How Personalized School Fundraising Products Are Boosting Engagement in 2025

Blog Summary: Restaurant discount card fundraisers are an innovative way for schools to raise money while supporting local businesses. This guide explores the process of launching a restaurant discount card fundraiser, which involves partnering with local restaurants to offer discounts that buyers can enjoy for an entire year. Schools sell these cards, earning a profit of up to 65%. The fundraising model has several benefits, including strong community involvement, high perceived value, and repeat customer visits for participating restaurants. This simple, sustainable fundraising method replaces more time-consuming events, such as bake sales and car washes. The process includes strategic outreach to restaurants, effective sales techniques, and a streamlined logistics system, ensuring ease for volunteers. This fundraising initiative not only meets the financial goals of schools but also strengthens community bonds and offers valuable savings to supporters. Big Fundraising Ideas makes it easy by handling merchant outreach and card design.

In the dynamic world of school fundraising, generic appeals and cookie-cutter approaches are quickly becoming relics of the past. As we navigate 2025, a powerful trend is emerging: personalization. Schools are discovering that offering products and experiences tailored to their community drives higher donations and fosters a deeper sense of engagement, pride, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Gone are the days when a simple bake sale or car wash would suffice. Today's donors, especially younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials, seek more than just a transaction. They want to connect with a cause, see the tangible impact of their contribution, and feel like they're part of something truly unique, which is where personalized fundraising products shine, transforming a simple donation into an investment in shared school spirit.

At Big Fundraising Ideas, we've been at the forefront of this shift, providing innovative solutions that empower schools to maximize their fundraising potential. In this guide, we'll examine why personalization is the key to fundraising success in 2025, explore highly effective personalized product fundraisers such as Scratch Cards, Tumblers, and Discount Card Fundraiser, and demonstrate how to leverage them for unprecedented engagement and profit.

The Power of Personalization: Why it Matters More Than Ever

Several key trends characterize the 2025 fundraising landscape, all pointing towards the undeniable importance of personalization:

• Hyper-Personalized Donor Journeys: Donors Expect Tailored Experiences. Generic appeals fall flat. Using data and even "light AI" can help segment donors and craft messages that resonate with their interests and giving history.
• Community-Centric Fundraising: The focus is shifting from transactional giving to building a "tribe" – a community where donors, volunteers, and staff rally around shared values and goals. Personalized products naturally foster this sense of belonging.
• Digital and Mobile-First Interactions: Younger donors are digital natives. Online stores, social media promotion, and frictionless payment technologies (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo) are crucial for reaching them. Personalized online storefronts enhance this experience.
• Transparency and Impact Reporting: Donors want to see the direct impact of their contributions. Personalized products often have a clear connection to the school's needs, making their impact tangible.
• Donor Retention as the Strategic North Star: Acquiring new donors is expensive. Focusing on retaining existing donors through positive, personalized experiences is more cost-effective and results in a higher lifetime value.

Personalization transforms fundraising from a request for money into an opportunity for individuals to express their unique connection to the school and its mission.

Product Spotlight 1: Scratch Card Fundraisers – The Interactive Engagement Booster

What they are: Scratch card fundraisers are exactly what they sound like—physical cards with "scratch-off" circles, each revealing a small donation amount. Supporters scratch a few circles, donate the revealed sum, and often receive a sheet of valuable coupons for local businesses in return.

Why they're booming with personalization in 2025:

While the core concept remains, the personalization element elevates scratch cards beyond a simple donation request.

• Custom Branding: Our scratch cards can be customized with your school's logo, mascot, colors, and even a photo of your team or student group, instantly connecting the fundraiser to your specific cause, making it feel less like a generic plea and more like a direct contribution to your school.
• Targeted Coupon Offers: The "personalization" here extends to the value proposition for the donor. The coupon sheet becomes highly desirable by partnering with local businesses relevant to your community (think local pizza places, ice cream shops, or family entertainment centers). Donors aren't just giving; they're getting tangible savings on things they already use, making their donation feel like a smart investment.
• Interactive and Fun: Scratching off a card adds an element of gamification and immediate gratification. It's an engaging experience that encourages participation, especially among students selling it.
• High-Profit Potential: Scratch card fundraisers offer incredibly high profit margins, often up to 100%. For example, with Big Fundraising Ideas, you get bonus cards that can cover your entire cost, leaving pure profit for your school. A preschool running a Scratch & Help fundraiser reported a $6,000 profit for new playground equipment – a testament to the effectiveness of the fundraiser.
• Empowering Student Sellers: Students feel more confident selling something tangible and fun that also offers value back to the donor. The personalized branding on the cards helps them feel like true ambassadors for their school's cause.

Key Takeaway: Scratch card fundraisers leverage the power of interactivity and local value. The personalization comes in making the card distinctly yours and providing highly relevant discounts that resonate with your community, turning a donation into a win-win for everyone.

Product Spotlight 2: Tumbler Fundraisers – Sipping on School Spirit

What they are: Tumbler fundraisers sell high-quality, reusable insulated tumblers, typically branded with your school's logo, mascot, or a custom design. These aren't just tumblers; they're often compared to popular brands like Yeti and RTIC, offering superior insulation for hot and cold beverages.

Why they're making a splash with personalization in 2025:

Tumblers offer a unique blend of practicality, eco-friendliness, and powerful personalization.

• Ultimate School Spirit Wear (Beyond Apparel): While t-shirts are great, a custom tumbler becomes a daily companion. Whenever a student, parent, or faculty member uses their branded tumbler, they showcase their school pride, creating a walking advertisement for your school and your cause.
• High Perceived Value and Reusability: In an increasingly eco-conscious world, reusable tumblers are highly sought after. They're a practical item that people will use, justifying a higher price point than single-use items, which means more profit per sale for your school.
• Customization Options: Beyond the logo, you can offer tumblers in various colors and sizes and even incorporate a unique design specific to your fundraising campaign (e.g., "Class of 2026 Trip Fund"). Some providers, like Mark Klingaman Fundraising, offer laser engraving for a premium, long-lasting finish.
• Versatile Appeal: Tumblers appeal to a broad audience – students, parents, teachers, and alumni. They're perfect for hydrating during sports, keeping coffee warm in the classroom, or staying cool on field trips.
• Easy Online Sales: Leveraging an online storefront, students can easily share links to their personalized Tumblr shop with friends and family nationwide. Orders can be shipped directly to buyers, simplifying logistics and expanding your reach beyond the school gates.
• Sustainable Choice: Promoting reusable tumblers aligns with growing environmental awareness, adding another positive layer to your fundraising message. It shows your school is committed to responsible practices.

Key Takeaway: Personalized tumblers provide a high-value, practical, and highly visible way to foster school spirit and raise substantial funds. The daily use of these items keeps your school's cause at the forefront of people's minds and acts as a continuous, subtle advertisement for your community.

Product Spotlight 3: Discount Card Fundraisers – Unlocking Local Savings and Community Support

What they are: Discount cards are wallet-sized cards that offer exclusive deals and discounts at various local businesses. Your school partners with these businesses, and in return for a donation (typically the purchase of a card), supporters receive access to these savings for a specified period (typically 6-12 months).

Why they're delivering big wins with personalization in 2025:

Discount cards are a perennial favorite because they offer tangible value to the donor while building strong community ties. Personalization enhances this value proposition.

• Community-Centric Personalization: This is where discount cards truly shine. The "personalization" is curating a list of local businesses that your specific community frequents. Consider the restaurants, shops, and services popular among your students' families and the wider neighborhood, making the card incredibly valuable and relevant to your supporters' daily lives.
• Repeat Use Value: Unlike one-time-use products, discount cards provide ongoing savings. This "repeated use value" makes the initial purchase a clear benefit for the buyer, leading to higher conversion rates and greater satisfaction. Donors can save far more than the cost of the card over its validity period.
• Win-Win-Win Model:
  • Schools Win: High-profit margins (often 50-70% of the sale price) with minimal overhead.
  • Donors Win: They get access to exclusive discounts at businesses they already love, saving them money.
  • Local Businesses Win: They gain increased visibility, foot traffic, and loyal customers from the school community, fostering strong local partnerships.
• Custom Design and Branding: The cards are typically custom-designed with your school's logo, colors, and mission statement. This brand reinforcement makes the card a proud representation of your school's efforts.
• Ease of Sale: Discount cards are relatively easy to sell because the value proposition is clear and immediate. Students can easily explain how much money their friends and family can save.
• Trackable Success: With effective planning, you can easily track sales and showcase the fundraiser's collective impact, further motivating your community.

Key Takeaway: Discount card fundraisers are a powerful, personalized tool because they are inherently localized and offer continuous, tangible value to donors. By partnering with businesses that resonate with your community, you're not just fundraising; you're strengthening local ties and creating a true community-driven initiative.

Beyond Products: Personalizing the Fundraising Journey

While personalized products are a fantastic starting point, maximizing engagement in 2025 requires a holistic approach to personalization throughout the entire fundraising journey.

• Tailored Communication: Email, text, and social media to share updates and express gratitude. Segment your donor list to send personalized messages based on their past giving, involvement, or connection to the school. For example, messages to alumni might differ from those sent to current parents.
• Storytelling with Impact: Share compelling stories about how the funds raised are making a difference. If you're fundraising for new sports equipment, show photos of students using the new gear. If it's for a field trip, share student testimonials about how the experience enriched their learning. Personalize the impact.
• Recognize and Appreciate: Personalize Your Thank-You Messages. A generic email is easily forgotten. A heartfelt, personalized thank-you note or a shout-out on social media (with permission) can significantly boost donor retention and make supporters feel truly valued.
• Empower Student Ambassadors: Encourage students to take ownership of the fundraising process. Their enthusiasm becomes contagious when they're personally invested and can articulate the "why" behind the fundraiser, which might involve creating personalized online selling pages for each student or team.

Making it Happen with Big Fundraising Ideas

At Big Fundraising Ideas, we understand the nuances of successful school fundraising in 2025. We offer comprehensive support to help you integrate personalization seamlessly into your campaigns:

• Custom Product Design: Our team works with you to create stunning, branded scratch cards, tumblers, and discount cards that proudly showcase your school's identity.
• Online Fundraising Platforms: Our user-friendly online stores make it effortless for students to share personalized links, expand their reach, and track their sales in real-time, streamlining the entire process, from order taking to delivery.
• High-Profit Margins: We are committed to providing fundraising solutions that offer exceptional profit margins, ensuring your school keeps the maximum funds raised.
• Dedicated Support: From initial planning to final delivery, our team is there to guide you and offer tips and strategies for maximizing your success.

Your School's Future of Fundraising Starts Now

The future of school fundraising in 2025 is unequivocally personalized. By embracing customized products like scratch cards, tumblers, and discount cards, and by integrating personalization into every aspect of your fundraising strategy, your school can:

• Boost engagement: Create a deeper connection with your donors and their cause.
• Increase profits: Generate more funds through appealing, high-value products.
• Foster school spirit: Create a tangible representation of your community's pride.
• Build lasting relationships: Cultivate loyal supporters who will contribute for years to come.

Don't settle for outdated, generic fundraisers. It's time to unlock the power of personalization and transform your school's fundraising efforts into highly engaging, profitable, and memorable experiences.

Ready to personalize your next big fundraiser? Explore Big Fundraising Ideas today and discover how our custom Scratch Cards, Tumblers, and Discount Cards can help your school achieve its goals and boost engagement like never before!

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.