With the right theme, a reading fundraiser can become a memorable event that captures the enthusiasm of students, parents, and teachers alike. From whimsical storybook adventures to hero-themed reading challenges, these fundraisers can ignite imaginations while fostering community.
In this post, we’ll explore unique and exciting theme ideas for school reading fundraisers that will leave participants excited to dive into their next book—and donors eager to support the cause! Each theme below includes suggestions for color palettes, prizes, decorations, and special celebrations - “ready to assemble” for your school’s big fundraiser!
1. “Blast Off with Books!”
This science-themed fundraiser takes students on an out-of-this-world reading journey. Picture rockets, stars, and planets as part of the decor, with milestones like "Launch," "Orbit," and "Moon Landing" tied to reading goals. Decorate the entryway to your school with large painted planets and sparkly tinsel backdrops, and include a “reading minutes to blastoff” thermometer to celebrate your school’s progress throughout your fundraiser. Students and parents will be excited - and reminded - each day they come to school. Your color palette should reflect deep space with blacks, dark blues, and all of the planet colors of the solar system!
Prizes ideas:
- Space-themed bookmarks
- Glow-in-the-dark stickers
- Planet-shaped fidget toys
- Inclusion on a “reading stars” poster at school - add student names to silver stars as they reach reading or fundraising milestones
- Call out students during morning announcements who have reached “out of this world” goals
- “Mission Control Celebration” for the classroom with the most reading minutes or funds raised—serve moon pies or other space-themed treats!
2. “Fired Up For Reading”
This fiery theme sparks excitement and passion for books! Decorate with vibrant flames, torches, and glowing embers to symbolize the energy of readers burning through their reading goals. Add a cardboard / painted volcano to your school’s entryway with tissue paper “flames” shooting out to kick off your fundraiser and wow your students as they get to school! Your color palette should reflect your blazing hot theme, with lots of reds, oranges, and yellows throughout.
Encourage students to “fan the flames of curiosity” by setting milestones like "Kindling," "Bonfire," and "Blazing Inferno."
Prizes ideas:
- Flame-themed bookmarks and stickers
- Red, orange, and yellow gel pens
- S’mores kits
- Fire red pennants with your school’s name on them
- Award the top classroom with a “Fired Up For Reading Fiesta” at the end of the event
3. “Dive Into Reading,” “Making Waves with Books,” or “Under the Sea”
This underwater theme takes readers on a deep-sea journey, exploring the treasures hidden in books. Decorate with colorful fish, coral reefs, submarines, and treasure chests to create an immersive aquatic vibe. Dive into a color palette of dark and medium blues, kelp green, jellyfish pinks and purples, and clownfish orange.
Set reading milestones like "Big Splash," "Reef Explorer," and "Deep-Sea Diver." Encourage students to uncover literary treasures with prizes such as:
- Ocean-themed bookmarks
- Jellyfish stuffies
- Tropical fish stickers
- Bubble wands
- Hide your prizes in a treasure chest and hand out “Treasure Chest Tickets” for kids who reach a new milestone each week!
Wrap up the fundraiser with a “Seaside Celebration,” where top readers are crowned “Reading Captains,” and everyone can celebrate their ocean-sized accomplishments!
4. “Soaring for Stories” or “Eagles Take Flight with Books”
This theme celebrates the high-flying spirit of students rising to new heights through reading. Decorate with clouds, mountains, and eagles or birds in flight, symbolizing the freedom and adventure in books. Take your color palette cue from the sky with shades of blue and white.
Reading milestones could be bird and air-themed, like "Nest Egg," "Taking Flight," and "New Horizons." Prizes might include:
- Eagle stuffies
- Cloud shaped keychains
- Feather pens
- Mini “captain’s log” notebooks
- Paper wings
Close the event with a “Take to the Skies Celebration,” where top readers are awarded “Golden Wings” for their accomplishments, and the entire school celebrates their literary ascent.
5. “Pouncing on Pages” or “Roar for Reading”
This lion-themed fundraiser highlights the agility and determination of these big cats as students leap into exciting stories. Decorate with sunny savanna backdrops, paw prints, and leaping lions to create a dynamic and adventurous atmosphere. Your color palette should reflect the home of the lion with bright yellows, tans, and greens, as well as zebra stripes.
Set milestones like "First Leap," "King of the Jungle," and "Cub Leader," encouraging students to track their reading progress with a cat-like focus. Prizes could include:
- Paw-print bookmarks and stickers
- Plush lion toys
- "Cougar Champion" or “Lion King” certificates
- Lion crowns or lion manes for the kings and queens of reading
6. “Into the Woods and Through the Pages”
This whimsical theme invites students to embark on a magical journey through the enchanting forest of stories. Decorate with trees, woodland creatures, and glowing lanterns to evoke the fantastical world of literature. Your color palette could be a moody mix of dark greens and blues, wildflower violet, and bright mushroom red.
Set milestones like "Trailblazers," "Forest Explorers," and "Storybook Rangers," encouraging students to read their way deeper into the woods. Prizes could include:
- Woodland animal-themed bookmarks
- Acorn keychains
- “Explorer” wooden badges
- Forest-themed fabric patches for backpacks
- Mushroom temporary tattoos
- Squirrel, deer, owl, or other woodland animal stuffies
- Top classrooms celebrate with an “Enchanted Forest Party,” with green cupcakes or other forest-colored treats
7. “Bulldogs Bark for Books” or “Digging into Reading”
This bulldog-themed fundraiser highlights the determination and loyalty of bulldogs as students dig into exciting stories. Decorate with paw prints, doghouses, and playful bulldog illustrations to create a fun, spirited atmosphere. Go with your school colors or a bold mix of white, blue, red, and bulldog beige to tie together your promotional materials!
Set milestones like "Puppy Readers," "Loyal Learners," and "Top Dog" to track progress. Prizes could include:
- Paw-print stickers
- Bulldog-themed bookmarks
- Mini megaphones
- “Top Dog” reader medals with lanyards
Conclude with a “Bulldog Bash,” where students celebrate their reading success with games, treats, and recognition for their hard work in the reading adventure!
Need help brainstorming or implementing your ideas? We’re here to make your reading fundraiser a success. Get in touch.