When school fundraising season comes around it can be difficult to find motivation as well as innovative ideas. Parents and schools struggle as is to raise enough money for daily activities, let alone sending an entire class on an engaging, informational trip. Fundraising is a valuable tool for parents and kids alike. It can alleviate financial stress while simultaneously teaching kids the importance of saving money and the financial demands of travel.
Methods
Crowdfunding
A far cry from the old-school, door-to-door fundraising approach, crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular way to raise money in the digital age. Its reach extends far beyond in-person fundraising methods and is a viable option for anyone with a computer. Websites like Kickstarter and GoFundMe let users set a goal, description and time limit on their listings, and are given a URL link that’s easily shared on multiple platforms. Crowdfunding may be more suited to high school students since it’s so reliant on the internet, but it’s far cry from walking around your neighborhood hawking popcorn.
Door-to-Door
Door-to-door fundraising may seem like a thing of the past — it’s been called time-consuming, unsafe, and is restricted by most schools — but it’s sometimes the only way to reach potential donors who may have been missed by electronic fundraising methods. Gather a group of friends, practice your pitch, and choose a neighborhood. In-person fundraising is also a great socialization tool, regardless of age.
Discount Cards
Everyone loves saving money, so it makes for an easy sell when the product you’re raising funds with can do that for a good cause. Discount card companies partner with local businesses to offer hundreds of dollars in savings on everything from food to clothing. All you have to do is sign your high school up with a provider, select which tier of discounts you want (each come with a minimum purchase number), and start selling.
Scratch-off Cards
These have become extremely popular in recent years as it takes the guesswork out of fundraising while adding a little entertainment value. The cards resemble scratch-off lottery tickets. Bring them to your friends, family, and peers, have them scratch off the designated circles under which lies the donation amount. The donation amounts are small, but once a card is completed it can add up to over $100.
Events
Yes, those classic images of school car washes and bake sales come to mind. The truth is there’s strength in numbers, and it’s easy to hold everyone accountable when you’re in one large group. These types of fundraisers also strengthen the community. It’s also worth noting that local businesses get fantastic exposure by partnering with and matching what funds are raised by schools.
Need Help?
Need an estimate for a school trip? Contact Son Tours today! We’re a full-service, premier student travel company that takes pride in handling all of the planning and lodging so that you and your students can have the best experience possible. Learn about all of our services here.