How to Use an Ice Cream Truck for School Fundraisers

If you’re planning a PTO fundraiser, field day, or end-of-year celebration, an ice cream truck can turn a simple school event into a high-energy revenue generator. At Danny’s Ice Cream Truck, we’ve helped schools across Austin and throughout Texas raise money while creating unforgettable memories for students and families.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to use an ice cream truck for a profitable, low-stress school fundraiser, including:

-Revenue share models

-Ticket systems

-Pre-paid package options

-Best practices for maximizing profit

Why an Ice Cream Truck Works for School Fundraisers

An ice cream truck fundraiser is simple, scalable, and exciting for kids. Unlike product sales (wrapping paper, cookie dough, etc.), there’s:

No inventory for the school to manage

No order forms or delivery logistics

Immediate cash flow on event day

Built-in excitement and participation

It pairs perfectly with:

School field days

Spring carnivals

Fall festivals

Fun runs

End-of-year parties

Back-to-school nights

1. Revenue Share Model (Most Popular Option)

How It Works

The ice cream truck attends your event and donates a percentage of total sales back to the school.

Typical Structure

School promotes the event

Students purchase treats directly from the truck

The school receives an agreed-upon percentage of gross sales

Why Schools Love It

No upfront cost

No risk

No money collection before the event

Easy accounting

Pro Tip to Maximize Revenue

Schedule the truck for:

Dismissal time

After a fun run

During a carnival peak window

Back-to-back grade level rotations

The more concentrated the crowd, the higher the sales volume.

2. Ticket System Fundraiser

A ticket system gives schools more control and faster serving time.

How It Works

The school sells ice cream tickets in advance (or day-of).

Students exchange tickets for a treat.

The truck reconciles tickets at the end of the event.

Why It’s Effective

Faster lines

No cash handling at the window

Teachers can distribute tickets easily

Predictable revenue

Two Ticket Approaches

Flat Price Ticket

Example: $5 per ticket

Every ticket equals one standard menu item

Tiered Ticket System

Standard Treat Ticket

Premium Treat Ticket

This works well for carnivals and PTO nights.

3. Pre-Paid Package Fundraiser (Highest Profit Potential)

With this model, the school purchases a bulk package at a discounted rate and resells treats at retail pricing.

How It Works

School prepays for a set number of treats (e.g., 300–500).

School sells tickets at a marked-up rate.

School keeps the difference as profit.

Why It Works So Well

Highest margin per item

Predictable budgeting

Great for large elementary schools

This option is especially popular for:

Field Day celebrations

End-of-year parties

PTA appreciation events

How Much Can a School Raise?

While every school is different, fundraiser totals depend on:

Student enrollment size

Event timing

Weather

Marketing effort

Pricing strategy

Larger elementary schools often see the strongest returns during:

-Spring field day

-Fall festival

-Family fun night

The key is building anticipation.

How to Promote Your Ice Cream Fundraiser

Promotion directly impacts revenue. Here’s what works best:

1. Announce Early

Send:

Email blasts

PTO newsletters

School app notifications

2. Create Countdown Excitement

Morning announcements

Classroom reminders

Social media posts

3. Emphasize the Cause

When parents know proceeds benefit:

Playground upgrades

Teacher appreciation

School programs

Participation increases.

Inclusive Menus Increase Participation

Modern school communities need options for everyone.

Offering:

Dairy-free

Nut-free

Gluten-free

Low-sugar options

Classic favorites

Ensures more students can participate — which increases total sales and fundraiser success.

Best Practices for a Smooth Fundraiser

Coordinate a Serving Window

Rotate grades in 20–30 minute blocks for faster service.

Choose Smart Placement

Set up near:

Gym exits

Field day stations

Carnival entrances

Have Volunteers Ready

2–3 PTO volunteers can:

Manage ticket lines

Direct students

Keep flow organized

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an ice cream truck fundraiser work?

Schools partner with a licensed ice cream truck and choose either a revenue share model, ticket system, or pre-paid package. Students purchase treats, and the school receives a percentage or keeps the profit margin depending on the structure.

Is there an upfront cost?

Revenue share fundraisers typically require no upfront cost. Pre-paid packages do require advance purchase but often produce higher profits.

What is the best fundraiser model for elementary schools?

Revenue share works best for large community events. Pre-paid packages often generate the highest profit for structured events like field day.

How much can a PTO raise with an ice cream truck?

Profit depends on attendance and pricing, but ice cream truck fundraisers consistently perform well because of high student participation and impulse buying.

Why Schools Choose Danny’s Ice Cream Truck

Licensed & insured

Experienced with school event logistics

Fast service for large groups

Inclusive menu options

Easy coordination with PTOs and administrators

We specialize in making fundraisers simple, profitable, and fun.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a low-stress, high-participation school fundraiser, an ice cream truck is one of the easiest ways to generate revenue while creating a positive experience for students and families.

https://www.dannysicecreamtruckaustin.com/contact-us.html