School Fundraising: How Thinking Like a Nonprofit Can Boost Your Wins

Fundraise for Your School Like a Nonprofit.

Schools traditionally fundraise quite differently than nonprofits, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything to learn by studying nonprofit fundraising. Many nonprofit organizations have successful fundraising campaigns and secure significant donor dollars. How do they do this, and how does this relate to school fundraising? Let's take a look.

Fundraising for Schools

Schools fundraise for a variety of reasons. They may need funds to launch clubs, support sports teams, buy materials, or plan a class trip. School fundraisers are typically product fundraisers such as selling popcorn, t-shirts, or home goods. Some schools will host events, drives, and walk-a-thons that engage the local community, encourage the students to learn and support their school and raise funding for the organization.

Fundraising for Nonprofits

Like schools, nonprofits must also raise money to support their organization. Nonprofits don't take revenue from their product sales and services, so they must find other ways to keep the business afloat. Nonprofits raise money to help cover general costs, launch new projects, secure and store inventory, run marketing campaigns, hire new employees, and more. It's common for nonprofit organizations to raise funds online through their website, donation pages, and social media platforms. They may run contests or host events as well.

How to Fundraise Like a Nonprofit

Many nonprofit organizations are doing things right regarding fundraising. Schools can learn from these fundraising pros. Below are seven steps nonprofits take while campaigning that can boost a school's fundraising success.

1. Share Your Mission and Plans

Nonprofits post and often articulate and demonstrate their mission and goals, which is less common for schools but can undoubtedly be beneficial. Nonprofit organizations are often transparent with their project plans and create detailed, step-by-step action plans to share with potential donors. Plan and share precisely what you will do with funds earned.

2. Write a Project Budget

A well-written project budget keeps you on track and shows you mean business. Donors like giving to a project that has been thought through and is ready to launch. Make your budget as accurate as possible and publicly share it so potential donors know where their dollars fit.

3. Network

Nonprofits constantly network and build relationships, strengthening the organization and dramatically increasing the potential donor pool. Follow this example to help attract and secure donors for your next school fundraiser.

4. Determine Your Beneficiaries and Identify Donors

Determine your beneficiaries and identify your donors. Your beneficiaries are likely your students, which may be more specific, such as students in an art club. Your donors may be past donors or interested parties. Having a grasp on parties impacted by the campaign will give you greater control and allow you to plan and share your fundraising story more effectively.

5. Advertise

Market your raise. The more people know about your raise, the higher your chances of receiving donations. Nonprofits go big on this step, taking it as far as buying billboards and launching commercials. You don't need to go this big, but take this as inspiration to think outside the box and reach more potential donors.

6. Use Your Social Channels

Use your social channels. Nonprofits are all about their social media. Follow their lead. If you don't have social media, it's time to start building. If you do, it's time to revamp and go all out. Also, consider students' social media accounts. Many students have a broad audience on social media, and sharing your fundraiser can be highly beneficial.

7. Evaluate Your Outcomes

Nonprofits are constantly reevaluating and pivoting to adjust to their results. Continuous improvement is the backbone of progress in the nonprofit world. Take this good habit on with your school fundraiser.

Fundraising committees should evaluate outcomes such as if they reached their goal, if communication was effective if participation rates were as expected, and if events went off without a hitch. Consider trying a different fundraiser, recruitment method, or incentive program on your next fundraising trip.

School Fundraising FAQs

Below, we answer your most asked questions about fundraising like a nonprofit.

Is School Fundraising the Same as Nonprofit Fundraising?

School fundraising is very similar to nonprofit fundraising. While fundraising types and needs may differ, the practices used to boost potential have a definite overlap.

What Are School Fundraising Ideas?

Schools can sell products, host events, launch a virtual fundraiser, and more.

Can Schools Work with Nonprofits to Fundraise?

Schools and nonprofits can partner to help each other raise funds to meet their goals, which isn't common, yet it is a creative way to get outside the box and fundraise fresh, new.

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.