While there is a huge range of fundraising options for your school, not all of them will necessarily align with your values. Luckily, there are plenty of creative and sustainable ways to raise money for your school without compromising on your environmental goals. For example, instead of selling just any candy bar, you could select chocolate that is organic or fair-trade. To learn more about some of these simple swaps, visit the “Action” and “Definition” links below.

Here are three additional resources that can help schools raise funds in an eco-friendly way:

• DonorsChoose: DonorsChoose is a crowdfunding platform that allows teachers to request funding for specific needs. Educators can seek donations for everything from classroom gardens to environmental science kits. This is a powerful tool for funding green projects — or any school need — without relying on sales-based fundraisers. Learn more and sign up here.
• TerraCycle Recycling Programs: TerraCycle’s recycling programs allow schools to collect hard-to-recycle items, such as snack wrappers and toys, and submit them for recycling. But that’s not all — each shipment of items to recycle is not only free, but is rewarded with points, which can then be redeemed for cash donations to your school. By setting up recycling drop-off stations, schools can teach valuable lessons about recycling while also raising funds. Learn more and get started here.
• Equal Exchange Fair Trade Fundraisers: As we mentioned above, it’s important to ensure that the fundraising items that your school sells are aligned with your values. One great option is Equal Exchange, who offers organic and fair-trade chocolate for your fundraising efforts. As an added benefit, selling these items instead of conventional alternatives offers an opportunity to educate students about food labels, fair trade practices, and mindful consumption. Learn more here.

Whether through crowdfunding, recycling & reuse initiatives, or ethical product sales, these approaches ensure that your school’s fundraising efforts are contributing to the future you’d like to see. Check out these resources and, if any of them are helpful for you, be sure to share them with others!