Easy Fundraising Ideas NZ - Simple Ways to Raise Funds
Discover simple, low-cost fundraising ideas for New Zealand schools. No experience needed - just pick an idea, share it with your community, and start raising funds.
Looking for easy fundraising ideas in New Zealand? You don't need a big budget, a large committee, or months of planning to raise meaningful funds for your school. The best easy fundraisers are simple to organise, cheap to start, and deliver quick results - often within just a few weeks.
Whether you're a first-time fundraiser coordinator or a busy parent looking for something straightforward, this guide covers the simplest and most effective fundraising ideas for NZ schools. From product sales that require zero upfront cost to casual days that need no preparation at all, there's an easy option for every school.
Why Easy Fundraisers Work in NZ
Simple fundraisers consistently deliver results because they remove the barriers to participation
Low Barrier to Entry
Easy fundraisers require little experience or expertise. Any parent, teacher, or volunteer can confidently organise one without prior fundraising knowledge.
Quick Results
Most easy fundraisers can be set up and completed within 2-4 weeks, delivering fast results so your school sees funds sooner rather than later.
Minimal Setup
No complex logistics, expensive equipment, or large volunteer teams needed. Many easy fundraisers can be managed by just one or two people.
Parent-Friendly
Simple fundraisers are easy for busy parents to support. Whether it's placing an order or sending a child with gold coin, participation is effortless.
Types of Easy Fundraisers
Choose the right type of simple fundraiser for your school
Best for:
Schools of all sizes, first-time fundraisers
Best for:
Schools wanting zero financial risk
Best for:
Tech-savvy communities, reaching extended family
Best for:
Quick cash, whole-school participation
What Easy Fundraisers Can Raise
Realistic expectations for common easy fundraising options
| Fundraiser Type | Setup Time | Upfront Cost | Typical Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cookie Dough Sales | 1-2 days | $0 (order-based) | $500-$3,000 |
| Chocolate Fundraiser | 1-2 days | $0-$200 | $800-$2,500 |
| Mufti Day | 30 minutes | $0 | $200-$800 |
| Online Fundraising Page | 1 hour | $0 | $300-$5,000+ |
| Pie Fundraiser | 1-2 days | $0 (order-based) | $1,500-$5,000 |
*Revenue figures are estimates based on typical NZ school sizes of 200-500 students. Results vary by school size, community engagement, and product choice.
How to Get Started with an Easy Fundraiser
Pick a Simple Fundraiser
Choose a fundraiser that matches your school's size and community. Product-based fundraisers like cookie dough or pies are ideal for beginners because the supplier provides everything you need, including order forms and marketing materials.
Set a Realistic Goal
Easy fundraisers typically raise $500-$3,000 depending on school size. Setting a clear, achievable target motivates your community and gives everyone something to rally behind. Share what the funds will be used for.
Spread the Word
Use your school newsletter, class Facebook groups, and the school app to promote the fundraiser. Keep the message simple - what you're selling, why you're raising funds, and how to order. The easier it is to understand, the more people participate.
Collect Orders and Distribute
Gather orders through paper forms or online platforms like Raised. Once your supplier delivers, organise a simple distribution day where families collect their orders. Many schools do this at pick-up time for maximum convenience.
Celebrate and Thank
Share the results with your school community. A quick thank-you in the newsletter or at assembly goes a long way. Celebrating success builds enthusiasm for future fundraisers and shows supporters their contribution mattered.
Easy Fundraising Options
Browse easy-to-run fundraisers for NZ schools
Alana Wines
Raise funds with premium boutique wines from a trusted New Zealand family estate!
Bakehouse on Bond
Fundraise with delicious baked goods-pies, lamingtons, savouries, and pizzas!
Booster Wine Group
Fundraise with premium New Zealand wines-$40 profit per 12 bottles sold!
Choc Fun
Sweet fundraising success with ready-to-sell chocolate boxes-simple and profitable!
Choice Fruit
Fundraise with Wairarapa's finest artisan foods-quality that sells itself!
Cookie Time
Fundraise with New Zealand's most iconic cookies-everyone's favourite treat!
Cured
Fundraise with artisan salami and biersticks-premium quality, generous profits!
Dad's Pies
Fundraise with New Zealand's trusted pie brand-quality since 1981!
Doughboys Bakery
Doughboys Bakery school fundraiser - trusted pies for NZ schools. Online ordering, generous margins. Start your fundraiser today.
Downlights
Fundraise with luxury candles while supporting a social enterprise that gives back!
Ecostore
Fundraise with eco-friendly soap-a healthier alternative that promotes sustainability!
Essentially Tamara
Fundraise with artisan shower bursts that turn any shower into a spa experience!
Fresha Donuts
Fundraise with the donuts everyone knows and loves from their local fish & chip shop!
Good Change
Fundraise with eco-friendly cloths that help your cause AND families in Cambodia!
Halswell Butchery
Fundraise with premium bacon and sausages-household staples that sell themselves!
Jolly Soles
Fundraise with funky, colourful socks that everyone will want to wear!
Jones Family Farm
Fundraise with award-winning A2 milk cheese-healthy, delicious, and profitable!
Kai Carrier
Fundraise with eco-friendly reusable pouches-sustainable and practical!
Kings Seeds
Plant the seeds of success-fundraise while promoting sustainability and food resilience!
Krispy Kreme
Fundraise with the world's most famous doughnuts-everyone knows and loves them!
Leonards
Classic sausage sizzles with quality sausages-a Kiwi fundraising favourite!
Loaf
Fundraise with frozen cookie dough and mini bites-convenience meets deliciousness!
Marlow Pies
Marlow Pies school fundraiser - South Island's favourite family pies. Easy to sell, proven success. Earn $500-$2000 for your school or sports team.
Meyer Cheese
Fundraise with high-quality cheese-a Kiwi household favourite!
My Fundraiser
Fundraise with everyday essentials-two flexible approaches to suit your needs!
My Noke
My Noke vermicast fundraiser for NZ schools. Eco-friendly gardening product with high profit margins. Earn $500-$2000 for your school.
Nothing Naughty
Fundraise with natural protein and health bars-healthy, delicious, and easy to sell!
Original Foods
Fundraise with quality baked goods-cakes, slices, and family favourites!
Oxford Pies
Fundraise with proven favourites-family pies and lamingtons loved across the North Island!
Pasta Vera
Fundraise with premium pasta and lasagne-gluten-free and vegan options available!
Pipi Learning Cove
Fundraise through education-supporters learn valuable skills while supporting your cause!
Pure Delish
Fundraise with premium snack bars and slabs-delicious, natural, and profitable!
Salt & Oil
Fundraise with natural wellness products that promote self-care and relaxation!
Surti
Fundraise with crispy, golden samosas-a crowd favourite that's easy to sell!
Tasty Foods Samosas
Fundraise with the original samosa fundraiser-proven success since 2006!
Teatowels
Transform children's artwork into beautiful tea towels that families will treasure forever!
The Donut Factory
Fundraise with irresistible donuts-fun, easy, and profitable!
The Good Oil
Fundraise with premium New Zealand-grown oils-healthy, local, and profitable!
The Naked Baker
Fundraise with locally made pies, sweets, coffee, and lamingtons-something for everyone!
The Village Press
Fundraise with premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil-quality that elevates every meal!
Tone Down Tech
Fundraise with simple phones that keep kids connected without digital distractions!
Westgold Butter
Fundraise with premium West Coast butter-a taste of authentic New Zealand heritage!
Tips for Easy Fundraising Success
Simple strategies to maximise results from your easy fundraiser
Easy Fundraising FAQs
Easy fundraisers typically raise between $300 and $3,000 for NZ schools, depending on school size and the type of fundraiser. Product-based fundraisers like pies or cookie dough tend to raise the most ($1,000-$3,000+), while casual days and gold coin donations are at the lower end ($200-$800). Running 3-4 easy fundraisers throughout the year can add up to significant totals.
A mufti day (casual clothes day) is the absolute simplest fundraiser - it requires no stock, no ordering, and no distribution. Students bring a gold coin to wear their own clothes for the day. Beyond that, order-form fundraisers with established suppliers like Cookie Time or pie companies are extremely easy because the supplier provides all materials and you only order what's been pre-sold.
Start small and choose a proven product fundraiser. Contact a supplier like Cookie Time or a local pie company - they'll walk you through the entire process. Most suppliers provide order forms, posters, and step-by-step guides. Set a realistic goal, promote through your school newsletter, and give families 2-3 weeks to order. You'll quickly learn what works for your community.
Small schools (under 150 students) do well with product fundraisers that have no minimum order requirements, online fundraising pages that can reach beyond the immediate school community, and community events like sausage sizzles. The key for small schools is choosing fundraisers where each family's contribution has a bigger impact. Online platforms like Raised are particularly useful as they let you reach grandparents, extended family, and friends outside the local area.
Absolutely - and many schools do. The trick is spacing them out (every 2-3 months) and varying the type. For example, a pie fundraiser in Term 1, a mufti day in Term 2, a cookie dough fundraiser in Term 3, and an online donation drive in Term 4. This prevents "fundraiser fatigue" while keeping a steady flow of funds throughout the year. Avoid running two product-based fundraisers back to back.
Make Fundraising Even Easier with Raised
Raised takes the hassle out of school fundraising. Set up your fundraiser online, share a link with your community, and let families order and pay digitally. No more chasing paper forms or counting cash.
Set up in minutes
No technical skills required
Share anywhere
Email, social media, school app
Track progress
Real-time sales dashboard
Free for bank transfers
No platform fees
Explore More Fundraising Ideas
Browse our complete directory of fundraising ideas for New Zealand schools, or check out our popular category pages.