Top 5 Fundraising Strategies For Schools

When it comes to fundraising for a team there are a seemingly endless number of options. Selling baked goods, t-shirts, and discount cards, hosting a golf tournament and online fundraisers are all popular fundraisers, but which strategy is the most profitable? With limited time and resources, you should still provide your students with the best experience to succeed.

At eTeamSponsor we are the leading online digital fundraising platform for schools and teams. Since 2010, we have helped our clients raise over $200 million for better facilities, training equipment, nutrition, and travel. Our team of coaches and former student-athletes empathize with your challenges which led us to create this expert guide.

Top 5 Fundraising Strategies For Schools

• Earn between 70-90% of donations.
• Minimal effort is required after the initial fundraiser launch day.
• Reach supporters everywhere (new donors beyond your area)!
• Run an online fundraiser combined with a traditional method.

The online fundraising strategy is highly profitable and requires minimal time investment. Setup takes less than 60 minutes and utilizes text messages, social media (Facebook, X, Instagram), and emails to reach potential donors. Donors often have strong personal connections to the students, resulting in a high willingness to contribute. Start the fundraiser in the pre-season coinciding with the major sports programs at your school and run until the end of the season to maximize funds raised. The online fundraiser we recommend when executing this strategy is eTeamSponsor. eTeamSponsor has the most features and the highest value for the cost compared to anyone else on the market.

• Earn 50-70% profit (high return!)
• Builds team camaraderie (bonus!)
• But it takes time to sell (be prepared!)
• Good for community engagement, but plan ahead to avoid leftover cards.

Discount cards offer flexibility and versatility for fundraising. They provide discounts from local businesses, benefiting both supporters and the school. Profit margins typically range from 50% to 70% of the selling price. However, setting up & executing a discount card program requires significant time & effort. Running the fundraiser in the pre-season is advisable to avoid interference with team training, and unsold cards can pose a risk to the organization’s profits. One of the top discount card sellers is The Discount Card. They offer opportunities for people to get discounts on food and local services which can help the community.

• Great for team bonding (fun activity!)
• But takes a lot of time to sell (be prepared!)
• 45-55% profit margin on sales.
• Enjoyable consumption for the donors upon delivery.

Popcorn, candy bars, and cookie dough are the most common forms of team snack sales. Incorporating snack selling into your fundraising strategy takes time (8-20 hours per student). Consider off-season to avoid conflicts. Proper storage and timely delivery are crucial. Plan ahead to avoid leftover popcorn and baked goods. Success depends on your group, demographics, and leadership. Everyone loves snacks but understanding when the best time to do a sale can take some time to plan around a school event. I remember when I was playing volleyball as a high school athlete and we used to have Costco muffins that were sold during the tournaments to make a little extra. 

• T-Shirt Sales – Show Spirit, Earn Cash (But Takes Effort)
• Earn 40-50% profit (medium return!)
• Takes time to design, order, and sell.
• Donors acquire something physical with a donation transaction.

While typically profitable, this 4th fundraising strategy takes a timr to research. Designing, ordering, and selling shirts requires dedicated team effort. Risk of leftover merchandise eating into profits. May only appeal to existing fans and families. Creating appealing designs can be time-consuming and requires graphic design skills. Ensuring stock availability for different sizes and styles requires organization.

• Connect with potential donors and sponsors who are leaders in the community.
• The event can involve the team in various capacities, fostering teamwork and team spirit.
• The size and format can be adjusted to fit resources and budget, accommodating a broader range of participants. 

Maximizing your fundraising efforts (20-30% profit), but requires significant upfront work. Connect with supporters, but requires finding sponsors and coordinating volunteers. Off Season Success is determined by the availability and weather conditions of your regional courses. If you plan to use this strategy to mix in the variety of fundraising options on your campus you must consider the time of 4-18 hours of work per participant. 

Formalizing a fundraising strategy is essential to compete at the highest level and achieve financial security for your school. A fundraising strategy is a comprehensive plan designed to help an organization or group achieve its financial goals through various fundraising activities. It outlines the specific methods and approaches to be used, such as events, campaigns, and online platforms, to attract and engage donors. A successful fundraising strategy includes setting clear objectives, identifying target audiences, selecting appropriate fundraising tactics, and implementing effective communication and marketing plans to maximize donations and support.

PRE-SEASON:
The pre-season is prime time for building team spirit and raising funds simultaneously. Engage your athletes in Online fundraisers, SNACK sales, or GOLF TOURNAMENTS – it’s a great way to teach valuable lessons about hard work while bonding as a team. Launch your ONLINE fundraiser early! on average, teams see an additional $5,000 to $10,000 after 30 days.

IN-SEASON:
During the season, coaches prioritize preparing their athletes for victories. That’s why smart teams ditch the time-consuming tasks of selling discount cards, t-shirts, or BAKED GOODS. Maintain ongoing online fundraising that brings in “passive income for the team, as many coaches say! Highly Incremental Reach: 95% of these donations come from outside your local area, expanding your support network.

POST-SEASON:
Smart teams capitalize on the excitement of a winning season to raise funds for THE FOLLOWING YEAR’S travel, meals, and other expenses. Leverage the enthusiasm of fans and parents with; Post-Season commemorative shirt SALES. Quickly and easily tap into fan support through online donation platforms. Turn your post-season into a fundraising win!

Conclusion