For most people, it’s hard to even begin to process how different the school experience is for children today, let alone administrators, teachers and staff. It’s simply complicated beyond compare.
And then, as a parent leader, try figuring out how you can still raise those critically needed funds with all of the changes at your school. Can it even be done?
The answer is an encouraging “yes!”
Schools and parent associations still have big financial needs even with remote learning, A/B schedules, and masks making things a bit more challenging. “We’ve lost tens of thousands of dollars from our budget this year,” Catey Nossi, Principal of Wanda Hirsch Elementary in California said. “We needed these funds to support remote learning. Booster is probably the easiest way to raise funds in a short amount of time. This will be our only fundraiser this year.”
The team at Booster has taken their 18 years of school fundraising expertise and coupled that with the learnings from hosting their first 100 fundraisers this Fall (read about how one fall school raised over $40,000 while complete virtual here). Below are their best tips to help you ensure a successful fundraiser is hosted at your school this year, no matter if your students are learning in-person or virtually:
Top Tips for Successful Fundraising in These Times
- Clearly State Your Goals
Even before COVID, people tend to give less when they can’t picture in their mind exactly what they’re giving toward. So, name your goal clearly. Be very specific. If people can easily see what it is they are giving to they are far more likely to show their support. - Fundraise Beyond School Parents
Part of the reason schools leaders may be unsure about raising funds this Fall is the economic uncertainty they feel for their school community. That’s because most fundraises require parents to give 100% of the funds, but they don’t have to with some fundraising partners.For example, during a Boosterthon fundraiser parents are asked to SHARE about their school’s fundraiser before giving themselves. And, this Fall our Boosterthon fundraisers have seen that on average 70% of donations are from NON-PARENT donors, like friends and extended families! That means less financial burden on school families and more profit overall for schools. - Significantly Pump Up Your Communication
Effectively communicating your fundraising has always been important, but this school year calls for leveling up your promotion big time. Schools that are the most successful use all their channels early, often, and consistently. From teacher and room parent emails, social media posts, text messaging, video messages from the administration, and more – when parents hear from schools frequently, the message sticks and people act. We recommend you develop a communications timeline for your fundraiser that would begin 2 weeks in advance. This will allow you to ramp-up your communications in advance of the kick-off. Then, keep the momentum going throughout your fundraiser with regular updates on where you are to the goal. At the end, be sure to say a big thank you and showcase to the school community what it was your purchased when the funds or how you used them at a later date so they can feel that they helped make an impact, too! - Find Opportunities for Corporate Matching
With schools needing to raise more, but not wanting to put the pressure on their parents, finding ways to profit more through corporate matching is a big win. Ask your fundraising company if they offer a corporate matching program. Schools who partner with fundraisers that have corporate matching capabilities profit more because large organizations across the country are matching donations. Learn more about corporate matching here!
- Make Fun and School Pride Center Stage
If you’re not having fun and building school pride during your fundraiser, you’re missing out on an opportunity to strengthen your school community. With many schools navigating A/B and virtual learning, families can feel less connected with their school. Ramp up the fun and the pride by hosting the right type of fundraiser that can raise funds, spirits, and school pride. Use these three questions to determine if the fundraising you’re selecting is the right one to raise money while having fun and generating increased school pride:
- Does my fundraiser engage the faculty and staff in the fun?
- Can all students and school families participate?
- Will the students think it’s fun?
So, despite an unconventional start to the school year, not only is successful fundraising possible, but it can lift school spirit by providing energy, fun, and positivity. Choose the right fundraiser and implement these proven tips to make this year a great one!
Need help choosing the right fundraiser for your school? Download this Fundraiser Selection Checklist to help you make the best decision.
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