5 Steps to an Exciting School Fundraiser Kickoff

How to get your sale off to a strong start.

The school fundraiser kickoff assembly is one of the most important parts of your sale because it allows you to create an exciting atmosphere and set a positive tone. If it goes well and your group starts excited, it can make all the difference.

The primary purpose of the kickoff is to generate as much enthusiasm as possible for your cause. The more passionate your audience becomes, the more they want to participate in your fundraiser. It's really that simple.

And developing sales momentum is the key to your success because you can continue to build on it. The bottom line is the more excitement you generate, the more money you'll make. Here are some key strategies that you will want to implement:

1. Promote your Fundraiser before your Kickoff

It’s important to build up your sale as much as possible to create awareness and suspense. A good example is the promotion before a movie comes out in theaters. As a result of creating public awareness, people look forward to the movie coming out. The same thing applies to your school fundraiser kickoff. You'll want to promote it to your students and parents. You can mention it during school announcements and at a parent meeting. Send ‘coming soon’ notes home with your students. Place it on your school marquee as well as on the school website. Plan a meeting with your teachers and staff to discuss your goals and objectives. Remember to be creative and fun during your presale promotion as well.

2. A Large Audience Adds Energy and Excitement

The larger your kickoff audience, the greater your chance of generating a high level of excitement. Your audience will feed off the high energy of their peers. Having everyone present allows you to rally your entire organization as a whole. Remember you're working on this project together as a team. Nothing will show that more than to have everyone together. This excitement will create the momentum needed for a successful sale.

3. Plan the Right Setting for your Kickoff

Plan to have your kickoff in a large room, like the school gym or cafeteria. You'll also need access to power for any technical equipment.

Disadvantages to P.E. Kickoffs
Many schools schedule their kickoff during P.E. because they do not want to interrupt classroom time. The problem with this approach is that you're breaking up your audience and the energy that can be created with a larger group. Another issue is that none of your teachers or administrators are usually present, so they become disassociated with the entire process. It is imperative to gain their support and involve them as much as possible.

Distractions during Lunch
Avoid having lunchtime for your kickoff because your audience will be distracted while eating. Plus, they'll be coming and going throughout the entire presentation. This will be a distraction for everyone involved. Also, if you plan to use your cafeteria for the kickoff, arrange to have the tables out of the way beforehand to accommodate additional students. Don’t sacrifice having a successful kickoff just for the sake of convenience. An effective kickoff can often be completed in as little as 15-20 minutes.

4. Have the Principal Introduce your Fundraiser

Your audience will respect your fundraiser more if someone they see as an authority figure is involved. If you can have the principal perform the introduction, arrange for another key person. You'll also want them to finish the kickoff with some concluding remarks.

5. Create an Exciting Kickoff Atmosphere

Play music at your kickoff
Arrange for a good stereo sound system and have music already playing as students enter the kickoff area and then again when they leave.

Think Big and Loud
If you're showing a video to help promote your fundraiser, you will want to show it on as large a screen as possible. Your audience will be more apt to be excited and awed by its presentation. However, screen size won't matter unless everyone in the room can hear what's going on. Make sure you use a good sound system as well.

A successful school fundraiser kickoff is the result of thoughtful planning and implementation. What ideas do you have that can enhance a kickoff experience?

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Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.