Schools nationwide are finding creative ways to raise funds for their programs online. Whether it’s building support for new uniforms or equipment updates, schools are raising funds easily and securely with GoFan.
To help kickstart your efforts, we’ve compiled a list of ideas for inspiration for your next school fundraiser:
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There's no better way to kick off fundraising efforts than to get new uniforms for athletics, band, or other groups. This fundraiser can be a great way to involve the community during the summertime and acclimate fans to your fundraising process before starting a new athletic season. A fresh look can also do wonders for school branding and excitement among students and fans alike.
2. Training Equipment
Every athletic program must effectively use the resources available to them to build a successful team. With the community's help, these programs can access updated equipment for multiple sports.
Modern football training aids, new track hurdles, new mounds for the baseball team, or a basketball shooting machine are a few examples of equipment schools can look to the community for support in acquiring.
3. Facility Maintenance and Upgrades
As communities grow and more fans attend athletic events, stadium and field maintenance become more important. Whether it's a leak in the basketball stadium, chipping paint in the football stadium, or bad drainage at the baseball field, these issues can be resolved with an effective fundraiser.
Even if there are no issues with the current facility but there are opportunities to upgrade or renovate, schools can accomplish these goals with online fundraisers.
4. School Spirit Gear Sales
Consider hosting a spirit theme night for an upcoming home game. Some popular themes we’ve seen are Hawaiian, camouflage, and school color themes like “red out.” To encourage fans to participate, have specialty shirts made to match the theme.
You can easily sell the shirts on the GoFan platform and track your progress toward your goal. This will not only help you gain support for your fundraiser but will also foster community engagement.
5. Fundraiser Dinner
There are many families involved in each school program and great opportunities to gather them together while also raising support. Host a fundraising event for parents to come together for a dinner night.
Charge an admission fee for the dinner and consider having a silent auction at the event to get the community even more engaged.
6. Holiday & Specialty Fundraisers
Many schools host annual fundraisers around the holidays to help raise funds for programs across campus. Poinsettias, chocolate bars, wrapping paper, and popcorn are popular items for holiday fundraisers. One of our partner schools recently had a successful fundraiser selling bags of potatoes!
Even when selling tangible items, you can always give your fans the option to contribute directly to your cause with a simple online donation.
7. Playoff Fundraising
Earning the chance to compete for a state title is exciting and rewarding. The last thing you want to worry about is how you’ll pay for travel expenses for your team in the postseason. To get started, craft a simple message to your fans communicating the needs of your playoff-bound team.
Your fans will be eager to support your team as they progress through the playoffs, especially when you make it easy for them to contribute.
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*Please note that fee structures and policies are different for schools in Washington and comply with state requirements. Learn more about our solutions for Washington schools here*
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