School fundraising is a time-honored tradition that benefits schools, students, and the community. Fundraisers are an excellent way to earn money for schools through events that are either planned or organized by the students themselves. There are many ways to fundraise at school, but here are five tips for managing a successful school fundraiser.
Consider your school’s needs and goals.
Before starting your fundraiser, it’s essential to consider what you want to use the money for. Think about how much money you need and whether the fundraiser you’ve chosen will bring enough revenue to reach that goal. For example, if you want to make $1,000 through a bake sale, but the cookies cost $2 each, you might not reach your target.
Also, think about how any money raised will be used in school. Will the funds go toward sports equipment? Teacher salaries? Bringing in outside experts? Whatever your school needs or goals are, keep them in mind when deciding on a fundraiser to help reach that goal.
Organize Your Budget
One of the most important things to do when planning your fundraiser is to organize your budget. You’ll need to figure out how much money you are trying to make, the cost of the fundraiser, any equipment you might need, such as new spirit wear for functions, and how much it will cost you to organize it.
Once you’ve figured this out, you’ll be able to calculate what kind of fundraising event will work best for your school.
For example, if you’re fundraising for a school that can’t afford expensive activities or prizes, then a bake sale might be a good idea. On the other hand, if your school has parents with deep pockets who are more than willing to donate large sums of money, then an auction might be a more appropriate choice.
Get People Onboard Early
One of the best tips for organizing a successful school fundraiser is to get people on board as soon as possible. You’ll need help from as many people as you can, so the earlier you start, the more likely you are to have success.
You should also consider how much time and energy each person has before asking them to sign up for a role. Some individuals would like to help, but they don’t have the time or energy to commit to a significant project. If this is the case, you can ask them if they want to contribute in other ways, such as donating items or volunteering when they have time.
Generate Ideas
The first step of a successful school fundraiser is to generate ideas for a fundraiser. An excellent place to start is by brainstorming with other teachers and students. You can also consult with your administration or visit websites that offer fundraising tips and guidelines. Some ideas for fundraisers include:
- Coffeehouse night
- Movie night
- Pizza day
- Car wash
- Zombie walk
- Dance competition
Involve The Local Community
One way to organize a successful school fundraiser is by involving the local community. Schools can do this by promoting your event through flyers, posters, and direct mail. You may also want to publicize your fundraiser with ads on the radio or in print publications read by members of the community.
You will have tremendous success by organizing an event that engages people in the community. If you plan ahead, you can also work with local businesses to help sponsor your event.
