Starting a fundraiser can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the process or need to juggle limited resources. Whether your PTA is raising money for field trips, new equipment, or extracurricular programs, creating clear goals and a realistic budget is essential to achieving success.
This guide will walk you through the most critical steps in how to start a fundraiser, providing actionable tips and highlighting solutions from Fundraising.com. With over 25 years of experience supporting Schools and PTAs across the United States, we’re here to help you plan effectively and maximize your results.
Every successful fundraiser starts with a specific, actionable goal. Without one, it can be hard to motivate your team or communicate the purpose of your campaign to donors.
Consider this: Are you raising money for new playground equipment, an academic program, or a sports team trip? Once you define your goal, break it into measurable steps. For example, if your goal is to raise $10,000, you might aim to generate $2,500 per month over four months through a mix of product sales, events, and sponsorships.
By defining a meaningful goal, you’ll inspire your community to rally around the fundraiser and contribute generously.
Creating a budget ensures your fundraiser runs smoothly and maximizes profits. Start by listing fixed expenses such as promotional materials, product inventory, or event rentals. Then, account for variable costs like shipping or additional supplies. Subtract these expenses from your fundraising goal to determine your net target.
For example, if you’re selling cookie dough, calculate the total cost of inventory and delivery fees against the projected revenue. This clarity helps prevent financial surprises and ensures your fundraiser stays on track.
Fundraising.com simplifies budgeting by offering tools and resources to plan your campaign. With affordable, high-margin products like Katydids chocolates and Sweet CHAOS popcorn, you can manage costs while maximizing profits.
If you’re working with a smaller budget, product-based fundraisers are an excellent choice. Items like cookie dough, Katydids tins, and tumblers are affordable and easy to sell, delivering impressive profit margins.
For larger goals, consider hosting events like galas, talent shows, or fun runs. These bring the community together while generating significant revenue. For example, a PTA raised $12,000 in just two weeks by pairing a carnival with a cookie dough sale.
Crowdfunding platforms and online donation drives expand your reach and allow supporters to contribute digitally. Schools can use Fundraising.com’s Ship-to-Home programs to pair online sales with direct delivery, simplifying logistics.
No matter how well you plan, a fundraiser needs strong promotion to succeed. Reaching parents, teachers, and local supporters through the right channels ensures broad participation.
One high school band used a Smencils fundraiser to raise $6,000 in under two weeks. The secret to their success? They combined in-person selling at school events with engaging social media promotions, highlighting the eco-friendly appeal of Smencils and their fun, colorful designs. Students enthusiastically shared the Smencils story with friends and family, generating buzz that led to record sales.
At Fundraising.com, we provide the tools you need to replicate this kind of success. Our customizable marketing templates and social media guides make it simple to craft compelling promotional campaigns. Whether you’re hosting an event, leveraging digital platforms, or both, our resources help you maximize visibility and engagement for your fundraiser.
Corporate sponsors and community businesses can significantly enhance your fundraiser. Many local businesses are eager to support schools in exchange for visibility and goodwill.
One inspiring example comes from the South Jersey Mass Choir, where 30 members raised over $5,000 in just two weeks through a cookie dough fundraiser. The process was so simple that some participants left order forms in their lunchrooms at work, returning to find them filled with orders. The choir plans to repeat the fundraiser due to its overwhelming success and demand from supporters wanting to order more.
Similarly, an elementary school in Durham, California, set a $7,000 goal but exceeded expectations by raising $12,000. Parents found it easy to sell cookie dough to friends and coworkers, and the school met its funding needs without the typical manpower required for large-scale events.
Fundraising.com offers tools and templates that simplify the promotion process, enabling groups to focus on what matters most: achieving their fundraising goals. With resources like ready-made marketing materials and dedicated support, success stories like these are within reach for any organization.
Starting a fundraiser doesn’t have to be daunting. By setting clear goals, creating a detailed budget, and selecting strategies that align with your school’s resources, you’ll set the foundation for success. Promoting your fundraiser effectively and building partnerships will help you exceed your goals while engaging the broader community.
Fundraising.com has over 25 years of experience helping Schools and PTAs achieve their fundraising objectives. From top-selling products to expert guidance, we provide everything you need to make your fundraiser a success. Contact us today to get started!
