Article
2 April 2025
Tips, Ideas & Real Stories from Aussie School Communities
If youβre looking for a fresh, exciting and super-fun way to raise funds for your school or club β itβs hard to beat the Colour Fun Run!
What started as a bright new take on the traditional lapathon has grown into one of the most popular and inclusive school fundraisers in Australia. Whether you're planning your first run or looking for ways to make it even more fun, weβve gathered the best advice, inspiration and practical tips from Aussie fundraising communities and event experts.
Originating in the US in 2011 and inspired by the Hindu Holi Festival, colour runs are now embraced around the world β and schools are making them their own!
π βBest event ever. We raised double what we normally raise for a β-thonβ fundraiser.β
π βOur kindy raised over $30K and itβs back on the calendar again this year.β
Itβs not just about colour β itβs about community, fun and memorable experiences.
We asked the fundraising community: How did you take your colour run to the next level? Here's what they shared:
A massive favourite! One school created a DIY foam tunnel using:
A roofless gazebo frame
Cling wrap or pallet wrap as side walls
Hired foam machines (with colour powder added for extra wow!)
π¬ βThe kids had an absolute blast β highly recommend this!β
π‘ Tip: Keep the foam going while kids pass through for continuous excitement!
Let kids end the event with a big group colour toss:
Hand out a packet (or ziplock bag) of colour powder
Gather everyone together, count down from 3β¦ and let it fly!
Creates a rainbow explosion β and an epic photo moment.
Depending on the weather, include:
Sprinklers or water pistols (even with food colouring!)
Simple obstacle stations like hoops, cones, or hay bales
A mud pit or bubble tunnel for the adventurous
Invite the Fire Brigade and see if they have spare water they can spray on you!
Invite teachers, support staff β even the principal to join in!
Encourage siblings and parents to run too for a family event
Some schools involve local fire and police for a community feel
Cater for students who don't want to get mucky, perhaps a smaller separate circuit or have a lap first off before any water or powder is used (get school leaders in on this one too to make sure it's fun)
π Staff in costumes = guaranteed crowd-pleaser
πΈ Donβt forget the group photo at the end!
A few extra tips from organisers:
Use sponsorship forms or digital platforms
Offer individual or class-based prizes for top fundraisers
Some schools provide t-shirts, caps or fruit ice blocks as part of the entry
Sweet treats: Rainbow jelly, popcorn, Zooper Doopers, fairy floss
Merch tables with glow sticks, wristbands, or colour-themed goodies
Take pre-orders to help with quantities and reduce waste
β
Great for busy committees or smaller teams
β
All-in-one support with less stress and higher returns
Why schools love this option:
π Includes many of the obstacles and set-up on the day
π¨ Colour powder included as well as other goodies such as sunglasses, wristbands
π Incentive prizes for students β over 70 options, appealing to all age groups
π’ All marketing materials included: posters, flyers, parent letters, sponsorship forms
π Online fundraising platform makes it easy to collect donations digitally β and boosts fundraising potential significantly
π‘ Online fundraising = bigger reach + easier donations.
Parents, grandparents, and friends can donate from anywhere. Some schools have reported doubling their proceeds thanks to online sponsorship tools β no more chasing loose change!
π¬ βWe used online sponsorship and our annual fundraiser jumped from $13K to over $25K β and itβs stayed there.β
β
Greater flexibility
β
Lower cost if you have a strong volunteer base and time to plan
Youβll need:
A good supply of colour powder (suggested: 10kg per 100 people)
Volunteers to manage the course and throw powder
Printed sponsorship forms, promotional materials, and prize organisation
A decision on charging an entry fee or providing fundraising packs
π§Ό Colour powder is typically corn starch-based and non-toxic.
π Prizes and entry packs (like sunnies, T-shirts, popper drink) can boost motivation and turnout.
π§ͺ Ingredients & Materials
You'll need:
Cornflour (aka cornstarch) β around 3 cups per person
Gel food colouring (for vibrant colours)
Water
Mixing bowls, baking trays, and a sieve or food processor
π‘ Tip: Gel colours are brighter than liquid dyes but can be more expensive. Buy in bulk or seek donations to reduce costs.
βοΈ How Much Powder Do You Need?
Most organisers allow for 350β400g of powder per participant, which equals roughly 3 cups of cornflour per person. One bottle of gel dye colours about 4 cups of cornflour β so plan accordingly when shopping.
π Example cost: If cornflour is $4/kg and gel dye is $5 per bottle, your cost per participant will be around $5, unless you get items donated or on sale.
π₯£ DIY Method: Make It at Home
Here's a simple and effective way to make vibrant colour powder at home:
Mix: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of cornflour with Β½ bottle of gel food colouring and a little water to make a smooth paste.
Dry: Spread the coloured paste thinly on a baking tray and either:
Bake it at a low heat (~90Β°C) for 1β2 hours, OR
Air dry it for 1β2 days, stirring occasionally to prevent mould.
Crush: Once dry, break it into chunks and pulse it in a food processor or push it through a sieve to make a fine powder.
Store: Keep powders in labelled containers or ziplock bags until event day.
π¨ Repeat the process with different colours!
β Pros & Cons of DIY Powder
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Lower cost (especially with donations) | Time-consuming to make in bulk |
You control what goes into it | Can get messy |
Great for small groups or creative classes | Colours may be less vibrant than commercial options |
π§Ό Is It Safe?
Yes! DIY colour powder made with cornflour and food dye is non-toxic and safe for use in outdoor events. Just be sure to:
Avoid using near open flames (cornflour is combustible in very high concentrations)
Offer protective eyewear or sunglasses
Keep water nearby for easy clean-up
π² Choose a fun, safe course with optional challenges
π² Have first aid kits on hand and ensure there are clear instructions for participants regarding the colour powder.
π² Decide on DIY or supplier-led
π² Plan for wow factors like a foam pit or group colour toss
π² Get prizes, snacks, and shade sorted
π² Promote sponsorship
π² Capture photos and memories to share with your community
Colour runs are more than a fundraiser β theyβre a memory-maker, community-builder, and a highlight on the school calendar. Whether you go all out with a foam pit and fire brigade, or keep it simple with colour, laughter, and a water spray β youβre on to a winner.
β¨ Have tips or photos from your Colour Run? Weβd love to feature them!
π² Follow us on Facebook and join the growing community of Aussie fundraising legends in our wildly active and helpful Facebook group :-)
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