Fundraiser Alternatives

Why not try a green, low-cost fundraiser instead of a car wash?


These alternatives are more environmentally-friendly and can help you raise just as much money as a car wash - sometimes even more!

Have an auction


Ask local businesses for donated items or services to auction. Involve teachers and parents by offering hobby-specific experiences like a fly-fishing adventure or cooking lessons. 

Hold a magazine drive


Even with all the technology we have, people do still read magazines! Learn more at Great American Opportunities and American Publishers.

Sell cookie dough


Because who doesn't like being able to make warm, gooey, fresh cookies magically appear in less than 12 minutes?

Hold a Walk-a-Thon or Fun Run


People can pledge a certain dollar amount for each lap students walk or run for their cause.

Collect e-waste for recycling


Gather items like old cell phones, laptops, iPods, and empty ink cartridges. It costs nothing to participate, and there's no limit to how much money you can raise by collecting items. Check out sites like Cartridges for Kids and Funding Factory to get started.

Sell local coupon books


Chinook Book gathers great offers from a carefully-selected community of local businesses who are committed to environmental and socially responsible business practices. With print edition and mobile app options, your donors can save all year on local organic groceries, experiences and adventures, sustainable home and garden solutions, wellness services, farm-to-table restaurants, handmade and upcycled gifts, and more. 

Stuck on car washing? 


Here are some safe options:

Sell commercial car wash tickets


Commercial Commercial car washes capture and treat their car wash water, so they protect local streams. Brown Bear and the Puget Sound Car Wash Association sell discounted tickets for fundraisers.

Rent a car wash stall


Some facilities allow you to rent a stall for the day.

Divert wash water 


Divert the wash water to a large grass or gravel surface that will allow the wash water to completely infiltrate into the soil.

Use waterless car washing products


Waterless products with microfiber towels remove dirt without scratching the paint and provide a nice wax coat.