Top 5 Reasons to Outsource Your School’s Fundraising Campaign

Why your school should consider hiring a fundraising company.

It's that time of year again. You know you need to start putting together your school-year fundraising plan. But what if I told you you didn't have to do it alone? Whether you've raised funds a hundred times or none, it may be advantageous to outsource your school fundraising this year. If you feel in your head or want to increase your chances of a healthy ROI, it's worth learning about outsourcing and how it may help you and your school. Let's dive deeper.

Outsourcing Versus Independent School Fundraising

What does it mean to outsource fundraising? Outsourcing means hiring a third party to manage your organization's operations, such as fundraising. When you outsource your school's fundraising campaign, the third-party company handles all communications with the provider.

For example, if your school hosts a cookie dough fundraiser, the hired party will handle all communications with the cookie dough supplier, such as Otis Spunkmeyer. The hired party will manage most of the planning, money handling, orders, and distribution. Often, the hired party will provide prize programs and help evaluate the fundraiser's success.

An independent school fundraiser is managed entirely by individuals within the organization. In this case, your school will need to assemble a fundraising committee to handle the planning, communications, execution, and evaluation of the fundraising campaign. You will handle all product orders and finances internally as well. Schools may need to store, sort, and distribute products depending on the type of fundraiser.

The decision between outsourcing and independent school fundraising will come from your school's capabilities, restrictions, and preferences. Independent fundraising may save a few dollars but requires much more hands on deck, time, resources, and knowledge.

5 Reasons to Outsource Your School's Fundraising Campaign

Look at the top five reasons to outsource your school's next fundraising campaign.

1. Skip Planning Your School Fundraiser

Planning a school fundraiser is a lot of work. You need to make decisions, and there are many tasks to execute. Creating a fundraising narrative, choosing a fundraising method, writing the budget, recruiting volunteers, encouraging student participation, marketing the raise, and contacting product suppliers are just some of the tasks you'll need to check off your list when executing an independent fundraiser. Outsourcing saves your school time and resources by managing the majority of these tasks for you.

2. No Handling Funds

Independent fundraising means handling money. When outsourcing a fundraiser, often, the third-party company handles all purchases and donations, which means no juggling cash, deposits, or checks. The organization keeps detailed records of all funds received for you as well.

3. Free Prize Programs

Some fundraising companies, BFI included, offer free prize programs to accompany your fundraiser. Prizes incentivize students to participate and give it their all. Prizes include parties, events, or catalog options, including games, tech, and school spirit wear.

4. Tried-and-True Campaigns

Schools execute programs offered by fundraising companies time and time again. They are tried-and-true campaigns proven to earn funds for schools successfully. They have been tailored for success through years of execution and evaluation, allowing you to read reviews and ask other schools for their opinions and recommendations regarding the fundraiser.

5. Take Advantage of School Fundraising Expertise

You can sell your house, but a realtor has the experience to make it smooth and raise your chances of gaining a good return. Working with a fundraising company is similar. Fundraising companies have experience and industry knowledge. They understand what works and what doesn't. You can use this expertise when you outsource your school's fundraising campaign.

Outsource Fundraising FAQs

Below are a few commonly asked questions regarding outsourcing school fundraising.

How Do I Find a Reputable School Fundraising Company?

Do your due diligence. Read reviews and contact schools that have worked with the company before to hear about their experience. Chat with the company before signing up to ask questions about how the process works, the costs and fees, and any other concerns you may have.

Is It Worth Hiring a Fundraising Company?

Hiring a fundraising company is unnecessary, but outsourcing your fundraising is worth it. It saves time and a whole lot of headaches in the long run. The experts are there to help. Why not use them?

What Types of Fundraisers Can My School Outsource?

The most commonly outsourced fundraisers are product fundraisers, including food, gear, catalog sales, jewelry, flowers, home goods, and more.

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.