Schools thrive when students feel healthy, supported and connected. Fundraising can do so much more than raise money. Depending on the type of fundraising you choose, it can also strengthen wellbeing and bring communities together.
More schools are turning to initiatives that promote both physical and mental health. As well as raising vital funds, they can also teach lifelong lessons about balance, resilience and teamwork.
Here are ten practical fundraising ideas that support student wellbeing, including hydration, movement, mindfulness and safe, shaded play.
1. Mindfulness morning
Host a morning of guided meditation or yoga. Invite a local instructor or a parent volunteer to lead the session. Charge a small donation per family or class.
Funds can go toward creating a quiet zone with seating, plants and shade. Mindfulness events help students slow down and learn healthy stress-management habits.
2. Walk or ride to school challenge
Encourage students to move more by walking or cycling to school. Families can pledge a donation for each car-free day.
This boosts fitness and reduces congestion.
3. Shaded play fundraiser
Hot weather can limit outdoor play. Raise funds for shade sails or trees by hosting a summer fair or community picnic. Have a shade theme, perhaps even with a challenge for the whackiest way to provide shade for yoursel.
4. Hydration awareness week
Run a week focused on drinking more water. Students can make posters, share facts in assembly and track their intake. Funds could go toward new refill stations or better bubblers. Fun tip: Have a water bottle-shaped thermometer where you can colour the progress towards your goal.
5. Reusable water bottle drive
Potentially combined with #4, sell custom, school-branded bottles to encourage hydration and reduce plastic waste. Add a student design competition to boost engagement.
Local or sustainable suppliers can help keep costs low. Check out the Fundraising Directory for supplier options.
6. RUOK? Day event
RUOK? Day is a great time to open conversations about mental health. Run a gold-coin morning tea, class discussion or creative activity.
Funds can support counselling or peer wellbeing programs.
(Learn more about RUOK? Day for context.)
7. Healthy lunch cook-off
Host a healthy cooking competition. Students can pay a small entry fee and vote for their favourite dish.
This fundraiser teaches nutrition and teamwork. Proceeds can support tuckshop/ canteen upgrades or kitchen garden tools.
8. Lunchtime movement club
Create a movement club for skipping, yoga or group games. Small fundraisers can cover equipment like ropes, mats or speakers.
Parents or teachers can lead activities, and local businesses may sponsor prizes.
9. Garden-to-table project
Grow herbs or vegetables and sell produce at a mini market. It’s hands-on learning that connects students to nutrition and the environment.
Funds can expand the garden or add composting facilities. The project encourages teamwork and practical sustainability.
10. Chill-out zone upgrade
Turn an unused space into a “chill-out” area. This gives students a calm place to recharge. Fundraise for seating, shade or art supplies to make it welcoming. Ideas include selling healthy slushies, a ‘Frozen’ free dress day, or a snow-themed disco night.
Why wellbeing-based fundraisers work
These fundraisers succeed because they connect school goals with community values. Parents and local partners love to support projects that improve safety, inclusion and health. They also deliver lasting results — better hydration, more shade, and healthier habits. Each project builds pride and leaves a legacy for future students.
How the Fundraising Directory can help
This article is brought to you by the Fundraising Directory, which publishes fundraising ideas, how-to articles, a comprehensive supplier directory, current grant opportunities, and a toolbox full of editable templates so Australian volunteers don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
