Is There a Perfect Time for Your School Fundraiser?

Why there's a good and bad time to schedule your sale.

Is there a best time of the year for your school fundraiser? Even if you've planned everything else out perfectly, if you pick the wrong time to have your sale, there can be negative consequences. For example, you could sell a similar brochure to another school in your area. This would force some buyers to pick and choose which organization to support.

As it turns out, there is no right time for any group. Most would say having a fall fundraiser is best because you have it earlier in the school year; however, that's also when many other organizations sell.

Therefore, finding the best possible time to run your sale is probably going to take a little investigative work on your part. Here are some things to consider when deciding to have your school fundraiser.

Make Sure Your Campaign Stands Out

If you're offering something unique enough to your community, the program may sell itself regardless of when you have it. It always helps to ask questions to find out what people might be interested in before deciding. On the other hand, if you decide to stick with a fundraiser that everyone's already familiar with, try to find and promote a brochure with distinctive qualities.

Be the First Fundraiser in Your Area

Many schools want to be the first group out selling in their area. The apparent reason is people are more apt to buy from the initial person who approaches them. This can lead to more sales for the group. However, the downside is that many other groups have the same idea. This can make for a crowded marketplace with a much higher concentration of sellers competing for the same buyers. This is why many schools either wait until later in the fall or even decide to have a spring fundraiser instead.

Know What Other Schools Are Selling

It pays to know when other fundraisers in your area will occur. High schools that more closely monitor their groups must reserve their dates and what they plan to sell in advance. In addition, working with other PTA and PTO leaders in your area can also help eliminate elementary school fundraiser overlap. Some districts require organizations to report when all school groups plan to have their sale. In this case, you may obtain a list from the superintendent's office.

Sometimes, working to create a fundraising schedule with other schools in your area can foster a better situation for everyone involved rather than being forced to compete against them.

See our brochure 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.