Engaging Your School Community in Fundraising

The Participation Challenge

The biggest challenge in school fundraising isn't finding ideas - it's getting people to participate. When only 30% of families contribute, you'll struggle to reach your goals. But when 80% participate, even small contributions add up to significant totals.

Here's how to build the engagement that drives successful fundraisers.

Start with Why

Before asking for money, explain why it matters. Share specific examples of how previous fundraising improved the school. Show photos of new equipment, renovated spaces, or enhanced programs. When people understand the impact, they're more motivated to contribute.

Make It Social

Fundraising works best when it feels like a community event, not a transaction. Create opportunities for families to connect: morning teas, working bees, or celebration events. When fundraising builds relationships, participation increases.

Involve Students Actively

Students are your best ambassadors. When children are excited about a fundraiser, parents get excited too. Let students create promotional materials, share updates in assemblies, and celebrate milestones. Their enthusiasm is infectious.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Modern fundraising platforms like Raised make participation easier and more engaging. Real-time progress bars, automatic updates, and easy sharing tools create excitement and momentum. When supporters can see progress happening, they're more likely to contribute.

Create Friendly Competition

Competition drives participation. Challenge classes to see who can raise the most, or set up team fundraising pages where groups compete. Just ensure the competition stays friendly and everyone feels like a winner.

Celebrate Everything

Don't wait until the end to celebrate. Acknowledge milestones: "We're 25% there!" "Halfway to our goal!" "Only $500 to go!" Regular celebrations maintain momentum and encourage late contributors.

Make It Personal

Personal stories resonate. Share why specific teachers or students are excited about the fundraiser. Let families see the human impact of their contributions. Personal connection drives emotional giving.

Provide Multiple Ways to Help

Not everyone can give money, and that's okay. Offer volunteer opportunities, in-kind donations, or skills-based contributions. When people can contribute in ways that match their capacity, participation increases.

Communicate Constantly

Silence kills momentum. Send regular updates through newsletters, social media, and school apps. Share progress, thank supporters, and remind people of deadlines. Consistent communication keeps your fundraiser top of mind.

Show Gratitude

Thank everyone - publicly and personally. Recognize volunteers, celebrate donors (with permission), and acknowledge every contribution, no matter the size. Gratitude builds goodwill and encourages future participation.

Use the Right Platform

The platform you choose affects engagement. Raised is designed to maximize participation with features like social sharing, progress tracking, and mobile-friendly design. When giving is easy and visible, more people participate.

Building Long-Term Engagement

Successful fundraising isn't about one campaign - it's about building a culture of community support. When families see their contributions making a difference, they're more likely to support future fundraisers.

Start with clear communication, make participation easy, and use tools that enhance engagement. Your community is ready to support your school - you just need to make it easy and exciting for them to do so.