Profitable and smooth—this should be the ultimate result of any school fundraising event. It’s a big job to organize a fundraiser, but once you achieve your goal, it will be worth all the effort.

There’s no one formula to assure a 110% successful fundraising event. However, there are a lot of proven and tested ways to ensure that you meet your objectives. It is vital to come up with an effective strategy or plan beforehand.

As a fundraising organizer, you’ll have to be meticulous in planning—take into consideration the different aspects of the event the same way you build a long-term business or project. Think about what products to promote or sell, and how to handle the event all through its duration.

Tips & Ideas For Successful School Fundraisers

Goalsetting

In these lean economic times, parents of your students and members of your community may feel that your fundraising is less than essential if goals are not set clearly and expressed effectively. Make sure that money raised will be used for the betterment of school services or for the direct involvement of students in community projects. It’s probably best if you share a "highlights reel" of past successful projects that are now benefiting the children.

Event Planning

Planning a fundraising campaign requires you to consider the following:

• Setting a theme that synchronizes with your goals. For example, if your project is to improve the facilities for your school’s football team, then set a football theme and involve players and coaches.

• Determining your target participants. To maximize participation, determine who will be involved. You can invite whole families or even the whole community if you think this is needed to achieve your target profit.

• Scheduling the duration of the event. Big projects usually take a longer time before reaching targeted profits. Just make sure to end your activities on a weekend and set a festive mood that will help your students and their families anticipate next year’s fundraising plans. Also ensure that your event will not interfere or overlap with other product sales so you’ll have the community’s sole attention.

• Choosing products or services that will generate profits. To determine which products will generate profits, you might consider conducting a survey among your students and their families (or the community as well) on what products or services they want to promote. This will also encourage them to participate and volunteer if you give value to their ideas.

• Promoting your campaign. Promote your campaign like crazy! Use all possible means—flyers, brochures, local newspapers, and radio stations…even social media like Facebook and Twitter.

• Documenting the success or failure of your fundraising. Whatever the outcome, keep a record of the activities for the duration of the campaign. This will give you insight on its weaknesses and strengths so you’ll know which strategy to implement next year.

Bestsellers & Unique Fundraising Products

• Food products like candy bars and cookie dough are time-tested bestsellers. You can scout out fundraiser suppliers who provide quality products for a good profit.

• Discount cards can add a good profit if you can work with merchants who offer in-demand products or services. This is a hit because donors often receive more than what they have donated.

• Custom sandals are great fundraising products because they attract a wide variety of people due to their unique factor. Student groups, families, organizations, and other supporters love to help the cause by sporting customized sandals.

Fundraising is always a big project, but it doesn’t have to be an impossible one. Just follow these proven tips and ideas for school fundraiser success and you’ll find exactly what works for your specific needs in the process. Best of luck with your next school fundraiser!