For many PTAs, booster clubs, and school leaders, raising money feels like a never-ending cycle of catalog sales and high-effort events. Gift card fundraising for schools (also known as scrip fundraising) offers a quieter, lower-stress option that turns the everyday shopping families already do into steady support for classrooms, activities, and trips. Instead of asking families to buy extra products, you (as a school leader, parent volunteer, or organizer) invite them to purchase gift cards for groceries, gas, coffee, or takeout. Then, a percentage of each purchase goes back to your school! It’s as easy as that. This guide walks through what gift card fundraising is, how much impact scrip fundraising can really make, step-by-step scrip fundraising tips, and digital tools that make running a school gift card fundraiser effortless.