Your next PTA fundraiser could be the push your school needs to offer countless more resources. To fund your school programs, plan a successful PTA school fundraiser that involves the whole community. Show off your school spirit by following these helpful tips and craft a fundraiser that will positively impact your school.
Understanding Your Fundraising Goals
Assess your school’s programs and equipment to see what you could improve. Setting these goals is the first step to assessing a fundraiser that people will want to donate to. Support your school by focusing on clear objectives and communicating with those who will guide you to success.
Setting Clear Objectives
Outline detailed and attainable objectives that you plan to reach during your fundraiser. This could include monetary goals, participation rates, and the impact on the school community. Once you decide what metrics you want to measure, you’ll be able to accurately describe your fundraiser plan for approval.
Communicating Your Purpose
Keeping everyone in the loop ensures that your community understands the impact of the fundraiser. Share your goals with parents, teachers, and the broader community, so they can see the benefits it will provide the students. Use newsletters, social media, or school assemblies to announce your fundraiser and inform every one of your goals effectively.
Involving Teachers and Staff
Include your teachers and staff as resources toward planning a successful fundraiser. Encourage their involvement in the process so they can plan early. The staff’s enthusiasm will extend to their students and their parents.
Choosing the Right Type of Fundraiser
There are many kinds of fundraisers that best align with your school’s beliefs. Involve your community with an engaging event for the whole family. Consider these ideas to gain traction for your fundraiser.
Traditional Fundraisers
Traditional fundraisers are easy fundraisers that all communities are familiar with. You can plan a bake sale, car wash, or raffle and receive the funding necessary for your projects. Find out what traditional fundraisers work well in your area and utilize familiarity as a strength for your fundraiser.
Creative Fundraising Ideas
Creative fundraisers involve more community engagement which makes them more fun to execute. Talent shows, fun runs, or themed parties could gain the attention of the community and fund rejuvenated school programs. Brainstorm ideas that generate excitement and involve the community in a bigger project.
Online Fundraising
With communities with busy families, try using an online fundraiser to expand your reach. Crowdfunding platforms, social media campaigns, and virtual events reach past the immediate community and extend to alumni or nonlocal family members. Find ways to optimize your fundraiser by moving the event online.
Building a Strong Planning Committee
Planning a successful PTA school fundraiser includes a dedicated team that takes care of business. Avoid the kerfuffle and challenges with planning a fundraiser. Assign these roles and meetings for an effective team that will help you reach your goals.
Assigning Roles and Responsibilities
Your committee should instate clear and defined roles and responsibilities for each member. Delegate these tasks accordingly and cover each factor in your fundraiser as to not overwhelm your committee. Start your first meeting by assessing your headcount and assigning these roles early in the process.
Scheduling Regular Meetings
Keep everyone up to date with regular meetings throughout the planning schedule. These meetings should address any progress or challenges that rose so the project stays on schedule. Determine if your team works best with weekly or bi-weekly meetings and plan accordingly.
Leveraging Community Resources
Enhance your fundraiser by partnering with local businesses and community organizations for support. These communities could donate and sponsor your fundraiser to gain more attendees and supporters for the event. Utilize your local communities and give back to their efforts by including them in your school fundraiser.
Promoting Your Fundraiser
To appeal to your participants and donors, get their attention by effectively promoting your fundraiser. Use these techniques to market your event and reach as many people as possible.
Social Media
With many families using social media, send posts on your school event pages for your next fundraiser. This allows you to also receive feedback from families and staff who follow your account. Share updates and engaging content with your school’s social media page.
Email Campaigns
Staff and parents subscribed to your school’s email list could easily receive updates and reminders regarding your fundraiser. Send these emails to keep your audience informed and help them prepare for your fundraiser.
Flyers and Posters
As your students walk through the halls, post flyers on the walls so they look out for upcoming events. Ask around your local businesses and community centers if you can hang flyers in their establishments to attract other members of your community. Distributing these flyers in high-traffic areas will yield a higher attendance rate for your fundraising event.
Engaging Students and Families
Your biggest supporters for your event come from the enthusiastic students and families that want to rejuvenate your school’s programs and structure. Create involvement opportunities for these members to make your fundraiser a success.
Student Involvement
Your students are great allies to add in your planning process. They can assist with event set up or participate in performances to encourage their friends and family to attend the event. Inspire your attendees by getting your students directly involved with your fundraiser.
Family-Friendly Activities
Plan activities during your fundraiser that appeal to families and encourage their participation. Hosting family game nights, picnics, or sports tournaments encourages their involvement and supports their children’s interests. Incorporate these ideas into your fundraiser and help families bond at your event.
Incentives and Rewards
Add incentives and rewards for top fundraisers to motivate participation. These rewards could be gift cards or gift baskets for families who offer high involvement or support for the event. Recognizing these accomplishments creates friendly competition and promotes more members to actively take part in the event.
Ensuring Event Safety
For the day of your event, ensure that you plan for security measures for your attendees. This will keep your event enjoyable and safe for all participants.
Security and Supervision
Coordinate and arrange security and supervision for the day of your event. Check in with your local law enforcement or try enlisting volunteers to monitor activities. This adds a layer of safety for your guests so only authorized people make entry.
Proper Lighting at Sundown
Equip your event with the proper resources necessary for all day fun. If your event runs into the night, consider getting wholesale light up novelty items to offer your guests. These items are fun ways to light up your event and keep everyone safe in dark areas.
Emergency Preparedness
In an emergency, stay prepared by having the resources and training available. Volunteers and staff should have access to first aid supplies for any minor injuries at your event. Additionally, having team members trained in basic first aid and CPR can be beneficial.
With careful preparation, your PTA school fundraiser will reach your monetary goals and bring your community closer together. These events are memorable to students and their families. Create a wonderful bonding experience by incorporating these ideas in your next fundraising event.
