School fundraisers have been around for a long time, whether it's to buy new football pads for the team or to send the band to a competition miles and miles away. Some of those fundraising activities are as traditional as the school song and stuffing freshmen into lockers.
Does tradition mean that we have to stick with the same school fundraisers no matter what? Can't we look for something a little more lucrative? After all, most schools have to work within a very tight budget, and many school fundraisers still require a sizable investment to get things started.
Some of the classic school fundraisers that seem to show up every year include programs that send the kids out to sell chocolate, magazine subscriptions or coupon books to friends and family or, in some cases, door to door. Many of these fundraisers require the school to make some kind of investment upfront, and there's no guarantee on the return.
Smaller groups within the school often turn to the classic carwash fundraiser to scrape together money for special occasions like a trip out of town or to purchase some extra equipment or supplies that the school just can't afford. Once again, there isn't really a way to predict exactly what the return will be.
If you can get the student body excited about your financial goals, these fundraisers can work pretty well. For example, when a team needs to buy some gear for the next big game, they'll probably work extra hard at the carwash. But what you really need to ask yourself is: should you work harder or should you just work smarter?
Working smarter means that you will never restrict yourself to the basic activities when there is so much more you can do. Go ahead with the carwash, but include a concession stand with it. You can make more money by offering treats and drinks to your customers while they wait for the kids to finish the car.
Raffles and auctions, also classic fundraisers, don't have to be done with regular tickets. Try selling lollipops with the raffle numbers printed on the sticks. Someone may not be interested in the raffle, but they just might be willing to donate some money in exchange for a little treat.
There are many ways to take school fundraisers to the next level. You should always make it easy for someone to give you money and be sure to deliver on the goods. If you take the time to prepare your fundraising activities and manage them to the best of your ability, you'll soon find success. - 29969
Does tradition mean that we have to stick with the same school fundraisers no matter what? Can't we look for something a little more lucrative? After all, most schools have to work within a very tight budget, and many school fundraisers still require a sizable investment to get things started.
Some of the classic school fundraisers that seem to show up every year include programs that send the kids out to sell chocolate, magazine subscriptions or coupon books to friends and family or, in some cases, door to door. Many of these fundraisers require the school to make some kind of investment upfront, and there's no guarantee on the return.
Smaller groups within the school often turn to the classic carwash fundraiser to scrape together money for special occasions like a trip out of town or to purchase some extra equipment or supplies that the school just can't afford. Once again, there isn't really a way to predict exactly what the return will be.
If you can get the student body excited about your financial goals, these fundraisers can work pretty well. For example, when a team needs to buy some gear for the next big game, they'll probably work extra hard at the carwash. But what you really need to ask yourself is: should you work harder or should you just work smarter?
Working smarter means that you will never restrict yourself to the basic activities when there is so much more you can do. Go ahead with the carwash, but include a concession stand with it. You can make more money by offering treats and drinks to your customers while they wait for the kids to finish the car.
Raffles and auctions, also classic fundraisers, don't have to be done with regular tickets. Try selling lollipops with the raffle numbers printed on the sticks. Someone may not be interested in the raffle, but they just might be willing to donate some money in exchange for a little treat.
There are many ways to take school fundraisers to the next level. You should always make it easy for someone to give you money and be sure to deliver on the goods. If you take the time to prepare your fundraising activities and manage them to the best of your ability, you'll soon find success. - 29969
About the Author:
Marc Cornish writes constantly about fundraising companies and fundraising programs.
