Why High School Fundraising Sponsors are Essential

Why the group sponsor is vital to the sale.

The person in charge of the group will have the most significant impact on the high school fundraiser's success. That's right, high school fundraising sponsors influence their sales results the most. It's not what they're selling, how many students they have, or even the type of group. Many sponsors spend most of their time focusing on less important things like what type of product will grab people's attention or how they should motivate their students to sell.

And while these things can make a difference, the sale will most likely be doomed from the start without an effective leader. Unfortunately, many sponsors wouldn't even be on the list if asked what factors can positively affect sales. But in actuality, they need to realize that they are essential. So what makes high school fundraising sponsors so valuable?

Sponsors Play Multiple Roles

Sponsors need to understand that their role is multifaceted. They must provide clear direction to their students on what's expected of them and then be able to inspire them to go out and make sales. For example, why should their students go out and make sales first, and how many items will they need to sell to be successful? They'll have to know administrative things like when the money's due and who checks should be written to. And how will the sponsor be able to keep the students focused on selling after the first couple of days?

Good Leadership Earns Followers

Leadership is a big responsibility that takes work. Students are more likely to follow a good leader, and sponsors must be prepared to lead to be effective. For instance, what did they do to plan for their kickoff meeting, and how will they encourage them to keep selling to the end? Sponsors should always look for ways to help make their students as productive as possible.

Sponsors Set the Fundraising Tone

High school fundraising sponsors will help determine their outcome by creating and facilitating a successful selling mindset in their students. They expect their group to sell and are willing to hold them accountable for staying on task until the goal is reached.

See our high school fundraisers.

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.