When it comes to high school football programs, fundraising is everything. It provides the money needed for uniforms, fields, transportation, and more.
But one of the biggest roadblocks can be getting parents engaged — and their involvement isn’t just nice; sometimes, it’s necessary.
This article looks at strategies schools have used successfully to get parents involved in high school football fundraisers.
By understanding their challenges and leaning on the strengths of their parent communities, schools can tap into greater resources and support – something that could go a long way toward making or breaking a program.
When it comes to high school football fundraisers, parental involvement is far more than a helping hand; it’s the program’s cornerstone.
These events are critical for filling budget gaps and making sure teams have what they need in gear, uniforms, and facilities to stay safe and compete effectively.
The value parents bring goes way beyond money. They offer time, skills, and connections that can work wonders when tapped well.
The trouble is, getting parents engaged isn’t always easy. Some juggle multiple hats already; others may feel disconnected from sports at their child’s school.
Understanding those hurdles is key to devising strategies that work – as long as you’re clear on why giving matters to families: safer equipment or a chance for kids not just to play but see elite athletes doing so with spades of talent and heart.
Another benefit of active parents? Creating a sense of community around your football program.
By coming together around shared goals – such as having good gear for all players – everyone benefits: the team wallet gets stuffed (score!) while students enjoy support from adults who care about their success (double score!).
If handled right, parent-led initiatives can also help build bridges between schools and communities outside them; think local businesses pitch in because mom or dad asked them to.
So, recognizing what makes mums and dads invaluable partners is crucial if you want a flourishing football program with plenty of razzle-dazzle.
To increase parent engagement in high school football fundraisers, a strategic approach is required that acknowledges the importance of parents and seeks to address any barriers that might deter them from participating.
Here are six suggestions to help schools and football programs boost parent engagement:
Effective communication is key if you want to get more parents involved in your high school’s football fundraiser.
Clear, consistent information sharing helps keep parents informed about upcoming events, fundraising goals, and how their contributions make a difference.
You’ll need to use various channels so it gets noticed: think email newsletters, social media platforms (yes, even Facebook), your school website – anything that gives regular updates on fundraising progress or what’s coming up, or volunteering opportunities.
Personalization can go a long way, too. Addressing people by name in emails, sharing branded incentives, or recognizing their past contributions makes them feel included and valued.
It’s also worth providing an avenue for feedback and suggestions – making sure there’s always two-way communication – so people know they’re being listened to.
Make sure your communication strategy is effective – if parents aren’t kept in the loop about what’s happening when it comes to fundraising initiatives for the team or program, they may not participate actively (or at all).
When parents are included in planning and decision-making for fundraising activities, their engagement often rises. Parents who have been asked to share ideas or provide feedback feel personally invested in the success of a fundraiser.
To make it easier to involve more parents with more perspectives, schools can form a fundraising committee that includes parent representatives.
Committees like this can meet regularly to brainstorm fresh ideas, discuss strategy, and plan logistics so other parents’ voices are heard when making these decisions.
Schools could also conduct surveys to learn which skills or preferences parents have around various fundraisers–information that might yield creative results later on!
By actively including them in decision-making at school, not only will you benefit from multiple skill sets and points of view among your parent community, but there may also be some friendships forged as well – an added bonus!
For fundraising activities to truly engage all parents, it is important that schools offer diverse events to suit different interests and talents. This means moving beyond traditional bake sales and car washes and offering things like silent auctions, charity sports matches, or cultural nights.
Schools might also consider staging less common fundraisers such as talent shows or themed races – the more creative and exciting an event is, the more likely people will want to take part.
Another idea for getting people involved in designing sporting events with a difference. School teams could play against each other or even take on teachers in some friendly rivalry outside school hours.
To boost participation further, any activity that allows children to show off their skills may be particularly attractive for adults who intend to put themselves forward as volunteers.
Finally, try including a mixture of low-effort and high-effort options so time-poor parents don’t feel excluded from participating because they can’t do much.
A pivotal aspect that keeps parents involved in fundraising is acknowledging their efforts and appreciating them. Schools must keep showing gratitude for parental input both publicly and privately as part of a regular process.
A thank you note, a shout-out in newsletters, or during school events all work well. You could also arrange an event to celebrate the volunteers’ efforts or give a small gift so they know they are valued.
These things make people feel appreciated and more likely to continue helping out.
Another effective tactic is explaining what their help means to the football program – this can be very powerful.
Showing how money raised benefits the team – through new equipment, say, or trips – helps parents see what’s been achieved and take pride in it.
By making recognition a priority, schools create a positive environment where parents feel good about getting involved.
In today’s digital age, leveraging technology and social media is an effective way to enhance parent engagement in fundraising.
Using social media platforms to share event information and updates and build a sense of community can be powerful.
Sharing engaging content – videos, photographs, or testimonials – grabs attention and encourages parents to engage with the school’s activity or share information about it within their own networks.
Online fundraising platforms also make donating money easier for parents by simplifying the process.
Some include progress trackers that show how close the target is; others have features where users can ‘share’ they’ve donated on Facebook so friends do too.
An email campaign that tells a story well or has a compelling call to action can also mobilize support from parents.
Using technology means schools or PTAs can reach more people, encourage increased participation in activities, and create interactive experiences during those events in which people feel more involved.
Being able to create a supportive community environment around the football program is vital for encouraging parent engagement.
One way to do this is by organizing social events like meet-and-greets, pre-game tailgates, or volunteer appreciation nights.
This allows parents to connect with each other, the coaches, and the team while also fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit that may make them more likely to support fundraising efforts.
Another idea is encouraging parents to volunteer in roles that align with their interests or skills. This might include positions like event coordinators, publicity officers, or team support roles.
Bottom line: Boosting parent engagement in high school football fundraisers isn’t just strategic; it’s a testament to the power of community.
By implementing effective communication, inclusive planning, diverse fundraising activities, recognition, and technology use – all within a supportive community environment – schools can harness parental involvement.
Creating an ecosystem where parents feel valued, heard, and appreciated can result in enthusiast advocacy for the success of student-athletes involved in your game day fundraiser efforts.
Harnessing parental involvement in high school football fundraisers is strategic, as well as a declaration of community.
Schools can make the most of this by communicating, planning inclusively, offering diverse fundraising activities, recognizing parents, and exploiting technology.
It also helps connect moms and dads more closely with other parents, students, and the football program.
When they feel valued, heard, and appreciated – like full partners in their child’s team experience – parents become cheerleaders for its success.
The result: a potent fundraising ecosystem that plugs not only vital resources into your program but also a sense of pride and belonging into their lives.
