Fundraising is a lifeline for high schools. It supports extracurricular activities, helps purchase new equipment, funds trips, and enriches the overall student experience. When schools and communities come together to raise funds, everyone benefits.
Here’s a look at various high school fundraisers that bring in the big bucks, from traditional methods to innovative approaches.
Traditional fundraisers
Bake sales and car washes
These classics are simple and effective, appealing to a wide audience.
Here’s how they work:
Bake sales:
- Homemade goodies: Students, parents, and teachers bake and donate various treats like cookies, cakes, and pies.
- Community involvement: These events often bring the community together, creating a social event where people can enjoy delicious homemade items.
- Location: Set up at school events, local markets, or community centers to attract more buyers.
- Promotion: Use flyers, social media, and school announcements to spread the word.
Car washes:
- Service appeal: Offering a practical service that many people need makes car washes a reliable fundraiser.
- Student participation: Students volunteer to wash cars, adding a fun and active component.
- Location: Find a high-traffic area like a school parking lot or a local business willing to donate space.
- Marketing: Promote through social media, posters, and local advertisements. Encourage students to invite their families and friends.
Product sales
Selling products can be highly lucrative and allows for various creative options:
Candy sales:
- Popular items: Chocolate bars, lollipops, and other sweets are always in demand.
- Sales channels: Students sell directly to family, friends, and neighbors. They can also set up booths at school events.
- Supplier partnerships: Work with companies that specialize in fundraising products to get bulk discounts and higher-quality items.
Event-based fundraisers
Talent shows and sports tournaments
Events that showcase student skills and encourage community participation are always a hit:
Talent shows:
- Student participation: Encourage students to showcase their talents in singing, dancing, comedy, or other skills.
- Admission fees: Charge a small entry fee for audience members.
- Concessions: Sell snacks and drinks during the event to increase revenue.
- Judging and prizes: Invite local celebrities or teachers to judge and offer prizes for the best performances.
Sports tournaments:
- Team spirit: Organize tournaments for popular sports like basketball, soccer, or volleyball.
- Entry fees: Charge teams an entry fee to participate.
- Spectator tickets: Sell tickets to spectators and set up concession stands.
- Sponsorships: Seek local businesses to sponsor the event for additional revenue and community involvement.
Seasonal fundraisers
Seasonal events can capitalize on holidays and key school periods, making them highly profitable:
Pumpkin patch (Fall):
- Holiday spirit: Set up a pumpkin patch and sell pumpkins during the Halloween season.
- Additional activities: Include hayrides, face painting, and Halloween-themed games to attract more families.
- Location: Use school grounds or partner with a local farm.
Holiday market (Winter):
- Festive goods: Sell holiday decorations, crafts, and baked goods.
- Student involvement: Have students create and sell their crafts and treats.
- Special events: Include visits from Santa, holiday music, and hot cocoa stands.
Spring flower sale:
- Spring gardening: Sell flowers, plants, and gardening supplies as people prepare their gardens for spring.
- Community partners: Partner with local nurseries or garden centers for supplies and expertise.
- Promotion: Advertise through flyers, social media, and local community boards
Innovative approaches
In the digital age, fundraising has evolved beyond traditional methods. Here are some innovative approaches that can help schools reach their financial goals while engaging students, parents, and the broader community.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like RallyUp Schools have revolutionized fundraising by making it easier to reach a broader audience. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Create a compelling campaign: Share your school’s story, highlight the need for funds, and showcase how the money will be used. Personal stories and clear goals can motivate donors.
- Social media promotion: Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms to spread the word. Encourage students, parents, and staff to share the campaign.
- Regular updates: Keep supporters engaged with updates on your progress and thank them publicly for their contributions. This encourages ongoing support and can attract new donors.
Raffles and Sweepstakes
Offering exciting prizes in Raffles and Sweepstakes can significantly boost fundraising efforts.
Here’s how to ensure success:
- Attractive prizes: Secure appealing prizes that will draw interest. These could include electronics, gift cards, or experiences like a weekend getaway.
- Ticket sales strategy: Sell tickets both online and offline to reach the widest audience. Use social media and school events to promote sales.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensure your Raffle or Sweepstakes complies with local regulations. This might involve obtaining permits or licenses.
Livestreaming events
Livestreaming events have gained popularity, especially in the wake of increased virtual interactions. They can bring in funds while providing entertainment:
- Event variety: Consider concerts, talent shows, or gaming tournaments. These events attract different segments of the community.
- Virtual tickets: Charge for access to the livestream. Offer tiered pricing for additional perks, such as exclusive content or shout-outs during the event.
- Interactive features: Engage your audience with live chats, polls, and donation prompts throughout the event to keep the excitement high and encourage giving.
Online Stores
An online Store can provide a continuous revenue stream for the school by selling various items:
- School merchandise: Use platforms like RallyUp Schools to offer branded apparel, accessories, and school supplies. Items like t-shirts, hoodies, and mugs can be popular.
- Custom products: Allow students and parents to design custom products, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
- Digital goods: Sell digital items such as e-books, art prints, or exclusive video content. These have no inventory costs and can be sold repeatedly.
- Promotion and marketing: Promote the store through the school’s website, social media, and newsletters to ensure everyone knows about it.
A-Thons
A-Thons are engaging, active events that encourage participants to gather sponsorships for their efforts:
- Types of A-Thons: Organize Walk-A-Thons, Read-A-Thons, Dance-A-Thons, or even Bike-A-Thons. Choose activities that resonate with your community.
- Sponsorships: Participants collect pledges from friends, family, and local businesses. Sponsors can pledge per mile walked, per book read, or per hour danced.
- Event day: Create a festive atmosphere with music, food, and prizes to motivate participants. Document the event with photos and videos to share with sponsors afterward.
- Health benefits: Promote the added benefits of physical activity and reading, aligning the fundraiser with educational and wellness goals.
By leveraging these innovative approaches, schools can diversify their fundraising strategies, engage their communities in new and exciting ways, and ultimately reach their financial targets more effectively.
Community partnerships
Partnering with local businesses can enhance fundraising efforts. Restaurants might host a “school night” where a portion of sales goes to the school. Local shops could donate items for Auctions or Raffles. These partnerships foster community spirit and provide mutual benefits.
Tips for successful fundraising
- Set clear goals
Know what you’re raising money for and how much you need. Clear goals help motivate participants and attract donors. - Effective promotion
Use social media, school newsletters, and local media to spread the word. The more people know about your fundraiser, the more support you’ll get. - Manage volunteers
Assign clear roles and responsibilities. Ensure everyone knows what they need to do and when. - Financial management
Keep track of all funds raised and expenses. Budgeting ensures that you meet your goals without overspending.
Common challenges and solutions
Low participation
Boost engagement by involving students in planning and decision-making. Their enthusiasm can be infectious.
Budgeting issues
Stick to a budget and keep detailed records. This helps avoid surprises and ensures transparency.
Promotional hurdles
Leverage all available channels, from social media to local newspapers. Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth.
Future trends in fundraising
Technology integration
Mobile payment solutions, virtual events, and online fundraising platforms are changing the game. Embrace these tools to reach more donors and simplify the process.
Sustainability
Focus on eco-friendly products and events. This resonates well with today’s environmentally conscious students and supporters.
Impact
Donors increasingly want to see the impact of their contributions. Share stories and results to show how funds are making a difference.
Why choose RallyUp Schools?
RallyUp Schools is an excellent platform for your fundraising needs. It’s user-friendly, customizable, and offers a range of Fundraising Activities from Raffles to online Auctions. With RallyUp Schools, you can easily manage your campaign, track progress, and engage supporters.
The platform’s features include:
- Custom campaign pages: Create pages that reflect your school’s spirit.
- Easy sharing: Promote your fundraiser through social media and Email Marketing.
- Comprehensive management tools: Track donations, manage volunteers, and stay organized.
- Multiple fundraising options: Choose from Raffles, Sweepstakes, Crowdfunding, and more.
By using RallyUp Schools, you’re not just raising funds—you’re building a stronger, more engaged community. Start planning your next fundraiser today and see the difference it makes for your school and students. Let’s make fundraising fun, impactful, and successful!
