By: Arthur Hall
Submitted: 2010-10-27 19:59:52 | Word Count: 528
In a nutshell, school fundraising efforts are limited by what, and who, is available, and by how long volunteers are willing to keep pitching in.
One thing seems to be consistent in just about every booster organization: a small percentage of volunteers do the majority of the work, and it's usually the same people from one event to another. As such, keeping active fundraising volunteers motivated must be at the core of any planning strategy.
Basic Strategies for Sustainable Fundraising
Set purposeful goals. What is the fundraising for? "We want to raise $30,000 this year" won't motivate volunteers (or donors!) nearly as well as, "We need to replace our seven-year-old band uniforms this year and it will cost $30,000." Reaching fundraising goals rewards volunteers with a sense of accomplishment and contribution, which leads to greater energy and enthusiasm for future efforts.
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Prioritize fundraisers for effectiveness. The Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers (AFRDS) recommends this as a core strategy when it comes to school fundraisers: "Do a few and do them well."
Set deadlines for concluding each school fundraiser. Some people don't like them, but deadlines bring two advantages to planning school fundraisers: 1) Volunteers know exactly when the project will end, as opposed to the lethargy brought on by not knowing if it will ever end; and 2) Knowing the fundraiser has a time-limit provides "good stress" to get the job done.
Avoid scheduling conflicts with other fundraisers. Teachers and coaches usually know about fundraising activities in one another's organizations. Make sure to check for possible conflicts before proposing schedules.
Keep Volunteers Happy
Encourage participation by inviting everyone's input. Leaders set the agenda, but volunteers have to support it. People gain enthusiasm when they have a voice in the process, and enthusiasm leads to more sustainable participation. Give everyone a chance to have a say.
Play to the strengths of active volunteers. School fundraisers are more successful when they capitalize on the talents of active volunteers. A parent who is a caterer could expertly lead a profitable dinner fundraiser, for example. When people do what they're good at and enjoy, they'll stick with it longer and deliver greater results.
Don't let the economy discourage enthusiasm. According to Giving USA, educational institutions receive the second-highest percentage of all charitable contributions (next to religion). Overall contributions were down by only a little more than five percent in 2008, when the U.S. economy entered its worst recession since the Great Depression. Volunteers need to know that school fundraisers remain a priority to a very supportive public, even in tough times. (For more info on this topic, please see accompanying article, School Fundraising Success in Any Economy.)
And finally, remember to say "thank you," both informally and, on occasion, with public recognition. The most consistent school fundraising volunteers don't do it for the kudos, but everyone feels better when they're acknowledged for their work.
More "Oomph" for the Next School Fundraiser
When everyone understands the purpose behind fundraising efforts and has a sense of value for their contributions, the details of each project fall into place with practiced ease to produce better results. Work becomes fun, everyone's energy goes up, and more money flows in.
