Top 43 Dance Fundraiser Ideas

There’s nothing better than hearing the music start and thinking, “5, 6, 7, 8,” as the rest of the dance team prepares for a show-stopping performance alongside. But before your toes can get to tapping, there’s the issue of raising funds for your dance team. Here are 40+ ways to engage your community with dance fundraising ideas for support throughout the season.

Top Fundraiser Ideas

Water Bottle Fundraiser

Quench your thirst for fundraising success with a water bottle fundraiser that keeps dancers hydrated while raising funds for your team. Customize reusable water bottles with your team logo, colors, or inspiring dance slogans to create a functional and fashionable accessory that supporters will love to use. Encourage supporters to stay hydrated and eco-conscious by choosing reusable personalized water bottles over single-use plastic alternatives. 

With each sip, supporters can feel good knowing that they’re supporting your dance team’s passion and dedication while staying hydrated in style. Start with the guide to water bottle fundraising, and let it soar from there!

Dance Marathon

A dance marathon is a classic fundraising campaign and energetic way to raise money, perfect for any dance team or dance studio looking to meet their fundraising goals. Participants dance for a set period, often sponsored by friends, family, or local businesses per hour. This event not only generates community excitement but also encourages healthy competition. Promote your marathon through social media and local press to maximize attendance and sponsorship.

Flash Mob Performances for Donations

Flash mobs are unexpected bursts of dance that can captivate any crowd. Organize a flash mob in busy public areas like parks, malls, or special events, with performers soliciting donations from the audience afterward. This method not only raises money but also viral interest on social media, potentially amplifying your reach. Partner with local businesses for a venue or sponsorship to increase the impact.

Community Dance Showcase

Host a community dance showcase featuring local dance studios, school teams, and independent groups. Charge an entry fee and sell refreshments, merchandise, or raffle tickets to boost fundraising. This event celebrates local talent and brings the community together. Encourage participants to share the event on social media to draw a larger crowd.

Dance Battle Competition for Charity

A dance battle competition can be a thrilling way to raise funds. Dancers go head-to-head, and spectators can donate to vote for their favorites. This type of event is great for engaging a younger crowd and can be held at a school gym, local dance studio, or even an open community space. Consider reaching out to local celebrities or influencers to judge or participate to increase excitement and turnout.

Talent Show

Organize a talent show where dance is just one of the many performances. Participants can sign up to showcase their skills, with entry fees contributing to your fundraising goals. This variety ensures broad appeal, attracting a larger audience. You could also incorporate a bake sale or merchandise stalls to raise additional funds during the event.

Social Media Dance Challenges with Donation Tags

Leverage the power of social media by initiating a dance challenge. Participants film themselves performing a dance routine and challenge others to do the same, tagging them and including donation links. This method can quickly go viral, reaching donors far beyond your local community. Make sure the dance is easy to learn and fun, encouraging wide participation.

Dance-a-Gram Deliveries

Offer a unique service where people can send personalized dance messages, or “Dance-a-Grams,” to friends and family for special occasions. Local dancers or dance teams can create short performances that are delivered in person or through video. This service is not only a fun way to celebrate but also a novel method to support your fundraising efforts.

Charity Concert

Combine dance performances with live music to organize a charity concert. This event can feature performances from local dance studios, bands, and solo musicians. Ticket sales contribute to your fundraising goals, and you can enhance earnings with a silent auction or VIP seating. Partnering with local businesses for sponsorships can also increase your reach and resources.

Flash Mob Proposal Service

Offer a flash mob proposal service where people can hire your dancers to create a memorable marriage proposal. This personalized service can be marketed through social media and local wedding planners. Not only does this raise funds, but it also provides a unique and unforgettable experience for clients, likely garnering media attention as well.

Pop-up Performance Busking

Have your dancers perform in popular local spots where they can busk for donations. This impromptu performance style can attract spontaneous crowds and works well in areas with high foot traffic, such as city centers, parks, and tourist spots. Ensure you have the necessary permits and collaborate with local businesses for possible sponsorship or space usage.

Creative Events for Dance Team Fundraisers

Costume Making Workshops

Unleash the creativity of your community with costume-making workshops! Participants can learn how to design and create their own dance costumes, with a fee for the workshop going towards your fundraising goals. This is a fantastic opportunity to raise money while also interfacing with local fabric stores and designers for sponsorships or partnerships.

Photo Shoot Fundraiser

Organize a photo shoot fundraiser where participants get professional photos taken in their dance costumes or everyday wear. Offer different packages and collaborate with local photographers who may volunteer their services for a good cause. This can be promoted heavily on social media, appealing to families, couples, and individuals looking for high-quality portraits.

Merchandise Sales

Design and sell dance-themed merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, and tote bags. Use catchy slogans and eye-catching designs that dance enthusiasts will love to wear. Set up online sales through your website or social media platforms, and consider setting up booths at local events for additional exposure.

Cook-off Competition

Host a community cook-off where local amateur chefs compete to create their best dishes. This is one of many club fundraising ideas that has been tried and true. Attendees can sample food and vote on their favorites with donations. This event is not only a way to raise funds but also to foster community spirit and involvement. Make sure to get creative with categories and themes to attract a diverse group of participants.

Scavenger Hunt

Create a dance-themed scavenger hunt around town. Charge teams an entry fee and send them on a quest to find clues related to dance and your community. This event is perfect for families and groups of friends, providing a fun and active way to support your cause. Use social media to drop hints and boost engagement.

Trivia Night Fundraiser

Trivia nights are always a hit! Organize a dance-themed trivia night at a local venue or online. Participants pay to play, and you can offer prizes for the winners. Include rounds that cover famous dancers, dance movies, and music, and consider selling snacks and drinks to boost your fundraising.

Virtual Party Fundraiser

Host a virtual dance party where participants join in from home via a streaming platform. Charge an entry fee and hire a DJ, or use a curated playlist to keep everyone dancing. This is a great way to engage people from different locations and can be combined with dance challenges and prizes for best performances.

Workshop Series

Offer a series of dance workshops featuring different styles and techniques taught by local or guest instructors. Charge for entry and package multiple workshops at a discount to encourage more sign-ups. This is an excellent way to raise money while providing valuable training for dancers of all levels.

Community Engagement Initiatives

Choreography Workshops

Hold choreography workshops where participants learn routines from professional choreographers. Charge a fee for these workshops and offer them to various skill levels. This not only helps dancers improve their skills but also brings the dance community together for a common cause.

Costume Resale Event

Organize a costume resale event where community members can buy and sell used dance costumes. This is a great way to recycle costumes and raise funds. Make sure to promote this event well in advance for a higher number of contributions and attendees.

Calendar Sales

Create a calendar featuring your dance team or different dance styles and sell it to raise funds. This can be particularly effective if launched near the end of the year or at the beginning of a new school year. Include photos from events, competitions, or staged shoots to make the calendar appealing.

Brunch Fundraiser

Host a brunch where local restaurants donate a portion of the proceeds to your dance team. This can be a single event or a series of brunches. Enhance the experience with live dance performances or music festivals to keep the attendees entertained.

Karaoke Night

Karaoke nights are a fun and engaging way to bring people together. Charge a small fee for each song performed or for entry, and consider hosting it at a local bar or community hall that supports your cause.

Charity Concert

Plan another charity concert, but this time with a specific theme or featuring collaborations between dancers and local bands. This can be a larger annual event that people look forward to, with all proceeds going to your dance group or a chosen charity.

Fundraising Gala

Organize a gala event with a dance theme featuring performances, a dinner, a reception, and maybe even a silent auction. This upscale event can attract sponsors, donors, and supporters who are willing to contribute to your fundraising goals. Consider partnering with local businesses for venue, catering, and auction items to maximize profits and community involvement.

Storytime Hour for Kids

Host a storytime hour where children can listen to dance-themed stories and participate in interactive activities. Charge a small admission fee and offer snacks or crafts related to the stories. It’s also a great opportunity to get young aspiring dancers plugged into the local dance community.

Variety Show

Cap off your fundraising efforts with a variety show featuring a mix of dance, music, comedy, and other performances. Sell tickets to the show and offer refreshments or merchandise during intermissions. This final event celebrates the talent and hard work of your community while raising those last few dollars to meet your fundraising goals.

Sales and Services Fundraising Ideas

Memorabilia Auction

Elevate your fundraising game with a memorabilia auction featuring signed dance gear, posters, or even exclusive experiences with your dance team. Reach out to local businesses or celebrities for donations to make your auction even more enticing. Promote the auction online and host it through a user-friendly platform to attract bidders near and far.

Merchandise Sales

Gear up your supporters with branded merchandise like t-shirts, hoodies, and water bottles. Get creative with designs that showcase your team’s spirit and style. Set up an online store or sell merchandise at events to raise money while spreading awareness about your dance team.

Car Wash

Make a splash in your community with one of the most popular youth fundraiser ideas. Gather your team, some suds, and catchy signage to attract drivers seeking a sparkling clean car. Advertise the event on social media and local channels to draw a steady stream of customers to your bubbly fundraiser.

Accessories Flash Sale

Turn heads and raise funds with a flash sale featuring dance accessories like hair ties, water bottles, or dance-themed jewelry. You can also add pieces that flash some school spirit with local teams’ colors and logos. Host the sale online or at dance events to entice shoppers looking to add a touch of flair to their dance attire.

Raffle Extravaganza

Excite your supporters with a raffle extravaganza featuring coveted prizes like dance class packages, performance tickets, or gift baskets. Secure prize donations from local businesses or sponsors to boost participation and fundraising potential. Spread the word about your raffle through social media, email newsletters, and word of mouth.

Yard Sale

Declutter for a cause by organizing a yard sale fundraiser. Encourage your team members and supporters to donate gently used items like clothing, furniture, and household goods. Promote the sale in your neighborhood and on social media to attract bargain hunters eager to support your dance team.

Fundraising Dinner

Delight your supporters’ taste buds with a fundraising dinner featuring delicious dishes and live entertainment. Partner with local restaurants or caterers to create a memorable dining experience that leaves guests satisfied and eager to support your cause. Sell tickets in advance and promote the event through social media, flyers, and word of mouth.

DIY Craft Kit Sales

Get crafty and raise funds with DIY craft kit sales featuring dance-themed projects like tutu-making kits or rhinestone embellishment sets. Package materials and instructions into convenient kits that dancers of all ages can enjoy. Sell kits online or at events to spark creativity and support your dance team’s activities.

Pet Wash Event

Make a splash with a pet wash fundraiser where furry friends get pampered while raising funds for your dance team. Set up washing stations with soap, water, and towels, and invite pet owners to bring their four-legged companions for a refreshing bath. Advertise the event to pet lovers in your community and on social media to attract a furry crowd eager to support your cause.

Online Dance Team Fundraiser Events

Online Crowdfunding Campaign

Harness the power of the internet to launch an online crowdfunding campaign that rallies support from donors near and far. Create a compelling campaign page that tells your dance team’s story, showcases your goals, and highlights the impact of donations. Share the campaign on social media, email newsletters, and personal networks to reach a wide audience of potential supporters.

Virtual Dance Classes

Bring the joy of dance into homes worldwide with virtual dance classes taught by your talented instructors. Offer classes in various styles and skill levels and charge a fee for participation. Promote your virtual classes on social media and through targeted online ads to attract dancers looking to improve their skills while supporting your dance team.

Social Media Challenges

Ignite a viral sensation with social media challenges that engage your followers and inspire them to donate to your cause. Create fun and creative dance-related challenges, such as dance-offs, costume contests, or choreography challenges, and encourage participants to share their videos with donation links. Amplify the reach of your challenges by partnering with influencers and leveraging popular hashtags to maximize engagement and fundraising potential.

Online Auctions

Turn browsing into bidding with online auctions featuring unique dance-related items, experiences, and memorabilia. Gather donations from local businesses, sponsors, and supporters to create an enticing array of auction items. Host the auction on a user-friendly platform and promote it through social media, email newsletters, and your website to attract eager bidders and raise funds for your dance team.

Livestream Performances

Take center stage with livestream performances that showcase your dance team’s talent and passion to a global audience. Schedule live performances or pre-recorded showcases and stream them on popular platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch. Encourage viewers to donate during the live stream and interact with your team in real-time to create an engaging and interactive experience that drives support for your cause.

Online Classes Fundraiser

Offer online dance classes where participants can learn new dances from the comfort of their homes. Charge for these classes and consider offering a range of styles to attract a broad audience. This can also be an ongoing fundraiser throughout the year.

40+ PTA Fundraiser Ideas


Dance Your Way to Fundraising Now!

These dance fundraising ideas are sure to help you reach your goal. Take your time to choose one that resonates with you the most, and put your plan into action. It’s important to strategically plan your fundraiser of choice. This will make sure it’s streamlined and effective, helping you and your dance group get the funds you need.