Achieve School Fundraising Goals through Unity

Get your students unified behind your goals.

The following question gets asked by sponsors all the time. "Can you raise the profit percent if we remove the prize program?" On the surface, it sounds like they only want to cut corners. Increase the profit amount without looking for creative ways to increase sales.

But the motivation may be a little more noble if you dig deeper. Many sponsors believe the purpose alone should motivate their members to sell. They feel their school fundraising project shouldn't need any external incentives. The mission should drive students to fundraise, not a prize.

In other words, the result of raising the money is the reward. Think about what a new musical instrument will mean to a band member. Or how a baseball player might improve his swing with a pitching machine. But at the end of the day, these are only tangible objects.

What's the ultimate goal? Why do your students want to be a part of your group? Getting your students to think about a much bigger picture is important. What's down the road that could be more exciting?

Perhaps it's to win gold at the national Bands of America marching contest. Or let's say your baseball program made it to the district last year. This year's dream is to go all the way to the state.

But groups that found success understood that unity was critical. Together we were better. They got it and realized that working as a team got them to their destination. There was no place for individualism. The question is, "How can your group achieve unity?"

To help ensure it, what impact do you want your group to make? It's important to know the difference between fundraising money and the goal. The money is only the means to achieving the goal.

It may help to ask yourself if the following question applies to your group. And if it doesn't, find out why.

Are your members willing to commit to your group's end goal?

Before considering a sales project, know why your members are there.

How much do your students believe in the group's direction and vision? Does the group help them fulfill their own needs? Once you address these issues, you can start moving toward unity.

And once you achieve it, you have the foundation to make your sales project successful.

Common School Fundraising Goals

Have you thought about what's best for your group? Consider ranking your goals and think about what to tackle first. It may also be a good idea to get your student's opinion. Ask them what they think is most vital. It may surprise you by what you learn.

But if you want to decide for yourself, everyone must know how you get there.

Furthermore, can you get your group united behind your school fundraising goal? Each team member will have different motives. This is what makes cohesiveness a challenge. Can your students put the needs of the group first?

Make sure individual priorities line up with the group. But first, it might help to show your students that you appreciate that they're a part of the group.

How sportswear prizes enhance unity and profits

4 Ways to Enhance Group Unity

1. Foster a supportive environment. Your students should be able to feel that you're there for them. Be sure to create a "come to me anytime" system. Be open and understanding of each member's unique differences. When your members feel supported, you can better address issues before they escalate.
2. Create a team-like atmosphere. Everyone needs to learn to work together, facilitating trust and bonding. Be sure to meet with your organization regularly and discuss your progress. Be open to feedback and how everyone can help make the group stronger. If their opinions matter, they'll be more apt to use their talents and creativity to help the group.
3. Confront negative gossip. Gossip can be cancerous to group unity. It causes resentment among members and builds distrust. For the moment, it can be tempting, even entertaining. But at what cost? There's always someone who's affected negatively. So work to keep opinions positive and out in the open in the group's best interest. Establish a "no-gossip" policy.
4. Remember the golden rule. Treat others how you want them to treat you. Express interest in your students and their goals outside of the group. If they know you care about them, they'll be more inclined to support your cause.

How fundraisers prepare students for future success

Have a Fundraiser Kickoff Meeting

Regarding your school fundraiser, it's important to meet with your students. Before you start, set a date and time and have a well-planned kickoff meeting.

This will ensure everyone's on the same page and knows what to do. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you have your meeting.

1. What are you raising money for?
2. How much money does the group need?
3. How much does each student need to raise?
4. What type of fundraiser will work best?
5. When do you need the money?

You'll be surprised what you can do when everyone's on the same page.

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.