When you start the process of choosing the best school fundraiser, the dominant thought is, “This needs to be successful.” Firstly because your group needs the funds; secondly, there is a lot of time and energy put into organizing and executing a fundraiser.  The result must be worth everyone’s while.

Choosing the best school fundraisers begin with a plan. Outlining the following information before deciding on a fundraiser will help you choose your group’s most effective program.

1. Get Specific about Expenses

List out every cost possible. Not only the items you are fundraising for, but expenses associating with putting on the fundraisers. Will you be making posters or posting in a local newspaper to advertise your event?  A comprehensive line-item budget is crucial because it tells you precisely how much money you need to raise.

2. Set Monetary Goals.

Outlining expenses gives you a “Need to Have” number. Now you can determine your “Nice to Have” number. Using this number, decide on extras you can purchase or extend spending plans by making over the required budget number. Thinking about the items that would be so nice to have can be a substantial motivating factor for your fundraising team.

3. Group Demographics

Who is on the selling team? The age range of the children is important when deciding upon fundraising products or events. Choose something interesting and easy for them to participate in. The size of your team is also pertinent. Your monetary goal dictates how many products each person is required to sell. Also, many fundraising products have minimum order requirements. These programs are not as profitable for small groups.

4. Customer Base

Who will be buying your product? You want to choose items that appeal to your supporters. For example, if your event has kids selling to kids, a coffee and tea fundraiser is not an appropriate choice. Smecils, candy bars, and Jack Links beef sticks are popular for that fan base.

5. Team Member Strengths

We like to call this putting Aces in Their Places. Meet with your fundraising team and discuss what everyone is willing to contribute and what they would enjoy doing. If no one on your team likes collecting and organizing files, then a direct-sell fundraiser will be more comfortable. There are no forms to assemble and collate in a direct sell program and no orders to place. You buy the product and sell it for a profit.

Having the details or your financial needs, your team and customers eliminate many programs that are not a good fit for your school fundraiser. As you continue the elimination process, you will find the fundraiser that feels great for your group. If you’d like more help choosing the best school fundraiser, or insight into what has worked for school groups like yours, please give us a call to chat with our fundraising consultants. We love helping people figure out the fundraising path that will be fun and easy for your group to travel.