Short answer, absolutely! To fundraise $25,000 for your school, a parent can design, implement, and market a campaign by following these steps:
Identify the cause: Clearly define the purpose of the fundraiser and the specific needs that the funds will address, such as improving school security, updating technology, or enhancing programs. See our nonprofit's cause page.
Set goals and timeline: Establish a fundraising goal ($25,000) and a timeline for reaching that goal. Break the goal into smaller milestones to make it more manageable and track progress.
Assemble a team: Recruit other parents, teachers, and school staff to help plan, organize, and execute the fundraiser. Assign specific roles and responsibilities based on each person's skills and interests.
Choose a fundraising strategy: Select a strategy that will appeal to your target audience, such as a charity auction, a fun run, a crowdfunding campaign, or a combination of multiple fundraising events.
Defend our Children was intentionally designed to assist you efforts in fundraising to improve school security. Review our take action page to see what tools we offer to aid in your fundraising journey.
Example: A charity auction event combined with a crowdfunding campaign.
Develop a detailed plan: Outline the logistics for each fundraising activity, including dates, locations, budgets, volunteer needs, and any required permits or approvals.
Solicit donations and sponsorships: Reach out to local businesses, community organizations, and individuals for donations of items, services, or funds. Offer sponsorship opportunities to increase visibility for contributing businesses.
Create promotional materials: Develop eye-catching promotional materials, such as flyers, posters, and digital graphics, to advertise the fundraiser. Include important information about the cause, goals, and how to participate or donate.
Utilize communication channels: Promote the fundraiser through the school's website, newsletter, social media accounts, and email lists. Encourage parents, teachers, and students to share information about the fundraiser with their networks.
Engage local media: Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and TV news outlets to share information about the fundraiser and request coverage to help spread the word.
Host the event(s): Execute the fundraising event(s) according to your detailed plan. Provide updates on progress toward the fundraising goal throughout the event, and express gratitude to donors, volunteers, and attendees.
Update and thank supporters: After the fundraiser, update the community on the outcome and express gratitude for their support. Share the impact of the funds raised and how they will benefit the school.
Evaluate and refine: Review the fundraiser's success and gather feedback from participants to inform future fundraising efforts. Identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.
By following these steps and adapting them to the specific needs and context of their school community, a parent can create an effective fundraising campaign that engages supporters and raises the necessary funds for their school.
