hosted several group fundraisers at my local Barnes & Noble location and it's always one of my favorites!

🌐 Website

📚 Sports Mom's Guide to Barnes & Noble Bookfair

What It Is: 

Raise Craze is a no-product fundraiser that helps schools, teams, and organizations raise money through donations tied to Acts of Kindness. Participants invite friends and family to support their fundraiser while completing simple acts of kindness in their communities, creating a fundraising experience that focuses on both giving and giving back. 

At a Glance: 

 ✔ Platform Fee: No Upfront Fees
✔ Nonprofit Required: No
✔ Upfront Costs: None
✔ Sales Method: Online
✔ No Product Sales Required
✔ Keep 90%+ of Funds Raised
✔ Acts of Kindness-Based Fundraiser
✔ Dedicated Support & Fundraising Tools Included 

Kathy's Take

 If you're tired of selling products, Raise Craze offers a refreshing alternative. I love that it combines fundraising with kindness and community impact while allowing groups to keep 90% or more of the funds they raise. Fun fact: It was created by parents who knew there had to be a better way.

Website

What It Is: 

Kindness Fundraiser helps schools & groups raise money through acts of kindness instead of selling products or running laps. Students complete simple kindness activities while raising funds to support their school or organization. 

Best For:
Elementary schools, middle schools, PTAs, PTOs, and youth organizations looking for a fundraiser that promotes kindness, service, and community involvement. 

At a Glance: 

 ✔ No Product Sales
✔ No Running Required
✔ Service-Based Fundraiser
✔ Character-Building Focus
✔ Easy to Organize
✔ Can Be Managed by One Volunteer 

Kathy's Take

I’m always drawn to fundraisers that go beyond simply asking for  money or selling products. This one encourages students to make a positive impact while supporting their school or group. I especially like that it's simple to run and well-suited for younger students. 

Website

What It Is

Apex Leadership Co. helps schools and youth organizations raise money through fun, fitness-based fundraising events that combine leadership lessons, character development, and physical activity.  Schools can choose from several fundraising program formats, and Apex also offers Anython, a fundraising program designed specifically for sports teams and youth organizations. 

 ✔ Nonprofit Required: No
✔ Upfront Costs: Contact Apex
✔ Sales Method: Event-Based

✔ Individual Sales Tracking Available: Yes
✔ No Traditional Product Sales
✔ Multiple Event Formats Available
✔ Leadership & Character Education Included
✔ Full-Service Support Available 

If you're tired of selling stuff, Apex is worth a look. I like that it gets kids moving while also weaving in leadership and character lessons. Another big plus is the support. Apex offers several program options and helps with much of the planning and event execution, making it a good fit for schools looking for a fun fundraiser that doesn't put all the work on volunteers.

🌐 Website
 

Boosterthon

What It Is
Boosterthon is a school fundraising company that helps elementary and middle schools run active, event-based fundraisers such as fun runs, glow runs, color runs, dance events, and other school-wide challenges. Schools can choose from different levels of support, from using the MyBooster fundraising platform to working with Booster’s team for more hands-on event planning and execution.

At a Glance
✔ Nonprofit Required: Contact Booster
✔ Upfront Costs: Contact Booster
✔ Fees: Percentage-based, depending on support level
✔ Sales Method: Event-Based / Online Donations
✔ Individual Student Fundraising Pages Available
✔ No Traditional Product Sales
✔ Multiple Event Formats Available
✔ Character / Leadership Content Included
✔ Support Levels Range from Platform to Full-Service

Kathy’s Take
Boosterthon is worth a look if your school wants a high-energy fundraiser with online donation tools, student incentives, and support built in. It’s a more traditional school fun-run style fundraiser, so I’d compare the support level, fees, classroom time, prize structure, and overall fit before deciding if it makes sense for your group.

🌐 Website