Why Tracking Fundraiser Progress is Useful

The best way to reach your fundraising goal.

Sponsors would love to hand out their student packets at the start and then count the money at the end. It would be nice if it were that easy. Ideally, students would read through the information independently and follow every step perfectly. Is this reality? Probably not.

Fundraising is hard work, and unfortunately, nothing is available to make it any easier. You might think you've picked an excellent sales brochure to get buyers' attention. Or perhaps you believe that your students will automatically embrace your sale because you think they should be motivated by the purpose. If you want success, properly tracking fundraiser progress made by your sellers will make the difference.

No one wants to reach the end of their sale only to find out that they didn't reach their sales goal. This is why you need to track your student's progress. Does this create more work for you? Yes, but we feel that, in the end, it's worth the time and energy.

How to Tracking Fundraiser Progress

Every high school sponsor receives our sales progress tracker that allows them to enter their student information. The tracker breaks your sale into three smaller check-in day goals based on your sales goal. For example, if your students need to sell ten total items, your check-in day goals might look like this:

• Day after kickoff goal = three items
• Mid-sales goal = seven items
• End goal = ten items

We recommend that you check order forms the day after your kickoff because it helps to create a sense of urgency in the minds of your sellers. You can also have them show you their money collection envelopes to ensure they're also collecting the money. This is important because most sales are made within the first 3-4 days.

Students are Obligated to Sell

Students must bring their order forms and money envelopes on their assigned check-in days so you can enter the number of items sold into your tracker. Your tracker will calculate for you and determine how well your students are doing. This will encourage them to keep up with the sales.

Sponsor Fundraising Tips

You can get the most out of your check-in days by:

• Reminding your students the day before each check-in day to bring their order forms and money envelopes
• Entering their sales data on the spot
• Continually encourage them to sell

Your check-in days are also an excellent opportunity to incorporate additional incentives. The money game works well with high school students.

Successful sponsors work hard and seize the opportunity to raise money. Ultimately, they have peace of mind as they move on to something else.

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.