3 Keys to Elementary School Fundraising Success

Unique elementary school fundraising ideas that work

Several groups are in the process of planning their next fall fundraiser. As they look ahead, many are reflecting back on their results from this past fall. Every group has its own unique challenges.

Some are looking to simply match last year’s sales results while others want to surpass them. Still many schools didn’t reach their goals and are looking for ways to enhance their fundraiser.

If you really want elementary school fundraising success, there are specific things that you can do, but you’re going to have to put some extra work in to make it happen. Here are 3 things you should consider that can make all the difference.

1. Promote Your Elementary School Fundraising Beforehand

When it comes to promoting your sale, most sponsors only think about targeting the students. While they're probably the most important audience to market to, you should also consider your parents and staff. You should promote your sale ahead of time to create anticipation and get everyone talking. There are a lot of fun and creative ways to promote your upcoming sale like:

• Introducing it during morning announcements. Be creative by dressing up in a costume that is somehow related to your purpose.
• Have a top seller prize hidden under a sheet and have the students try to guess what it is.
• Post the kickoff date on the school website.
• Place information about your fundraiser on Facebook and Twitter and encourage others to do the same.
• Tell people about the purpose for your fundraiser in the school newspaper.
• Send note home addressed to your parents letting them know to expect their fundraiser packets shortly.

2. Plan a Great Elementary School Fundraising Kickoff

The kickoff meeting is probably the most important way to market your sale, and your students are your most important asset. Your kickoff should come across like a well-orchestrated production. This is where you must sell your cause to your students, and you have one shot to do it right. Therefore, plan to make it as credible and exciting as possible. If possible, arrange to have everyone together at the kickoff assembly because the energy and excitement will become contagious. Also include your teachers as they will help remind students to sell.

To help to set an energetic tone, make arrangements for a good sound system. Have music playing as the students are walking in and again as they walk out. A good microphone is also important once the music is turned off and you are ready to start. If you are showing a video, turn off the lights. Make your video presentation as large as possible by projecting it onto a large screen. Cover up your top seller prizes and reveal them towards the end of your assembly.

Also, make arrangements in advance for any necessary equipment. Doing things at the last minute will only make you more stressed and may even cause for things to go wrong during the kickoff. Be sure and test your equipment ahead of time. Your students should leave the kickoff eager and ready to start selling.

3. Keep Promoting Your Elementary School Fundraiser

Some schools think that once the kickoff is complete, all they have to do is collect money and order forms at the end. Maximize your potential earnings by promoting your fundraiser regularly. Why not make an impact while you can possibly affect your results? Here are some things you can do:

• Incorporate additional incentives into your program.
• Announce your campaign daily.
• Send home reminder notices.
• Post your top seller prize on Facebook and Twitter.
• Place your prize program flyers in key areas around your school.
• Advertise your sale using your marquee.

Follow these steps and you will be well on your way to elementary school fundraising success.

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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.