'Guess How Many' Fundraising Competitions

What Is a "Guess How Many" Fundraiser?

A "Guess How Many" fundraiser is a classic and popular choice. This simple yet engaging activity can easily be set up at any event, offering a great opportunity to boost your fundraising efforts. Here's how you can organise and optimise it for success!

Traditionally a ‘Guess the Jellybeans’ game, participants pay a small fee to guess how many jellybeans (or other items) are in a large jar. The winner, who guesses the closest number, takes home the jar as their prize. It’s a fun, interactive way to raise money and engage your community.

Why This Fundraiser Works

This fundraiser is easy to set up and doesn’t require a lot of resources. Whether it’s for a school fete, a club event, or a community gathering, it can be a hit with both kids and adults. For example, by selling 100 guesses at just 50 cents each, your fundraiser can raise up to $50 in no time!

It’s a great option for repeat fundraisers, such as lunchtime fundraising activities or having the jar displayed in the front office for a longer duration.

What are ideas for things to put in the guessing jar?

🍬 Edible Options

These are always popular, especially with kids and families:

• Jellybeans (classic!)
• Wrapped lollies (Chupa Chups minis, etc.)
• Mini marshmallows
• Minties or wrapped mints
• Sour worms or snakes
• Mini candy canes (great for a Christmas version)
• Popcorn kernels (tricky to guess!)
• Mini chocolate bars
• Lollipops (handle-up = bonus visual challenge)

🧸 Toy/Novelty Fillers

• Puzzle pieces (use a second, matching puzzle as the prize!)
• LEGO figures
• Beads (pony beads, Hama/perler beads)
• Dice
• Mini dinosaurs or animals (bulk packs online)
• Toy soldiers
• Googly eyes
• Mini rubber ducks
• Foam stickers (can be themed – e.g. animals, letters)

🌈 Seasonal / Themed Options

• Christmas baubles or bells
• Mini plastic spiders (Halloween)
• Plastic hearts (Valentine’s Day)
• Autumn leaves or acorns (real or fake)
• Easter-themed confetti or ornaments
• Glow-in-the-dark stars

✏️ School Supply Themes

• Crayons (broken or whole)
• Pencil sharpeners
• Mini highlighters
• Binder clips or bulldog clips
• Push pins or drawing pins (clearly marked as not for touching!)
• Wooden craft sticks (aka icy pole sticks)

💰 Money-Related Themes

• Foreign coins (cheap to source and adds curiosity)
• Monopoly or play money
• Gold chocolate coins (tempting!)
• Dice from old board games (can be a fun, 'recycled' idea)

🌍 Eco-Friendly / Natural Ideas

• Shells or polished stones
• Gum nuts or seed pods
• Bottle caps (cleaned and dried)
• Corks (cut into slices for a harder challenge!)
• Recycled bread tag

🖐️ Tips for running a great Guess How Many Fundraiser

Choose the Right Jar 🧱 

• Big enough to hold 100+ items, but small enough to be a visual challenge.
• A larger jar allows you to charge more per guess — for example, $1–$2 per entry for a big prize.

Select the Prize 🎁 

• The contents can be the prize (if food-safe).
• Or offer a bonus prize: a toy, gift card, or hamper to increase excitement.

Offer a Guessing Range 📏 

• Instead of requiring an exact number, make it easier:
  • “The correct answer is between 250 and 375.”
  • This encourages more guesses and reduces frustration.

Create a Chart for Entries 🧾 

• Use a simple Excel or Word sheet with columns for:
  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Guess
• Keeps it organised and makes prize follow-up easy.

Decorate the Jar 🎨 

• Add ribbon, themed fabric on the lid, or stickers.
• Make it eye-catching so it draws people in from a distance!

Seal the Correct Answer 🔐 

• Write the answer on a slip, place it in a sealed envelope, and stick it under the jar or with the organiser.
• Ensures fairness, prevents disputes, and adds mystery!

Boost Visibility 📣 

• Display the jar somewhere with high foot traffic.
• Promote it via newsletters, class reps, or social media.
• Allow multiple entries per person (e.g., 3 guesses for $2).

Add a Fun Twist (Optional) 🕹️ 

• Offer bonus prizes for guessing the outlier.
• Include 1–2 ‘odd’ items in the jar to throw people off (e.g. “Guess how many items… and what doesn't belong?”)
• Run themed jars (e.g. LEGO for kids, lollies for adults) and have a winner for each