It’s the question that comes up with almost every school fundraiser: Should we offer prizes to the kids? On one hand, incentives can spark excitement and boost participation. On the other hand, they can shift the focus from purpose to prizes, and that might not be what you want.
Before you dig into your school’s budget (or someone’s garage stash of mini skateboards and slap bracelets), it’s worth taking a look at both sides. Here are the pros and cons of offering prizes in your next fundraiser.
The Pros: Why Prizes Might Help
They Get Kids Excited
Let’s face it, nothing gets a room full of elementary students more hyped than the promise of a mystery prize box or a pizza party. Prizes can create momentum early in a campaign and help keep energy high, especially if the fundraiser lasts several weeks.
They Can Boost Participation
Even small incentives can provide students with the extra motivation they need to get involved. Whether it’s reaching out to relatives for donations or participating in a fun run, kids may be more likely to take action if there’s a prize on the line.
They Provide Tangible Milestones
Setting prize levels (e.g., a prize for three donations, another for ten, etc.) helps students and families understand goals and progress. It breaks the fundraising effort into bite-sized, motivating steps.
They Add Fun
Sometimes, a prize wheel, prize drawing, or classroom competition makes fundraising more fun. And fun can lead to increased engagement from both students and parents.
The Cons: Why You Might Want to Skip Them
They Can Shift the Focus
When fundraising becomes about winning a prize instead of supporting a cause, the mission can get lost. Instead of teaching kids about teamwork, generosity, or community, you might be reinforcing a “what’s in it for me?” mindset.
They Create Inequality
Prize systems can unintentionally highlight economic disparities. Kids from families who can offer more or have extended networks to draw on often win the most significant prizes. That can leave others feeling left out or discouraged.
They Add Complexity and Cost
Prizes aren’t free. Whether you’re spending school funds, dipping into PTA reserves, or asking local businesses for donations, it takes time and effort to collect, sort, and distribute prizes. That’s time you could be spending on telling your story or promoting your fundraiser.
They May Only Offer a Temporary Boost
Prizes might work in the short term, but they don’t always build long-term support. A student who sells cookie dough for a keychain might not feel any lasting connection to the fundraiser, or remember what the money was even for.
So… Should You Use Them?
If you’re running a short-term fundraiser and need a quick way to fire up student involvement, a simple prize system can be helpful. But it’s best when used in moderation. Keep the prizes small and focus your communication around why you’re fundraising, not just what kids might win.
For longer-term campaigns or mission-driven efforts, consider alternatives like classroom goals, community shout-outs, or fun experiences that don’t tie support to money raised. Think dance breaks, pajama days, or the chance to duct tape the principal to a wall; those often leave a bigger impact than plastic toys ever could.
Prizes can work, but they’re not a magic solution. The real key to a successful fundraiser is a strong story, a clear goal, and a school community that feels connected to the cause. Use prizes if they help, but never let them take center stage.