Fundraising In The Art Classroom

Have you ever used your own money to buy supplies for your classroom? 

Of course, you have! No matter how much we plan, or how much of a budget we have, we all still need some extra items during the year! Students inevitably use more than we thought they would, break items, or simply wear tools out. Also, sometimes we come up with a new project/lesson idea! That's probably where I've spent the most money and I blame Pinterest for that! I just need a few extra things for the lesson, and of course, we need it for class tomorrow. We've all done it!

 After years of spending more and more of my own money in my classroom, I started thinking of different ways to make extra money.  I REALLY didn't want to get into any of the "normal" fundraising projects because of the time and paperwork involved! I wanted something that wouldn't take up my precious bit of planning time (when I actually had a planning) nor would I have to spend hours and hours taking up money, sorting items, etc!

I started by talking with my principal and running some ideas past him. After I was given permission to attempt a few things, I jumped in and earned enough money to actually buy some extra things for my classrooms!

*NOTE* I turned the money earned into the bookkeeper after every event and she deposited it into my school ART ACCOUNT. When I wanted to purchase items locally, all I had to do was get the school credit card and it was taken out of my account. A PO form had to be filled out after the fact, but at least I didn't spend my own money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are a few tips and ideas I used in my classroom:

This first project didn't make tons of money, but it helped earn a little! Plus, I got art supplies in the hands of students, which is a big THING!

So, I bought some of the same ebony art pencils that I used in class to teach shading and added a small amount to the actual price. Then, every time we did shading, students would bring in extra money so that they could have their own pencil.  I sold lots of them! The students were so excited to see what shading could do for their drawings and couldn't wait to buy their own pencil and show off! I even had students that were not in my class come by to purchase a pencil. This also cut down on theft as well!

Kneaded erasers were also a big hit! Anything that students didn't have access to on a regular basis.''

Oh boy! This one can be a big money maker! I even did it during the school day, which of course was GREAT since I have three children of my own to take care of! I used basic tempera paint with a drop of dish soap in it. I was able to use the paint I already had and paint brushes from my classroom.

There are various times throughout the school year that fit well with face painting. Of course, you have football, basketball, baseball, soccer seasons, and field days, school dances, holidays, pep rallies, team days, and the list goes on and on but you get the idea. I found that doing face painting during lunchtime on pep rally days was a VERY good money maker! You just have to find the time to do the painting so that it does not interfere with class time.

Who does the actual face painting? I taught middle school, so sometimes I used some of my advanced students to do the painting, parent volunteers, former students, etc. You need to have 5-7 people painting. They need to work fast and keep the line going! You can not do this alone! It will kill you!

Tips:

• Paint a set of options on a piece of poster board for students to choose from. Simple things like a football, school letters, pom pom in school colors, megaphone, etc. Have your painters practice beforehand! 
• Charge 50, 75, or 1.00 if you are having students do simple pics. I could easily clear $100 at a time. 

Everyone has at least heard of paint parties and a lot of art teachers do these to make money for themselves. I've done it! However, one year I decided I wanted to purchase some new items for my classroom. I wanted some decorative items like Oaxacan wood carvings, Day of the Dead skulls, and other items of that sort to use as examples. Things I couldn't purchase with my expendables money. So, I decided to ask my principal if I could do a couple of paint parties after school for teachers. Being the kind person he was, he eventually agreed... and we were off! 

I created a sample of the painting we were going to do, hung it outside my door, and sent an email.  Teachers signed up and we were under way! We met immediately after school and painted for 1-2 hours. After the first paint party, I started doing two paintings per party. One for the adults and one for their children. The children were always in and out during the painting time any way, so I just had them  pay too and paint a picture!

Eventually I was asked by school clubs to do the paint party with their officers or as a club event. This was a very lucrative fundraiser! It was hard work and I only did them 4-5 times a year, but it was fun!

This idea involved some investment of money at first to buy the button maker and supplies, but it paid for itself quickly. And if you are from a small town that loves all things sports, then design a few circular designs, print and go!

Anything works:
Player numbers (Go #31)
Go "your team name"
Funny sayings
Holiday clip art
Club names

The list is endless...

Sell the spirit buttons at pep rallies, parent nights, games, festivals, lunch periods, etc!


Here are some pins for other ideas for fundraising in the art classroom: